The role of seasonal and occasional floods in the origin of extreme hydrological events

M B Kireeva,E P Rets,E A Telegina,A A Telegina,N N Ezerova,N L Frolova

doi:10.5194/piahs-369-109-2015

M B Kireeva, E P Rets + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-109-2015

Copy DOI

Abstract

Abstract. Extreme hydrological events on the rivers of European part of Russia are closely related to the hydrological regime transformation answering recent climate changes. Rivers in this region used to be traditionally attributed to the Eastern-European type with well-pronounced seasonal flood wave and quite low flow period during summer and winter. During the last twenty years the role of the occasional floods became more and more important. Number of winter floods, connected with thaws rose dramatically, in the same manner as summer flash floods. In this study, the frequency and duration of extreme low flow and high flow events is analyzed. The deficits during hydrological year were calculated. Due to results increase in natural runoff regulation, does not reduce frequency of extreme events, in some regions it raises.

Highlights

The occurrence of extreme hydrological conditions associated with either high or low water content creates risks and economic losses associated with water use
In 2010, the abnormal processes in the atmosphere and a breakdown of a typical atmospheric circulation led to deep water shortage that affected the most part the European territory of Russia
Situation arose in winter 2012–2013, when snowpack in central Russia reached a height of 80 cm and more

Summary

Introduction

The occurrence of extreme hydrological conditions associated with either high or low water content creates risks and economic losses associated with water use Such hydrological events are rare in occurrence but typically affect large areas, resulting in a damage in several economic sectors. Situation arose in winter 2012–2013, when snowpack in central Russia reached a height of 80 cm and more This led to formation of a spring flood of very low probability. Potential loss of each hazard can be up to EUR 1.3–1.6 billion according RIHMI – IDC (International Data Center) Under these circumstances, studying the prerequisites for the formation of extreme hydrological events is one of the most urgent problems in Russian hydrology. Degradation of the seasonal flood is observed in the Volga basin too, the maximum discharges there reduced by 20–40 %. The main goal of this work was to determine the impact of water regime changes on the occurrence of extreme hydrological events

Study area

Conclusions