Groundwater flooding
Periods of abnormally high rainfall can result in groundwater flooding of basements and the emergence of groundwater at the ground surface, causing damage to property and infrastructure.
The BGS has one of the largest groups of scientists researching groundwater flooding. This includes aspects such as improving our understanding of groundwater flooding mechanisms, modelling groundwater flooding and mapping susceptible areas.
Understanding groundwater flooding mechanisms
Groundwater flooding can occur in a range of geological settings. BGS has undertaken research to assess the mechanisms for groundwater flooding in the two most vulnerable settings; areas of outcrop Chalk and river valleys underlain by permeable superficial deposits.
Selected research:
- Improving the understanding of the controls on groundwater flooding at the regional scale
- Groundwater and flooding in Oxford
- The Flood1 project
Modelling groundwater flooding
BGS has developed numerical and statistical models to allow prediction of groundwater level responses during flood events. Models have been applied in case studies to support the design of flood alleviation schemes.
- Groundwater and flooding in Forres
- Linking models for improved groundwater flood simulation
- Hydrological extremes and feedbacks in the changing water cycle (HydEF)
Areas susceptible to groundwater flooding
BGS has used its expertise along with its geological and groundwater level data holdings to develop maps of areas susceptible to groundwater flooding. These have been used to support groundwater flood risk assessments.
- Susceptibility to groundwater flooding dataset
- Estimating the number of properties at risk from groundwater flooding
General information on groundwater flooding
For home buyers, planners and anyone that thinks they have been affected by groundwater flooding.
Contact
Contact David Macdonald for further information.
