How does installing a seawall help mitigate flood damage?
by absorbing energy from storm waves
by protecting floodplains from flood damage
by moving a structure above flood level
by rerouting floodwaters to green spaces
Installing a seawall helps mitigate flood damage by absorbing energy from storm waves. The concrete or stone barrier is designed to reduce the impact of storm surges and high tides, preventing water from reaching inland. As waves crash against the seawall, the structure dissipates some of the force and reduces the risk of flooding and erosion. This can protect buildings and infrastructure located near the shore and reduce the cost of flood damage. However, it is important to note that seawalls cannot completely prevent flooding and may have negative environmental impacts such as aversion of beach erosion and harm to marine life.
Installing a seawall helps mitigate flood damage primarily by absorbing energy from storm waves. When storm waves approach the shore, the seawall acts as a barrier, reducing the force and impact of the waves on the coastline. This helps prevent erosion and reduces the likelihood of flooding in the areas behind the seawall.
While it is true that seawalls can also help protect floodplains from flood damage to some extent, their main purpose is to absorb the energy of storm waves rather than redirect floodwaters. Seawalls are typically designed to prevent waves from reaching the mainland or built-up areas, rather than rerouting floodwaters to green spaces.
Additionally, raising a structure above flood level or constructing it on stilts is a separate flood mitigation strategy known as elevation. Elevation helps protect buildings from flood damage by placing them above the potential floodwater level.
Therefore, while installing a seawall can help protect coastal areas from storm waves and reduce flooding, it primarily functions by absorbing wave energy rather than rerouting floodwaters or elevating structures.