2013
Flash FloodsForecasting and WarningAuthors:

• Kevin Sene
• …show all 1hide
  

ISBN: 978-94-007-5163-7 (Print) 978-94-007-5164-4  (Online)



Forecasting and Warning

Sene, Kevin

2013, XIII, 385 p. 100 illus., 88 in color.

ISBN 978-94-007-5164-4

  Immediately available per PDF-download (no DRM, watermarked)

About this book

• The book covers recent developments in flash flooding from heavy rainfall, with a focus on forecasting and warning
•                                         Considers such issues as assessing flash flood risk, and related types of flooding (e.g. debris flows, dam breach)
•                                         Provides an international perspective, drawing on recent research and examples from Europe, the USA and elsewhere
•                                         Treats the topic in an integrated way, discussing research findings from meteorology and hydrology, and some of the issues surrounding the provision of an effective response to flood warnings (e.g. evacuation of properties)
  

The book describes flash floods - one of the most devastating of natural hazards, which develop in a period of minutes to a few hours. Floods of this type are often characterised by fast flowing deep water and a high debris content which - combined with the short lead time available for warnings - add to the risk to people and property. The main cause of flash flooding is usually heavy rainfall; other causes can include the break- up of ice jams, dam breaches, and the failure of flood defenses and levees.
The volume discusses the increasing use of meteorological observation and forecasting techniques to extend the lead time available for warning, combined with hydrological models for the river response. It also presents probabilistic techniques and some current areas of research which include the use of weather radar and satellite data in improving meteorological forecasts, the development of improved forecasting and observation techniques for mountainous regions, and the use of distributed hydrological models specifically adapted for flash flood modelling.
This book reviews recent developments in this active research area, with a focus on events caused by heavy rainfall (including debris flows and landslides), but also considering other types of flash flooding, such as that caused by ice jams and dam and levee breaches. The topics covered include meteorological forecasting and monitoring techniques, rainfall-runoff and river modelling, approaches to issuing flood warnings, and some of the societal and behavioural aspects of providing an effective emergency response. A number of international examples of the application of these techniques are also provided.
The book is potentially useful on civil engineering, water resources, meteorology and hydrology courses (and for post graduate studies) but is primarily intended as a review of the topic for a wider audience.

• Authors & Editors
  

Kevin Sene is a civil engineer and researcher with wide experience in flood forecasting, water resources and hydrometeorological studies. He has published some 45 scientific and conference papers on topics in hydrology, hydrometeorology and hydraulics, and the books "Flood Warning, Forecasting and Emergency Response" (Springer, 2008) and "Hydrometeorology: Forecasting and Applications" (Springer, 2009)