Flood, levee, and erosion control glossary - F
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Fabridam
A dam constructed of fabric and rubber that can be inflated with air or water.
Failure Breach
A levee breach for which a cause of failure is known based on an investigation to determine the cause.
Fall Line
A break in the flow of all rivers as they flow
from the Appalachian plateau to the Atlantic coastal plain. This region is
characterized by the transition of steep, rapidly flowing streams to wider,
slower rivers. Large cities are frequently located at the fall line since this
represents the upward limit of navigation from the sea.
FBFM
Abbreviation for Flood Boundary and Floodway Map.
FDPA
Abbreviation for Flood Disaster Protection Act. See http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/rules/6500-3600.html.
FDT
Abbreviation for Floodway Data Table.
Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force
The
Task Force established in 1975 to carry out the responsibility of the President
to prepare for the Congress a Unified National Program for Floodplain
Management; member agencies are the Department of Agriculture, Department of
Army, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Interior, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Federal Levees
Those levees that are built by the USACE that were authorized for construction by Congress or by USACE continuing authorities, levee projects constructed by non-federal interests, or other (non-USACE) Federal agencies, and incorporated into the USACE Federal System by specific Congressional action, federal projects that are either operated and maintained by the USACE or turned over to a local sponsor for operation and maintenance; and non-federal projects within the Rehabilitation Inspection Program (Public Law 84-99).
Fedrally Authorized Levee
A levee that is typically designed and built by the Army Corps of Engineers in cooperation with a local sponsor and then turned over to a local sponsor to operate and maintain such as a local levee district.
Feeder Berm
(DRP 5-02) Nearshore berm constructed of clean dredged sand placed in relatively shallow coastal water to enhance adjacent beaches and nearshore areas by mitigating erosive wave action and by providing an addition source of sand to the littoral system. See berm.
FEMA
Has authority over federal flood insurance program and publishes the 100-year flood map. See http://www.fema.org/.
FEMA Accredited Levee
Those levee systems that meet, and continue to meet, minimum design, operation, and maintenance standards consistent with the 1% annual chance flood.
FEMA Levee Inventory System (FLIS)
A Web-based database and information retrieval system used by FEMA to collect and maintain information on structures shown on effective and soon-to-be-effective flood maps, including levees, dikes, floodwalls and road and railroad embankments.
FEMA Levee Inventory System (FLIS)
A Web-based database and information retrieval system used by FEMA to collect and maintain information on structures shown on effective and soon-to-be-effective flood maps, including levees, dikes, floodwalls and road and railroad embankments.
FFED
Abbreviation for Final Flood Elevation Determination.
FHBM
Abbreviation for Flood Hazard Boundary Map.
FIA
Abbreviation for Federal Insurance
Administration.
Fill
An earth embankment, i.e., a levee, highway, building foundation, or other raised area. The purpose of a fill may be to confine streamflow, raise ground surfaces above the waterline, or simplify transportation. All fills on flood plains create obstructions to some degree. Material such as earth, clay, or crushed stone that is placed in an area and compacted to increase ground elevation. The placing, storing, or dumping of any material, such as (by way of illustration but not of limitation) earth, clay, sand, concrete, rubble, or waste of any kind upon the surface of the ground which results in increasing the natural ground surface elevation.
FIMA
Abbreviation for Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration.
FIRM
Abbreviation for Flood Insurance Rate Map.
FIS
Abbreviation for Flood Insurance Study.
Fertigation
The application of fertilizer through an
irrigation system.
Fertility (Soil)
The quality of a soil that enables it to
provide nutrients in adequate amounts and in proper balance for the growth of
specified plants when other growth factors, such as light, moisture,
temperature, and the physical condition of the soil, are favorable.
Fetch
The area in which seas are generated by a wind
having a rather constant direction and speed. See Wave
Fetch, Wave Fetch Window.
Field Capacity
The amount of water a soil can hold.
Fill
Material such as earth, clay, or crushed stone that
is placed in an area and compacted to increase ground elevation. The placing,
storing, or dumping of any material, such as (by way of illustration but not of
limitation) earth, clay, sand, concrete, rubble, or waste of any kind upon the
surface of the ground which results in increasing the natural ground surface
elevation.
