DEVELOPING LARGE SCALE AND FAST COMPOUND FLOOD MODELS FOR AUSTRALIAN COASTLINES

The recent 2022 large scale rainfall events in Australia’s east coast have put in evidence the region’s vulnerability to severe flooding events. In the future, climate change and sea level rise are expected to exacerbate these vulnerabilities. Accurate and reliable flood predictions are required to develop effective emergency management practices as well as appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies. During events, detailed predictions of flooding can improve early warning systems and enhance the preparedness of relevant governments and communities. To this end, numerical models capable of simulating compound flooding produced by different drivers (e.g., marine, pluvial and riverine) are needed. These models must also be developed at an appropriate level of detail to produce accurate and relevant flood maps.