explain what can be done to manage the impacts of river flooding

•management of floods 

          •hard (man-made) 

                    •dam / reservoir 

                              •increases capacity to hold water

                                        • + provides H.E.P, - ugly and expensive 

   

                    •channel straightening

                              •increases capacity to hold water; water moves faster 

                                        • + water moves faster, - coastal issues; greater downstream floods

                    •flood embankments

                              •increases capacity of water

                                        • + can be used as footpaths, - spoil views; traps water 

          •soft (using nature)

                    •afforestation

                              •reduces water through absorption and interception 

                                        • + no soil erosion, - limits recreation activities 

                    •controlled flooding

                              •protects people and property because it changes a river’s course

                                        • + cost-effective; little preparation, - damages land; large land needed 

                    •flood warning

                              •protects people as it gives time for evacuation 

                                        • + cheap to run; fast and effective, - accuracy? ; damaged property etc.