Fill Material
Soil, rock, gravel or other matter that is
placed at a specified location to bring the ground surface up to a desired
elevation.
Filter
Layer of fabric, sand, gravel, or graded rock
placed between the bank revetment or channel lining and soil for one or more of three
purposes: to prevent the soil from moving through the revetment; to prevent the
revetment from sinking into the soil; and to permit natural seepage from the streambank, thus preventing buildup
of excessive groundwater pressure.
Filter Fabric
Geotextile fabric.
Filter Feeder/Filter Feeding
Bivalve shellfish are filter
feeders, meaning they pump water through their gills for both respiration and
feeding on detritus, phytoplankton, zooplankton. As they pump this
water, the gills filter out particulates, removing suspended material from the
water. Because shellfish are such effective filters of the water, they tend to
accumulate whatever pollutants are in the water.
Filter Strip
Strip of permanent vegetation above ponds, diversion terraces and other
structures to retard flow of runoff water and thereby reduce sediment flow.
Strip or area of vegetation used for removing sediment, organic matter, and
other pollutants from runoff and wastewater.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.
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Photo of filter strip. |
Final Stabilization
Period when all soil disturbing
activities at the site have been completed, and a uniform perennial vegetative
cover with a density of 70% for the area has been established or equivalent
stabilization measures have been employed.
Fine Barticles
Silt and clay particles; also called fines.
Fine Scale
See Scale.
Fish Ladders
Artificial, stepped pools to enable fish traveling upstream, against the flow
of water, to span a large vertical distance in a series of gradual steps. Used
at dams or other in-stream barriers.
Photo courtesy of US Geological Service. |
Photo of fish ladder. |
Fish or Shellfish Consumption Advisory
An advisory issued
by state government agencies and used to reduce human health risks associated
with exposure to chemical contaminants (e.g., PCBs, DDTs, mercury) found in
fish and shellfish. Advisories may recommend bans and restricted consumption of
certain species in specific geographical areas of an estuary.
Flanking
Streamflow between a structure and the bank,
possibly occurring because the structure was not properly tied into the bank.
Flash Flood
A flood that crests in a short length of time and is often characterized by
high-velocity flow. It is often the result of heavy rainfall in a localized
area. Flooding characterized by a rapid rise in water, high velocity, and large
amounts of debris.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.
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Photo of flash flood. |
Flash Flood Warning
A flash flood is occurring; seek
higher ground on foot immediately.
Flash Flood Watch
Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared
to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA
Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
Flood
A partial or complete inundation of normally dry
land areas from the overland flow of a lake, ocean, river, stream, ditch, etc.
An overflow of lands adjacent to a river, stream, ocean, lake, etc., not
normally covered by water. Otherwise it is normally considered as any temporary
rise in stream flow or stage that results in significant adverse effects in the
vicinity. Adverse effects may include damages from overflow of land areas,
backwater effects in sewers and local drainage channels,
creation of unsanitary conditions, soil erosion, deposition of materials during
flood recessions, rise of groundwater coincident with increased streamflow,
contamination of domestic water supplies, subsidence or collapse of land along
a body of water, and other problems.
A general and temporary condition of: 1)
partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of
inland and/or tidal waters; and/or 2) the unusual accumulation of waters from
any source.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.
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Example of a flood. |
Flood, 100-Year
A 100-year flood does not refer to a flood that occurs once every 100 years, but to a flood level with a 1 percent or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Areas between the 100-year and the 500-year flood boundaries are termed Moderate Flood Hazard Areas. The remaining areas are above the 500 - year flood level and are termed Minimal Flood Hazard Areas.
Flood Abatement
See Flood Control.
Flood, Annual
The highest peak discharge in a water year.
Flood Attenuation
To lessen the amount, force or severity of high flows.
Flood - Base Discharge
A value of high flow usually computed during the first 5 years of station operation that, on the average, is exceeded about three times per year.
Flood Boundary Floodway Map (FBFM)
Official map of a community where the boundaries of the flood, mudslide and related erosion areas having special hazards have been designated as Flood Zones A, M, and E. Now superseded by the Floodway Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM).
