Objective+Scientific Differences Between Good Floods and Bad Floods? Need Help

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In summary, the conversation discusses the differences between "good" and "bad" floods, specifically focusing on the Yellow River in China and the Nile River in Egypt. The Nile's flooding is more predictable and celebrated, while the Yellow River's is known for causing high death tolls. The reason for this difference lies in the Yellow River's high silt content, which makes it difficult to control. The conversation also mentions the possibility of utilizing man-made methods, such as dams, for flood control. The conversation concludes with a request for academic books discussing river siltation control with a focus on methods and their effectiveness.
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TheAzn
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Objective+Scientific Differences Between "Good"Floods and "Bad"Floods? Need Help

I am always baffled by this problem. The example would be the Yellow River in China and the Nile River in Egypt. Both rivers replenish the soil nutrients with their floodings. However, the flooding of the Yellow River in China are known for causing huge death tolls, while the ones in Egypt do not. Why is the flooding of the Nile more predictable?

The Yellow River is known as "China's Sorrow", while the flooding of the Nile in Egypt is celebrated during Wafaa El-Nil.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flooding_of_the_Nile

What causes the Yellow River to be more deadly than the Nile River?
Both the Yellow River and the Nile River are densely populated, yet the death toll historically were very different.

The answer seems to lie in the fact that the Yellow River has a much higher silt content. Averagely speaking, the Yellow River has about 40% Silt content, one the highest in the world. One of its tributaries even contained as much as 60% Silt content. Yet, the Chinese people were not idiots and retards. The other civilizations have no problem with their silt control. The Chinese should have been able to control the Yellow River, even if the Yellow River was a bit more "special".
Unless, of course, the Yellow River was "very special" not just "a bit" more special.

Do you guys know of any good academic books that talk about river siltation control?
Since I am not an engineer, I do not want books with a lot of engineering jargon. However, I still want a good authoritative book. By that I meant that the book should:
1. Talk about the different methods that have been used in the passed to control the level of silt content

2. Talk about when and where such methods were invented

3. Most importantly, talks about how some methods that can be used effectively on some rivers CANNOT be apply to certain other rivers.


Guess, I still have to end up reading a large engineering book :/

Thank you
 
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  • #2
I would think the biggest parameter is the vertical flood rise in meters.

Depending on the water volume at spring flood, and the shape of the river valley, the flood can spread to a wide area at shallow depths and low velocity. It can also be a raging torrent in a gorge.

Those are natural differences, not man-made.

The most effective means of man made flood control is the dam.
 

1. What is the difference between a good flood and a bad flood?

This is a common question when discussing floods. A good flood is one that has a positive impact on the environment and surrounding communities, such as replenishing soil nutrients and providing water for crops. A bad flood, on the other hand, has a negative impact, causing damage to property and loss of life.

2. How can you determine if a flood is good or bad?

Determining the objective and scientific differences between good and bad floods can be complex and requires careful analysis. Factors such as magnitude, duration, location, and impact on the surrounding environment and communities all play a role in determining the overall impact of a flood. Additionally, historical data and comparisons to previous floods can also help in making this determination.

3. Are there any benefits to a flood that is typically considered "bad"?

While bad floods can cause significant damage, they can also bring certain benefits. For example, a flood can help to clean up pollutants and debris, improve water quality, and replenish groundwater supplies. Additionally, certain plant and animal species rely on periodic flooding for their survival.

4. Is there a way to prevent bad floods from occurring?

While we cannot completely prevent floods from occurring, we can take steps to mitigate their impact. This includes implementing floodplain management strategies, such as building levees and dams, and creating designated flood zones to limit development in high-risk areas. Additionally, proper land use planning and implementing sustainable practices can also help minimize the impact of bad floods.

5. Can a good flood turn into a bad flood?

Yes, a good flood can turn into a bad flood under certain circumstances. For example, a flood that initially brings benefits, such as replenishing soil nutrients, can turn into a bad flood if it becomes too severe or lasts for an extended period. Similarly, a flood that is initially considered bad can have some positive impacts, such as providing much-needed water for drought-stricken areas.

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