River And Water Management Flood Control Environmental Sciences Essay

River And Water Management Flood Control Environmental Sciences Essay Floods are a major concern in many parts of the world due to the many losses experienced in time of floods. Therefore, flood management techniques are very important in areas that are prone to frequent flooding. Flood management techniques are structures designed with the aim of containing floodwater in order to control floodplains. The designing of flood control techniques entails estimating the levels of water that causes floods and then measuring the required height that will create a working flood defense. Flood defenses are strong barriers that prevent water from flooding floodplains (Woods Woods 2007, p.5). Floods generally occur when flowing surface water spills over the restraining banks into dry land. Floods are a natural occurrence in almost all river systems. Areas that are prone to flooding include those that are located downstream of dams and low lying areas. Flooding causes vast losses which include human and animal life, soil erosion, damages of properties, destruction of vegetation and other environmental damages. Also, areas that are affected by floods could also be prone to droughts. This can even cause further loss of human and animal lives. Flood waters are usually polluted with harmful bacteria resulting from sewage. This means that people affected by the floods are at greater risks of getting infective diseases (Proverbs, et al., 2011, p. 221). However, floods also have positive impacts on ecosystems. One benefit from flooding includes more fresh water for domestic and irrigation usage. Other benefits include large deposits of minerals and nutrients into affected areas. Apart from these, floods also help to improve the condition of water ecosystems. However, they can be considered to be the most damaging compared to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to their frequencies. Therefore, strict measures must be in place to prevent the massive losses occurred during floods (Gruntfest Handmer, 2001, p.12). Methods used to control floods Techniques that are applied in controlling floods involve the adaptation of the river environment and areas which are close to the river. Flood control techniques can be applied on the river channel, floodway or on the floodplain (Ghosh, 1997, p.55). Techniques applied in floodplains Floodplains are areas that lie below the flood elevation and entirely on the floodway and river channel. The majority of techniques applied on floodplains lie far from the river but they are designed to reduce flood damage. Levee/Floodwall around structures This technique involves the construction of a levee/floodwall around structures that are located in floodplains. Levees can either be permanent or temporary. Construction of the levee usually requires the use of strong, artificial or natural material that can endure pressure from the floods (Hyndman Hyndman, 2010, p.356). The principle of using levees and other barriers is to raise the height of structures located in floodplains which floodwater must then climb in order cause flooding. These structures are there to offer protection to structures. However, they put other structures at a high risk of flooding due to the then increased water retention in the floodplains. Furthermore, serious damage to protected structures can then occur when the levees are unable to hold back floodwater. This is because the pressure that the floods hit the structure is extremely high compared to when there is no barrier (Green, 2004, p.36). The use of levees, dykes and floodwalls has a negative impact on the natural river processes (Harmancioglu, 1994, p.42). Ideally, developed water spills should form a natural channel which provides a way for the floods to flow. Therefore, levees would reduce the ability of the floodplains to process floodwaters. The inability of the floodwaters to flow freely within the floodplains would interfere with fish in their aquatic habitat. The river would respond by creating other channels in order to allow excess water to flow. The developed channels clear the backwater as well as reduce habitat complications (Harmancioglu, 1994, p.43). Off-stream detention pond The main aim of creating detention ponds in floodplains is to collect the floodwaters once the river has reached its maximum capacity. Detention ponds are constructed away from the floodway but must be within the floodplain catchment. When directing water into the detention ponds it will have an impact on reducing the amount of water a river carries. This will have a negative impact on natural river processes due to the reduction of water flowing downstream. Reduced amount of downstream flow could then cause a reduction in sediment transport, which may lead to the rising of the ground level of the channel and deposition of fine sediments. In addition, allowing water to flow into a detention pond may cause more water to flow into the pond than expected. This may lead to an increased development of river channels (Ali, 2002, p8.3). Detention ponds also create new surroundings for the