Flood Capacity
The capacity of a channel
to carry calculated flood flows. Capacity is dependent on cross-sectional area
and frictional components (e.g., channel vegetation).
Flood Channel
1. Channel located on ebb-tidal shoal that carries the flood tide over the tidal flat into the back bay or lagoon. 2. Any partially or completely excavated channel intended to convey above-normal discharges. Flood channels may be sized to convey any return interval discharge above the 2-year or other normal bank-full discharge.
Flood Control (Storage)
The control of flood waters by the construction of flood storage reservoirs, flood water retaining structures, channel improvements, levees, bypass channels, other engineering works, or vegetative changes.
Flood Control Pool
Reservoir volume reserved for flood runoff and then evacuated as soon as possible to keep that volume in readiness for the next flood.
Flood Control Zone
A zone established for the purpose of
limiting use of tax funds available from a certain area (zone) for the
improvements and services in that particular area only.
Flood Control Structures
Structures such as dams, dikes, levees, drainage ditches, and other structures built
to modify flooding and protect areas from flood waters
Flood Crest
The maximum stage or elevation reached or expected to be reached by the
waters of a specific flood at a given location.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.
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Example of flood crest. |
Flood Current
The movement of a tidal current toward the shore or up a tidal stream. In the semidiurnal type of reversing current, the terms greater flood and lesser flood are applied respectively to the flood currents of greater and lesser velocity each day. The terms maximum flood and minimum flood are applied to the maximum and minimum velocities of a flood current the velocity of which alternately increases and decreases without coming to slack or reversing. The expression maximum flood is also applicable to any flood current at the time of greatest velocity.
Flood Damage
The direct and indirect economic loss caused by floods including damage by inundation, erosion, or sediment deposition. Indirect damages may also include emergency costs and business or financial losses. Evaluation may be based on the cost of replacing, repairing, or rehabilitating; or the comparative change in market or sales value; or on the change in income or production caused by flooding.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.
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Example of flood damage. |
Flood Depth
The height difference between the flood
elevation and the lowest grade adjacent to the structure.
Flood Discharge
The total quantity of water flowing in a
stream and adjoining overflow areas during times of flood. It is measured by
the amount of water passing a point along a stream within a specified period of
time and is usually measured in cubic feet of water per second (cfs).
Flood Diversion Channel
See floodway.
Flood Duration
The length of time a stream is above flood
stage or overflowing its banks.
Flood Duration Curve
A cumulative frequency curve that shows the percentage of time that specified discharges are equaled or exceeded.
Flood Fighting
Actions taken immediately before or during
a flood to protect human life and to reduce flood damages such as evacuation,
emergency sandbagging and diking, and provision of assistance to flood victims.
Flood Forecasting
The process of predicting the
occurrence, magnitude and duration of an imminent flood through meteorological
and hydrological observations and analysis. Flood forecasts are primarily the responsibility of the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and are used to predict flood stages and times and indicate areas subject to flooding.
Flood Frequency
The frequency with which a flood of a
given discharge has the probability of recurring. For example, a "100-year" frequency flood refers to a
flood discharge of a magnitude likely to occur on the average of once every 100
years or, more properly, has a one-percent chance of being exceeded in any
year. Although calculation of possible recurrence is often based on historical
records, there is no guarantee that a "100-year" flood will occur at
all within the 100-year period or that it will not recur several times.
Flood Frequency Curve
(1) A graph showing the average interval of time within which a flood of a given magnitude will be equaled or exceeded once. (2) A similar graph but plotted with the Recurrence Intervals of floods plotted instead.
Flood Fringe
That portion of the floodplain outside of the
floodway which is covered by floodwaters during the base
flood. It is generally associated with standing water rather than
rapidly flowing water.
Flood Hazard
The potential for inundation that involves
risk to life, health, property, and natural floodplain values.
Flood Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM)
The first flood risk map
prepared for a community which identifies flood hazard areas based on
approximation of the land area in the community having a one percent or greater
chance of being flooded in a given year. The FHBM is an official map of a
community, issued through the NFIP, where the boundaries of the flood, mudslide
(i.e., mudflow), and related erosion areas
having special hazards have been designated as Zone A, M, or E.
