## 2 Materials and Methods  
### Related Work  
A promising avenue that has gained prominence in recent years is the adoption of XR systems. While XR systems have witnessed substantial adoption in various realms [13,14], there still remains untapped potential for diverse applications in the hydrological sciences. Creating virtual realities often necessitates the use of visualization construction tools, which, while valuable, have been critiqued for their limitations in user manipulation and control [15]. Furthermore, the utilization of visualization-based software libraries has mitigated the complexities of creating graphical visualizations, albeit at the cost of requiring a certain degree of familiarity with technological systems [15]. Augmented and virtual reality applications present an opportunity to develop fully immersive experiences to recreate real-time and historical disaster scenarios [16] in a controlled experimental environment that allows repetition. In the environmental sciences, applications of XR technology have proliferated with a strong emphasis on education. This can be exemplified by the Virtual Hydrology Observatory, which is designed to augment student learning by offering immersive field experiences from within the classroom setting [17]. Other projects extend the concept to virtual field trips, enabling users to explore geographic locations that are relevant and representative of current topics of study. Such is the case with VR4 Hydro, which allows for digital tours within the catchment of the Gersprenz river in an immersive fashion [18]. XR technology is also being explored for its utility in hydrological visualizations, as evidenced by [PERSON] et al., who integrate augmented reality technology into the visualization of geographic and hydrological information, facilitating real-time data exploration while navigating a modeled terrain [19]. In the realm of XR technologies for environmental disaster management and response, significant strides have been made. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [20] presented Flood Action VR, a virtual reality tool designed for disaster awareness and emergency training, integrating real-time weather data and gamification strategies. They further expanded their research by emphasizing the integration of XR in environmental education, disaster management, and data visualization to enhance decision support and public awareness [21]. Building on these efforts, HoloFlood was developed as an XR framework that simulates flood events and presents damage assessments and population impact visualizations through holographic projections [22]. This system laid the foundation for GeospatialVR, a generalized framework for immersive visualization of diverse environmental hazards such as floods and wildfires, designed to support environmental planning and emergency response [23]. Another notable contribution is from [PERSON] et al. [24], who developed FloodGame, an interactive 3D serious game on flood mitigation for disaster awareness and education. This web-based game focuses on educating users about flood mitigation strategies, using realistic 3D environments to foster community resilience and engagement. Further, XR technology has been effectively used in data visualization and situational analysis, as illustrated by [PERSON] et al. [25], [PERSON] et al. [26], and [PERSON] et al. [27], showcasing its utility in presenting complex environmental data in an accessible format. In immersive disaster simulation, [PERSON] et al. [28] introduced an AR-based tsunami evacuation drill system that challenges users to navigate disaster scenarios within time constraints. [PERSON] et al. [29] developed a gamified disaster evacuation training framework, enhancing disaster response education by immersing users in various scenarios. Finally, [PERSON] et al. [30] utilized VR to simulate floods, integrating hydrological models into a 3D environment, providing a realistic experience of flood scenarios.