Global Flood Hazard: Mapping, Forecasting and Risk Assessment

An overflow of water that primarily submerges the dry land is known as flood. Floods are of primary concern in the field of agriculture, civil engineering and public health. It can occur due to upslope factors, downslope factors and sometimes by coincidence. Flooding is the result of an overflow of water from water bodies, due to the gathering of rainwater, or when the river flow rate exceeds the capacity of the river channel. Floods often cause damage to homes and businesses. Loss of life, damage to buildings, bridges, roadways, and canals are some primary effects of the flood. The secondary effects can result in economic hardship due to a temporary decline in tourism, rebuilding costs, food shortages, etc. Flood forecasting is an important element of flood warning. It uses forecasted precipitation and streamflow data to forecast flow rates and water levels. Planting vegetation to retain extra water, construction of floodways, dams, diversion canals, flood plains, coastal defenses, temporary perimeter barriers are few examples of flood control methods that are used to reduce or prevent the damaging effects of flood waters. This book contains some path-breaking studies on floods. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.