Research approach
CapTain Rain aims to help improve current methods and tools for flash flood prediction and prevention. For this purpose, the driving factors of flash floods in Jordan’s wadi systems are analysed and the complex interactions between climate and land use changes and hydraulic engineering measures are deciphered. Based on vulnerability analyses and engineering solutions for water collection and drainage during heavy rainfall events, measures to protect the population are identified.
Climate services (e.g. flash flood risk maps, early warning systems, recommendations for heavy rainfall risk prevention) are developed in close collaboration with Jordanian stakeholders and practice partners, taking into account scientific as well as local practical knowledge. The transdisciplinary research methods of CapTainRain enable a holistic analysis of flash flood hazards and hazard prevention and facilitate the transfer of scientific knowledge into practical measures for climate change adaptation.
(1) analyze the social-ecological drivers of flash floods in Jordan's wadi systems and entangle the complex interactions between climate and land use change to enable a better simulation and prognosis of flash flood events;
(2) assess the social-ecological risk of flash floods using an integrated vulnerability analysis, taking into account the spatial exposure of flash floods, sensitivity and adaptive capacity;
(3) develop climate services for flood-related decision making based on stakeholder dialogues and participatory approaches;
(4) and identify promising measures to improve the adaptive capacity of local communities, including methods and technologies to capture and retain water from heavy rainfall, but also to prevent damages.
An integrated vulnerability analysis of flash floods is carried out in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders, which includes the analysis of the socio-ecological causes of flash floods and the identification, mapping and assessment of flash flood risks (exposure and sensitivity). In addition, risk perceptions are investigated from the perspective of the local population and strategies for adaptation to heavy rainfall events are developed. Model-based scenarios are used to develop and evaluate measures to improve risk preparedness, including technologies to divert and use water from heavy rain events. Climate services for the prevention of heavy rainfall risks are prepared and made available in a participatory manner. The study area includes the capital Amman with its 4.3 million inhabitants in the metropolitan region and the more rural region around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Petra. Both regions have been heavily affected by flash flood events in the past.
Conceptional framework of the integrated vulnerability analysis of flash floods.