Soft Engineering- rivers

Question 1

What is soft engineering?

Answer 1

Using knowledge of the river basin and its processes to try and work with nature

Question 2

Floodplain zoning

Answer 2

Occurs when the flooding risk is assessed and resulting land use is taken into account. Areas with a risk of flooding have a low land value

Question 3

Floodplain zoning benefits

Answer 3

No new infrastructure at risk of flooding.

Provides recreational opportunities.

Question 4

Floodplain zoning disadvantages

Answer 4

Restricts development.

Can’t be used in an already urban environment

Question 5

Wetland and riverbank conservation

Answer 5

Wetlands store flood water. Planting trees increases interception and infiltration and reduces runoff.

Question 6

Wetland and riverbank conservation benefits

Answer 6

Vegetation protects soil from erosion.

Creates wildlife habitats.

Question 7

Wetland and riverbank conservation disadvantages

Answer 7

Less land for farming

Question 8

River restoration

Answer 8

Making the river more natural, as the river spreads out over the floodplain it reduces the discharge and flooding risk downstream.

Question 9

Weather forecasts and flood warnings benefits

Answer 9

Warnings from the Environment Agency warn people through TV, radio, internet and newspapers. Gives people time to evacuate and move belongings to a safe place.

Question 10

Weather forecasts and flood warnings disadvantages

Answer 10

Might not have access to the communications.

Flood might happen so quickly that people are not able to get a warning out eg. flash flood

Question 11

Sandbagging

Answer 11

Attempts to flood proof homes as a last resort

Question 12

Insurance

Answer 12

Spreads the cost of flood damage

Question 13

Any other strategies

Answer 13

Reforestation.
Homes on stilts.
Control land use.