Analysis of Indigenous Knowledge Components of Flood Management and Flood Potential in the Kan-Soleqhan Watershed

Document Type : Applied Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Geomorphology, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

2 PhD Student of Geomorphology, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

3 Professor of Geomorphology, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/jhsci.2026.406829.908

Abstract

Objective: Floods are among the most destructive environmental hazards, causing severe damage and casualties to residential areas and infrastructure each year. Despite advances in technology and structural flood management measures, vulnerability has increased due to climate change and land-use changes. This study aimed to analyze the components of indigenous knowledge in flood management within the Kan-Soleqhan watershed and to assess the flood potential of its sub-basins. Methods: The research was conducted in two stages. First, indigenous knowledge components were examined using questionnaire data analyzed through structural equation modeling. Second, hydrological modeling was performed with HEC-HMS software to estimate flood potential across the sub-basins. Historical flood events, including the Imamzadeh Davoud flood (1952) and the Mordad flood (1962), were used as contextual references. Results: The findings revealed that among the components of indigenous knowledge, understanding floodplain behavior was the most significant factor. Hydrological simulations indicated that the Imamzadeh Davoud, Randan, and Doab sub-basins exhibit the highest flood risk, whereas the Heryas and Soleqhan sub-basins show the lowest potential. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with modern structural and non-structural flood management approaches. Such integration can support the development of a comprehensive flood management framework for the Kan Basin, enhancing prevention, preparedness, and response strategies, and ultimately reducing damages and casualties from future floods.    

Keywords

References

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Environmental Management Hazards
Volume 12, Issue 3
October 2025
Pages 283-296

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