Hard and Soft Engineering

Pop quiz

Match the following descriptions to the technique

• The channel course of the river can also be altered, diverting floodwaters away from settlements

• Trees are planted in the catchment area of the river to intercept the rainfall and slow down the flow of water to the river

• The river is allowed to flood naturally in wasteland areas, to prevent flooding in other areas, for example, near settlements

What are/is the....

• Disadvantages of Flood Walls?

• Advantages of Embankments?

• A description/definition of Storage Areas

Hard or Soft Engineering

State whether the following are an example of Hard or Soft engineering

Warning SystemsDamsChannelisationFloodplain zoning

What Techniques are associated with the following advantages/disadvantages

• Soil erosion is avoided as trees prevent rapid run off after heavy rain fall

• Easily and quickly erected in pre-constructed sections• Can be used for water sports• Settlements and agricultural land may be lost when

the river valley is flooded to form a reservoir• The sirens could be vandalised, so they are tested

annually• Only come into use when the river has flooded