A SEMI-DISTRIBUTED ADAPTIVE MODEL FOR REAL-TIME FLOOD FORECASTING1

ABSTRACT: A semi-distributed deterministic model for real-time flood forecasting in large basins is proposed. Variability of rainfall and losses in space is preserved and the effective rainfall-direct runoff model segment based on the Clark procedure is incorporated. The distribution of losses in space is assumed proportional to rainfall intensity and their evolution in time is represented by the φ-index; furthermore, an initial period without production of effective rainfall is considered. The first estimation of losses and the associated forecasts of flow are performed at the time corresponding to the first rise observed in the hydrograph. Then the forecasts of flow are corrected at each subsequent time step through the updating of the φ-index. The model was tested by using rainfall-runoff events observed on two Italian basins and the predictions of flow for lead times up to six hours agree reasonably well with the observations in each event. For example, for the coefficient of persistence, which compares the model forecasts with those generated by the no-model assumption, appreciable positive values were computed. In particular, for the larger basin with an area of 4,147 km², the mean values were 0.4, 0.4 and 0.5 for forecast lead times of two hours, four hours and six hours, respectively. Good performance of the model is also shown by a comparison of its flow predictions with those derived from a unit hydrograph based model     

PARAMETRIC/NONPARAMETRIC MIXTURE DENSITY ESTIMATION WITH APPLICATION TO FLOOD-FREQUENCY ANALYSIS1

Much attention has been invested in the model choice problem for peak annual flows, in the context of flood frequency analysis. The authors would sidestep this dilemma through non-parametric density estimation methodology, but recognize that the standard nonparametric estimators preclude the use of prior information and related data, and furthermore have virtually no tail at all. Here we offer a remedy for these inadequacies by introducing an estimator which mixes parametric and nonparametric density estimates. We prove that our mixture rule is consistent. By this procedure, we do allow incorporation of prior information, experience, and regional data information, but nevertheless provide a safeguard against incorrect model choice.     

FLOOD-RUNOFF FORECASTING WITH HEC1F1

HEC1F is a computer program for making short- to medium-term forecasts of uncontrolled flood runoff. The program employs unit hydrographs and hydrologic routing to simulate runoff from a subdivided basin. Estimates of future rainfall can be accommodated. Runoff parameters for gaged headwater subbasins can be estimated (optimized) in real time. Blending of calculated with observed hydrographs can be performed. HEC1F is a component of an on-line software system that includes capability for data acquisition and processing, precipitation analysis, streamflow forecasting, reservoir system analysis, and graphical display of data and simulation results. The conceptual framework for HEC1F is described, and application of the program is illustrated.     

Community and individual reaction to environmental hazards: Developing a measurement technology

This study was an attempt to develop an efficient method of monitoring and assessing how members of a community react to a toxic hazard in their community. The intent was to develop a short instrument which could be applied in multiple settings, or in the same setting several times. The methodology was a short questionnaire that addressed six issues: sources of information about the hazard, beliefs about justice and responsibility, beliefs about why the hazard is a problem, extent of active concern, involvement in community affairs, and satisfaction with life. A mailed questionnaire was developed and tested in a community near an EPA Superfund site in the United States. Results of the effort are discussed relative to the particular community studied, and relative to furthering the assessment technology begun in this research.     

FLOOD WARNINGS AND FLOOD RESPONSES FOR THE RED RIVER OF THE NORTH1

ABSTRACT The flooding conditions in the basin of the Red River of the North are reviewed in terms of the accuracy of the flood forecasts and the response of both the floodplain occupants and government agencies to these forecasts. The flood prediction methods in Canada and the United States are compared. The accuracy of these prediction measures for the major floods in recent history is reviewed. The differences between the way in which the American and Canadian authorities approach the flood emergencies are outlined. The accuracy of the forecasts are plotted against a number of parameters which reflect the efficiency of the flood fighting measures initiated by those flood forecasts. The significant features of these plots are discussed.     

USING GEOLOGY TO IMPROVE FLOOD HAZARD MANAGEMENT ON ALLUVIAL FANS ‐ AN EXAMPLE FROM LAUGHLIN,NEVADA1

A study of the piedmont of the Newberry Mountains near Laughlin, Nevada, demonstrates that geologic information can improve the scientific basis of flood‐hazard management on alluvial fans in desert areas. Comparison of geologic information against flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) reveals flaws in conventional methods for flood hazard delineation in this setting. Geologic evidence indicates that large parts of the Newberry piedmont have been isolated from significant flooding for at least the past 10,000 years. This contrasts with existing FIRMs that include large tracts of nonflood prone land in the 100‐year and 500‐year flood hazard zones and exclude areas of indisputably flood prone land from the regulatory flood plain. From the basis of the geology, flood hazards on at least one‐third of the piedmont are mischaracterized on the regulatory maps. The formal incorporation of geologic data into flood hazard studies on desert piedmonts could significantly reduce this type of discrepancy and substantially reduce the scope, hence cost, of more elaborate engineering studies and hazard mitigation strategies. The results of this study affirm the value of new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommendations for characterizing alluvial fan flood hazards and support an argument for mandating geological studies in the regulatory process.     

水旱灾害对我国农业及社会经济发展的影响

水旱灾害首先影响到我国农业生产。粮食产量的大幅减产还会波及到整个国民经济及人民生活水平的下降。研究自然灾害不仅要注意因灾损失的自然因素，同时要联系造成灾害的社会、经济、人文因素等诸多方面进行自与非自然因素的综合分析。     

滇、桂、粤、闽、台灾害链讨论

由于对洪水、台风和巨大风暴潮的长期预测尚有一定困难，因之需要多学科进行综合研究。本文通过对滇、桂、粤、闽、台地区历史上大震后同年或次年发生上述重大气象灾害的事实，讨论了灾害链的预测，同时也讨论了灾害链的形成机制，包括构造活动、北回归线效应以及孟加拉湾大桥活动的双重后果。文中还提出了4条减灾对策。     

近50年中国旱灾的时空变化

采用省级报刊信息源 ,建立了中国旱灾数据库 ,运用数字地图技术 ,重建了 194 9～ 2 0 0 0年中国旱灾的时空格局。研究表明 :全国旱灾空间格局总体呈东西分异 ,重旱灾区域在北方 ,并相对集中分布在黑龙江西部、内蒙古中部、河北北部、陕西北部和宁夏 ;在南方主要分布在中部 5省 (安徽、湖北、湖南、江西和河南 )及四川东部、贵州和云南中东部。全国旱灾的范围有向西部扩展的趋势。全国旱灾动态变化趋向总体呈现南北分异。长江以北地区为旱灾灾次增多区 ;长江以南地区为旱灾普遍减少区或变化不明显区。     

1997年11月8日藏北玛尼7.5级大震的预报问题

对 1997年 11月 8日的藏北玛尼大地震 ,我们曾在 1991年进行过预报 ,1997年又曾重申过这个预报。本文用我们过去提出的预报理论和方法 ,对玛尼大震的预报问题再进行更广泛的讨论。文中 ,用立交模式讨论了玛尼大震的孕育机制 ,用 35°线上的 6 0a周期讨论了该震的发生年份 ,用构造交会及“静中动判据”讨论了该地震发生的地点 ,用磁暴倍九法和引潮力增长速度讨论了该震的发震日期 ,用科里奥利力效应讨论了该震余震震级偏小的原因 ,另外 ,还讨论了有关大震 -雪灾链的问题。