DRI |
NEW METHOD DEVELOPED TO PREDICT FLOOD HAZARDS AT AIRFIELDS IN ARID ENVIRONMENTS |
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FUTURE DIRECTION This new method can be used effectively to optimize existing airfields built on playas and to assess flood hazards to evaluate playas as potential sites for new installations. The new method will play an instrumental role in the planning and developmental stages for new airfields and surrounding infrastructure. DRI’s model to predict playa flooding characteristics will benefit not only the southwestern United States but also worldwide areas of military concern in three important ways.
Playas serve as natural water basins, and a better capability for predicting frequency and extent of precipitation will support efforts to conserve runoff in drought-impacted regions. This water can be used to supplement other resources by providing potable water for airport operations. Safety and environmental issues at airfields on playas are impacted by migratory birds that use flooded playas as feeding stations and suitable habitat for rest and protection over their long migration journeys. Understanding frequency and duration of flooding events near these airfields may aid in developing mitigation measures to prevent bird-airplane collisions. Developing a capability to predict potential flooding events constitutes a major hurdle in the site-selection process for airfields and air-transport operations. Immense construction, operational, and maintenance savings could be realized simply by situating a facility or installation in an area less prone to flood hazards. DRI’s new predictive tool also could be used to improve management of detention basins, such as those operated by the flood control districts of Clark County in Nevada and Maricopa County in Arizona. —Jennifer Lease For additional information, |
Runways,
flightline operations, and infrastructure must be elevated above standing
water on playa lakes for operations to continue during flood events.
The amount of fill material to achieve the proper elevation represents
a significant cost. Knowing the potential extent of flooding in a certain
area will make it possible to estimate more accurately construction costs
thus enabling better planning and implementation processes.