A Methodical Assessment of Floodplains in Mixed Land Covers Encompassing Bridges in Alabama State: Implications of Spatial Land Cover Characteristics on Flood Vulnerability

The mixed land covers encompassing bridges (MLB) are integral indicator of the socio-economic hydrological system, and their progressions vital for flood risk assessment. However, most previous studies have neglected a thorough evaluation MLBs (e.g., types, areas, depths) on impacting vulnerability. This paper addresses this research gap by methodically assessing spatial characteristics in floodplains divergent impacts vulnerability using four case Alabama State USA. bridge data were synthesized from United States Geological Survey National Bridge Inventory, respectively. A union Hydrologic Engineering Center's-River Analysis System (HEC-RAS), Geographic Information System, Surface Difference Model employed to retrieve water surface profiles floodplain assessments MLBs. results highlighted that occurrence was more correlated depths compared areas Alabama. contribution diverse producing deep (19%) shallow (30%) 49%, while medium impacted only 4% highest lowest noticed pastures forests, Overall, findings implied individual is multifaceted with spatially varying cover distribution. Further, it recommended vulnerability, stakeholders should focus not but also its dynamic characteristics.