A Review of the Research on the Impact of Climate Change on the Flood Hydrology of Large Dams

Abstract

Climate change primarily caused by greenhouse gas emissions, is expected to accelerate the hydrological cycle which may lead to more frequent extreme rainfall events. This will lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of floods in a catchment area. Low-income countries are particularly vulnerable, facing higher risks and suffering greater economic consequences since their recent investments on water-related infrastructure are at stake. India stands out as a prime illustration of a nation greatly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, primarily because of the escalating intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall occurrences. Thus there shall be frequent floods and the safety of already existing water infrastructure viz. Dams, weirs and barrages of different sizes, bridges and other water retaining structures may be at stake. Thus there is a need for an effective flood management study. In summary, floods are increasingly becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change and land use changes. Their significant impacts on societies, economies, and the environment necessitate understanding the changing hydrological cycle, developing adaptation strategies, and considering societal factors for effective flood risk management. The hydrological modelling of the extreme rainfall events to evaluate the expected flood is a key for the management. This review focuses on hydrological modeling research concerning extreme events and flood forecasting using various hydrological models.