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D. The Galveston hurricane is the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. Most of the deaths occurred when a 12-foot storm surge swept over Galveston Island near Houston. But, more deaths occurred as the storm continued north through Texas and many other states.
B. Barrier islands like Galveston are sandy coastal landforms formed by wave and tidal action parallel to the mainland. Barrier islands absorb energy during storms and protect coastlines. Barrier islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast suffered some of the worst flooding and damage from Hurricane Ian.
C. Florida’s population grew from 13.4 million in 1991 to 21.7 million in 2021, or about 63%. During the same period, the overall U.S. population increased about 31%.
D. Oceans are growing hotter as greenhouse gasses block solar radiation from escaping back into space. It also causes glaciers to melt and ocean water to expand, raising sea levels. The heat drives more water evaporation, feeding tropical cyclones to become stronger in a shorter period of time and contain more moisture.