Increasing Flooding By Disturbing Natural Flood Controls

Flooding is a major problem in many parts of the world. It can cause extensive damage to property and infrastructure, and can even lead to loss of life. One of the main causes of flooding is the disturbance of natural flood controls.

Natural flood controls are features of the landscape that help to slow down the flow of water and reduce flooding. These features can include forests, wetlands, and floodplains. When these features are disturbed, they can no longer effectively control flooding.

Flood Controls: Increasing Flooding By Disturbing Natural Flood Controls

by Hourly History

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2114 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	46 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	32 pages
Item Weight	:	3.52 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.08 x 11 inches

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Forests play an important role in flood control by absorbing rainfall and slowing down the flow of water. Trees have a large canopy of leaves that intercepts rainfall and prevents it from reaching the ground. The roots of trees also help to hold the soil in place and prevent erosion. When forests are cleared, the rainfall that once would have been absorbed by the trees is now able to run off into streams and rivers, causing flooding.

Wetlands are another important natural flood control feature. Wetlands are areas of land that are covered in water for at least part of the year. Wetlands help to slow down the flow of water and store floodwater. They also help to filter pollutants from the water and provide habitat for wildlife. When wetlands are drained or filled in, they can no longer provide these important flood control benefits.

Floodplains are areas of land that are adjacent to rivers and streams. Floodplains are designed to overflow during floods, which helps to reduce flooding in other areas. When floodplains are developed, they can no longer store floodwater, which can lead to increased flooding.

The disturbance of natural flood controls is a major cause of flooding. By protecting and restoring these features, we can help to reduce flooding and protect our communities.

Here are some tips for protecting and restoring natural flood controls:

• Plant trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs help to absorb rainfall and slow down the flow of water. They also help to hold the soil in place and prevent erosion.
• Protect wetlands. Wetlands help to slow down the flow of water and store floodwater. They also help to filter pollutants from the water and provide habitat for wildlife.
• Restore floodplains. Floodplains are areas of land that are designed to overflow during floods. By restoring floodplains, we can help to reduce flooding in other areas.
• Reduce impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces, such as pavement and concrete, do not allow water to infiltrate the ground. This can lead to increased runoff and flooding. By reducing impervious surfaces, we can help to slow down the flow of water and reduce flooding.

By taking these steps, we can help to protect and restore natural flood controls and reduce the risk of flooding in our communities.

Additional Resources

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Flood Control
• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): Water Resources
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Wetlands

Flooding is a major problem that can have devastating consequences. By protecting and restoring natural flood controls, we can help to reduce the risk of flooding and protect our communities.

Flood Controls: Increasing Flooding By Disturbing Natural Flood Controls

by Hourly History

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2114 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	46 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	32 pages
Item Weight	:	3.52 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.08 x 11 inches

FREE