Surface Water, River & Dams, and Flooding

Runoff

Water flowing over land surface after precipitation

Infiltration

Process of water seeping into the ground

Drainage Basins

Areas collecting and transporting rainwater to the ocean

Deposition Zone

Area where sediment is deposited, shaping the land

Oxbow Lake

A U-shaped lake formed from a cutoff meander

Floodplains

Adjacent land to rivers for absorbing excess water

Flood

Inundation of dry areas due to excess water

Frequency of Floods

Probability calculation based on various factors

Lag Time

Delay between precipitation and river crest

Flash Floods

Sudden, intense flooding over a small area

Hydrographs

Graphical representation of river height over time

Urbanization and Flooding

Increased flooding due to urban development impact

Sewers

Infrastructure increasing flood intensity by water speed

Levees

Embankments to prevent river overflow

Channelization

Altering natural water flow patterns in channels

Retention Ponds

Ponds in urban areas to manage excess water

Riprap

Protective layer of large stones against erosion

Flood Walls

Engineered structures to block floodwater

Dam

Structure across waterways to control flow and prevent floods

Arch Dam

Curved dam design to distribute pressure

Gravity Dams

Dams relying on gravity to hold them in place

Barrage Dams

Dams with gates to regulate water flow

Embankment Dams

Dams made by compacting earth and rock mounds