Hard engineering

Question 1

What is hard engineering?

Answer 1

man-made structures that reduce flooding

Question 2

Name general disadvantages of hard engineering

Answer 2

Expensive to build and maintain and need technical skill
Floods happen less often, but are more hazardous.
Natural processes are disrupted.

Question 3

What are dams and name disadvantages/advantages?

Answer 3

Huge walls built across rivers, floodwater is caught by the dam which prevents flooding downstream

Advantages: Turbines in the dam generate electricity and people can use the reservoir for recreational activities

Disadvantages: Very expensive and land is flooded when a reservoir is created. This destroys farmland and forces people to move

Question 4

What are man-made levees and name disadvantages/advantages?

Answer 4

Embankments built along rivers. It allows the river to hold more water

Advantages: the floodplain can be built upon

Disadvantages: Expensive and there’s a risk of severe flooding if the levees are breached