Arid Lands Flood Evaluation and Mitigation Measures Using HECHMS Model and Best Management Practices (BMPS)
Arid Lands Flood Evaluation and Mitigation Measures Using HECHMS Model and Best Management Practices (BMPS)
Arid Lands Flood Evaluation and Mitigation Measures Using HECHMS Model and Best Management Practices (BMPS)
Bdour A.N. (2022), Arid lands flood evaluation and mitigation measures using HEC-HMS model and best management practices
(BMPs), Global NEST Journal, 24(4), 621-628.
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a hot issue (Jenkins et al., 2017). We promote that areas of the kingdom have dry climate characteristics
ecologist and hydraulic practitioners should work intently except Asir region in the southern part of the kingdom,
together to supplement applicable flood mitigation where it has special topography and local mountains,
solutions with eased effects on the environment. which usually receives annual rainfall greater that 300
In arid environments like the east region in Jordan, mm. On the contrary, most areas in Saudi Arabia receive
precipitation storms display solid spatial fluctuation, annual rainfall less than 200 mm.
particularly during thunderstorms and localized torrential Meteorological parameters are critical for any
rainstorms (Almazroui, 2010). All through the most recent hydrological studies. Rainfall intensities and distribution
couple of years, flooding has been one of the most should be measured accurately for any application studies
exorbitant calamities as far as both property harm and of rainfall data. Additionally, assessing runoff volumes and
human setbacks in the Kingdom. In 2018 almost all of the surface storage are important to supply domestic,
kingdom witnessed heavy rain and flash floods. The hot agricultural, and industrial demands (Goodrich et al.,
springs the surroundings Dead Sea flood was the most 2004).
influenced. Approximately 21 individuals are accounted
for to have been killed and the number of missing people
remains unknown. Many other cities in the country have
witnessed streets were under a meter (two feet) of water
on 26 October, and a large number of the casualties were
accepted to have suffocated in their vehicles. No less than
1200 vehicles were cleared away or harmed.
The climatological dispersion of yearly precipitation saw
by downpour measures across Saudi Arabia is displayed in
Figure 1 and the 10-year climatological satellite image is
displayed in Figure 2 (Habib and Nasrollahi, 2009).
Dryness is the predominant climatic attribute of Saudi
Arabia besides in the Asir district (shown in Abha in Figure
1), which gets yearly precipitation > 300 mm because of
its special geological setup and the nearby mountains, and
Figure 2. 10-year climatology observed by satellite for Saudi
an optional pinnacle situated in the upper east, which is
Arabia.
related with winter precipitation. Precipitation in the
majority of Saudi Arabia is < 200 mm. For the present study, the HEC-HMS model coupled with
GIS is employed for better output data performance. GIS
and remote sensing are well known tools for efficient
input data preparation. HEC-HMS is a hydrological model
offers various simulation scenarios of rainfall-runoff
processes which has been used to understand the
hydrological predictions in the studied watershed. The Soil
Conservation Service Curve Number loss method and the
Soil Conservation Service Curve Number unit hydrograph
are employed, lag routing method and constant monthly
base flow method. Various modeling scenarios shall
provide an insight about various hydrological processes
Figure 1. (a) Vicinity of Tabouk Region. (b) Rainfall gauge stations predictions, particularly rainfall and runoff storm events in
cover entire Saudi Arabia (after Almazroui, 2010). Tabouk watershed.
In arid environment like Saudi Arabia and Jordan, rainfall Also, this study proposed a modern and progressive flash
patterns exhibit strong temporal and spatial variability, flood management scheme that would emphasize on
particularly during heavy rainfall storm event and enhancing soil infiltration and runoff attenuation by
localized flash floods (Almazroui, 2010). Throughout the construction facilities that would absorb water such as
last few decades, the kingdom has witnessed several flood rain gardens and bio swales, rainwater collection systems,
events and it has been cost a lot of damages to public and and water reuse systems. We formulated five proposals
private properties and deaths and human causalities. For for flood mitigation derived from BMP techniques for the
example, the most intense flood was the 2009 event in purposes of storm water management. Various flood
Jeddah and other areas of Makkah Province (western mitigation structural measures proposed by hydraulic
coast of the kingdom) (Huffman, Bolvin, 2009). Civil engineers and biologists will be checked for the purpose
defence officials described the flood as the worst in the 30 of proposing operational plans responses to be
years. implemented once flash flood occur. The implementations
Rainfall gauge stations are distributed across the kingdom of these proposal required a coordinated effort between
as shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows 10-year climatology all parties involved and to be conducted on a long-term
observed by satellite (Habib and Nasrollahi, 2009). Most policy.
