flood prediction The study of rainfall patterns, catchment characteristics, and river hydrographs to predict the future average frequency of occurrence of flood events. Flood predictions seek to estimate the probable discharge which, on average, will be exceeded only once in any particular period, hence the use of such terms as ‘50-year flood’ and ‘100-year flood’. Compare flood forecasting.

flood prediction (flood forecasting) The study of rainfall patterns, catchment characteristics, and river hydrographs to predict the future average frequency of occurrence of flood events. Flood predictions seek to estimate the probable discharge that, on average, will be exceeded only once in any particular period, hence the use of such terms as ‘50-year flood’ and ‘100-year flood’. Compare FLOOD FORECASTING.