Date of Graduation

12-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Geography (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Geosciences

Advisor/Mentor

Paradise, Thomas R.

Committee Member

Davidson, Fiona M.

Second Committee Member

Erickson, Kirstin C.

Keywords

Flooding; Frecuency; Juan Diaz Township; Magnitude; Republic of Panama; Urban Development

Abstract

The increase in flood occurrences in the Township of Juan Diaz has affected thousands of families and hundreds of businesses and has negatively impacted the lives of thousands of residents, who expect the worse every time there is a prolonged period of rain. Some of the residents lose their appliances, cars, furniture and houses every year. This study examines the relationship between urban development and flooding. Also, it addresses the influences of topography, green cover, population changes, runoff changes, and social dynamics on this relationship. This study implemented the use of thematic cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), personal interviews and field observations to ascertain if there a strict relationship between urban development and flooding. The results of this study indicate that there are correlations between urban development and flooding. As the impervious surfaces increase so does flood magnitude (runoff) and frequency (number of flood occurrences). Also, this study demonstrates that the magnitude and frequency of flooding is closely related to deforestation, the topography and hydrography of the land, and the exponential increase in population currently affecting Panama.

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