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SMU Data Science Review

Abstract

Abstract. In this paper, we present an innovative framework for evaluating the increased risk of flash flooding in areas that have been subjected to wildfires. Wildfires cause large-scale damage to an area’s soil and vegetation thus increasing both the likelihood and severity of flash flooding. Utilizing remote sensing to analyze aerial imagery of areas that have been affected by wildfires, we can investigate how much a landscape has changed and how that may adversely affect downstream areas in the event of a flash flooding event. There are currently no established frameworks from which downstream local officials can quickly assess the impact of a wildfire on the likelihood for flash floods in their area. The creation of flood maps from hydrologic and hydraulic models can take months due to the political nature of the discussion between local officials, insurance agents, and land developers. Our primary objective is to ensure the public’s safety. Therefore, we developed a framework for quickly updating flood maps and preparing communities in response to a sudden environmental change.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

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