Abstract: In this paper,the theory of the Partial duration series(PDS)mode is presented and developed to extracting more information from observed flood data.The PDS model and its derived annual maximum series(AMS)model are reviewed and compared. The Principles for applying the PDS model,such as the independence criteria,the threshold selection and determination of the probability distribution of the number of exceedance events,are summarized.Furthermore,the latest advances in regional flood frequency analysis and on coupling of Bayesian with PDS model were described. Finally,the perspectives of the PDS model are prospected.