breeding and maturing of fish. However, the construction of detention channels must be done in a way that creates a connection between the pond and the mainstream so that the rivers natural environment can be maintained. Severe damage to the environment can occur when the detention ponds break down leading to flooding in the floodplains. Techniques applied on floodway The floodway is made of river banks and the active channel. In general, the floodway forms the part of land that is immediately next to the river. This piece of land allows flood waters to pass without raising the floods depth upstream. One characteristic of floodways is the presence of small banks, either due to cuts made by previous floods or natural levees due to deposits from previous floodwater (Mambretti, 2011, p.66). Reducing the bank slope This technique consists of cutting the riverbank backwards to produce a gentler slope (Masoudian, 2009, p.14). It may involve replanting or resurfacing the bare bank using materials afterwards. Reducing the bank slope will have an impact on the increasing flood transportation at the channel level due to the increased bank width. This usually happens because reducing the bank slope increases the surface area of the bank channel, which then increases the volume of bank flow. However, if slope reduction is done through planting vegetation, it is likely that the bank stability will be increased. This has an effect of creating a natural containment, which reduces the velocity of water. A reduction in the velocity of water then decreases the rates of soil and bank erosion. Vegetation along river banks may also trap sediments within flows, which may then lead to a buildup of banks, increasing the effectiveness of banks in controlling floods (Masoudian, 2009, p.16). The fact that reducing the bank slopes then also reduces erosion along the river banks has a negative impact on natural river processes. Without erosion on the river banks there will be a reduced amount of sediments, a reduced level of wood debris and a reduced amount of channel migration. Therefore, the erosion occurring naturally along river banks is vital in maintaining an active balance within river systems. Aquatic habitats will also be affected; reducing bank slopes has a negative impact of clearing areas where fish may hibernate during the day in order to be safe from predators. Juvenile fish usually hide in undercut river banks making it an essential component of an aquatic habitat (Masoudian, 2009, p.17). Reinforcing riverbanks This technique involves adding supportive material to riverbanks in order to increase their stability and in resisting flood flows. The most commonly used reinforcement method involves planting natural vegetation as it acts as a stabilizer and increases the ability of riverbanks to control floods. Planting vegetation on riverbanks can be done through hydro seeding, which involves various methods to add a mixture of water, fertilizer and seeds into riverbanks. The planted seeds will then grow and form a vast network of root systems. The root system helps in holding the soil together, which then strengthens the riverbanks. The other method used to introduce plant material on riverbanks is hand planting. In this technique, mature plants are inserted into riverbanks to continue with their growth (Stokes, et al., 2007, p.50). Planting mature plants has the advantage of providing immediate protection against floods through flow reduction. The other method involves the use of plant mats, which are either natural or synthetic materials implanted with plant seeds and fertilizers. The mats are then spread on the riverbanks, and then the watering process follows to allow the seeds to germinate and support the following growth. Apart from irrigating the plant mats, continued instabilities in the river level can help in germination and supporting growth (Beek, et al., 2008, p.33). The main impact of introducing plants along river banks is the formation of strong riverbanks that can withstand pressure from flowing water. The other impact is the prevention of enhanced channel migration. Floods that may occur along banks with sufficient plant material may be less severe compared to those occurring in areas without plant stabilizers. The use of plant stabilizers provides a long-lasting solution to control of floods. This technique also offers an environmental friendly method of flood control, which is easy to maintain. Continued increases of vegetation along riverbanks increases channel roughness and reduces the water velocity. The use of plants also comes with the advantage of providing food for the aquatic life in the protected rivers. Fish may also find a natural habitat in the vast root system generated by plants (Beek, et al., 2008, p.34). Gabions Gabions are constructed using wire mesh baskets that are filled with stones of two-six inches. Like plants, gabions are meant to strengthen river banks, which boosts the river banks ability to resist pressure from flowing water. However, for gabions to be effective plants should be added to them. Gabions also deteriorate in time, which means that replacements are