ARID LANDS FLOOD EVALUATION AND MITIGATION MEASURES USING HEC-HMS MODEL AND BMPS 623
3.2. Climate of Tabouk Various flood scenarios with different return period
The climate of Tabouk city is dry most of the year, it has (different probabilities) can be tested. Such analysis is
occasionally influenced by Mediterranean Sea climate. invaluable to predict flood occurrence and to protect
Mean annual temperature in summer is about 28 Co and human lives and their properties (Figure 7). Also, it helps
12 Co in winter. Average annual rainfall is about 20 mm as in protecting flood mitigation structures by considering
shown in Figures 5 and 6. Evaporation rates are high and the safety check floods (i.e., maximum peak flow which
is almost about 40 mm. In winter season, sometimes the the dam can withstand without risk of failure and low-
penetration of cool Mediterranean air mass brings frontal probability but devastating dam-breaks).
rainfall events with high intensities (Alsharan and others,
2001).
2018). Follow to this section a brief description of the adverse impact of this response that in some cases of
model employed in this project is provided. delayed peak may become associated with other runoff
As we've mentioned earlier to this section, the HEC-HMS minor events which ultimately will increase flood hazards
model contains three main sub-models. The basin model downstream. Commonly, two significant parameters in
provides watershed physical elements (i.e., subwatershed flood mitigation; size of bottom outlet and its storage
areas, reaches, junctions, diversions, reservoir, sources capacity. Large runoff volumes can fill up storage capacity
and sinks, and hydrologic model for each element as quickly and thus there is a great need for flow control
shown in Figure 13. Terrain processing module (ArcHydro) structures (flow weirs and over spillway devices) to be
was used to delineate basin and sub-basin boundaries as provided to drain excess flows (Liu et al., 2021). Usually,
networks as needed for the basin model. DEMs data was flood risks drop consequently after overflows happen (Lai
obtained using an existing contour map 1:100,000 scale. et al., 2020).
HEC-HMS model was employed to calculate initial model On the other hand, small flow outlet reaches faster the
variables using model default values. HEC-GeoHMS then maximum storage capacity which permit earlier mitigation
was used to develop soil maps and land use maps, CN for actions.
each grid was assigned (10 m x 10 m resolution).
Averaging method linked within spatial analyst module of
ArcGIS was used to evaluate the weighted CN values for
each sub watershed. CN values were approximately in the
range of 83-95 for studied sub watersheds.
This study shows that basin-hydraulic responses are in the
form of runoff hydrographs and tables for hydrologic
characteristics (such as, peak discharges, time to peak and
lag time). Runoff, infiltration rates and interception are
presented in the form of a numeric form. Table 1 display
the main hydrological values used in this modeling.
Repeated revisions for storms of return periods 2, 10, and
100 years at different durations of 0.75, 1.25 and 1.75
hours were employed and analyzed. Analysis proved that
least frequent storms (large return period) bring rain
more than the most frequent ones (small return period).
HEC-HMS model calculate runoff volume rates in the
range from 0.04 to 0.77 cm/hr. Figure 8 show the runoff
distribution for two sub-basins within the study area.
Table 1. Primary values used in the HEC-HMS model runoff
calculations Figure 8. Physical characteristics for selected sub-basins
Variable Value considered in the HEC-HEM modeling. (a) Stream network, (b)
Rain fall duration (hr) 2.20 Soil type and (c) Runoff values.
