Flood and Infrastructure Risk

Floods continue to rank among the most costly natural hazards worldwide, affecting communities and economies across all regions. Our research focuses on developing, enhancing, and applying advanced numerical models capable of accurately and efficiently simulating flood events triggered by extreme weather, storm surges, and other drivers. Beyond capturing the dynamics of flooding itself, we aim to assess risks to critical infrastructure, identify vulnerable areas, and provide decision-makers with actionable insights that support preparedness, resilience, and long-term adaptation strategies.

Models involved: RIFT, Telemac-2D/3D, TRITON, ATS, and FEMA-defined Numerical Models Meeting the Minimum Requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program

Watershed Hydrologic and Biogeochemical Functions

Ecosystem disturbances such as wildfires are dynamic processes that continually alter watershed functions, including but not limited to hydrology, ecology, sediment transport, and water quality. To better understand these changes, we apply state-of-the-art numerical models to evaluate both short- and long-term impacts. Models also play a key role in informing and guiding the development of mitigation strategies, helping to protect ecosystems, water resources, and communities affected by such disturbances.

Models involved: ATS-PFLOTRAN, DHSVM, VIC, MODFLOW, …

Turbulence in Open-Channel Flows

Turbulence in open-channel flow holds fascination and great practical importance. — Rodi

Turbulent transport of momentum, heat and mass dominates many of the fluid flows investigated in physics, fluid mechanics, hydraulic engineering and environmental sciences. — Nezu & Nakagawa

At engineering scales, channel roughness provides a practical proxy for representing energy loss within the boundary layer. However, as we zoom into smaller scales, flow dynamics become far more complex. Our research explores how turbulent flow interacts with riverbeds, riverbanks, sediments, and vegetation, as well as the diverse materials that river water comes into contact with or carries downstream. By investigating these multiscale interactions, we aim to provide deeper insights into the processes that shape channel morphology and transport nutrients/pollutants.

Models involved: OpenFOAM, Telemac-3D, Delft3D, EFDC, …

River Dynamics and Fluvial Geomorphology

Rivers are not static features. They continuously evolve unless constrained by geological formations or human interventions. In some cases, channels can shift by over 200 meters in a single year. Using the 1D, 2D, and 3D models we develop or apply to simulate river flow, sediment transport, bed evolution, and bank erosion, we are equipped to capture the full range of spatiotemporal dynamics in river systems.

Models involved: pyRiverBed, Telemac-2D/3D, Delft3D, …