Environmental Impact of Flood Flooding is a natural phenomenon. It has occurred since records began and will continue to do so. Generally, the benefits yielded by floodwater to the environment have outweighed the negative aspects. For example, flooding can help to redistribute valuable minerals from riverbeds to swathes of agricultural land, thus restoring the fertile topsoil needed for effective growth. This sediment can also help to keep land above sea level, by replenishing the top layer of dirt and preventing subsidence. However, flooding can also have negative impacts on the environment. This can negatively affect both the flora and fauna in the surrounding areas, leading to starvation, contamination and widespread death. Effect on Animals Many insects and smaller mammals are particularly vulnerable to flooding because the excess water and rainfall interrupt their hibernation patterns, deprive them of a food source and can even drown them. Those thought to be ...
Environmental Impacts of Flooding Flooding can have a variety of direct impacts on the environment and ecosystems contained within a flooded region. Some of these impacts are positive; flooding is a natural ecological process that plays an integral role in ensuring biological productivity and diversity in the flood plain. Other impacts of flooding may be less positive, and in some cases can result in environmental degradation. The most extensive and difficult to repair environmental damage usually occurs in developed areas located in the floodplain. Flooding can directly impact: the health and wellbeing of wildlife and livestock; riverbank erosion and sedimentation; the dispersal of nutrients and pollutants; surface and groundwater supplies; and local landscapes and habitats. Direct Impacts Wildlife and Livestock Health and Well-being Flooding can affect the health and well-being of wildlife and livestock. Large quantities of water can negatively affect natu...