Flood Hazard Boundary Maps or Flood Insurance Rate Maps
Maps published by the Federal Insurance Administration
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
identify Special Flood Hazard Areas. These can also be determined from flood
hazard studies performed by agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
U.S. Geological Survey, Tennessee Valley Authority, Soil Conservation Service
and from qualified professional engineer firms. Elevation differences should be
clarified for community use and referenced to appropriate agency.
Flood Hazard Mitigation Teams
Teams consisting of
representatives of the 12 federal agencies that signed an interagency agreement
to provide technical assistance to states and communities for nonstructural
flood damage reduction measures. The teams are typically employed after each
major flood disaster declared by the President to provide technical assistance
and guidelines to communities and states affected by the disaster.
Flood Hydrograph
A graph showing, for a given point on a
stream, the discharge, height or other characteristic of a flood with respect
to time.
Flood Insurance
Insurance to cover damages to your home,
or belongings in your home, caused by flooding, that can be purchased through
your local insurance agent or through the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Flood Insurance Emergency Program
A phase of the National Flood Insurance Program intended primarily
as an interim program to provide a limited amount of insurance at federally-subsidized
rates on all existing and new construction begun prior to publication of a
detailed flood insurance rate map for an area.
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
An official map of a
community on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both
the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the
community. FIRMs identity the elevation of the one percent annual chance flood
and the areas that would be inundated by that level of flooding, and are used
to determine flood insurance rates.
Flood Insurance Regular Program
The phase of the National Flood Insurance Program under which
actuarial rates have been determined.
Flood Insurance Study (FIS)
An examination, evaluation,
and determination of flood hazards and, if appropriate, corresponding water
surface elevations, or an examination, evaluation, and determination of
mudslide (i.e., mudflow) and/or flood-related
erosion hazards.
Flood, Intermediate Regional
A flood having a one percent probability, or an average frequency of occurrence on the order of once in 100 years, although the flood may occur in any year. The intermediate regional flood is based on statistical analyses of streamflow records available for the watershed and analyses of rainfall and runoff characteristics in the "general region of the watershed."
Flood Irrigation
The application of irrigation water where the entire surface of the soil is covered by a sheet of water, called Controlled Flooding when water is impounded or the flow directed by border dikes, ridges, or ditches.
Flood, Maximum Probable
The greatest flood that may be expected at a place, taking into account all pertinent factors of location, meteorology, hydrology, and terrain.
Flood Of Record
The greatest (highest) flood recorded for
a location. Usually referred to as the "maximum flood of record". The
term is also sometimes used to mean any flood for which there is a measurement
of height or other systematic or reliable record useful for technical analysis.
Flood Peak
The highest value of the stage or discharge attained
by a flood; thus, peak stage or peak discharge.
Flood Plane
The position occupied by the water surface of a stream during a particular flood. Also, loosely, the elevation of the water surface at various points along the stream during a particular flood.
Flood Pool
A volume of space in a reservoir reserved for
storage of flood waters.
Flood Prevention
Methods or structural measures used to prevent floods.
Flood Probability
A statistical expression of the chance
(usually as a percentage) that a flood of given magnitude has of being equaled
or exceeded in any one year (see flood frequency).
Flood Profile
A graph or a longitudinal profile showing
the relationship of the water surface elevation of a flood to location along a
stream.
Flood Proofing
A combination of structural changes and/or
adjustments incorporated in the design and/or construction and alteration of
individual buildings, structures or properties subject to flooding primarily
for the reduction or elimination of flood damages.
Flood Protection Project
A project that affects the flood conveyance capacity or flood management behavior of
the system, usually designed to reduce flooding hazards.
Flood Protection System
Physical works constructed specifically to mitigate flooding or to reduce flood risk to an area of land. Flood protection systems include hurricane tidal barriers, dams, reservoirs, levees or dikes.
Flood Routing
An analytical technique used to compute the
effects of system storage dynamics on the shape and movement of flow
represented by a hydrograph.
Flood Stage
The height of a river above which damage
begins to occur. Normally the level at which a river overflows its banks.
