Which term describes natural flood management measures using ecosystems?

Which term describes natural flood management measures using ecosystems?

• A. Revetments
• B. Recharge
• C. Source
• D. Soft engineering

Answer: (D)

Natural flood management using ecosystems relies on letting natural processes store and slow water flow, rather than building rigid barriers. This approach is known as soft engineering. It includes actions like wetland restoration, floodplain reconnection, and river restoration, which increase infiltration and storage, delay runoff, and lower peak floods while also benefiting wildlife and landscapes. In contrast, the other terms describe different ideas: revetments are hard engineering structures that stabilize banks with concrete or rock; groundwater recharge focuses on replenishing aquifers rather than managing flood risk through ecosystem processes; and a source (of a river) isn’t about flood management methods. So the term that fits natural flood management using ecosystems is soft engineering.

Natural flood management using ecosystems relies on letting natural processes store and slow water flow, rather than building rigid barriers. This approach is known as soft engineering. It includes actions like wetland restoration, floodplain reconnection, and river restoration, which increase infiltration and storage, delay runoff, and lower peak floods while also benefiting wildlife and landscapes. In contrast, the other terms describe different ideas: revetments are hard engineering structures that stabilize banks with concrete or rock; groundwater recharge focuses on replenishing aquifers rather than managing flood risk through ecosystem processes; and a source (of a river) isn’t about flood management methods. So the term that fits natural flood management using ecosystems is soft engineering.