Flood Control Strategies Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of levee armoring?

To reduce susceptibility to erosion by floodwaters (correct)

To prevent seepage under the levee

To allow water to flow easily over the levee

To increase the height of the levee

What does controlled overtopping seek to achieve?

To prevent all instances of levee failure

To increase the overall levee height

To reduce overtopping failures in designated areas (correct)

To concentrate floodwaters in less developed areas

Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining levee survival in significant flood events?

Height of surrounding buildings (correct)

Depth and duration of flow

Flow velocity

Erosive resistance of vegetation

What is the benefit of using notches or openings in levee design?

Reduces the likelihood of overtopping in undesirable areas Signup and view all the answers

Which material is commonly used in levee armoring?

Concrete and vegetation Signup and view all the answers

What is flooding primarily described as?

The overflow of a body of water onto surrounding land Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to increased flooding due to geology?

Impermeable rocks Signup and view all the answers

What are levees primarily designed to do?

Control storm surges and floodwaters from reaching at-risk areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of embankments as a flood control measure?

They may appear unnatural and can flood downstream Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a levee from a dike?

Levees protect land that is normally dry while dikes protect land that is usually underwater Signup and view all the answers

How does increased rainfall contribute to flooding?

It reduces the duration for water to reach the surface Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the pros of using structural mitigation measures like levees?

They can significantly enhance flood containment Signup and view all the answers

What is a common ecological consequence of deforestation related to flooding?

Increased flooding as less water is absorbed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of structure elevation?

To prevent flood damages Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines base flood elevation (BFE)?

The height of floodwaters during a 100-year flood Signup and view all the answers

What does non-structural mitigation measures involve?

Use of knowledge and practices to reduce disaster risks Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT considered a non-structural mitigation measure?

Dry flood proofing Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of coastal sand dunes?

They slow down coastal erosion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a con of warning systems for flood alerts?

Some individuals may not receive the warnings Signup and view all the answers

What is afforestation primarily aimed at achieving?

Reducing flood risks and enhancing forestry Signup and view all the answers

What is a common disadvantage associated with hazard forecasting systems?

They can sometimes misinterpret data Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of constructing dams?

They can flood local habitats. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a buttress dam?

It is supported by a series of buttresses. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dam is designed to divert water from its original course?

Diversion dam Signup and view all the answers

Floodways, spillways, and channels are designed to manage floodwaters by:

Carrying floodwaters away from critical areas. Signup and view all the answers

What type of dam relies on its own weight and internal strength for stability?

Gravity dam Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary uses of a dam?

To create reservoirs for water supply. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of levees and dikes?

They are used interchangeably in terminology. Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of floodways, spillways, and channels during high flood levels?

They can reroute floodwaters away from urban areas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of dry floodproofing?

To prevent floodwaters from entering a structure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of dry floodproofing?

Installing vents in crawl spaces Signup and view all the answers

How does wet floodproofing make a structure resistant to floods?

By allowing water to enter and flow through the structure Signup and view all the answers

Which floodproofing measure involves permanent barriers?

Modular dams and small levees Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of land use planning?

To allocate land for specific purposes Signup and view all the answers

What does zoning regulate?

The use, density, height, and design of buildings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of dry floodproofing?

It focuses on making a structure watertight below flood levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about floodproofing?

Only dry floodproofing measures are effective Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Flooding Overview

Flooding occurs when water overflows from a body of water onto surrounding land.
Main causes include heavy rainfall, geology (e.g., impermeable rocks), vegetation changes, and increased rainfall duration.

Structural Mitigation Measures

Structural measures comprise engineering and construction methods aimed at reducing flood risks.
Common structural controls include levees, floodwalls, seawalls, embankments, and dams.

Levees

Levees raise river banks to contain floodwaters and protect normally dry land.
Differences between levees and dikes: levees guard dry land; dikes hold back areas that are usually underwater.

Dams

Dams are barriers that store floodwaters and can generate electricity.
Types of dams include embankment, buttress, diversion, and gravity dams, each with specific structural features.

Floodways, Spillways, and Channels

These structures facilitate the movement of floodwaters away from areas at risk, especially in urban settings, reducing flood risks during high water levels.

Non-Structural Mitigation Measures

Non-structural measures focus on reducing disaster risks without physical construction and involve management strategies and planning.

Risk Mapping and Hazard Forecasting

Effective risk mapping identifies vulnerable areas, while hazard forecasting helps predict potential flooding events.
Early warning systems provide advance notifications to residents.

Dry and Wet Flood Proofing

Dry flood proofing includes techniques to make structures watertight; examples include waterproof coatings and backflow valves.
Wet flood proofing allows water to enter and exit structures, minimizing damage during flooding events.

Natural Systems for Mitigation

Utilizing natural features such as wetlands, coastal sand dunes, and afforestation helps absorb floodwaters and stabilize landscapes.
Wetlands act as sponges, filtering excess water and reducing flood impacts.

Land Use Planning and Zoning

Land use planning strategically allocates areas for specific purposes (e.g., residential, agricultural) to mitigate flood risks.
Zoning regulations control the density, height, and design of buildings, allowing for safer construction practices.

Key Considerations in Flood Mitigation

Controlled overtopping and levee armoring enhance levee resilience against erosion and floodwaters.
Structure elevation based on Base Flood Elevation (BFE) helps protect buildings from expected flood levels.

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Description

Test your understanding of flood control strategies in this quiz. Explore both structural and non-structural mitigation measures and their relation to flooding alleviation. Learn how levees and other measures function in flood management.