Historical changes in frequency of extreme floods in Prague

Abstract

This study presents a flood frequency analysis for the Vltava River catchment using a major profile in Prague. The estimates of peak discharges for the pre-instrumental period of 1118-1824 based on documentary sources were carried out using different approaches. 187 flood peak discharges derived for the pre-instrumental period augmented 150 records for the instrumental period of 1825-2013. Flood selection was based on Q10 criteria. Six flood-rich periods in total were identified for 1118-2013. Results of this study correspond with similar studies published earlier for some central European catchments, except for the period around 1750. Presented results indicate that the territory of the present Czech Republic might have experienced extreme floods in the past, comparable - with regard to peak discharge (higher than or equal to Q10) and frequency - to the flood events recorded recently.