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Most Common Locations for Floods

Floods are a very common hazard in many climates and environments, sometimes owing to precipitation and other times because of the natural ebb and flow of local water bodies. There are certain geographical features more susceptible to flooding than others, however. Often, local government is obligated to inform people living in these areas of a potential flood danger.

Deltas
- Deltas are formed at the mouth of rivers, the terminal point for that body of water. Because delta areas are made up of sediment deposits built up over time, they are naturally low-lying. Combine this with their geographical role of connecting freshwater flows to open seas, they are susceptible to high-tide flooding as well as superflows that can flood the entire delta.
Flood Plains
- Flood plains are the areas surrounding rivers, not just including the riverbanks in very close proximity. These flat areas contain no natural breaks to contain flooding, so they flood easily and with regularity without the intervention of man-made breaks or levees. These areas have been useful in the past as natural irrigation for the seasonal planting of crops.
Dry Beds
- Many human settled areas, especially in hot and dry environments, are actually situated on or near dry lake, creek or river beds. These naturally formed depressions and canals are susceptible to flash flooding, in which water quickly accumulates and gains momentum before seeping away as groundwater.
Basins
- In many areas that contain lakes or similar large bodies of water, there are natural features that channel collecting water into one or a few central locations or basins. The surrounding areas may host creeks, rivulets, underground streams and ponds that drain into this large body, and this often involves flooding of the surrounding area.

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