event
Tuesday 07 May 2013: Using broad scale modelling to support flood risk management decision making
Dr Jon Wicks - Halcrow / CH2M HILL
Room 170 Harrison 14:00-15:00
Planning for the long term management of flooding should be underpinned by credible evidence of current and future flood risk. Simulation of flood extents and depths is a key component of the evidence base of flood risk analysis but flood modelling can be a time consuming activity. For scenario analysis studies, such as that undertaken on the Taihu Basin in China, the potentially extensive computational and staff time demands of standard flood modelling are compounded by the need for simulations of multiple futures over large areas.
This presentation describes how a credible flood simulation method was selected and implemented for the Taihu Basin within the challenging data, resource and time constraints. The lessons learnt from the study are described and generalised to help inform modelling components of other studies, particularly broad scale analysis for flood risk management planning.
Dr Jon Wicks is a Global Technology Leader for Halcrow / CH2M HILL specialising in flood risk analysis with over 20 years experience of the development and application of modelling and decision support tools. Jon is responsible for the development of the UK’s leading river modelling software (ISIS) and also works on consultancy projects such as Environment Agency investment planning for flood incident management.
Both in the UK and internationally he has worked on many ground breaking projects. In the UK he has worked extensively on the River Thames, leading high profile projects covering flood forecasting, flood mapping and appraisal of strategic options for future management of flood risk through London. Internationally, he has worked in South America, Europe and Asia on major river systems such as the Mekong (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam), Taihu Lake (China) and Rio Salado (Argentina). He has published over 30 papers and regularly presents at conferences.
Since obtaining his doctorate in catchment modelling, Jon’s career has combined IT related research and development activities with the application of tools to help address real world problems.
