In the last decades, the reported damages caused by natural hazards increased tremendously. Flood risk management aims to prevent the loss of properties, assets and life caused by floods. The course focus is on aspects of flood risk management, forecasting and protection measures. In addition, concepts that exist to protect people from floods having a look at the catchment, the rivers and the settlements at risk. Following the so-called flood risk cycle, prevention, protection and preparation measures will be shown. This course will also introduce the fundamental concepts related to hydrological modeling including surface and groundwater modeling. Topics will include a historical perspective on hydrologic simulation, model classification and state-of-the-art models. In addition, geo-informatics tools that help improve watershed management will be taught.

• Comprehension of floods, the different types and the negative impacts in society
• Understand the tasks of the implementation of the EU flood risk management directive
• Evaluate flood hazard and flood risk maps concerning their uncertainties
• Innovative ways that allow more cost-effective management of water resources
• Understanding the types, usefulness and limitations of hydrologic models
• Understand hydrological flood modelling and models such as SWAT and HEC-RAS

On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:

• Understand and be able to explain the flood cycle and its implications to water resources
• Develop sustainable management plans while taking into account floods
• Implementation of management plans with innovative methods such as hydrologic models and geo-informatic tools
• Run hydrologic models such as SWAT and HEC-RAS

6 credits

1. T. Eshtawi, F.A. Abdulla. Using hydrological models in the management of a semi-arid watershed: Under the Umbrella of GIS. LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing pp. 124 (2011)
2. S.B. Simonović. Floods in a Changing Climate: Risk Management. Cambridge University Press pp. 197 (2012)