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===Sea depth and topography===
In addition to the above processes, storm surge and wave heights on shore are also affected by the flow of water over the underlying topography, i.e. the shape and depth of the ocean floor and coastal area. A narrow [[Continental shelf|shelf]], with deep water relatively close to the shoreline, tends to produce a lower surge but higher and more powerful waves. A wide shelf, with shallower water, tends to produce a higher storm surge with relatively smaller waves.<ref name=":0">{{
For example, in [[Palm Beach, Florida|Palm Beach]] on the southeast coast of [[Florida]], the water depth reaches {{convert|91|m|ft}} {{convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on}} offshore, and {{convert|180|m|ft|abbr=on}} {{convert|7|km|mi|abbr=on}} out. This is relatively steep and deep; storm surge is not as great but the waves are larger compared to the west coast of Florida.<ref name="Lane 1980" /> Conversely, on the Gulf side of Florida, the edge of the Floridian Plateau can lie more than {{convert|160|km|mi}} offshore. [[Florida Bay]], lying between the Florida Keys and the mainland, is very shallow with depths between {{convert|0.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Lane 1981" /> These shallow areas are subject to higher storm surges with smaller waves. Other shallow areas include much of the [[Gulf of Mexico]] coast, and the [[Bay of Bengal]].
The difference is due to how much flow area the storm surge can dissipate to.
The topography of the land surface is another important element in storm surge extent. Areas, where the land lies less than a few meters above sea level, are at particular risk from storm surge inundation.<ref name="Har63" />
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