We created detailed flood models for the RFSAN which identify the risk of both fluvial flooding, where rivers burst their banks, and pluvial flooding, where ground becomes saturated from rainfall.

We modelled all the flood data at our Brighton offices, with some remote in-country help from RFSAN’s Jordan office. Parameters for intensity-duration-frequency equations were sourced from existing research, including academic journal articles and technical reports. This allowed us to overlay rain data onto topographical datasets.

We used satellite images and worked out parameters for infiltration (how well water soaks into the surfaces it falls onto) by analysing surfaces in the various regions – soil, rock, tarmac, etc. This too was added to the model.

Our flood maps gave indications of how much of an area would be flooded (potential flood extent), and flood depth. They also offered multiple return periods, defined by different amounts and types of rainfall.