FLOOD SUSCEPTIBILITY ANALYSIS USING HAND AND ITU MODELS INTEGRATED WITH LAND USE: APPLICATION IN A WATERSHED
Abstract
The Cubatão do Norte River Watershed (Santa Catarina, Brazil) presents recurrent flooding events, aggravated by unplanned urbanization, soil sealing, and inadequate channelization. This study aims to identify flood-prone areas through the integration of the HAND (Height Above Nearest Drainage) and TWI (Topographic Wetness Index) models, combined with land use and land cover analysis, supported by geotechnologies and morphometric models. The methodology consisted of applying the HAND and TWI models alongside land use and land cover analysis within a GIS (Geographic Information System) environment. Data were processed using ArcGIS 10.8 software with the TauDEM extension, based on a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) with a 1-meter spatial resolution. The results showed that the areas most susceptible to flooding are concentrated in urbanized zones near the watershed outlet. The integrated approach proved to be an effective tool for diagnosing hydrologically vulnerable areas, providing support for urban planning and environmental risk management.
Author Biographies
Master’s student in Environmental Sciences at the State University of Santa Catarina, with a FAPESC scholarship, and holds a degree in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering from the same institution. Works as an Environmental Engineering resident at the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Santa Catarina, preparing technical opinions, analyzing environmental licensing processes, and drafting documents in administrative procedures. Has experience in environmental consulting and Forest Stewardship Council certification, with work in internal audits, environmental studies, and technical reports.
Environmental and Sanitary Engineer graduated from the State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC). Works as an environmental analyst, with experience in planning, organization, and processing of technical and administrative documents, as well as in the preparation and review of environmental studies and reports related to licensing and environmental management. Has experience in geoprocessing, spatial analysis, and handling of geospatial data, as well as interpretation of urban planning projects, dams, and sanitation systems, including water treatment plants (WTP) and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP).
Basic Sanitation Technician and Environmental and Sanitary Engineer, with a solid technical and scientific background focused on water resources management, pollution control, and corporate sustainability. Postgraduate student in Environmental Auditing, Management and Licensing, enhancing knowledge in legislation, compliance, and licensing processes. Developing specialization in ESG and Sustainability, focused on implementing environmental, social, and governance practices that generate strategic value for organizations.
Undergraduate student in Environmental and Sanitary Engineering, with experience in environmental education projects, including the socio-environmental workshop “Awaken and Raise Awareness,” developed in schools in the region, and the Viva Parnamul Project, carried out in a Strict Protection Conservation Unit.
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and Urbanism from Fundação Universidade Regional de Blumenau (2002), postgraduate specialization in Urban and Regional Planning and Management from the same institution (2006), and Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences from the State University of Santa Catarina (2026). Worked as a Territorial Planning Advisor at the Association of Municipalities of Alto Vale do Itajaí – AMAVI (2005–2022).
Postdoctoral researcher (PNPD/CAPES) in the Graduate Program in Plant Genetic Resources at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), with a project carried out in partnership with EPAGRI/CIRAM. PhD in Meteorology from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) (2010), Master’s Degree in Meteorology from INPE (2004), and Bachelor’s Degree in Meteorology from the Federal University of Pelotas/RS (UFPEL) (2001). Currently a professor at the State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC) and in the Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences at the Lages campus. Has experience in the following areas: Meteorological Phenomena, Climatology, Extreme Events, Climate Change, Climate Modeling, Environmental Education, Impact Analysis, and Climate Adaptation and Vulnerability across different sectors.
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