Abstract
Flooding caused by unpredictable high-intensity rainfall events in urban areas has become a global phenomenon due to the combined effect of urbanization and climate change. There are numerous hydrodynamic models for urban flooding simulation and management. However, it is difficult for most of these models to simplify the surface runoff process and still provide high simulation accuracy. In this study, an improved simplified urban storm inundation model (SUSIM) that integrates urban terrain, precipitation, surface runoff and inundation models was proposed to quickly and accurately simulate the different inundation conditions by modifying the urban terrain and catchments. Haining City, China, was selected as a case study in which SUSIM was tested and validated. The results were as follows: (1) Detailed locations and depths of inundation were quickly calculated with high correlation coefficient (≥75%) compared to three actual rainfall events. (2) Four scenarios under different rainfall intensities (5-, 10-, 20- and 50-year return period, respectively) were designed. The maximum inundation depths significantly increased from 403 mm to 1522 mm and the maximum inundation area increased from 2904 m2 to 7330 m2. According to the simulation results, Haining Avenue, the West Mountain Park and the old urban area in the northeast part of the city would encounter the most extensive and severe inundation. The result reveals that the SUSIM could find inundation locations and calculate inundation depth and area quickly. It provides better insights and tools for urban inundation simulation and planning strategies.
Highlights
IntroductionAs the global climate changes and rapid urbanization progresses, the frequency and intensity of natural hazards are increasing because of interactions between natural and artificial factors [1,2]
As the global climate changes and rapid urbanization progresses, the frequency and intensity of natural hazards are increasing because of interactions between natural and artificial factors [1,2].The problems caused by urban expansion are becoming increasingly prominent, especially urban flooding and inundation caused by heavy rainfall in the flood season, which has been an urgent problem that requires solutions in most cities [3]
A modified digital elevation model (DEM) was used as the model input and the contributing area of depressions were used as the basic study units of simplified urban storm inundation model (SUSIM); these units can accurately reflect the real urban terrain and hydrological environment
Summary
As the global climate changes and rapid urbanization progresses, the frequency and intensity of natural hazards are increasing because of interactions between natural and artificial factors [1,2]. The problems caused by urban expansion are becoming increasingly prominent, especially urban flooding and inundation caused by heavy rainfall in the flood season, which has been an urgent problem that requires solutions in most cities [3]. Urban flooding is one of the most severe hazards and can cause enormous human and societal economic losses [4]. The heavy rainfall (460 mm of rainfall in 24 h) recorded at a hydrological station in Beijing on 21–22 July 2012 caused at least 79 deaths and affected more than 1.9 million people [5]. Urban flooding and inundation issues have drawn increasing attention in recent years [6].
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