Continuous simulation for flood frequency estimation

This project developed and tested continuous simulation of rainfall-runoff using computer modelling that can be applied to gauged and ungauged sites.

• From: Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Research and Development Programme and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 12 February 2021

• Category: Understanding risks from all sources of flooding
• Topics: Climate change, Flood forecasting, Flood risk assessment, Meteorology and Modelling
• Project status: Completed
• Project code: FD0404
• Date of completion: 31 March 2001

Documents

Continuous simulation for flood frequency estimation - final report (38 KB) WORD

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Details

This project developed a new approach to estimating flooding based on a continuous simulation of rainfall-runoff using computer modelling. Rainfall-runoff models are used to create continuous data about river flows over time.

The method has been developed as a pilot system for ungauged and gauged sites and was designed to be used across the UK.

The project report explains:

• which runoff models were used and what data issues were encountered
• how the method can be applied to ungauged sites
• how the method can be extended for long periods and rare events - including climate change

The results of this project will be of value in catchment flood management planning.

This project ran from 1991 to 2001 at a cost of £1,026,000.

Published 12 February 2021