Susceptibility to Flooding and Urban Flooding in Small Municipalities: Hydrogeomorphological, Land Use and Land Cover Aspects in a Multi-Criterion Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate areas susceptible to flooding and inundation, testing the hypothesis that the accumulation of surface water does not depend exclusively on fluvial flood pulses. Theoretical Framework: Anthropogenic actions have played a significant role in modifying natural physiography, especially through urbanization and occupation of environmentally sensitive areas. These interventions have a direct impact on the dynamics of natural processes, highlighting the need to understand local hydrogeomorphology in order to ensure efficient territorial planning. Methodology: The research comprised a multi-criteria analysis involving hydrological, geomorphological, land use and occupation data associated with precipitation data for a small municipality. This municipality has urban development in the area of influence of a main river in its catchment area. Results and Discussion: Around 52% of the municipality is urbanized with 95% on slopes ranging from 0 to 23º, upstream of a cumulative flow of 18,000. Rainfall is 1366 mm/year and tends to decrease, although there has been a 62% increase in flooding in recent years. Around 75% of the urbanized area is vulnerable to pluvial flooding, while the rest is subject to both pluvial flooding and fluvial flood pulses. Research Implications: Insights into how the results can influence urban planning practices, extending to the fields of hydrogeomorphology and land use and occupation management. Originality/Value: The methodology is simple and accessible to small municipalities and urban planning entrepreneurs. Its relevance is evidenced by the fact that it improves urban planning, minimizing socio-economic and environmental costs.