Hard and Soft Engineering

Question 1

Hard engineering

Answer 1

Strategies that involve the building or alteration of the course/structure of the river- aim is to reduce frequency & magnitude of flood events & therefore reduce damage

Question 2

Soft engineering

Answer 2

Strategies that involve working with nature to reduce the risk and impact of flooding

Question 3

Reasons for Hard Engineering (5)

Answer 3

1. Reduction of flooding & protection of property/infrastructure
2. Creates jobs; building & maintaining
3. Increase water supply e.g. River Nile
4. better navigation e.g. Mississippi River
5. Allows energy to be created e.g. HE on Colorado River

Question 4

Reasons against Hard Engineering (5)

Answer 4

1. Can lead to destruction of habitats along river bank (including in it e.g. River Dolphin in China)
2. Can be visually intrusive
3. Can dramatically increase peak discharge, duration & timing of floods downstream
4. Expensive to build & maintain
5. Straightening river can lead to greater downstream erosion & upstream deposition