Article
Engineering, Civil
Alessandro Pucci, Helder S. Sousa, Linda Giresini, Jose C. Matos, Fabio Castelli
Summary: This study proposes a method for obtaining fragility curves for single-span bridges considering hydrodynamic actions and driftwood using HEC-RAS software and Python scripts. It shows that driftwood clogging can significantly impact the failure probability of the bridge.
STRUCTURE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Dinesh Kumar Devendiran, Swagata Banerjee
Summary: The design parameters related to piers in river-crossing bridges have a significant impact on the multi-hazard performance of the bridges in seismically active regions. This study examines the aspect ratio and longitudinal reinforcement ratio of piers, as well as the differential ground elevation between multiple bents, and their influence on bridge performance. By considering seismic and flood hazards in the southeastern part of Nepal, finite element models of the bridges were developed and risk curves were compared to assess the relative influence of design parameters.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS-STRUCTURES AND BUILDINGS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Himanshu Grover, Michael K. Lindell, Samuel D. Brody, Wesley E. Highfield
Summary: The study found that risk perception variables were only significantly correlated with nonstructural mitigation, and contextual factors have varying effects on the adoption of the three types of hazard adjustments. Tailored outreach and information are needed to motivate the adoption of different types of flood hazard adjustments, especially given the increasing changes in the global climatic system.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz, Iwona Pinskwar
Summary: This paper examines the physical mechanisms behind changes in pluvial and fluvial flood hazards, reviews literature on the detection and attribution of these changes, and discusses the increasing intensity of precipitation extremes and the complex changes in river floods. It also projects that heavy rainfall events and pluvial floods will become more frequent and intense due to climate change, while fluvial floods are expected to increase in many but not all regions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katarina Lazarevic, Mirjana Todosijevic, Tijana Vulevic, Sinisa Polovina, Natalija Momirovic, Milica Cakovic
Summary: The main objective of this study is to assess the potential flash flood hazard areas in the Likodra watershed using the flash flood potential index (FFPI) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. The data used include hydrological statistics and spatial data on watershed geographical characteristics obtained or derived from various sources, which were integrated into the GIS environment. The results indicate a severe flash flood hazard level in the analyzed area.
Article
Water Resources
Adam Perz, Dariusz Wrzesinski, Leszek Sobkowiak, Radoslaw Stodolak
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive assessment methodology of the summer flood hazard in the Upper Nysa Klodzka River catchment in Poland. It identifies the spatio-temporal rules and dependencies between flood characteristics and rainfall, providing new hydrological insights for flood management in mountainous river systems.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY-REGIONAL STUDIES
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
L. Slater, G. Villarini, S. Archfield, D. Faulkner, R. Lamb, A. Khouakhi, J. Yin
Summary: Concepts like the 100-year flood event can be misleading if not updated to reflect changes over time. Empirically, the study finds that 20-/50-year floods have mostly increased in temperate zones but decreased in arid, tropical, polar, and cold zones, while 100-year floods have mostly decreased in arid/temperate zones and show mixed trends in cold zones, highlighting the need for continued hazard assessment updates.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthias Jakob, Sarah Davidson, Gemma Bullard, Matthias Busslinger, Beatrice Collier-Pandya, Patrick Grover, Carie-Ann Lau
Summary: This paper discusses the occurrence and categorization of debris floods in steep mountain channels and small gravel bed rivers. Debris floods are classified into three categories based on their triggers, and their hazards involve inundation, scour, sediment transport, and bank erosion. The study introduces an approach for hazard quantification and mapping, aiming to homogenize debris-flood hazard assessments and mapping methodologies.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Daozheng Wang, Xingang Wang, Xiaoqing Chen, Baoqin Lian, Jiading Wang
Summary: This study investigates the chain reaction characteristics of large wood transportation, blockage, blocking, and block-outburst in debris flow through field investigation and physical model experiments. It defines fundamental dimensionless parameters and develops a criterion for evaluating the characteristics of large wood transport and block-outburst. The results show that the blocking ratio and clogging coefficient of large wood are closely related to the number, relative length, and density of debris flow.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohamed Wahba, Hatem Mahmoud, Wael M. Elsadek, Shinjiro Kanae, H. Shokry Hassan
Summary: Flash floods present a significant challenge in the 21st century. This research focused on studying and mitigating the impact of flash floods on the Fifth District in Egypt. The study examined the risk levels at a community scale and the effects on buildings. Mitigation measures, such as underground tanks, were implemented successfully, reducing water depth and collecting rainfall water for reuse.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
K. B. Lininger, J. E. Scamardo, M. R. Guiney
