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Earth Science 13.4
Floodplains and Floods
13
Science
12th Grade
01/24/2012

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Term
flood
Definition
The phenomenon whereby a river overflows its banks.
Term
floodplain
Definition
A wide, level area that borders a river and is covered by its water during a flood.
Term
meanders
Definition
Broad, looping bends in a river.
Term
oxbow lake
Definition
A crescent-shaped body of water formed when sediments deposited by a river cut off a meander from the river.
Term
natural levees
Definition
Elevated ridges along a river's bank that are formed by the deposition of the river's sediment load.
Term
flash flood
Definition
A sudden flood, usually caused by intense, heavy rainfall.
Term
back swamp
Definition
A swamp that forms in the lowest area of the floodplain.
Term
yazoo tributary
Definition
A new tributary that forms and flows through a back swamp.
Term
ice jam
Definition
A common type of natural dam that forms when a frozen river breaks up during winter or spring thaws.
Term
the Johnstown, Pennsylvania, flood of 1889
Definition
Occurred when a reservoir dam made of earth collapsed after days of heavy rain. When the dam broke, the water in the reservoir burst down on the city, killing more than 2200 people.
Term
Tennessee River system
Definition
An example of a case where dams were built across a river to control and prevent floods. In this case, about 50 dams have been built.
Term
spillway
Definition
A channel running parallel to the main river and through back swamps. Water can be guided into it to relieve flooding.
Term
Edwards Dam
Definition
A dam built on the Kennebec River at Augusta, Maine, in 1837. It was removed in 1999 to let the waters of the river flow freely, restore the fish population, and improve recreational opportunities.
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