required when they stop functioning properly. The use of gabions reduces the natural erosion that occurs along riverbanks. This then reduces the amount of sediments delivered to downstream habitats. In addition, flows that are deflected by the gabions may create new river channels (Mascarenhas, 2011, p.82). Gabions also lead to an increase in water velocity, which has the disadvantage of reducing the amount of backwater that is essential for the survival of fish and other aquatic life. Well-designed gabions may serve as a reliable source for spawning gravel as well as habitats for aquatic life. Techniques applied along the river channel Sediment trap/mining This technique involves excavating or dredging a depression on the riverbed. Construction of sediment traps requires the proper assessment of sediment load within a river in times of flooding. Maintenance of sediment traps require continued mining of sediments after every serious flood event. Sediment mining reduces the amount of sediment deposits in the river channel, which in turn increases the channel volume as well as the flood transportation. Removing sediments could only have a short term impact of improved flood transportation because of the continued deposition of sediments downstream. Therefore, continued removal of sediments is necessary to prevent incidences of flooding (Mascarenhas, 2011, p.105). Removal of sediments within the river channel affects natural river processes. One effect of sediment mining is the change of the channel morphology. Any changes in the channel morphology affect the way the water flow and the river bed interact with each other. Removing sediments from the river channel changes the channel gradient. These changes then have further impacts on the gradient both upstream and downstream. An increase in the gradient in one location of the river may lead to the formation of a v point or otherwise known as a nick point. This leads to increased erosion in the channel, which extends to a point where the gradient is stable or where there is bedrock resistant to erosion (Raudkivi, 1993, p.35). The removal of sediments affects aquatic habitats in several ways. When fine sediments are removed, there is a creation of a spawning habitat for a variety of fish species. On the other hand, removal of spawning gravel reduces the level of spawning habitats (Raudkivi, 1993, p.41). Flow realignment This technique of flood control involves the digging of new and deeper channels on the river bed but with a different position compared to the existing channels. When flow realignment is done to increase flood transportation, there is a reduction in frequency and severity of floods. Flow realignment creates different structures for the river flow. This interferes with natural river processes both upstream and downstream. The most significant impact of flow realignment is obviously on aquatic habitats. The use of heavy equipment to make flow realignments creates disturbances on the river bed; this alters existing aquatic habitats. Therefore, usage of flow realignment techniques needs thorough assessment of potential impacts on the aquatic ecosystem (Fleming, 2002, p.47). Word Count: 2,108

High School and School Football Team Essay

Why someone wants to drop outof high school. Either or their family don’t have money so they have to work. There are many different reasons why students drop out of high school. As long as I know and from my experience those three are most import reasons why students drop out of high school. Dropping out of high school, sounds cool isn’t it? No but I had few friends who were in my of college? As from my experience with few of my friends who drop out of high school are those who has skills in sport or they think they don’t need to study in order to get to their goals. Most likely they are inspired from a star that has not even completed high school and he or she is big star now in a sport or even music. I am not saying that every student drop out of high school because of this reason. Few students drop out because they have bad grades from a star who is not even a high school graduate and today he is a star. Second one child doesn’t have any interest in education but that child is forced to attend high school. And last but not least some students who want to study but in some consequences they don’t have any other choice then drop out high school football team and two of my friends thought dropping out of high school is cool and fun they thought they are best football player so they will find something to do after dropping out of high school. Now days they don’t have job neither of them is in any football team either. Few days ago one of them tried to commit suicide. That’s the result of or they are  Page – 2  treated bad ways by a teacher or an administrator. Some student who don’t study or they don’t have any interest in education but they are forced by  their parents to go to high school they are the second one who will most likely drop out of high school. Therefore they will end up with out job, no money or may be no place to live in.

Edmund Burkes Reflections on the Revolution in France and...

