26.3.4. Rainfall Intensity

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define rainfall intensity.

   Hint

   Think about how much rain falls in an hour.

2. 2.

   What happens when rainfall intensity exceeds infiltration capacity?

   Hint

   Consider what happens to water when it can’t soak in.

3. 3.

   What is rainfall intensity measured in?

   • Millimeters per minute
   • Millimeters per hour
   • Liters per second

   Hint

   Think about how we measure precipitation.

4. 4.

   True or False: Runoff occurs when infiltration capacity is greater than rainfall intensity.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the definitions we discussed.

5. 5.

   Consider a city experiencing heavy rainfall with an intensity of 80 mm/hr, while its soil has an infiltration capacity of 25 mm/hr. Calculate the runoff rate and discuss potential impacts on urban infrastructure.

   Hint

   Subtract the infiltration capacity from the rainfall intensity to find the excess.

6. 6.

   Propose a comprehensive strategy for a community facing frequent urban flooding due to rainfall intensity that exceeds infiltration capacity. Include measures for both immediate response and long-term solutions.

   Hint

   Consider the layers of mitigation: quick fixes vs. permanent changes.