Soil loss is one of the main common challenges at global level related to intensified rainfall events with ever-greater flow rates and runoff volumes, due to climate change. In this context, the adoption of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) could control the runoff volumes and the sediment transfer process, guaranteeing environmental and social benefits. This study aims (i) to evaluate the sediment production in the Pietrarossa reservoir upstream catchment (about 259 km2, Eastern Sicily) in order to avoid the reservoir siltation and to maximize its life span by using a hydrological model (HEC-HMS), and (ii) to suitably locate NBS for runoff and sediment control, through a Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MDCA) considering different feasibility and priority factors. In particular, simulations were performed for 3 different return periods (50, 100 e 300 years) and 13 rainfall events selected from data collected by Aidone pluviographic station (2002–2019). Furthermore, the model was calibrated by using runoff values computed with a rainfall-runoff model, due to the lack of measurements by a hydrometric station. Preliminary results showed a good model reliability between the observed and simulated runoff values, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.57. Moreover, the sediment production computed at event scale, by using the MUSLE equation within HEC-HMS model, was in the range of about 1–30 ton/ha for each sub-basin. Finally, the MDCA allowed to identify the NBS typology and location for a better resource saving and allocation. The proposed approach could be used as a tool to support decision makers to invest in NBS.
Multicriteria Analysis to Locate Nature-Based Solutions for Runoff and Sediment Control: The Case Study of Pietrarossa River
Sciuto L.;Giuffrida E. R.;Scavera V.
;Longo-Minnolo Giuseppe.;Cirelli G. L.;Barbagallo S.;Licciardello F.
2025-01-01
Abstract
Soil loss is one of the main common challenges at global level related to intensified rainfall events with ever-greater flow rates and runoff volumes, due to climate change. In this context, the adoption of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) could control the runoff volumes and the sediment transfer process, guaranteeing environmental and social benefits. This study aims (i) to evaluate the sediment production in the Pietrarossa reservoir upstream catchment (about 259 km2, Eastern Sicily) in order to avoid the reservoir siltation and to maximize its life span by using a hydrological model (HEC-HMS), and (ii) to suitably locate NBS for runoff and sediment control, through a Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MDCA) considering different feasibility and priority factors. In particular, simulations were performed for 3 different return periods (50, 100 e 300 years) and 13 rainfall events selected from data collected by Aidone pluviographic station (2002–2019). Furthermore, the model was calibrated by using runoff values computed with a rainfall-runoff model, due to the lack of measurements by a hydrometric station. Preliminary results showed a good model reliability between the observed and simulated runoff values, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.57. Moreover, the sediment production computed at event scale, by using the MUSLE equation within HEC-HMS model, was in the range of about 1–30 ton/ha for each sub-basin. Finally, the MDCA allowed to identify the NBS typology and location for a better resource saving and allocation. The proposed approach could be used as a tool to support decision makers to invest in NBS.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