Flood Stage Profile
A graph of flooding condition water surface elevation versus distance along a river or stream. The profile may correspond to an historic flood event or an event or a specified recurrence interval. The channel bottom, as well as bridges, culverts, and dams, are usually shown on the flood stage profile.
Flood, Standard Project (SPF)
A hypothetical flood that might result from the most severe combination of meteorological and hydrological conditions that are reasonably characteristic of the geographical region involved. The SPF is the usual basis for design of flood control structures.
Flood Tide, also Floodtide
The incoming or rising tide; the period between low water and the succeeding high water.
Flood Wall, Splash Wall
Wall, retired from the seaward edge of the seawall crest, to prevent water from flowing onto the land behind.
Flood Warning
Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if
advised to evacuate, do so immediately. The issuance and dissemination of
information about an imminent or current flood.
Flood Watch
Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television
for information.
Flood Waters
(1) An overflow of water onto lands that are used or usable by man and not normally covered by water. Floods have two essential characteristics: The inundation of land is temporary; and the land is adjacent to and inundated by overflow from a river, stream, lake, or ocean. (2) As defined, in part, in the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP): "A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from overflow of inland or tidal waters or from the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source."
Flood Wave
A distinct rise in stage, culminating in a crest and followed by recession to lower stages.
Flood Zone
The land bordering a stream which is subject to floods of about equal frequency; for example, a strip of the floodplain subject to flooding more often than once, but not as frequently as twice in a century (100-Year Flood).
Floodflow
A term used to refer to the movement of
floodwater.
Floodgate
(1) A gate used to control the flow of a body of water. Also referred to as a Water Gate. (2) Something that restrains a flood or an outpouring.
Flooding Problem
The disruption to community affairs, damage to property and facilities, and the danger to human life and health that occurs when land use is incompatible with the hydrologic - hydraulic system.
Floodplain
(1) A strip of relatively smooth land bordering a stream, built of sediment carried by the stream and dropped in the slack water beyond the influence of the swiftest current. It is called a Living Flood Plain if it is overflowed in times of high water but a Fossil Flood Plain if it is beyond the reach of the highest flood. (2) The lowland that borders a stream or river, usually dry but subject to flooding. (3) That land outside of a stream channel described by the perimeter of the Maximum Probable Flood. Also referred to as a Flood - Prone Area.
Floodplain Bench
A small level area that forms at the effective discharge stage within an over-wide, entrenched channel.
Floodplain Delineation
The process of showing in a
graphical form, usually on a map or photo mosaic, areas which have been
inundated by a specific flood or which can be expected to be inundated by a
predicted flood of specific magnitude.
Floodplain Fringe
The portion of the flood plain outside the floodway which is covered by floodwaters during the 100 - year recurrence interval flood. It is generally associated with shallow, standing or slowly moving water rather than deep, rapidly flowing water.
Floodplain Management
A term applied to the full range of
public policy and action for ensuring wise use of floodplains.
It includes the operation of an overall program of corrective and preventative
measures for reducing flood damage, including, but not limited to emergency
preparedness, plans flood control works and floodplain management.
Floodplain Management Association (FMA)
A professional
association in the United States concerned with floodplain management with an
interest in reducing flood losses and maintaining the natural values of
floodplains. See www.fma.org.
Floodplain Management Measures
Refers to an overall community program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing future flood damage. The measures take a variety of forms and generally include zoning, subdivision, or building requirements and special - purpose floodplain ordinances. Also see National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Floodplain Management Regulations
Zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations,
building codes, health regulations, special purpose ordinances (covering, for
example, floodplains, grading, and erosion control), and other regulations to
control future development in floodplains and to correct inappropriate
development already in floodplains. See A-Zone, V-Zone.
Floodplain of Aggradation
A flood plain formed by the building up of the valley floor by sedimentation.
Floodplain Regulations
A general term applied to the full
range of codes, ordinances, and other regulations relating to the use of land
and construction within floodplain limits. The
term encompasses zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building and
housing codes, encroachment laws, open area (space) and health regulations,
grading and erosion control ordinances for purposes of reducing or preventing flood
damage.
