Guillaume Piton – Geomorphology researcher
December 2024
Floods and debris flows are little-known phenomena that are particularly complex to understand. The materials they carry cause major damage to infrastructure such as bridges, roads and buildings. The Directorate General for Risk Prevention (DGPR) of the Ministry of the Environment has been INRAE’s long-standing partner on the issue of flood and torrential flood prevention. At its request, Guillaume Piton’s team has been involved in supporting the reconstruction of several villages affected by catastrophic events. These events have provided scientists with large datasets that are invaluable for understanding floods and debris flows, and transferring this knowledge to practitioners and government departments.
Discover our thematic dossier
Thematic dossier
30 years of research into flood prevention
The risk of flooding is the leading natural hazard in France in terms of impact and extent. As experts in water-related risks, six INRAE scientific teams are helping to implement flood prevention policy. They are working on tools and methods for forecasting and preventing this risk, as presented in this dossier.
For over 30 years, INRAE scientists have been involved in developing and improving current flood forecasting and prevention tools. They carry out research into the risks associated with river and torrential overflow and run-off. This research covers both flood forecasting and hazard prediction, as well as risk prevention and flood protection.
Today, these activities are mainly carried out by the AQUA department and six research units spread across France. They form the basis of a collaboration with the General Directorate for Risk Prevention (DGPR) of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion.
