Urban Street Networks and Building Density Influence Flood Severity: Study
A study conducted by a team of researchers at the University of California, Irvine, has brought to light the intricate ways in which the design of urban street networks and the density of buildings substantially impact the intensity of floods. This groundbreaking research, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, unveils a pioneering analytical model that can evaluate flood hazards at a local level on a global scale.
The team, led by Chancellor’s Professor Brett Sanders, Ph.D. candidate Sarah Balaian, and Associate Professor Mohammad Javad Abdolhosseini Qomi, developed a new method for urban flood modeling using principles of statistical mechanics to analyze variations in flood hazards across cities.
Through their research, the scientists made an important revelation: the configuration of the urban environment, including the density of buildings and the layout of the streets, has a notable impact on the level of flooding experienced. This understanding is particularly significant as cities around the world confront escalating flood risks driven by both climate change and urban development.
“Our team was motivated to develop a new way of looking at flood risk based on the form of the built urban environment,” said lead author Sarah Balaian. The new formula, derived from thousands of flood simulations across various urban forms, allows urban planners to more easily assess flood risks presented by land development changes.
The researchers believe that their model can project neighborhood-scale flood hazards anywhere in the world. “We can probe differences between cities experiencing flood hazards. The platform has been demonstrated to show links between flood losses, urban form, and observed rainfall extremes,” said co-author Mohammad Javad Abdolhosseini Qomi.
This research offers a significant advancement in our understanding of urban flooding. It underscores the need for urban planning to consider the impact of street networks and building density on flood severity. As the future is expected to be marked by more severe weather events, this study provides a valuable tool for mitigating the risks and impacts of urban flooding.