The aims of this paper are: (1) to present a review
of the methodology of palaeoflood hydrology and a
critical discussion of the associated errors, updating
the 1980s review of Baker (1987); and (2) to highlight
the current role of palaeoflood hydrology in applied
hydrological sciences. Recent research projects have
focused on using palaeoflood data for: (1) improving
flood risk estimation; (2) improving flood frequency
analysis associated with design discharges used in the
planning of large scale hydrological projects, such as
dams; (3) determining flood–climate relationships;
and (4) in assessing long-term water resources in
semi-arid and arid regions which rely on floodwaters
as an important means of recharging shallow alluvial
aquifers.