Key capabilities

Our research for predicting, preventing and managing floods covers these key capabilities: flood forecasting, natural flood management, flood estimation, and building resilience to climate change.

Floods and droughts have the potential for immense destruction of homes, crops, wildlife and infrastructure. Our scientists measure and model water resources in order to help prevent, predict, mitigate and manage the impacts of floods and droughts.

Flood risk to people, buildings and businesses is predicted to rise in coming years, with a significant impact on global health, safety and the economy. Accounting for changes in the climate and land management practices, such as natural flood management interventions, is essential. 

Our hydrological experts develop state-of-the-art flood forecasting models and methods for long-term flood prediction that are used by stakeholders across the UK and internationally to help predict, prevent and manage the impacts of floods.