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Burst flooding in Singapore: An emerging urban flooding type revealed by high-temporal-resolution observations
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Type
Article
Citation
Lommen, D., Wang, J., Su, H., Zhi, X., Wang, X., Park, E., Zhang, H., Lee, J., & Wong, M. C. (2024). Burst flooding in Singapore: An emerging urban flooding type revealed by high-temporal-resolution observations. Environmental Research Letters, 20(1), Article 014012. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad975c
Author
Lommen, Dave
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Su, Hui
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Zhi, Xiefei
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Wang, Xianfeng
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Zhang, Hugh
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Lee, Joshua
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Wong, Meei Chyi
Abstract
Urbanisation significantly alters the interaction between land surface and the lower troposphere, impacting occurrences of natural hazards. The influence of urbanisation on natural hazards like heatwaves, hailstorms, and flooding remains debated. However, it is well established that impervious surfaces in urban areas can lead to flooding amplification. Singapore, amidst rapid urbanisation, experiences frequent flooding, exacerbated by its tropical-monsoon climate and climate change. Utilising high-temporal-resolution rainfall data from 2017 onwards, we examined the dynamics of urban flooding in Singapore. In total, 108 flooding events were reported for the period 2017–2023, all of a transient nature, primarily linked to cloudbursts. Based on the unique precipitation characteristics associated with urban flash flooding, the term 'burst flooding' is introduced to refer to urban floods caused by intense, short-duration rainfall events. A notable increase in cloudburst occurrences in November and December during La Niña years emphasises the role of global climate phenomena in local weather.
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Journal
Environmental Research Letters
Description
The open access publication is available at: https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad975c
Project
RP 5/22 WJY
Grant ID
RG74/22
MOET2EP10121-0008
MOET32022-0006
Funding Agency
Ministry of Education, Singapore