In this paper I will compare the theories and ideas from both Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France and John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty. In comparing these two philosophers, I will be paralleling their ideas and my own ideas I will be attributing them towards the modern day whistleblower, Edward Snowden. Political figures, government representatives and philosophy advocates have carefully studied Burke’s and Mill’s writings over hundreds of years to better understand their theories on governmental control in a society. One of, if not the most noteworthy concept in both their famous writings revolved around the concept of governmental control in a society. Both Burke and Mill have their own theories; they also have many†¦show more content†¦He was a committed advocate of utilitarianism. Mill made it known that he was a strong supporter of giving the power back to the minorities. The minority citizens in a society are the people who always challenge the system and keep the society advancing and evolving. He recognized that the only way we as a society can evolve and prosper is to find a way to give the minority a voice. Edward Snowden is an infrastructure analysis for the NSA. Snowden disclosed classified information to the general public and confidential government mass surveillance programs to the press. He was announced as the NSA’s public whistleblower. His views for these actions are based upon the underlining truths of both Burke and Mill’s theories. He believed that giving the minorities a voice in what their superiors are doing is the right thing to do. As Snowden stated in his interview â€Å"The public is owed an explanation of the motivations behind the people who make these disclosures that are outside of the democratic power.† (Kevin M. Gallagher) It is with his great power that they had to make a decision. Knowing he did not like the fact that the public does not know what he is capable of doing, does he tell everyone openly and possibly put himself at risk? Or does he keep everything still to himself and not worry about the following consequences or what could hap pen to him. Edmund Burke was a true leading figure of the conservative party. While he was writing his pieceShow MoreRelatedEssay about The Issues of Abortion and Gay Marriage1521 Words   |  7 Pagesand of course one conservative philosopher, Burke, to examine the different points of views. Stuart Mill will of course take the standpoint of the traditional liberalist values. Whereas Burke’s views will connect to some Liberalist principles, but for the most part will be more prone to the conservative principles of gradual evolutionary changes instead of revolutionary changes. John Stuart Mill is one of the most revered Liberalist philosophers of his time. Mill was one of the originalRead MoreTradition And Tradition Throughout Contemporary Life2102 Words   |  9 Pagescontemporary life? In your answer consider the views of Edmund Burke and J.S.Mills. Tradition can be defined as ‘The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way’ , a custom within tradition is a widely accepted way in which the individual behaves or acts specifically to the particular beliefs of the social group in which they adhere to. As modernity came to fruition, individualism that Mill’s proposed was so intrinsic to modernisation resulted

History - 611 Words

Discuss China in terms of being the MIDDLE KINGDOM, Population growth issues, and industralization. ** The term middle kingdom is the translation of the Chinese word which literally means middle kingdom or central country. As with most countries, the Chinese tendency was to view themselves as superior to and more advanced than their neighbors. They believed they had been specially chosen to enjoy dominion over neighboring lands. The term Middle Kingdom itself dates from between 1000 to 600 B.C. We see a resurgence in this concept of being the central country in China today. Their strong position economically, their growing military strength and their antagonism toward Taiwan are all†¦show more content†¦One of the biggest ones was on how they worked together and contributed much to their modern attitude towards the global economy. The one major back lash to all of this growth and advancement was Chinas forever growing population. There are a few factors that contribute to their rising population and they are as follows: China’s total fertility rate is 1.7, which means that on average each woman will give birth to 1.7 children throughout the continuation of her life. The necessary fertility rate for a reasonably stable population is 2.1: nonetheless, Chinas population is expected to break record highs and keep growing over the following decades. This can be contributed to immigration factors, and a decrease in infant mortality. Also decreases in death rate as national health improves. By late of last year, 2010, the expected population was estimated to be 1.4 billion people. It was estimated again around 2030 that the population was expected to decrease steadily. The part of Chinas main beliefs that held true even to this day is that of family. Traditionally you find more families in China Working together than while farming and such which led to why they were so successful in the agriculture part of their economy, and why it has stuck around for so long. The industrialization of China did occur on a significant scaleShow MoreRelatedHistory And History : History1540 Words   |  7 PagesAmrozia Shahram History 