15 Questions
What is the estimated cost of lost output caused by floods in the contiguous United States in 2022?
$26.8 billion
What is a floodplain?
A low-lying area of land adjacent to a body of water
What is the minimum area of land that must be covered with water to be considered a flood?
Two acres
Why is it often unwise to build in unmitigated floodplains?
Because of the high likelihood of destruction
What is a common source of flooding?
Hurricanes
What can happen to the water level in a flood?
It can increase suddenly
What is a potential benefit of flooding?
Agricultural benefits
What was the cost of damage caused by Tropical Storm Allison in 2001?
$5 billion
What is a storm surge?
A pile of water pushed onto shore by the force of a storm
What is the main difference between a flood and a flash flood?
The size of the flood
What is river flooding also known as?
Fluvial flooding
What is the main cause of groundwater flooding?
Rising levels of groundwater due to high levels of rain or snowmelt
What is sewage flooding often a result of?
Blocked or inoperable sewage systems
What is the purpose of levees in preventing floods?
To raise the shoreline of a body of water
Why can't floods be truly prevented?
Because disrupting the water cycle is not possible
Learn about the devastating impact of floods on human infrastructure and the economy, as well as their occasional agricultural benefits. Explore the definition and characteristics of floods, and their effects on the environment.
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