Modelling the water balance of vegetated areas in urban or heavily artificialised environments

Context and challenges

The project is part of an approach aimed at better managing stormwater and reducing the urban heat-island effect through vegetation. In cities, however, conditions are particular: the presence of buildings, roads and other features alters water inputs as well as radiation. These constraints directly influence the water functioning of vegetation, making a better understanding of these interactions in an urban context necessary.

Objectives and methods

The main objective is to develop a water-balance model specific to urban constraints (urban canyons, roads, etc.) where water resources and radiation are modified by the surrounding built environment. The model’s results will be compared with in-situ measurements in a few case studies.