Zonification of areas with inundation risk by means of mathematical modelling in the Rosario region, Argentina

River flood valleys are being subjected to urbanization processes in big cities of the world. Therefore, urban planning strategies based on water resources management must be established to avoid environmental deterioration. The mapping of risk zones by means of mathematical modelling is a tool to carry out control policies of land use and occupation. This paper describes a two-dimensional mathematical model and the determination of inundation risk maps for two rivers in the Rosario region of Argentina. The mapping was made over both Saladillo and Luduefia rivers, for floods of return periods of 50, 100 and 500 years. The studied zones embraced an area of 7000 ha, with a population of 500 000 inhabitants. Based on the results, state and local governments are planning non-structural rules with the associated legislation. The paper concludes that it is important to use flow simulation models for urban planning strategies and water resources management.