Final answer:
The Rational Method is a mathematical formula used to calculate the peak stormwater runoff rate from a watershed, and it is key in assessing flooding risk. Flood Recurrence Intervals indicate the probability of a flood occurring in a given year but do not predict exact timings. For hurricane storm surge and broader flood risks, more advanced computational models are applied. The correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Rational Method is a mathematical approach used in engineering to calculate the peak stormwater runoff rate from a watershed. It is often used to assess flooding risks and guide the design of drainage systems. The formula is Q = CiA, where 'Q' is the peak discharge (runoff rate), 'C' is the runoff coefficient, 'i' is the rainfall intensity, and 'A' is the area of the watershed. This method does not directly calculate the amount of rainfall or predict hurricane storm surge but is concerned with estimating the runoff from a rainfall event.
Flood Recurrence Intervals express the probability that a flood of a certain magnitude will occur in a given year. For example, a '3-year flood' suggests a 1-in-3 chance that such an event will happen in any given year. This is similar to the probability of rolling a specific number on a dice. Importantly, this does not guarantee that floods will occur at regular intervals; multiple floods can happen in rapid succession or be spaced out over many years.
When considering flood risk and storm surge from hurricanes, computational models that integrate force and energy equations, along with energy budgets from solar inputs, are typically employed. These models are more complex and consider a range of atmospheric variables to forecast events like hurricane paths and impacts.
Hence, Option c is correct.