A - Flood Control Flashcards
What is a flood embankment with sluice gates?
Structure to control flood, may raise levels upstream/downstream.
What is a drawback of channel enlargement for flood control?
Enlarged channels can become clogged with weeds.
What is a flood-relief channel?
A secondary channel for floodwater, used when original channel can’t be modified.
Give an example of flood-relief channels.
Flood-relief channels around Oxford, UK.
What are intercepting channels?
Channels that divert part of the flow, e.g., Great Ouse Protection Scheme, UK.
What is the purpose of flood storage reservoirs?
Store water for supply and flood control, e.g., Loughton Brook, UK.
Why is settlement removal rare as a flood control measure?
High cost, though used in 1993 Mississippi floods in Valmeyer, Illinois.
What modifications can be made to river channels for flood control?
Raising banks, straightening, and creating new flood-relief channels.
How are channels strengthened to prevent erosion?
With steel or concrete.
What is the purpose of artificial levees?
To increase river bank height and contain more water and sediment.
How can levees control water distribution on flood plains?
By diverting water to low-value land areas.
How long is the Mississippi River levee system?
Over 4,500 km.
What is the purpose of dredging in flood control?
To increase the carrying capacity by removing sediment from the river bed.
