Theory question 208
Environmental Hazards and Conservation(a) Define the term flooding. (b) Highlight four causes of flooding. (c) Outline four effects of flooding (d) What two measures can be taken to control flooding?
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(a) Flooding is the covering of normally dry land by water when a river, lake or the sea rises above its usual level.
(b) Heavy or prolonged rainfall; blocked drains and waterways; building on flood plains and water courses; rivers overflowing their banks; release of water from or collapse of dams; rise in sea level / storm surges; deforestation increasing run-off.
(c) Destruction of farms and crops; destruction of houses and property; loss of life; food shortage and high prices; disease outbreaks; contamination of water supply; disruption of transport, schools and markets.
(d) Dredging and channelising rivers; clearing drains regularly; building dams, levees and embankments; enforcing building laws on flood plains; afforestation.
Each part asks for a set number of points.