Flood Management Techniques

This page of the Rivers revision mind map for geography paper 1 free focuses on various flood management techniques, categorized into hard and soft engineering approaches. This information is crucial for answering GCSE Geography rivers exam questions AQA.

Hard engineering techniques discussed include:

1. Dams and reservoirs: These hold river water and slow down flow, providing benefits such as drinking water supply and tourism boost, but also displacing people from their homes.
2. Embankments: These raise river banks to reduce the risk of overflow.
3. Flood-relief channels: These provide alternative routes for excess water.
4. Channel straightening: This speeds up river flow and improves navigation but can increase erosion.

Soft engineering approaches covered are:

1. Flood plain zoning: This restricts building on active flood plains.
2. Flood preparation: This involves increasing education about flood risks.
3. Tree planting: This reduces water flow and surface run-off while absorbing carbon dioxide.
4. River restoration: This creates new wetlands but can be expensive.

The mind map also highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, providing a balanced view for GCSE Geography Paper 2 revision.

Vocabulary: Hard engineering involves the construction of physical structures to control river flow and prevent flooding.

Example: The Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China is a massive hard engineering project that provides flood control and hydroelectric power.

Definition: Soft engineering uses natural processes and materials to reduce flood risk and minimize environmental impact.

Highlight: While hard engineering techniques can be effective for immediate flood prevention, soft engineering approaches often provide more sustainable, long-term solutions with additional environmental benefits.

Quote: "Flood plain zoning restricts building on active flood plains, providing a natural area for flood waters to spread without damaging property."