Summary: This study assessed the influence of river corridor morphology and forest stand density on the depositional patterns of large wood (LW) and coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) on a floodplain after an extreme flood in West Creek, Colorado. The results showed the importance of extreme floods for LW deposition and highlighted the role of standing trees as trapping locations for CPOM. The study suggests that forested floodplains play a crucial role in providing habitat and nutrients to floodplain ecosystems, while also influencing geomorphic processes.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-EARTH SURFACE
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
R. T. Pavlowsky, J. W. Hess, D. J. Martin, T. Dogwiler, J. Bendix
Summary: This study assesses the impacts of a large flood in 2017 on riparian forests and wood loads in the North Fork of the White River watershed. Using UAV imagery and field surveys, the researchers examined the standing trees and large wood in six stream reaches. The results showed that flood magnitude and land use played roles in forest damage and wood distribution.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Adriana Pacifico, Eugenio Chioccarelli, Iunio Iervolino
Summary: The project aims to evaluate the seismic reliability of buildings designed according to the current Italian building code and derive national seismic risk maps for Italy. The study shows that the failure rates of structures vary significantly with the increasing hazard of the sites and alternative hazard models have limited impact on the failure rates.
SOIL DYNAMICS AND EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Paula Dootson, Erica Kuligowski, Scott Murray
Summary: Videos are widely used by emergency services to communicate with the public during natural hazard emergencies. This research examines the effectiveness of different types of videos in triggering risk perceptions, promoting protective action, and improving knowledge about hazards and their impact. The findings suggest that videos with fewer facts are most effective in improving hazard knowledge, while visualizations and videos highlighting people's experiences improve hazard knowledge, risk perceptions, and protective action intentions. However, footage of a bushfire is less useful for building hazard knowledge. The research provides practical guidance for agencies operating in high-risk environments and emphasizes the continued importance of videos in public information and warning.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wei Zhu, Xianbao Zha, Pingping Luo, Shuangtao Wang, Zhe Cao, Jiqiang Lyu, Meimei Zhou, Bin He, Daniel Nover
Summary: This study analyzed the historical development and emerging fields of flood hazard assessment (FHA)-related research using bibliometric analysis. The results showed that the number of articles on FHA-related research has been increasing rapidly. The study also found that FHA-related research in developing countries lags behind developed countries but is advancing. Future research may focus on global change, coastal floods, compound disasters, and psycho-social aspects of flooding. Remote sensing and machine learning are also being increasingly used in this research field.
STOCHASTIC ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND RISK ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
C. Marchina, G. Zuecco, G. Chiogna, G. Bianchini, L. Carturan, F. Comiti, M. Engel, C. Natali, M. Borga, D. Penna
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2020)
Article
Geography, Physical
A. Andreoli, E. A. Chiaradia, A. Cislaghi, G. B. Bischetti, F. Comiti
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
C. F. Brunello, C. Andermann, O. Marc, K. A. Schneider, F. Comiti, S. Achleitner, N. Hovius
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2020)
Article
Geography, Physical
Christian Kofler, Volkmar Mair, Stephan Gruber, Maria Cristina Todisco, Ian Nettleton, Stefan Steger, Marc Zebisch, Stefan Schneiderbauer, Francesco Comiti
Summary: An integrated investigation revealed that multiple factors contributed to the failures of the rock glacier fronts in 2014, not just heavy rainfall events.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Sara Savi, Francesco Comiti, Manfred R. Strecker
Summary: In recent decades, small- to medium-sized mass movements, particularly rockfalls and debris flows, in high-mountain regions of the Italian Alps have increased in frequency and intensity, linked to rising temperatures, permafrost degradation, and an increase in the frequency of rainstorm events. The altitude distribution and triggering mechanisms of rockfall events and debris flows differ, but both are influenced by climate change.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Daniele Penna, Damiano Zanotelli, Francesca Scandellari, Agnese Aguzzoni, Michael Engel, Massimo Tagliavini, Francesco Comiti
Summary: This study used a stable isotope approach to investigate water uptake sources of apple trees in Alpine orchards, finding that trees primarily relied on soil water and had minimal contribution from groundwater. The isotopic composition of xylem water did not reflect irrigation water composition, but rather that of rainfall, throughfall, and soil water.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Silvia Folegot, Maria Cristina Bruno, Stefano Larsen, Konstantinos Kaffas, Giuseppe R. Pisaturo, Andrea Andreoli, Francesco Comiti, Righetti Maurizio
Summary: The study found that sediment flushing from dams negatively impacted taxonomic richness and Shannon diversity of invertebrate assemblages 40 days after the event, but density and richness recovered over time. Post-flushing samples were characterized by an increase in sediment-tolerant taxa, and a decrease in density of sensitive species (such as Heptageniidae) and shredders. Altered taxonomic and functional community composition following the flushing prevented the full functional recovery to pre-disturbance conditions.
