Towards Formulation of a Space-borne System for Early Warning of Floods: Can Cost-Effectiveness Outweigh Prediction Uncertainty? |
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Authors: | Faisal Hossain |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, Box 5015, Cookeville, TN 38505-0001, USA |
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Abstract: | The three most important components necessary for functioning of an operational flood warning system are: (1) a rainfall measuring
system; (2) a soil moisture updating system; and, (3) a surface discharge measuring system. Although surface based networks
for these systems can be largely inadequate in many parts of the world, this inadequacy particularly affects the tropics,
which are most vulnerable to flooding hazards. Furthermore, the tropical regions comprise developing countries lacking the
financial resources for such surface-based monitoring. The heritage of research conducted on evaluating the potential for
measuring discharge from space has now morphed into an agenda for a mission dedicated to space-based surface discharge measurements.
This mission juxtaposed with two other upcoming space-based missions: (1) for rainfall measurement (Global Precipitation Measurement,
GPM), and (2) soil moisture measurement (Hydrosphere State, HYDROS), bears promise for designing a fully space-borne system
for early warning of floods. Such a system, if operational, stands to offer tremendous socio-economic benefit to many flood-prone
developing nations of the tropical world. However, there are two competing aspects that need careful assessment to justify
the viability of such a system: (1) cost-effectiveness due to surface data scarcity; and (2) flood prediction uncertainty
due to uncertainty in the remote sensing measurements. This paper presents the flood hazard mitigation opportunities offered
by the assimilation of the three proposed space missions within the context of these two competing aspects. The discussion
is cast from the perspective of current understanding of the prediction uncertainties associated with space-based flood prediction.
A conceptual framework for a fully space-borne system for early-warning of floods is proposed. The need for retrospective
validation of such a system on historical data comprising floods and its associated socio-economic impact is stressed. This
proposal for a fully space-borne system, if pursued through wide interdisciplinary effort as recommended herein, promises
to enhance the utility of the three space missions more than what their individual agenda can be expected to offer. |
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Keywords: | flood hazards early warning systems space-based missions remote sensing prediction uncertainty |
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