Improving flood hazard prediction models

• Published in: International journal of river basin management Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 449 - 456
• Main Author: Smart, G. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 02.10.2018; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Annual Exceedance Probability; Bathymeters; Bathymetry; Breaking down; calibration; Communication; Components; Computer simulation; digital elevation model; equations; Flood hazards; Flood mapping; Flood models; Flood predictions; Floods; Flow resistance; friction; Friction resistance; Hydrodynamic models; Hydrodynamics; hydrograph; hydrologic models; log law; Low flow; Manning; Mapping; Mathematical models; Modelling; nomogram; Nomograms; Prediction models; Rain; Rainfall; Roughness; Topography; Topography (geology); Two dimensional flow; Two dimensional models; uncertainty
• ISSN: 1571-5124; 1814-2060; 1814-2060
• DOI: 10.1080/15715124.2017.1411923

Inaccurate components of hydrodynamic models can lead to inaccurate flood hazard simulations, particularly when models are applied to floods larger than the model calibration conditions, yet hazard information is usually sought for events which are more extreme than those documented by accurate historical measurements. Model components subject to error include the input hydrographs (and their exceedance probabilities), input roughness maps, representations of topography, bathymetry, the numerical solver and the model flow resistance equation. There is particular uncertainty surrounding the treatment of roughness and flow resistance in 2D flood models. Such models typically have low-resolution mapping of roughness compared to the mapping of topography. Significant areas with high roughness and low flow depth can occur with flood rise and fall, particularly with 'direct rainfall' models. Conventional flow resistance equations break down under these high relative roughness conditions. The formulation of friction within a hydrodynamic model code and derivation of depth-averaged flow resistance equations for 2D models are investigated. This study gives recommendations for improved mapping of roughness, new equations for better representing flow resistance in the modelling code, a nomograph for converting the more common 'n' roughness values to 'Z o ' roughness values and makes suggestions for better communication of model results.