The Application of Numerical Simulation in Debris Flow Disaster Early Warning: A Case Study of Shiyang Gully, China

This study explores the application of numerical simulation in debris flow disaster early warning, using the Shiyang Gully in China as a case study. Using both the HEC-HMS and FLO-2D, the 18 June 2017 debris flow event was reconstructed to analyze the impacts of cumulative rainfall, rainfall intensi...

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Main Authors: Hao Zheng, Lanlan Guo, Jifu Liu, Bin Chen, Lianyou Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Land
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/1/181
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author Hao Zheng
Lanlan Guo
Jifu Liu
Bin Chen
Lianyou Liu
author_facet Hao Zheng
Lanlan Guo
Jifu Liu
Bin Chen
Lianyou Liu
author_sort Hao Zheng
collection DOAJ
description This study explores the application of numerical simulation in debris flow disaster early warning, using the Shiyang Gully in China as a case study. Using both the HEC-HMS and FLO-2D, the 18 June 2017 debris flow event was reconstructed to analyze the impacts of cumulative rainfall, rainfall intensity, and rainfall range on debris flow hazards. Simulation results showed that cumulative rainfall exceeding 90 mm or rainfall intensity surpassing 200 mm/8 h significantly increases debris flow depth, impact force, and affected areas, leading to severe structural damage. Expanding the rainfall range to the entire basin further amplifies disaster risks, increasing both inundation depth and exposed elements. Based on these findings, a four-tier debris flow early warning system was developed: (1) blue (IV) warning for cumulative rainfall of up to and including 20 mm or intensity of 200 mm/24 h, indicating preparation and monitoring; (2) yellow (III) warning for rainfall exceeding 20 mm but below 60 mm, requiring enhanced inspections and safety measures; (3) orange (II) warning for rainfall between 60 and 90 mm or intensity of 200 mm/12 h, necessitating immediate evacuation preparations; and (4) red (I) warning for rainfall over 90 mm or intensity of 200 mm/8 h, demanding full evacuation and emergency responses. This study demonstrates the value of numerical simulation in refining early warning systems by integrating multi-scenario analyses of rainfall parameters. The proposed system offers scientific and practical insights for enhancing debris flow disaster management, particularly in small, high-risk watersheds, providing a framework for cross-regional disaster mitigation strategies.
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spelling doaj-art-d13f36ce8d33468fb9888f7dc97dbb4e2025-01-24T13:38:13ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2025-01-0114118110.3390/land14010181The Application of Numerical Simulation in Debris Flow Disaster Early Warning: A Case Study of Shiyang Gully, ChinaHao Zheng0Lanlan Guo1Jifu Liu2Bin Chen3Lianyou Liu4Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Natural Disasters, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, ChinaKey Laboratory of Environmental Change and Natural Disasters, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, ChinaKey Laboratory of Environmental Change and Natural Disasters, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, ChinaSchool of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, ChinaKey Laboratory of Environmental Change and Natural Disasters, Ministry of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, ChinaThis study explores the application of numerical simulation in debris flow disaster early warning, using the Shiyang Gully in China as a case study. Using both the HEC-HMS and FLO-2D, the 18 June 2017 debris flow event was reconstructed to analyze the impacts of cumulative rainfall, rainfall intensity, and rainfall range on debris flow hazards. Simulation results showed that cumulative rainfall exceeding 90 mm or rainfall intensity surpassing 200 mm/8 h significantly increases debris flow depth, impact force, and affected areas, leading to severe structural damage. Expanding the rainfall range to the entire basin further amplifies disaster risks, increasing both inundation depth and exposed elements. Based on these findings, a four-tier debris flow early warning system was developed: (1) blue (IV) warning for cumulative rainfall of up to and including 20 mm or intensity of 200 mm/24 h, indicating preparation and monitoring; (2) yellow (III) warning for rainfall exceeding 20 mm but below 60 mm, requiring enhanced inspections and safety measures; (3) orange (II) warning for rainfall between 60 and 90 mm or intensity of 200 mm/12 h, necessitating immediate evacuation preparations; and (4) red (I) warning for rainfall over 90 mm or intensity of 200 mm/8 h, demanding full evacuation and emergency responses. This study demonstrates the value of numerical simulation in refining early warning systems by integrating multi-scenario analyses of rainfall parameters. The proposed system offers scientific and practical insights for enhancing debris flow disaster management, particularly in small, high-risk watersheds, providing a framework for cross-regional disaster mitigation strategies.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/1/181debris flownumerical simulationFLO-2D modelrainfallearly warningShiyang Gully, China
spellingShingle Hao Zheng
Lanlan Guo
Jifu Liu
Bin Chen
Lianyou Liu
The Application of Numerical Simulation in Debris Flow Disaster Early Warning: A Case Study of Shiyang Gully, China
Land
debris flow
numerical simulation
FLO-2D model
rainfall
early warning
Shiyang Gully, China
title The Application of Numerical Simulation in Debris Flow Disaster Early Warning: A Case Study of Shiyang Gully, China
title_full The Application of Numerical Simulation in Debris Flow Disaster Early Warning: A Case Study of Shiyang Gully, China
title_fullStr The Application of Numerical Simulation in Debris Flow Disaster Early Warning: A Case Study of Shiyang Gully, China
title_full_unstemmed The Application of Numerical Simulation in Debris Flow Disaster Early Warning: A Case Study of Shiyang Gully, China
title_short The Application of Numerical Simulation in Debris Flow Disaster Early Warning: A Case Study of Shiyang Gully, China
title_sort application of numerical simulation in debris flow disaster early warning a case study of shiyang gully china
topic debris flow
numerical simulation
FLO-2D model
rainfall
early warning
Shiyang Gully, China
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/1/181
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