Soft Engineering Flashcards
What is the purpose of soft engineering?
to use knowledge of the whole river basin and its processes to try and work with nature
Advantages
Cheaper to maintain- important in poor countries
Flooding more predictable, reduces risk
Improve opportunities for recreation, e.g. fishing
More attractive
How does Wetland and river bank conservation work?
Wetlands store flood water and slow it down.
Reduces flooding downstream
Increased interception from planted trees etc
re-establishing wetlands gives natural protection
How does river restoration work?
Involves making the river more natural
Removal of man-made levees, allow river to flood.
Reduces flooding downstream.
Benefits of Wetland and river bank conservaion
Vegetation protects the surface soil from erosion
Vegetation provides habitats for wildlife.
Increased biodiversity.
Benefits of River restoration
Little maintenance needs as left to natural state
Increased biodiversity
Disadvantages of Wetland river bank conservation
Less land avaiable for farming
Disadvatnages of River restoration
Local flood risk can increase especially if nothings done to prevent major flooding.
Why is soft engineering more sustainable?
Cheaper
Requires less time and money to maintain
Designed to integrate with natural environment and encourages biodiversity.
Summary of soft engineering sustainability
Lower economic cost and environmental impact
