Prediction Of Flood (Hydrology of flood)

Prediction  of Flood : Past and Present Methods

Design Flood

Flooding is a disastrous event which must be predicted to save lives and protect property. Scientists and engineers across the world are constantly creating new ways to detect floods and save lives using the latest technological progress. But how did people predict floods before modern technology? This article will examine how they did so, how floods are predicted now, and ways that floods may be predicted in the future. In order to predict a flood, it is necessary to know the history of flooding in the area. This is used extensively in modern forecasting techniques, some examples of which we will explore momentarily, yet even ancient societies were able to use this knowledge to protect themselves from future calamities.

Many societies have legends of floods in their mythologies and religions which may have been the inspiration to record flooding incidents. Just as Noah used his forewarning from God to build his Ark, people across the world throughout history have searched for ways to protect themselves from flooding. This can only be done by knowing when and where a flood will strike. The Egyptians are the first civilisation that we have evidence of their attempts to record and then predict floods. They used physical markings to indicate the highest levels of the water, a technique also used in Ancient Chinese culture. Both these cultures held written accounts and even maps indicating where previous floods throughout their history had occurred.

And so, across the history of the world civilisations have recorded the floods that devastated their lands. They have then used this knowledge to create increasingly inventive forms of prediction and protection. Mathematicians have created computer programmes and algorithms to increase the accuracy of their predictions. Geologists can determine when floods have occurred, even those from thousands of years of ago by examining sedimentary deposits, and are working to use this knowledge to foresee future natural disasters. Many individuals from a wide range of professions have dedicated their careers to improving the world’s ability to predict and then prevent floods.
One fascinating method of flood prediction in existence is LIDAR technology (short for Light Detection and Ranging). It uses high frequency pulsating lasers to read vast areas of land. It is surprisingly quick and inexpensive considering it is capable of extremely accurate results. Current problems with the system are caused by too much data – as the laser pulsations reflect from every object they meet, complex computer software is required to sift through all of the information to the relevant data. Regardless, this is an impressive method of prediction as it allows for the creation of maps that forecast the outcome of the flood.

An essential measure in the prediction of floods is preparation. Being prepared for a flood at any time is essential for those in high risk areas, and also advisable for those in lower flood risk zones. Stormguard Flood plan can fit your home with the latest developments in domestic flood defence, ready for the future and for potential floods.