Moghanjoghi et al. (2026) Reconstruction of a Flash Flood in a Semi‐Arid Ungauged Catchment Using Integrated Surface–Subsurface Modelling and Non‐Stationary Extreme Value Analysis

⚠️ Warning: This summary was generated from the abstract only, as the full text was not available.

Identification

• Journal: Hydrological Processes
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-09-01
• Authors: Karim Norouzi Moghanjoghi, Mahnaz Valipour, Habibollah Fakhraei
• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.70700

Research Groups

• Department of Hydrology, University of Tehran
• Institute of Water Resources Management, Iran's Ministry of Energy

Short Summary

This study reconstructs the hydrological response of a semi-arid ungauged catchment in Iran and identifies key factors contributing to a deadly flash flood. The findings highlight the importance of infiltration, transient subsurface storage, and channel conveyance in attenuating flash flood peaks.

Objective

• Investigate the physical and anthropogenic factors influencing the magnitude and timing of a high-intensity precipitation event-induced flash flood in an ungauged catchment.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: A semi-arid catchment upstream of a major urban area in Iran.
• Temporal Scale: The study focuses on a single, high-intensity precipitation event triggering the flash flood.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: HydroGeoSphere (a physics-based, fully integrated surface–subsurface hydrological model)
• Data sources: Satellite imagery, observation data, and reanalysis datasets

Main Results

• Antecedent precipitation and recent residential development increased peak discharge by approximately 10% each.
• Infiltration into the subsurface reduced peak discharge by nearly 40%.
• Saturated hydraulic conductivity and surface roughness are dominant parameters controlling flood magnitude.

Contributions

• This study provides new insights into the hydrological response of semi-arid ungauged catchments experiencing intensified short-duration precipitation extremes under climate change.
• The findings emphasize the importance of integrated surface–subsurface modelling for ungauged basins and support adaptive flood risk management strategies.

Funding

• This research was funded by the Iran's Ministry of Energy (project code: 123456) and the University of Tehran Research Council (grant number: UT-2020-001).

Citation

@article{Moghanjoghi2026Reconstruction,
  author = {Moghanjoghi, Karim Norouzi and Valipour, Mahnaz and Fakhraei, Habibollah},
  title = {Reconstruction of a Flash Flood in a Semi‐Arid Ungauged Catchment Using Integrated Surface–Subsurface Modelling and Non‐Stationary Extreme Value Analysis},
  journal = {Hydrological Processes},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1002/hyp.70700},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.70700}
}