Potential flooding expected for Ottawa river this weekend
Members of the media may directly contact the following experts:
Tom Al (English only)
Full Professor, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science
Professor Al is a hydrogeologist, and his research is focused on understanding geochemical reaction processes between groundwater and minerals that affect the transport and distribution of natural and anthropogenic (contaminant) species.
“There is little capacity for storing water from rainfall in the subsurface because parts of the catchment may still have frozen soils, and if not frozen, the ground is saturated from all the previous rainfall. Any additional rainfall must then rapidly flow to the river and contribute to the elevated flood risk.”
Hossein Bonakdari (English & French)
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Professor Bonakdari’s research focuses on climate change, flooding, water-related risks, design of climate change resilient water infrastructures, and sustainable water resources management.
“Spring flooding, resulting from the combined effects of rainfall and snowmelt, is a key driver of the current rise in Ottawa River water levels. With flows expected to continue increasing, there is a heightened risk of localized flooding in vulnerable areas.”