Flood Risk Mapping and Vulnerability Analysis- Case Study: Calhoun County, Alabama

Keywords: Flood risk mapping, vulnerability, GIS, Gadsden, Alabama
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

One of the current main concerns in developed countries such as the US is flood risk in urban areas The United Nations (UN) predicts that urbanization would increase to 68% by 2050. The rapid urbanization would cause the destruction of streamlines and increase impermeable surfaces. Therefore, we expect that urban areas will be more susceptible to flash floods due to the chaos in watershed systems, reduction in water infiltration, and increase in surface runoff. The U.S. National Climate Reports indicate that the average annual precipitation rate of the U.S. is currently higher than the average values over the past 35 years. As the average rate of precipitation rises, city planners should consider the growth rates of urban flooding and the consequent economic losses in the United States. Herein, effective flood response planning requires a better understanding of the flood impact and exposure. As social and environmental settings of an urban area influence urban flood events differently, we need to study human and physical environments in an integrated framework. Thus, this study aims at mapping flood risk areas and assess the vulnerability of the population in Gadsden metropolitan area to mitigate future flood disasters.