Rainfall intensity (cm/hr) 0.87
Area ratio (RA) 0.25 4.3. Flood mitigation measures
Length ratio (RL) 2.00 Low cost and nonstructural structures used in mitigation
Bifurcation ratio (RB) 2.00 floods in urban settings are commonly known as Best
Management Practice (BMP). Non-structural measures
4.2. Construction of dray dams
are used in rural areas. These structural measures are
This study analyzed and assessed the impacts of used to reverse the disturbances caused by urbanization,
constructing a dray dam across floodplain, the dam has a many of these structures proven promising efficiency for
bottom outlet for the purpose of discharging main controlling and lessen damages caused by flash flooding
channel flow. All hydraulic, hydrological, and civil and combined sewer systems (Glas et al., 2020). Selection
engineering characteristics were described inconsistency of these mitigation structures are usually considered
with typology thus minimize impacts of river biodiversity. entire watershed characteristics, technical feasibility,
Outflows that exceed conduit capacity have been economical aspect, sustainability, environmental integrity,
modified. and public acceptance. Determination of the BMPs to
Figure 9a shows the dry dams' responses to various flood propose will be based on past and practical experience
magnitudes differently. Two types of dry dams are gained upon the implementation and monitoring of these
proposed, dam#1 with H=2 m, h= 1.25 m, and dam32; H=4 mitigation measures. In addition, theoretical and common
m, h= 1.25 m. All calculations were taken at 1000 m engineering sense will be used for the purpose of the
downstream of the dry dams. Outflow discharges are assessment. It is a learning by doing process based as
shown in Figure 9b. Primarily, the existence dry dams shown in Figure 10. Two main principles are embedded in
affect the hydraulics of flash flood by delaying peak flows this practice, namely promoting natural drainage systems
while it's obvious that flood waves last longer. The and urbanized surfaces. It combines both storm water
626 BDOUR
components and flood control components (Bathrellos et An extended detention basin is a structure that permit a
al., 2016). temporal storage for runoff. The design of such structure
with outlet device detains and attenuated the outflow
runoff and allow settling of sediments. Usually, EDB has
multistage facility for storage and attenuation. EDB
provides a better management tool for storm water
quantitatively and qualitatively. Expected removal of
suspended solids varies from 40-70 percent, mainly
depending on the designed settling time of the basin.
Figure 9. (a) dry dams construction effects; (b) computed Figure 11. An extended detention basin basic Components.
hydrographs delay and attenuation.
Typical components of EDB are shown in Figure 11.
Storage volume and detention time parameters must be
designed carefully for an extended detention basin.
Detention time usually defined as the time from
maximum storage is reached in the basin till 10 percent of
that storage remains in the basin. The combination of the
two parameters would control the outflow runoffs
velocities and travel times. Eventually, the construction of
such structure must slowly drain outflows and
consequently increase detention time. Furthermore,
design should provide enough detention time to ensure
the treatment of runoff volumes generated by storm
event. Better efficiency can be achieved for orifice
diameter greater than 9 cm.
4.3.2. Land erosion control
Sedimentation and soil erosion control measures should
be coordinated with any construction of land undergoing
development. Control measures like berms, mulching, silt
traps and others are recommended to put into service in
conjunction with infrastructure grading operations and
before the construction of any increment of urbanization
or land development. These measures are crucial for the
removal of suspended sediments from runoff sormwaters
draining from urban areas. Furthermore, stream banks
should be maintained and stabilized, removal of
vegetation covers and cut of trees should be prohibited.
Construction of roads, drainage improvements work, and
Figure 10. BMP low-cost structural measures. utility rights of way may consider as exceptional case.
