Flood Management Flashcards
Advantages of
Dams and Reservoirs
Hard Engineering
Reservoirs store and regulate the flow of water. They can be used as a source of drinking water and to generate hydroelectric power
Disadvantages of
Dams and Reservoirs
Hard Engineering
Dams are very expensive and can flood large areas of land, damaging habitats and displacing many people. They can also prevent the transportation of eroded material, reducing the fertility of farmland downstream
Advantages of
River Straightening
Hard Engineering
Because of less friction and the shortened river length, water flows out of an area more quickly, reducing the risk of flooding in the area
Disadvantages of
River Straightening
Hard Engineering
Flooding is more likely to occur downstream as water is carried there more quickly and the fast-flowing water causes greater erosion
Advantages of
Embankments
Hard Engineering
The raised banks enable rivers to hold more wtaer, protecting surrounding towns and cities.
Disadvantages of
Embankments
Hard Engineering
Embankments are expensive and can be unsightly. Devastating floods can result if an embankment fails or if the water level rises over the level of the banking
Advantages of
Flood Relief Channel
Hard Engineering
Urban areas are at less risk from flooding because water is diverted away
Disadvantages of
Flood Relief Channel
Hard Engineering
Flood relief channels are costly, and should river discharge increase significantly, they could overflow and cause severe flooding
Advantages of
Flood Warnings and Preparation
Soft Engineering
Warnings are cheap and give people time to evacuate and protect their homes and possessions. This can also give property owners time to reinforce their buildings to make them more flood-resistant
Disadvantages
Flood Warnings and Preparation
Soft Engineering
Warnings do not stop flooding and are only effective if people are aware of the warnings and take action
Advantages of
Flood Plain Zoning
Soft Engineering
With no impermeable surfaces such as concrete or tarmac, the risk of flooding in flood plains is reduced. Also, there are no buildings that could be damaged should a flood occur
Disadvantages
Flood Plain Zoning
Soft Engineering
Flood plain zoning restricts industrial and urban development, which can increase housing shortages. It has no effect on exisiting high-risk urbanised areas
Advantages of
Planting Trees
Soft Engineering
Planting trees is a low-cost, environmentally friendly way to reduce surface run-off. It also increases natural wildlife habitats and reduces soil erosion
Disadvantages of
Planting Trees
Soft Engineering
Tree planting requires a lot of space and reduces the amount of land available for farming
Advantages of
River Restoration
Soft Engineering
River restoration increases water storage, reducing the risk of flooding downstream. It also makes the river more aesthetically pleasing and increases biodiversity
