Flood

• What is the purpose of different strategies to stop floods?

  To mitigate their impact
• How can engineering reduce the risk of flooding?

  By implementing flood control measures
• What are the two types of strategies to deal with flooding?

  1. Hard engineering

  • Man-made structures to control river flow

  1. Soft engineering

  • Schemes using knowledge of river processes
• What is hard engineering in flood management?

  Man-made structures to control river flow
• What is soft engineering in flood management?

  Using knowledge of river processes to reduce effects
• What is a key debate regarding flood management strategies?

  Which strategies are the most effective
• What is a dam?

  A huge wall built across a river
• What is the purpose of a reservoir?

  To store water behind a dam
• What do reservoirs store?

  Water
• When do reservoirs reduce the risk of flooding?

  During heavy rain periods
• How can water in reservoirs be used?

  As drinking water and for hydroelectric power
• What is a disadvantage of building a dam?

  It is very expensive
• What happens to land upstream of a dam?

  It gets flooded
• What happens to eroded material in a reservoir?

  It is deposited in the reservoir
• How does a river's natural course change due to a dam?

  It becomes less fertile
• What do straightened channels do to a river's flow?

  They speed it up
• What is the effect of building artificial straight channels?

  They cut off meanders
• How does water move out of a reservoir?

  More quickly than in natural rivers
• What can happen downstream due to faster water flow?

  Increased erosion
• What is a consequence of flooding occurring downstream?

  It can happen more frequently
• What are flood walls also known as?

  Embankments
• Where are raised walls typically built?

  Along river banks
• What is the effect of a river being able to hold more water?

  It floods less frequently
• What is the main goal of flood management strategies?

  To protect buildings
• What is the relationship between flood management and building safety?

  Effective management protects buildings
• How do flood management strategies impact the environment?

  They can alter natural ecosystems
• What happens to erosion downstream in a river?

  Erosion increases downstream
• Why are flood walls built along river banks?

  To hold more water and prevent flooding
• How do raised walls affect flooding frequency?

  They reduce flooding frequency by holding more water
• What is the risk associated with raised flood walls?

  Severe flooding if water rises above walls
• What are flood relief channels built for?

  To divert water around important areas
• How do flood relief channels help during high water levels?

  They divert water to prevent flooding
• What happens if flood relief channels are blocked?

  Flooding can occur in the surrounding areas
• What is the impact of flood warnings on communities?

  They give people time to prepare and evacuate
• How can people receive flood warnings?

  Through TV, radio, newspapers, and internet
• What is the purpose of flood preparation plans?

  To reduce damage and ensure safety during floods
• How do modified buildings help during floods?

  They reduce potential damage from flooding
• What should people do when a flood warning is issued?

  Move possessions to higher ground
• Why might people not heed flood warnings?

  They may not have access to the warnings
• What is a potential consequence of inadequate flood preparation?

  Increased damage and loss of life during floods