Monolithic Multiphysics Simulation of Compound Flooding
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 148, Issue 9
Abstract
When heavy rainfall, riverine flooding, and coastal storm surge coincide catastrophic flood conditions can occur, a process referred to as compound flooding. Many studies investigating the effects of compound flooding have relied on discrete models that simulate flooding processes separately. Consequently, they fail to mechanistically account for the complex interactions of multiple flood processes and the resulting impact on hazard estimates. We implemented the Adaptive Hydraulics Modeling System (AdH) that fully couples two-dimensional (2-D) shallow-water equations (SWEs) and 2-D diffusive wave equations (DWEs) to conduct monolithic simulations of compound flooding and quantify its impacts on water levels relative to Hurricane Harvey. The SWE simulated coastal storm surge and riverine flow while the DWE simulated overland flow. Spatially and temporally variable rain rates and wind effects within the model resolved heterogenic storm characteristics. A dense network of gage observations and surveyed high-water marks indicated the model’s ability to simulate the magnitude and timing of water levels. A comparison against benchmark flood extents indicated similar spatial inundation patterns. Model results revealed a transition zone, where multiple flood processes interact, that extends for almost 40 km along Buffalo Bayou highlighting the extensive impacts of compound flooding and the need to account for interacting physical phenomena with a fully coupled model. The results demonstrate the ability of this model and methodology to mechanistically account for the interactions of multiple flood processes with a 2-D hydrodynamic model.
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Data Availability Statement
All data used during the study are available in a repository or online in accordance with funder data retention policies. (CIRES 2014; HCFCD 2020; StratMap 2018). Discharge data can be obtained from the USGS at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis. Rainfall data can be obtained from HCFCD at https://www.harriscountyfws.org/. Meteorologic data can be obtained from NOAA at https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/. Models used during the study were provided by a third party. Direct requests for these materials may be made to the provider as indicated in the Acknowledgements.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by the Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory. The authors are thankful for a review and comments from Dr. William McAnally, who enhanced the overall quality of this article.
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Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 148 • Issue 9 • September 2022
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© 2022 Published by American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 21, 2021
Accepted: Apr 28, 2022
Published online: Jul 8, 2022
Published in print: Sep 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Dec 8, 2022
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