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Active Archive of Large Floods, 1985-Present

• Global and Regional Analyses

Master Index of Inundation Maps

Surface Water Data Record

River Watch

Other Flood Detection Tools

Sample Images and Maps

Staff

Publications

Current Flooding

Global Count of Large and Very Large Flood Events

Powerpoint file showing locations of all reported flood events, 1985-present.

The Flood Observatory uses orbital remote sensing to detect, measure, and map river discharge and river flooding. It includes:

• River Watch, a satellite-based flood detection and measurement system (example).

• Surface Water Data Record, a comprehensive map and data record of the Earth's changing surface water.

• Active Archive of Large Floods, 1985 to present (basic information concerning known flood events).

• Rapid Response Inundation Maps, produced and published while floods are underway.

GIS data: Starting in October, 2009, we are making available to the general public our flood inundation polygons in .shp format. This is the detailed information depicted in the the Surface Water Data Record and any associated rapid response inundation maps.

See also:

Flood and Drought Map Displays, USA

California Surface Water Data Record

Watershed-based displays of flooding, drought, and runoff

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

DFO facilitates practical use of space-based information for flood detection, flood response, future risk assessment, and water resources research. It is also a contribution towards an operational global surface water observation system. Your inputs are invited.

Flood Observatory Director: Prof. G. Robert Brakenridge, Depts Geography and EarthSciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH USA,03755

This work is made possible by data obtained by NASA, JAXA, ESA, and other space agencies,and by funding support from the Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) department of the World Bank, the Earth Surface and Interior and the Applied Sciences Programs, NASA, the Pacific Disaster Center, and the European Commission's GDACS project, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy. The sustained institutional support of the Departments of Geography and Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College is gratefully acknowledged.