2. Flood prediction Flashcards
What is the normal frequency for a river to flood its banks?
Once every two or three years
How is the flood recurrence interval calculated?
Dividing the number of recorded floods (plus 1) by its rank in terms of flood magnitude
What does the flood recurrence interval indicate about flood magnitudes?
Largest magnitude floods recur the least frequently, while low magnitude floods occur most often
Why are recurrence intervals important for environmental agencies?
They provide useful data for long-term planning linked to flood prediction
True or False: Floods occur solely as a result of heavy rain.
False
What do hydrologists measure to study the effects of water?
Water levels in streams, rivers, lakes, and snow content using snow gauges
What factors do hydrologists consider when predicting floods?
Recent precipitation amounts, soil moisture, and expected future precipitation
What is the role of river forecast centres?
To use computer models to predict river and stream levels
What is FLASH in the context of flood prediction?
Flooded Locations and Simulation Hydrographs Project
What type of data does FLASH rely on for flood prediction?
Minute-by-minute data on rainfall and surface storages
What technologies does NOAA use for flood prediction?
Sophisticated modelling of rainfall and surface storage
What is the purpose of combining radar data with other sensor systems?
To forecast river floods by modeling atmospheric conditions and flow patterns
How is climate change affecting weather patterns?
Storms and rainfall events are becoming more severe and less predictable
What is a significant challenge in predicting global climate impacts at the local scale?
The high level of uncertainty
Fill in the blank: Investment needs to continue in recording atmospheric and surface data more _______.
accurately, continuously, and spatially focused
