MOLINES
Modelling floods in estuaries. From the hazard to the critical management

Period
July 1, 2013 to February 29, 2016
Duration
32 months
Abstract

Some of the world most densely populated cities are located in estuarine low-lying areas facing a high risk of inundation with a potential for significant economic costs. The hazards associated with these processes arise from the particular characteristics of those environments, as linking zones between river and ocean systems, and increasing human activity in their marginal and surrounding areas.

The specific objectives of the project are: 1) knowledge improvement on estuarine margins inundation processes
including storm surges combined with tide effects, and urban drainage, for different climate scenarios; 2) flood risk assessment of margins with different typologies, including urban and interface areas; 3) creation of a coordinated approach to risk management to promote preventive measures of planning, forms of risk mitigation, and alert and warning system optimization, supported by a monitoring network and real time forecasts. The Tagus estuary was chosen as study area because it is a paradigmatic case of territory conflict occupation along its margins, with exposure of critical and sensitive infrastructures, and high potential to flooding from different sources whose consequences are abundantly illustrated in recent past events.

Partners

Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil (LNEC) - Coordinator

Autoridade Nacional de Protecção Civil (ANPC)

 

Researchers
Keywords
risk assessment, integrated modelling strategies, territorial vulnerability, alert and warning system
Funding Entity
Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology