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Flood Prediction Using Machine Learning Models: Literature Review (1908.02781v1)

Published 7 Aug 2019 in cs.LG and stat.ML

Abstract: Floods are among the most destructive natural disasters, which are highly complex to model. The research on the advancement of flood prediction models contributed to risk reduction, policy suggestion, minimization of the loss of human life, and reduction the property damage associated with floods. To mimic the complex mathematical expressions of physical processes of floods, during the past two decades, ML methods contributed highly in the advancement of prediction systems providing better performance and cost-effective solutions. Due to the vast benefits and potential of ML, its popularity dramatically increased among hydrologists. Researchers through introducing novel ML methods and hybridizing of the existing ones aim at discovering more accurate and efficient prediction models. The main contribution of this paper is to demonstrate the state of the art of ML models in flood prediction and to give insight into the most suitable models. In this paper, the literature where ML models were benchmarked through a qualitative analysis of robustness, accuracy, effectiveness, and speed are particularly investigated to provide an extensive overview on the various ML algorithms used in the field. The performance comparison of ML models presents an in-depth understanding of the different techniques within the framework of a comprehensive evaluation and discussion. As a result, this paper introduces the most promising prediction methods for both long-term and short-term floods. Furthermore, the major trends in improving the quality of the flood prediction models are investigated. Among them, hybridization, data decomposition, algorithm ensemble, and model optimization are reported as the most effective strategies for the improvement of ML methods.

Citations (941)

Summary

  • The paper categorizes flood prediction models into single and hybrid methods while analyzing short- and long-term applications.
  • The paper conducts qualitative comparisons using performance metrics like RMSE and R² to evaluate accuracy, robustness, and speed.
  • The paper identifies trends in ensemble techniques, hybridization, and data decomposition that advance the reliability of flood forecasts.

Overview of "Flood Prediction Using Machine Learning: Literature Review"

The paper "Flood Prediction Using Machine Learning: Literature Review" by Amir Mosavi, Pinar Ozturk, and Kwok-wing Chau provides a comprehensive examination of the advancements in flood prediction models facilitated by ML over the past two decades. The authors review various ML methods, their applications, and their effectiveness in flood prediction tasks. The focus is on understanding which methods offer superior performance in terms of accuracy, robustness, efficiency, and computational speed.

Key Contributions

  1. Categorization of ML Models:
    • The paper categorizes flood prediction models into single methods and hybrid methods.
    • A further distinction between short-term and long-term flood prediction is made.
  2. Comparison and Performance Evaluation:
    • The authors perform a qualitative analysis of major ML algorithms based on robustness, accuracy, effectiveness, and speed.
    • Detailed numerical comparisons using performance metrics such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R²) are provided.
  3. Trends in ML for Flood Prediction:
    • Four significant trends are identified: hybridization of ML methods, data decomposition techniques, ensemble methods, and model optimization.

Short-Term Flood Prediction

Single ML Methods

  • Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs):
    • Widely applied due to their parallel processing capabilities and fault tolerance.
    • ANN models showed higher accuracy compared to traditional statistical models, especially for hourly rainfall predictions and streamflow forecasting.
  • Support Vector Machines (SVM):
    • SVMs are recognized for their generalization ability and effectiveness in nonlinear classification.
    • They outperform ANNs in some instances, particularly for very short lead times.
  • Decision Trees (DT):
    • Various implementations like CART and Random Forest (RF) are used.
    • They provide fast and accurate predictions, with models like ADT being effective for determining flood-susceptible areas.

Hybrid ML Methods

  • Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS):
    • Combines ANN and fuzzy logic for accurate and robust predictions.
    • Particularly effective for real-time flash flood estimation with high accuracy.
  • Wavelet Neural Network (WNN):
    • Integrates wavelet decomposition with neural networks to enhance data quality and prediction accuracy.
    • Effective for daily and short-term predictions.
  • Advanced Hybrid Models:
    • Ensemble methods like EPS combine multiple algorithms to improve prediction accuracy and generalization.
    • Models such as WBANN and RSVRCPSO show promising results for precise rainfall and flood forecasts.

Long-Term Flood Prediction

Single ML Methods

  • ANN Variants:
    • Used extensively for their ability to handle incomplete datasets and perform well over longer periods.
    • Variations like BPNN and MLP offer reliable predictions for seasonal and monthly forecasts but face generalization issues.
  • SVMs and SVRs:
    • Demonstrated high accuracy for long-term streamflow and discharge predictions.
    • Superior to ANNs in some benchmarks, particularly for monthly and annual predictions.

Hybrid ML Methods

  • Wavelet Transform Models:
    • Combined with ML methods for enhanced performance via data decomposition.
    • Models like WARM and WNN enhanced with autoregressive techniques show high accuracy for year-long predictions.
  • ANFIS and Advanced Hybrids:
    • Outperform single ML methods in terms of accuracy and stability.
    • Successful in applications ranging from monthly discharge forecasts to annual rainfall predictions.

Implications and Future Directions

The paper's extensive survey and comparative analysis suggest that ML models, particularly hybrid and ensemble techniques, significantly enhance flood prediction accuracy. The integration of decomposition techniques and optimization algorithms appears to be a promising direction for future research, potentially leading to more reliable predictive models.

The findings also highlight the importance of big data and robust datasets in training ML models for flood prediction. As climate change continues to impact hydrological patterns, the ability to predict floods accurately becomes increasingly critical for mitigating risks and guiding policy decisions.

By systematically categorizing and evaluating various ML methods, this paper provides a valuable resource for hydrologists and climate scientists. It offers insights into the effectiveness of different ML approaches and sets the stage for further exploration into advanced hybrid models and data-driven prediction systems in hydrology.