Floodplain Modeling
Students explore the impact of changing river volumes and different floodplain terrain in experimental trials with table top-sized riverbed models. The models are made using modeling clay in aluminum baking pans placed on a slight incline. Water added "upstream" at different flow rates and to different riverbed configurations simulates different potential flood conditions. Students study flood dynamics as they modify the riverbed with blockages or levees to simulate real-world scenarios.
Students model floodplainsCopyright NASA Earth Observatory http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zambezi_Flood_Plain,_Namibia_(EO-1).jpg
To prevent property destruction and injury to people, engineers study the dynamics of floodplains. They collaborate with specialists in other fields to understand all contributing factors. Information on local weather and climate conditions, together with the river basin geography and geology become part of computer generated models to simulate combinations of conditions to see the impact on water level. What they learn is applied to the design of retention structures to control flood waters. Despite tremendous efforts, flood mitigation efforts do not always work. Throughout history, many have failed and resulted in disasters.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Define floods as a natural phenomenon that occurs when too much water is in an area at one time.
- Describe the shape of a riverbed as a major factor in where flooding occurs.
- Explain that engineers use models and testing to understand how to design solutions.
- Explain that engineers help people identify and prepare for flooding, including the design of dams, levees and dikes to protect people and property when flooding occurs.
- Discuss how human modifications to a river may alter the floodplain of the river.