1301. P09 Essay History is integral part of our lives and historians play an important role to preserve history. Historians are present in every society. They have been around probably throughout the history of humanity. Their work however has become more methodical and systematic now. Modern day historians spend a lot of time searching for the truth from various sources of past information. These days so much information is available and this information is interpretedRead MoreHistory And Its Impact On History808 Words   |  4 PagesHistory is a course that contains a lot of fundamental information. It is a science that studies the past of the human race and the human civilizations, assists us to comprehend the present, so we have a better vision for the future. The History seeks to reconstitute the past event. For the reason, history has its objectives, methods. All the information of history is related to the time and space because the consideration of an historical event requires placing it i n time and in a given space. ByRead MoreHistory3115 Words   |  13 Pagesstudy history? There is no doubt that the primary purpose of schooling is to prepare students to function effectively in the world, and thereby to assist society to function effectively as well. We study the past in school not because students need to know a collection of old facts, but because history helps them understand how the world works and how human beings behave. Knowledge of the past is required for understanding present realities. When people share some common knowledge of history, theyRead MoreHistory And Its Impact On History1556 Words   |  7 Pagespeak at a current history lesson taught in a classroom, the common outsider will likely find nothing wrong with its content or presentation. They hear many famous names and key dates of the famous people and events of the past and do not bat an eyelash because they learned history in the same way. On the other hand, if a historian were to walk into that same classroom, they would be incredibly disappointed by the fact that students are not really learning how to practice history. Granted, they probablyRead MoreBig History : A New Form Of History1190 Words   |  5 Pages12, 2014 Big History Big History, which was developed by David Christian and Bill Gates, is a new form of history that is continuously popping up in several high schools and colleges across the country. It has been quietly but rapidly growing throughout the course of the past three years due to its new concept of how history can be taught. Focusing on the universe and how everything is linked. Throughout my paper I will inform you of where Big History derived from, what Big History is and how itRead MoreHistory : A New Form Of History852 Words   |  4 PagesDoing History Essay: Up until the early nineteenth-century, history had been written in two dominant traditions, â€Å"one predominantly learned and antiquarian, the other essentially literary†. However, a postmodern shift in historiography has led to a new form of history, namely ‘disobedient histories’. ‘Disobedient history’ as a new form of history moves away from Leopold Von Ranke’s ideas of history being a rigorous scientific inquiry towards a more diverse and cultured form. Some of these formsRead MoreEssay on History and Memory882 Words   |  4 PagesGate 42 Analysis Throughout gate 42, Mark Baker combines both assumed history and a plethora of evocative language techniques to recreate the death of his grandmother, Hinda. From such a technique, one can infer that when history and memory combine, the interplay allows a heightened understanding and perceptive insight into events of the past; specifically the Holocaust. Such a theory becomes evident within the opening of Gate 42, as Baker uses the repetitive symbol of a Jewish poem to draw theRead More The Importance of History Essay992 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is history? Should we study history? Who creates history? Is history relevant? The definition of history, is a question which has sparked international debate for centuries between the writers, readers, and the makers of history. It is a vital topic which should be relevant in our lives because it?s important to acknowledge past events that have occurred in our world that deeply influences the present. This essay will discuss what history is, and why we study it. History is the studyRead MoreWhat is History? Essay792 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is History? The definition of history, is a question which has sparked international debate for centuries between the writers, readers, and the makers of history. In the words of acclaimed historian Edward Gibbon, History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies and misfortunes of mankind. A more romantic view on the subject was taken by Cicero. He said, History is the witness that testifies the passing of time. It illuminates reality, vitalizes memory, providesRead MoreGerman History Essay1730 Words   |  7 PagesMost would agree that it is valuable to acknowledge history, whether it be through documentation, education, or architectural preservation. However, history can be complex and ugly, stained by war, genocide, and destruction. Therein lies a philosophical controversy: should these historical â€Å"stains† be acknowledged or buried? What role do these ugly histories have in the development of a society? Within the last century, no nation has been force d to confront these questions on the same scale that