ABSTRACT

Floods can occur from a variety of sources and originate through both natural and artificial means. The characteristics of each type of flooding can vary widely and as a result it is crucial that adaptation strategies are bespoke, to address each individual flood risk context. Coastal flooding comes from seaward sources, including sea level rise, storm surges, tsunamis, storms and tidal flooding. Tides are a contributing factor for most types of coastal flooding, but they can also exacerbate inland and groundwater flooding. River flooding, also known as ‘fluvial’ flooding, primarily occurs when rainfall from periods of sustained or intense downpour enters watercourses such as rivers and causes water levels to exceed the capacity of the channel. Groundwater flooding typically occurs when a higher than normal volume of rainfall infiltrates the ground and causes the water table to permeate the surface. Sewer flooding can be unexpected and often causes widespread damage and contamination throughout a community.