Hard and Soft Engineering Methods

Question 1

What is a Dam

Answer 1

A dam is essentially a giant wall built across the river channel, water builds up behind the wall, and is released at a controlled rate.

Question 2

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dams

Answer 2

Can be used to generate HEP and reservoir can be used for recreation

It is expensive and if a dam fails its calamitous

Question 3

Embankments and Levees advantages and disadvantages

Answer 3

When soil and rocks are piled along the sides of the river

increase CAPACITY TO HOLD MORE WATER which in turn reduces the risk of flooding.

Increases flood risk through creating impermeable flooding. They can look ugly and they require maintenance

Question 4

Flood walls advantages and disadvantages

Answer 4

Walls built along the river where space is limited and there may be only narrow areas beside rivers

Expensive do not look natural and restrict access to river side

Question 5

Straightening the river

Answer 5

Cutting off meanders resulting in water moving through faster and not building up and flooding

Makes it easier to navigate, however they can return to original natural course, increasing speed at which the water moves through