Floodplain: meaning, definitions and examples
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floodplain
[ ˈflʌdˌpleɪn ]
geography, ecology
A floodplain is an area of land adjacent to a river or stream that is subject to flooding. These regions are typically characterized by rich soil and diverse ecosystems due to the periodic deposition of sediment from floodwaters. Floodplains are important for natural water management, as they store excess water during heavy rainfall or melting snow, reducing sediment and nutrient runoff into rivers. They provide various ecological benefits, including habitat for wildlife and natural filtration of pollutants. Understanding floodplains is crucial for urban planning and environmental conservation efforts.
Synonyms
alluvial plain, flood zone, lowland, riverbank.
Examples of usage
- The floodplain provided essential habitats for migratory birds.
- Farmers often utilize the fertile soil of the floodplain for agriculture.
- Urban development near the floodplain raised concerns about flood risks.
- Conservation efforts aim to restore the natural dynamics of floodplains.
Translations
Translations of the word "floodplain" in other languages:
🇵🇹 planície de inundação
🇮🇳 बाढ़ का मैदान
🇩🇪 Auenfläche
🇮🇩 dataran genangan
🇺🇦 заплавна територія
🇵🇱 teren zalewowy
🇯🇵 氾濫原 (はんらんげん)
🇫🇷 plaine inondable
🇪🇸 llanura de inundación
🇹🇷 sel yatağı
🇰🇷 홍수평야
🇸🇦 سهل الفيضان
🇨🇿 záplavová nížina
🇸🇰 záplavová nížina
🇨🇳 洪泛区
🇸🇮 poplavna ravnica
🇮🇸 flóðslétta
🇰🇿 су тасқыны алаңы
🇬🇪 ხევზე წყლისგან დაცული ტერიტორია
🇦🇿 sel meydanı
🇲🇽 llanura de inundación
Etymology
The word 'floodplain' has its roots in the early 20th century, comprising two distinct words: 'flood' and 'plain'. The term 'flood' derives from the Old English 'flōda', which means 'to flow', reflecting the movement of water during overflow events. The term 'plain' originates from the Latin 'planus', meaning flat or level land. Together, these components describe a geographical area regularly inundated by water, typically formed by the processes of river erosion and sediment deposition. Over time, as cities expanded and agriculture intensified, the importance and understanding of floodplains evolved significantly, leading to modern studies in hydrology and environmental science that emphasize their role in ecosystems and flood mitigation.