Climate Resiliency: Application of GIS Methods to Assess Flood Risk, Vulnerability, Potential Impacts, and Resiliency in Hidalgo County, Texas

Author

Joe F. Chavez, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Disaster Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Dean Kyne

Second Advisor

Dr. William Donner

Third Advisor

Dr. Arlett Lomeli

Abstract

A contemporary concern towards the increased force of storms and massive rainfall occurrences caused by climate change are issues that can cause socio-economic disturbances, destruction of property, and loss of life. The implementation of techniques towards enhancing preparedness, planning, and mitigation, such as assessing risk and vulnerabilities through a Geographic Information System (GIS), can promote climate resiliency. This study measures the risk and vulnerabilities of assets within Hidalgo County through GIS spatial analysis. STATA and GIS results were used to summarize the number of vulnerable assets and assets at risk as well as assets exposed to flooding at the County and City scale. Data analysis results obtained for the major cities of Edinburg, McAllen, and Mission indicated a large proportion of aged buildings located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA's) such as 100-year and 500-year flood zones.

Comments

Copyright 2020 Joe Chavez. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/climate-resiliency-application-gis-methods-assess/docview/2566016405/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Chavez, Joe F., "Climate Resiliency: Application of GIS Methods to Assess Flood Risk, Vulnerability, Potential Impacts, and Resiliency in Hidalgo County, Texas" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 635.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/635