Science Café
March 3 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm CST
Unwind after the workday at Science Café, a happy hour series hosted by Overton Park Conservancy at the Golf Clubhouse. Enjoy drinks and discussion with guest speakers who share fresh perspectives from the world of science. No background knowledge needed—just curiosity!
Flash Floods: Rain, Risk, and Resilience
Flash flooding, known to scientists as Urban Pluvial Flooding, is a type of sudden flooding that happens in cities due to heavy rain that falls very quickly—usually within a few minutes to a couple of hours. This intense precipitation creates a lot of stormwater, which can lead to flooding either because water starts ponding in place, or else because it overwhelms local drainage systems. As Memphians know, flash floods can cause significant damage to property and even loss of life.
In this Science Café, Dr. Claudio Meier will discuss urban resilience in the face of flooding, and “grey” versus “green” stormwater management systems. He’ll also share insights he’s learned from his group’s research on quantifying extreme rainfall, improving modeling, and reducing the risks associated with urban pluvial flooding.
As we approach World Water Day March 22nd, this Science Café will highlight the critical importance of addressing flooding issues to ensure a sustainable future in our urban environments.
Dr. Claudio Meier is Professor of Civil Engineering at The University of Memphis. He is a fly fisherman who in his free time also happened to get a broad education as a Hydraulic-Hydrologic Engineer, but with a twist (a PhD in River Ecology). He was digging streams in his backyard at age 9 (ouch, those water bills…) and has never stopped researching hydraulics and hydrology since then. He has taught in Chile, Mexico, Italy, and Tennessee, and conducts research on extreme rainfall, urban floods, and river processes.
Registration opens 2 weeks in advance!
Questions? Send us an email
Please review our cancellation policy here.
Overton Park Conservancy is the nonprofit organization that has been caring for Memphis’s central green space since 2012. With the generous support of our community, we work each day to make the park a beautiful and welcoming place for all Memphians, as well as a valuable source of urban habitat for wildlife.
The Conservancy must raise roughly 85% of our budget each year from people like you who care about the many things Overton Park has to offer. A gift of any amount helps us maintain and improve the park.
