Enhancing Hydrological Accuracy through Advanced Rating Curves and Gauged Flow Modelling in SA Catchments

About This Project 

Flooding poses a significant concern in South Australia with annual damages exceeding $32 million, as highlighted in the SA Government’s Independent Review of the Extreme Weather Event in September-October 2016. The evolving climate and increased development of floodplains compound the challenges in managing these risks effectively. Accurate estimation of flood risk is critical for infrastructure planning and disaster risk reduction. Recent benchmarking exercises revealed deficiencies in flood estimation accuracy in South Australian catchments within Australian Rainfall and Runoff (ARR), 2019 guidelines. 

Rating curves, which establish water level-discharge relationships at gauging stations are crucial for accurate flow measurement. However, At-site, high-flow discharge measurements at gaugings stations suffer from lower accuracy due to practical constraints, such as high flow velocities and the consequent danger to staff and equipment. Additionally, standard stream gauging stations may fail during large floods, leading to gaps in the flood record. 

The objective of the proposed study is to achieve improved extrapolation rating curve into the high-flow region to enhance flood risk assessment and management. The research findings and the proposed framework aim to empower water authorities to proactively mitigate flood risks and enhance community resilience. Through this research, we aim to significantly enhance the reliability of flood estimates in South Australian catchments, thereby improving input data to the industry standard flood estimation procedures outlined by ARR. This will empower decision-makers and contribute to better management of flood risks and infrastructure planning. In line with national priorities, our project has received funding from the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), established by the Australian government to strengthen the country's resilience and reduce the impact of natural disasters. 

What you’ll do 

The candidate will work on enhancing flood estimation accuracy through refining rating curves and enhancing gauged flow modelling techniques focusing on priority sites within South Australia as case studies. You will formulate a framework to quantify rating curve uncertainty and address site-specific issues. Additionally, you will explore a holistic understanding of flood dynamics near gauge comprehensive 1-D and 2-D floodplain modelling techniques.  By integrating spatial data, including Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) survey data you will develop robust rating curves that better reflect topographical and hydraulic complexities. Engagement with key stakeholders and communication of project findings to stakeholders will occur through steering committee meetings and presentations at national conferences and seminars. The publications in scientific international journals will enable us to disseminate new knowledge to the international research community in the field of flood hydrology. 

Where you’ll be based 

HDR students will be integrated into the UniSA STEM’s HDR cohort, situated at the Mawson Lakes campus, University of South Australia. Financial Support

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $32,500 per annum is available to eligible applicants funded by the Australian government through the Disaster Ready Fund. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $45,076 per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information for domestic students or international students.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to applications from both Domestic and International applicants. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

Additionally, applicants must meet the project selection criteria: 

• Prior qualifications in Civil and/or Environmental Engineering or related disciplines of relevance to the PhD topic.
• Prior involvement in hydrology research or postgraduate studies in relevant fields.
• Ability to work proficiently with spatial data, including Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and LIDAR survey data, for hydrological modelling and analysis. 
• Experience in hydraulic modelling using tools such as HEC-RAS and/or TUFLOW, demonstrating competence in simulating flow dynamics. 
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and/or R to implement and optimise modelling and analysis algorithms, facilitating advanced data processing and interpretation. 
• Effective communication skills, evidenced by publications and presentations.

Applicants are also required to submit a full research proposal (approximately 2500 words) and are encouraged to discuss their research ideas with the principal supervisor A/Prof Guna Hewa. A template to help guide this proposal is available here.

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our Mawson Lakes Campus in the north of Adelaide. Note that international students on a student visa will need to study full-time.

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Tuesday,13th May.