Pavement with concrete or asphalt within trees zones
Herein, we formulated five proposals for flood mitigation should not be allowed. Installation of permanent
techniques for the purposes of storm water management. vegetation cover should be installed immediately as soon
as all utilities are in place and final grading phase is
4.3.1. An extended detention basins (EDB) design criteria achieved.
ARID LANDS FLOOD EVALUATION AND MITIGATION MEASURES USING HEC-HMS MODEL AND BMPS 627
Runoff attenuation and retention structures should Simulation results proved that least frequent storms (large
preserve natural topography and vegetation, where return period) bring rain more than the most frequent
possible. All constructed mitigation measure (on-site) ones (small return period). HEC-HMS model calculate
should be properly monitored and maintained by the runoff volume rates in the range from 0.04 to 0.77 cm/hr.
owner of this site. This practice is important to operate Also, results shows that the HEC-HMS model is capable of
these facilities appropriately and not become a source of simulating runoff-based event.
nuisance to public. For example, Stagnant water and
improper storage may result excessive algae growth and
uncontrolled runoff volumes, respectively. Outlet’s
conduits should be designed to prevent or to minimize
stream bed erosion.
4.3.3. Source control measures
In rural areas, where a natural and undeveloped
watershed exists, the spatial distribution of runoff is in the
form of mobilized small volumes which result in slowing
down the runoff flow volumes. Usually, wetlands, flood
plains, previous soils, and natural depressions are good
storages for such small waters. Urbanization and
development may cause serious damage to these natural
ways of attenuation and cleaning storm runoff though
decreasing permeability of soil, removing vegetation
cover, altering this natural way and transforming into
culverts and channels, and finally by leveling off the
irregular natural ground surface (Poulard et al., 2010).
• To prevent flood consequences in arid lands, the Groundwater Recharge in a Desert Environment. The
management plans should be comprehensiveness in Southwestern United States, Eds. Hogan, J.F., Phillips, F.M.
terms of storm water drainage, pollution control, and and Scanlon, B.R. Water Science and Application 9, American
flood mitigation as well. Geophysical Union, pp. 77–99.
Gupta, R. (2001). Hydrology and Hydraulic Systems. Waveland
• Public participation and data accessibility are key press, USA.
practices to build the trust between officials and the Habib E.H., and Nasrollahi N. (2009). Evaluation of TRMM-TMPA
public to reach a successful management tool. satellite rainfall estimates over arid regions. American
This study proposes multi-alternative tool which may help Geophysical Union. Fall Meeting 2009, 2009AGUFM.H2012A
in applying flood mitigation measures using well defined 2002H.
structures/methods. Certainly, managers need immediate Huffman G.J., and Bolvin D.T. (2009). TRMM and Other Data
Precipitation Data Set Documentation. Laboratory for
responses and operational plans – when a flood occurs,
Atmospheres, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and
the demand for such action is robust. Managers and
Science Systems and Applications, Inc. Available at:
decision makers need quick and efficient plans to respond
http://precip.gsfc.nasa.gov/pub/trmmdocs/3B42_43B43_do
to flood prior to their occurrence. More research is c.pdf.
needed on case-by-case bases to find the most Jenkins K., Surminski S., Hall J., and Crick F. (2017). Assessing
appropriate and efficient management scheme. The surface water flood risk and management strategies under
linkage between conceptual approach and the operational future climate change. Science Total Environment, 595, 159–
plans is necessary to facilitate the transfer of knowledge 168.
and the exchange of technicalities from side to side and Lai C., Chen X., Wang Z., Yu H., and Bai X. (2020). Flood risk
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Acknowledgement
Liu W.-C., Hsieh T.-H., and Liu H.-M. (2021). Flood risk
Author of this work would like to thank the Centre of assessment in urban areas of Southern Taiwan.
Environmental Education, Ministry of Environment, Saudi Arabia Sustainability, 13(6), 3180. doi:10.3390/su13063180.
for their support and assistance during the course of this study. Loucks, and Loucks D.P. (2006). Modeling and managing the
Conflicts of Interest interactions between hydrology, ecology and economics.
Journal of Hydrology, 328, 408–416.
The authors declare no conflict of interest. Lowe R., and Arnbjerg-Nielsen K. (2020). Urban pluvial flood risk
Data Availability Statement assessment-data resolution and spatial scale when
developing screening approaches on the microscale. Natural
All data will be available upon the request of reviewers.
Hazards and Earth System Sciences, 20, 981–997.
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