In the article from Science Daily, “Natural Engineering Offers Solution against Future Flooding” by Newcastle University (2014), it was stated that “back-to-nature flood schemes”, which utilise the environment’s natural capabilities, can be an economical alternative to preventing and mitigating floods. Dr Mark Wilkinson, the research lead, also mentioned that winter rainfall and flooding occurrence would escalate in the future.
It was reported that several strategies of river-flow management
have been exhibited in Belford, Northumberland, which illustrated the reduction
of surface run-off and soil mineral depletion.
The article said that the Natural Flood Management (NFM) aspires to scale down
the maximum water height or delay the arrival of the flood, adding more
preparation time for response. This would be done by hampering the progress of
water while working sustainably in tandem with the environment. Strategies
include and storing, slowing and redirecting water and increasing soil
infiltration. This proved to be much cheaper (~£200,000) in the Belford Scheme
instead of a “full conventional flood-defence scheme” (~£2.5m). Mirroring
Belford’s flooding situation, many other rural towns can also benefit from the
NFM.
The article stated that the Natural Flood Management (NFM) aspires to scale down the maximum water height or delay the arrival of the flood, adding more preparation time for response. This would be done by hampering the progress of water while working sustainably in tandem with the environment. Strategies include and storing, slowing and redirecting water and increasing soil infiltration. This proved to be much cheaper (~£200,000) in the Belford Scheme instead of a “full conventional flood-defence scheme” (~£2.5m). Mirroring Belford’s flooding situation, many other rural towns can also benefit from the NFM.
Doubtlessly, the scheme proposed by NFM is approaching the right direction towards flood management and displayed cost savings. However, I feel that research by Dr Mark Wilkinson ideas are insufficient to implement it, to other places around the world as there is difference geography.
Firstly, for centuries Britain has been draining wetlands, reclaiming salt marshes and lining rivers with concrete banks and has driven rapid development. But as the climate changes and rainfall records are broken through the next century, there are concerns about the country’s ability to tackle the floods it will bring.
Second, today tried and tested system will no longer be sufficient. As sea levels continue to rise coastal populations, have always been threatened by flooding. Although over time we learned to build structures that can withstand against flooding. Sea level should increase by one meter or more by the end of the century, and no one knows how strong or climate will change. Engineers will continue to encounter problems in designing structures as they do not have enough information as compared to past centuries.
From my point of view, though Belford scheme had been such a success, it because they had the support of the community and local landowners. It still failed to show that it will be a success in other places. Dr Paul Quinn based in the school of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at Newcastle University stated that “There is no single solution to flooding – no ‘silver bullet’.
Bibliography
Title: What is Britain doing to tackle flooding in the face of
extreme weather?
Published Date: 26/03/2018
Link: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/11/23/britain-tackle-flooding-face-extreme-weather/
Title: Coping with rising sea levels
Published Date: Year 2017
Link: https://worldoceanreview.com/en/wor-5/improving-coastal-protection/coping-with-rising-sea-levels/
Title: Natural Engineering offers solution against future floodingPublished Date: 28/01/2014Link: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140128094531.htm
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