Article
Water Resources
Stefano Brighenti, Michael Engel, Monica Tolotti, Maria Cristina Bruno, Geraldene Wharton, Francesco Comiti, Werner Tirler, Leonardo Cerasino, Walter Bertoldi
Summary: Rock glaciers are increasingly influencing the hydrology and water chemistry of Alpine catchments. Monitoring two rock glacier springs in the Eastern Italian Alps over three consecutive summers, researchers found that the springs exhibit contrasting hydrological conditions and fluctuations in water parameters at different timescales. Pond-like springs may indicate a seasonal window of major permafrost thaw.
HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Vittoria Scorpio, Marco Cavalli, Stefan Steger, Stefano Crema, Francesco Marra, Mattia Zaramella, Marco Borga, Lorenzo Marchi, Francesco Comiti
Summary: Coupling of hillslopes processes with the channel network during extreme events plays a vital role in river dynamics in mountain environments. This study investigates the impacts of lateral sediment connectivity on channel response and sediment export using Stolla Creek as a case study.
Article
Agronomy
A. Aguzzoni, M. Engel, D. Zanotelli, D. Penna, F. Comiti, M. Tagliavini
Summary: This study reveals the importance of irrigation water in the growth of apple trees, with groundwater playing a limited role. Water mixing within tree organs is also found to be limited.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Stefan Steger, Vittoria Scorpio, Francesco Comiti, Marco Cavalli
Summary: This paper presents a novel data-driven approach to identify and map areas susceptible to debris flow initiation and structurally connected to the main channel network. Through research in three catchments in the Italian Alps, the study found the correlation between debris flow release susceptibility models and connectivity index maps.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Michael Engel, Jay Frentress, Daniele Penna, Andrea Andreoli, Ilja van Meerveld, Stefan Zerbe, Massimo Tagliavini, Francesco Comiti
Summary: The study explores the impacts of river restoration projects on Alpine rivers and floodplains. It finds that geomorphic conditions, soil moisture, and groundwater level affect the source of water used by riparian vegetation. The results highlight the differences in the source of transpiration water for grey alder trees growing on floodplains and terraces. Large restoration interventions can enable the formation of new floodplain areas characterized by stream water-fed riparian ecosystems.
Article
Geography, Physical
Anuschka Buter, Tobias Heckmann, Lorenzo Filisetti, Sara Savi, Luca Mao, Bernhard Gems, Francesco Comiti
Summary: This study evaluates the changes in sediment transport dynamics in a geomorphic system under the context of climate change, finding that the area connected to its outlet might feature a six-fold increase in sediment transport under rainstorm conditions. Different sub-catchments are expected to show varying effects of climate change on sediment connectivity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Velio Coviello, Gianluca Vignoli, Silvia Simoni, Walter Bertoldi, Michael Engel, Anuschka Buter, Giulia Marchetti, Andrea Andreoli, Sara Savi, Francesco Comiti
Summary: This study analyzes the bedload flux in a glacier-fed river in Italy using 7 years of continuous data. The findings highlight the variability of bedload rates, the influence of flood events and sediment supply on bedload rates, and the impact of climatic factors on bedload transport. The results suggest that climate change in the Alps will likely lead to increased peak bedload rates in the future.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Velio Coviello, Joshua Theule, Stefano Crema, Massimo Arattano, Francesco Comiti, Marco Cavalli, Ana Lucia, Pierpaolo Macconi, Lorenzo Marchi
Summary: Long-term instrumental monitoring coupled with high-resolution topographic surveys provides important information on sediment yield in mountain basins. The study revealed that debris flows dominate coarse sediment yield, and rainfall analysis assists in characterizing debris flow initiation but also presents challenges in distinguishing triggering from non-triggering rainstorms.
ENVIRONMENTAL & ENGINEERING GEOSCIENCE
(2021)
