Assessment of the flash flood potential of Bâsca River Catchment (Romania) based on physiographic factors

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify areas with high flash-flood potential based on an evaluation of physiographic factors controlling the formation of surface runoff. The research method relies on the use of the Flash Flood Potential Index (FFPI), which incorporates physiographic characteristics from the catchment (terrain slope, profile curvature, land use and soil texture). The spatial distribution of the physiographic factors (which contribute to the creation, control and concentration within the drainage network of the overland flow) and the classified zoning of areas according to their hydrological response were achieved with GIS techniques. The results obtained show that physiographic factors on 227 sq km (29%) favor surface runoff on slopes and its localization towards the drainage network. Notably, the highest values of FFPI belong to the lower part of the catchment, where high human population density can be found, reflecting an increased vulnerability to floods and inundations of this area.