Integrating Machine Learning and Subsurface Characterization for Improved Urban Flood Modelling and Parameter Optimization

Olalekan Afolabi

Department of Geoscience, Georgia State University, United States.

Zainab Akinsemoyin

Department of Applied Geography, Georgia Southern University, United States.

Emmanuel Essel

Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Michael Oghale Ighofiomoni

Department of Computer Engineering and Systems Engineering, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Nigeria.

Kayode Emmanuel Thompson

Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

Kabir Abiodun Basit

Department of Architecture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

Confidence Adimchi Chinonyerem *

Abia State Polytechnic, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

Flooding is one of the worst natural disasters which endangers lives and hampers economic activities across the globe. Construction and calibration of physical models which includes computational resources and data are the primary components of urban flood modeling. In this research, a paradigm shift is proposed by combining subsurface data with ML methodologies which advance urban flood modeling techniques as well as parameter tuning. Model accuracy and robustness are achieved through parametric value enhancement. The findings obtained shed light on the potential improvements that were observed in urban flood modeling. Such changes will facilitate better management in the contexts of urban infrastructure development, risk assessment, and hydrological resource optimization. The strategic evaluation optimization technique relies on the K-means ANN driven Genetic Algorithm when dealing with urban inundation parameters. This technique identifies sensitive parameter values while also providing optimal results to enhance model effectiveness. Subsequently, the designed inundation model underwent validation through simulating real-world rainfall data followed by an evaluative approach to test the accuracy of the proposed predictive methodology.

Keywords: Flood, integrating, machine learning, modelling, urban, parameter


How to Cite

Afolabi, Olalekan, Zainab Akinsemoyin, Emmanuel Essel, Michael Oghale Ighofiomoni, Kayode Emmanuel Thompson, Kabir Abiodun Basit, and Confidence Adimchi Chinonyerem. 2025. “Integrating Machine Learning and Subsurface Characterization for Improved Urban Flood Modelling and Parameter Optimization”. Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports 19 (7):84-100. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajarr/2025/v19i71083.