Flood-Prone Area Delineation in Urban Subbasins Based on Stream Ordering: Culiacan Urban Basin as a Study Case

Antonio J Sanhouse-García,Zuriel D Mora-Félix,Jesús Gabriel Rangel-Peraza,Sergio A Rentería-Guevara,Yaneth A Bustos-Terrones,Sergio Alberto Monjardin-Armenta,Wenseslao Plata-Rocha

doi:10.3390/su132413513

Abstract

Urban development decreases infiltration, increases the runoff velocity, and reduces the concentration times. This situation increases the flood risk in urban watersheds, which represent a management challenge for urban communities and authorities. To increase the resilience of communities due to modifications of the hydrological cycle produced by climate change and urban development, a methodology is proposed to delineate flood-prone areas in urban basins. This methodology is implemented in an urban subbasin of Culiacan, Mexico, and is based on stream order. A high-resolution digital elevation model was used, which was validated independently through a photogrammetric flight with an unmanned aerial vehicle and ground control points obtained with GNSS (global navigation satellite systems) receivers. Morphometric parameters related to geometry, shape, relief, and drainage network aspects of the subbasin were determined and analyzed. Then, flood-prone area zonation was carried out based on stream-order classification and flow direction. Fieldwork was also carried out for the inspection of the sewage network conditions. This methodology simplifies the identification of the flood-prone areas in urban subbasins without carrying out complex hydraulic calculations.

Highlights

IntroductionAccording to Zúñiga et al [1], more than 50% of the disasters registered in the last three decades worldwide are related to floods
Hydrometeorological events arise as one of the most important natural hazards.According to Zúñiga et al [1], more than 50% of the disasters registered in the last three decades worldwide are related to floods
The morphometric characteristics rerelated to the urban subbasin relief obtained in this study coincide with those reported lated to the urban subbasin relief obtained in this study coincide with those reported by by Ali Shaikh et al [52]

Summary

Introduction

According to Zúñiga et al [1], more than 50% of the disasters registered in the last three decades worldwide are related to floods These events produce intense short-duration rainfall or even prolonged-duration rainfall caused by tropical cyclones. They generate water flows that exceed the infiltration capacity of the soil [2]. The transition from rural to urban areas is favored by population increase, which promotes the concentration of population in urban environments. This transition is carried out without considering the natural

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Discussion

Conclusion