The recent and tragic events that occurred in Spain with the latest Today have revealed – once again – the extraordinary destructive capacity that the torrential floods generated by these meteorological phenomenawith a high cost in human lives and serious material damage.
Him high volume of water produced by the intense rains and the great speed with which it moves, it causes not only that large areas are flooded, but also the flow of water brings great energy. This makes it capable of breaking and mobilizing everything in its path in just a few minutes (so the English term for this type of flood, flash floods).
Thus, the immediate effects are, in addition to the flooding itself, the displacement of tons of sludge, the breaking and flooding of buildings and infrastructures and the dragging of other materials and objects – of different volume and weight – over vast areas and large distances. , initially where the flood arrives.
These processes, which occur very rapidly, will generate impacts that will last over time. On the one hand they generate geomorphological changes that alter the dynamics of river currents and the evolution and functions of soils due to erosion and sedimentation. On the other hand, there will be floor sealing and the contamination of these and of the masses of continental surface and underground waters, and also of marine waters near the coasts.
Dispersion and accumulation of contaminants
With the mobilization of pollutants and waste (understood as any object or material dragged by the current) there is on the one hand a dispersion of polluting substances and on the other an accumulation of these where the flood or current arrives. it no longer has the energy capable of mobilizing matter or where this accumulation takes place disables drainage, purification and sanitation systems.
There are three of them mechanisms of transport of pollutants through water. Two of them,suspension and entrainment,have to do with the mobilization of solids (be they particles,colloids or objects).The other,with the mobilization of substances dissolved in water.
Accumulation mechanisms, in turn, will be associated with these mobilization mechanisms. In this way, the accumulation of solids – for example through sedimentation – It is indeed closely related to the energetic conditions of the water currentwhile, in the case of dissolved contaminants, accumulation has to do with physical and physico-chemical processes (such as evaporation or adsorption).
The process of entrainment and transport in a high-energy flow introduces an additional factor that will significantly complicate the removal and management of waste and solid contaminants, as they appear highly mixed and buried in the sludge.
The origin of pollution
A torrential flood can affect agricultural, urban and industrial areas and, therefore, led to the release of various pollutants.
In agricultural areas, the removal of material from soils can cause the mobilization of fertilizers and plant protection products.
In urban areas (including streets), pollutants range from cleaning products, cosmetics and medicines to heavy metals, fuels, automotive fluids and sewage.
Pollution deriving from industrial areas can be very serious in terms of type and intensity and lead to the release and mobilization of significant volumes of very different toxic substances.
It may happen that torrential floods hit large infrastructures for the production, treatment or storage of chemical products and waste, producing a “technological accident” (technological event triggered by a natural hazard ornatech“) in which they could release large quantities of extremely
All these aspects determine the great complexity of the pollution problem linked to torrential floods, which makes its adoption necessary different approaches to the management of conventional waste and the remediation of contaminated environments.
Such approaches necessarily require a global (considering the different environments involved, their current impacts and their evolution over time) and integrative (taking into account all the agents involved and the available tools) management plan. This plan, essential for the social, economic and environmental recovery of the affected areas, must be designed and implemented very quickly. Otherwise, populations and ecosystems will be exposed to serious future damage.
How can communities better prepare for extreme weather events like floods?
Interview: The Impact of Recent Torrential Floods in Spain
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we are joined by Dr.Elena Rodriguez, an environmental scientist with a specialization in hydrology and the effects of extreme weather events. Thank you for joining us, Dr. rodriguez.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: Thank you for having me.It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: The recent torrential floods in Spain have been devastating, causing loss of life and important material damage. Can you explain the phenomenon of DANA and why it leads to such severe flooding?
Dr.Elena Rodriguez: DANA, or “Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos,” refers to an isolated depression at high levels in the atmosphere that can lead to intense, concentrated rainfall. This occurs when warm, moist air meets colder air aloft, creating unstable conditions that can unleash a large volume of rain in a very short period. The high velocity of this water can generate flash floods, which are especially hazardous and destructive.
Time.news Editor: Those flash floods are associated with rapid, intense rainfall. What happens during these events when the landscape is suddenly inundated with such high volumes of water?
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: The immediate impact is catastrophic. Floodwaters can displace tons of sludge, collapse buildings, destroy infrastructure, and carry various materials over vast distances. This rapid movement of water generates significant energy capable of eroding landscapes and reshaping river courses. The longer-term consequences can include sedimentation and erosion, which significantly alter ecosystems and agricultural land.
Time.news editor: The article highlights that these floods not only cause immediate harm but can also lead to geomorphological changes. How does this affect the environment over time?
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: Very importantly, the geomorphological changes from flooding can disrupt natural water flow patterns. As a notable example, altered river channels can lead to increased flooding in areas that where previously safe. Moreover, the sealing of soil surfaces and contamination of water sources can impact agriculture and biodiversity long after the floodwaters recede. This can have economic repercussions as well, especially in regions dependent on agriculture and tourism.
Time.news Editor: It’s alarming to consider the long-term effects. The mobilization of pollutants during flooding is also a concern. How does this occur?
Dr.Elena Rodriguez: Indeed, the rapid flow of water acts as a conveyor belt for pollutants. There are three key mechanisms at play: suspension, entrainment, and accumulation. Pollutants can be suspended in the water, carried along by the flow, or dissolved into the water. Once the energy of that flow diminishes, contaminants settle, and this can lead to significant accumulation of harmful substances in ecosystems, impacting both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Time.news Editor: What can be done to mitigate such extensive environmental and infrastructural impacts moving forward?
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: Mitigation involves a combination of better urban planning, maintaining and enhancing green spaces to absorb runoff, and improving drainage systems. Additionally, investing in early warning systems can help communities prepare for extreme weather events. It’s also essential to address climate change, as increasing temperatures are exacerbating the frequency and intensity of these storms.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for yoru insights into this urgent issue. It’s clear that understanding and preparing for extreme weather events is critical for the safety and health of our communities and environment.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: Thank you for the chance to discuss this vital topic. Awareness and education are key to fostering resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Time.news editor: We appreciate your time today. Thank you to our readers for tuning in!