Hard Engineering - Rivers Flashcards
What is hard engineering in geography?
Hard engineering refers to man-made structures built to control natural processes, such as coastal defenses and river embankments.
What is the purpose of hard engineering?
The purpose of hard engineering is to reduce the impact of natural hazards, such as flooding or erosion, on human activities and infrastructure.
What are examples of hard engineering methods used in coastal areas?
Examples of hard engineering methods in coastal areas include sea walls, groynes, and rock armor.
What is the main advantage of using hard engineering in managing rivers?
The main advantage of using hard engineering in managing rivers is that it provides immediate protection against flooding and erosion.
What are the potential drawbacks of hard engineering approaches?
Potential drawbacks of hard engineering approaches include high cost, environmental impacts, and the risk of creating new problems downstream.
True or False: Hard engineering methods are always effective in preventing natural hazards.
False
Fill in the blank: Hard engineering strategies are often used in urban areas to ____________ flooding.
reduce
What is the term for the process of moving sediment along a coastline due to wave action?
Longshore drift
What is the purpose of building groynes along a coastline?
The purpose of building groynes along a coastline is to trap sediment and build up beaches.
What is the role of revetments in coastal defense?
Revetments are sloping structures built to absorb and deflect wave energy, protecting the coast from erosion.
What is the main goal of using hard engineering in river management?
The main goal of using hard engineering in river management is to reduce the risk of flooding and protect human settlements.
What is the term for the artificial raising of river banks to contain floodwaters?
Embankment
What is the purpose of constructing flood relief channels?
The purpose of constructing flood relief channels is to divert excess water away from populated areas during periods of high rainfall.
True or False: Hard engineering methods can have negative impacts on the environment.
True
What is the term for the gradual wearing away of rock or soil by natural processes?
Erosion
What is the primary factor that drives the need for hard engineering interventions in coastal areas?
Sea level rise
Fill in the blank: Hard engineering structures can disrupt natural ____________ processes.
erosion
What is the term for the process of removing sediment from one location and depositing it in another?
Dredging
What is the primary goal of using hard engineering in coastal areas?
The primary goal of using hard engineering in coastal areas is to protect infrastructure and prevent erosion.
What are the potential consequences of relying solely on hard engineering for flood management?
The potential consequences of relying solely on hard engineering for flood management include increased flood risk downstream and environmental degradation.
True or False: Hard engineering methods are permanent solutions to natural hazards.
False
What is the term for the natural process of rivers depositing sediment along their banks?
Accretion
What is the main challenge associated with hard engineering approaches in river management?
The main challenge associated with hard engineering approaches in river management is maintaining and repairing structures over time.
What is the term for the process of removing material from a river channel to improve flow?
Channelization
What are the key considerations when implementing hard engineering strategies in coastal areas?
Key considerations when implementing hard engineering strategies in coastal areas include cost, environmental impact, and long-term effectiveness.
What is the term for the process of land being submerged by water?
Inundation
What is the primary objective of using hard engineering in managing coastal erosion?
The primary objective of using hard engineering in managing coastal erosion is to stabilize coastlines and protect property.
True or False: Hard engineering methods can alter natural habitats and ecosystems.
True
What is the term for the process of waves breaking down and carrying away material from a coastline?
Erosion
What is the main advantage of using hard engineering in coastal erosion control?
The main advantage of using hard engineering in coastal erosion control is the immediate protection it provides to vulnerable areas.
What is the term for the artificial structures built perpendicular to the coastline to trap sediment?
Groynes
What is the purpose of constructing seawalls along coastlines?
The purpose of constructing seawalls along coastlines is to protect against wave erosion and flooding.
What is the term for the process of water overflowing onto normally dry land?
Flooding
What is the main concern associated with constructing hard engineering structures in river management?
The main concern associated with constructing hard engineering structures in river management is the potential impact on downstream areas.
What is the term for the process of rivers eroding their banks due to high flow rates?
Bank erosion
What is the primary benefit of using hard engineering in coastal defense?
The primary benefit of using hard engineering in coastal defense is the protection it offers to human settlements and infrastructure.
True or False: Hard engineering methods can completely eliminate the risk of natural hazards.
False
What is the term for the process of sand and sediment being transported along a coastline?
Longshore drift
What is the primary drawback of relying solely on hard engineering for flood management?
The primary drawback of relying solely on hard engineering for flood management is the potential for increased flood risk downstream.
What is the term for the process of waves wearing away the base of a cliff?
Wave-cutting
What is the main purpose of using hard engineering in river flood management?
The main purpose of using hard engineering in river flood management is to protect settlements and infrastructure from inundation.
What is the term for the process of sediment being carried downstream by a river?
Sediment transport
What is the role of gabions in hard engineering?
Gabions are wire cages filled with rocks used to stabilize riverbanks and prevent erosion.
What is the term for the process of water settling on the ground due to heavy rainfall?
Runoff
What is the primary goal of using hard engineering in coastal management?
The primary goal of using hard engineering in coastal management is to protect coastal communities and infrastructure from erosion and flooding.
