Author(s): Linmei Nie; Paul Christen Rohr; Hege Hisdal
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Floods; Structural flood control measures; Non-structural measures; Climate change
Abstract: In Norway, floods are triggered by rainfall, or rainfall in combination with snowmelt. Most rivers have two or more flood seasons primarily in spring and autumn. Spring flood are the results of snowmelt often in combination with rainfall. These floods are typical floods in large inland river basins in eastern and northern Norway as well as in the mountain areas. Autumn floods are the results of intensive rainfall and commonly occur in the coastal regions. This paper aims to give an overview of flood situations and flood control in Norway. Historical floods and their damage are summarized. Structural flood control works and design flood frequencies are introduced. Non-structural flood mitigation measures, i. e. the hydrological observation stations and the data base, flood forecasting and warning system, emergency flood plan and social flood aid are described. In addition, environmentally-based flood mitigation and climate change which constitute important parts of flood control are addressed as well. Finally, the challenges of flooding and flood control in the future are highlighted.
Year: 2004