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Maureen Anyango Wanzala

Photograph of Maureen Wanzala

Research centres and groups

Research projects

Understanding the Mechanisms of Flood Modelling and Forecasting of Historical Events to Inform Flood Early Warning in Kenya

Three-year research project looking at the mechanisms of flood modelling and forecasting of historical events in test catchments to inform future flood early warning in Kenya. This project involves close collaborations with the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), Kenya Water Resources Authority (WRA) and the Global Flood Awareness (GloFAS) team from the European Centre for Medium Range Forecasting (ECMWF) and is funded through the Commonwealth Scholarships.

The objectives of the project are:

  1. To ascertain whether reanalyses datasets can be useful alternatives inputs to hydrological model
  2. Evaluate the influence of parameter sensitivities and uncertainties on the simulated runoff using different reanalysis products
  3. Assess the implications different flood drivers in simulating catchment stream flows and 4) Assess the predictability skill of high and low flows at extended lead times using the Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS).

Supervisors:

Contact:

Background

I have a BSc and MSc in Meteorology from the University of Nairobi (Kenya). My dissertation at undergraduate was looking at the relationship between surface ozone and water vapour for weather modification over Mount Kenya region using particle dispersion model. This sparked my interest in models including weather and climate models and their usefulness in climate studies and led me to look deeper into them in my MSc.

In Masters, my dissertation focused on the performance of CMIP5 models in simulating the present and future precipitation over the Lake Victoria Basin following the rcp 4.5 and 8.5 emission scenarios.

Prior to commencing my PhD, I have had five years of experience working as a meteorologist in seasonal forecasting and in climate research with particular interest in developing user tailored weather and climate information through coproduction, thus my motivation in looking into flood modelling and forecasting information. I have a special interest in climate science communications, academic writing, public engagement and outreach services.

Websites/blogs