OPTIONS FOR ADAPTATION OF URBANIZED AREAS TO CLIMATE CHANGE INDUCED EXTREME RAINFALLS

Abstract

The impacts of the climate change progress in a form of heavy cloudbursts, have been being reported over the course of last decade from many world cities. The consequences of this phenomenon are causing damages to urban infrastructure and private properties, and they affect urban transport as well as other primary city functions. In this respect we should ask question, if and to which extent can our society be protected against these extreme hydrological processes. The paper focuses on current adaptation possibilities of cities and settlements to mitigate the impact of extreme heavy storms resulting in sudden flash floods, regardless of the location and elevation of the particular place. The impact of such cloudbursts on urban drainage performance in the city of Prague is analysed by means of coupled 1D and 2D simulation model supported by DEM and GIS technology as well as services of Google Maps. The influence of climate change in terms of growing rainfall intensities is assessed by an indicator called „Climate Factor“. The authors present that the only way of adapting cities to these rainfall extremes is based on a proper management of rainfall water outflow on the catchment surface.