Formulating orbifold Euler characteristics of quotient singularities with applications to Rhine valley flood frequency

A novel application of orbifold Euler characteristics to flood frequency analysis reveals four distinct flood regime clusters along the Rhine Valley, each linked to specific quotient singularity types. The study leverages algebraic and topological methods to derive computational formulas for these characteristics, connecting them to Banach space techniques for convergence analysis. Using discharge records from 22 gauging stations spanning 1950–2022, researchers found that the orbifold-based model significantly improved flood frequency predictions compared to standard Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) fits, with a 14.8-unit improvement in the Akaike Information Criterion. The approach also correctly ranked 19 of 22 stations by observed flood frequency, demonstrating its robustness and accuracy.

Hegde, N. (2025). Formulating orbifold Euler characteristics of quotient singularities with applications to Rhine valley flood frequency. International Journal of Statistics and Applied Mathematics, 10(10), 139–142. https://doi.org/10.22271/maths.2025.v10.i10b.2434