Cumulative sedimentation hazard map of urban areas subject to hyperconcentrated flash flood: A case study of Suide County in the Wuding River basin, China

Abstract

Flash floods can carry substantial sediment, posing significant sedimentation hazards in hilly cities. The sedimentation hazard map can reproduce the sediment thickness and extent of an extreme events scenario, playing an important role in sediment risk management. However, current research primarily focuses on modeling the inundation area and depth of floods, while studying sedimentation hazard caused by flash floods in urban areas remains insufficient. This paper aims to address this gap by utilizing a numerical model that simulates hyperconcentrated flow in hilly urban areas using the two‐dimensional hydro‐sediment‐morphological model to compile the cumulative sedimentation hazard map. The model, built upon the open‐source TELEMAC‐MASCARET framework, incorporates Zhang Hongwu's formula to simulate sediment‐carrying capacity, particularly suitable for hyper‐sediment concentration near the riverbed. This paper uses the data of extreme flash flood events in the Wuding River basin in 2017 to simulate and compile the cumulative sedimentation hazard map. The hazard map delineates the sedimentation hazard extent and level attributable to overbank floodplain sedimentation. Notably, the sediment thickness is highest in areas near the levees on both sides of the Dali River. Moreover, the map illustrates the extent of channel erosion resulting from hyperconcentrated floods, which could jeopardize bank stability.

Researching and managing flooding in the urban context

“…In their case from the Wuding River Basin (China), Lai et al (2024) focus on flash flooding events in the urban context and specifically on sedimentation hazards in hilly cities. This research offers a 2D hydro-sedimentmorphological model to complement the usual depth and inundation area approaches and provide a more comprehensive view of hazards whereby flash flooding events create channel erosion and threaten bank stability in a hilly context.…”