Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

This module assumes knowledge from Semester 1 of the principles of :
-basic statistics (correlation, distributions, extreme value theory),
-hydrological principles ( runoff processes, rainfall runoff models, Unit Hydrograph)
-hydraulic models (1D, river modelling)
The module builds on context of sustainable catchment management and introduction to flood risk management in Semester 1.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The aims of the module are to develop a strategic and practical understanding of flood risk and its management. This module introduces different frameworks for flood estimation and modelling from statistical to simulation, from data driven to physically based modelling and put them in wider context of flood risk management. Students will learn how to use industry standard flood estimation and modelling techniques. They will also learn principles and current practices of real time flood forecasting and warning (RTFFW). This will incorporate:
* an understanding of flood risks affecting towns, coasts and estuaries;
*       understanding of the economic aspects of FRM and their interaction with sustainability, mediated by governance, policy and planning
*       a knowledge and understanding of the options and measures available for managing flood risk;
* theory and practice of flood risk estimation, modelling and forecasting.

Outline Of Syllabus

Flood risk: sources, description, variety: conceptualization by Source:Pathway:Receptor
Aims of flood risk management, in the context of sustainability.
Institutions and governance of FRM : examples worldwide
Economic instruments: benefit-cost analysis, dealing with uncertainty; Value and discounting;
Economic losses due to flooding
Options for FRM: Portfolios of measures: structural and non- structural approaches; : land use planning and resilience
Rural FRM: agricultural development policy; deforestation and its effects
Urban runoff and urban drainage: reconfiguring the urban area, Blue Green Infrastructure
River engineering: river restoration; wetlands, reservoirs, NFM;
Flood defences. Dikes, embankments, flood walls, demountable systems.
Coastal and estuary engineering and managed realignment on the coast
Managing flood events: forecasting and warning; resilience at property and community level, insurance.
FEH – Statistical approach to Flood Hazard Estimation PRACTICAL – Regional Flood Estimation
Flood modelling – 1D, 2D, global flood modelling and Catastrophe modeling , urban and sewer flooding, PRACTICAL –CityCat
Rainfall forecasting: rainfall, radar, models
Predictive uncertainty and its use to improve decision making
PRACTICAL – Virtual flood – A simulated flood event and warning response exercise Coastal flooding: storm surge and tsunami

N.B. This module is also open to students attending the (funded) HydroEurope event run by UNSA (Nice). This is a 2-week event run at the same time as the Newcastle course (first week is the same time). The course aims and topics covered are very similar: demonstration and use of modelling methods for the estimation of extreme events and forecasting. The software used in Nice will be different, but both sets are equivalent industry standard software. The coursework task description is written to cover both eventualities.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students should have an understanding of:
1.       Sources and pathways of flood risk affecting towns, coasts and estuaries. (M4);
2.       Strategic drivers and methods for flood risk management. (M4)
3.       Basic methods for evaluation of cost and benefits of different options. (M4)
4.       Options for flood risk management , the differences and characteristics of measures available. (M4)
5.       An understanding and familiarity with current simulation and statistical approaches. (M3, M4)
6.       An understanding of the range of different approaches used in flood modelling and forecasting. (M3)
7.       Understanding in current practice of real time flood forecasting and warning (RTFFW).

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module the student should be able to:
1.       Analyse a complex flood risk management situation. (M2)
2.       Propose strategic options for flood risk management. (M3, M5, M6, M9, M13)
3.       Select appropriate portfolios of measures for catchment and shoreline management strategies. (M6, M7, M13)
4.       Understand and practice current simulation and statistical approaches to flood risk estimation and modelling. (M3, M9)
5.       understand the benefits and limitations of use of numerical models in flood modelling and forecasting. (M3, M4)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures, practical sessions and guided independent study are suitable methods to impart the basic theoretical and practical understanding represented by the knowledge outcomes via prepared material and self learning including discussions/tutorials with active student participation.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

In the assignment (written exercise) students will analyse and discuss a real practical case study of flood risk. They will carry out estimates of flood risk based on the 100 year event. They will propose a small number of FRM options and carry out simple benefit cost analysis for one of them

General Notes

N/A