Floodplain Resources
Natural and cultural resources
including wetlands, surface water, groundwater,
soils, historic sites, and other resources that may be found in the floodplain
and which provide important water resources, living resources (habitat), and
cultural/historic values.
Floodplain Use Permit
An official document which authorizes specific activities within a regulatory floodplain or erosion hazard area.
Floodplain Values
The qualities of or functions served by floodplains which
include but are not limited to: a) water resource values (natural moderation
of floods, water quality maintenance, groundwater recharge); b) living resource
values (fish, wildlife, plant resources and habitats); c) cultural resource
values (open space, natural beauty, scientific study, outdoor education,
archaeological and historic sites, recreation); and d) cultivated resource
values (agriculture, aquaculture, forestry).
Floodproofing
The modification of individual structures and facilities, their
sites, and their contents to protect against structural failure, to keep water
out, or to reduce the effects of water entry.
Flood-Related Erosion
The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or other body of water as a result of undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels or suddenly caused by an unusually high water level in a natural body of water, accompanied by a severe storm, or by an unanticipated force of nature, such as a flash flood or an abnormal tidal surge, or by some similarly unusual and unforeseeable event which results in flooding.
Flood-Related Erosion Area Management
- The operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood - related erosion damage, including but not limited to emergency preparedness plans, flood - related erosion control works, and floodplain management regulations.
Flood-Related Erosion Prone Area
A land area adjoining the shore of a lake or other body of water, which due to the composition of the shoreline or bank and high water levels or wind - driven currents, is likely to suffer flood - related erosion damage
Floodwall
A wall structure, usually in an urban area, constructed of concrete
or stone, parallel to a river to prevent flooding. A similar structure placed
along a seashore to prevent flooding from tides and wave action is called a
seawall. Floodwalls are usually built in areas with a limited amount of space.
Floodwater
The water of a flood. Often used in the plural (floodwaters).
Floodwater Detention Capacity
That part of the gross reservoir capacity which, at the time under consideration, is reserved for the temporary storage of floodwaters. It can vary from zero to the entire capacity (exclusive of dead storage) according to a predetermined schedule based upon such parameters as antecedent precipitation, reservoir inflow, potential snowmelt, or downstream channel capacities. Also referred to as Flood-Control Capacity.
Floodwater Retarding Structure
A structure providing for temporary storage of floodwater and for its controlled releases.
Floodwater Retention
The capacity of Wetland sediments and vegetation to hold excess pulses of water for subsequent discharge.
Floodway
The channel of a river or other watercourse
and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water
surface elevation more than a designated height. The floodway is intended to
carry the deep and fast-moving water. Normally the base flood is defined as the
one percent chance flood and the designated height is one foot above the
pre-floodway condition. Designated land left clear of development for the
passage of flood waters.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.
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Example of floodway. |
Floodway Encroachment Lines
The lines marking the limits of Floodways on federal, state, and local floodplain maps.
Floodway Fringe
The area of the floodplain
not lying within a floodway which may hereafter be covered by floodwaters up to
the Base Flood.
Floodway Hazard Boundary Map (FHBM)
Official map of a community where the boundaries of the flood, mudslide and related erosion areas having special hazards have been designated as Flood Zones A, M, and E. Supersedes the Flood Boundary Floodway Map (FBFM).
Flora
The sum total of the kinds of plants in an area at
one time.
Flow Area
The cross section (discharge) area of the floodplain
below a given surface-water elevation.
Flow Rate
The rate, expressed in gallons or
liters-per-hour, at which a fluid escapes flow.
Fluctuating Lake Levels
Short- or long-term water level
fluctuations that can cause high water and subsequent flooding problems and
which can result from natural and man-induced events.
Flume
A natural or man-made channel
that diverts water.
FMPCC
Abbreaviation for Flood Map Production Coordination Contractor.
Food Chain
The transfer of energy in a methodical fashion
from one functional feeding group to another.
Food Web
The process of interconnected food chains
(including plants, herbivores, and carnivores) that create a pathway that
transfers energy throughout a biological community.
Footings
The enlarged base of a foundation wall, pier, or
column designed to spread the load of the structure so that it does not exceed
the soil-bearing capacity.
Forb
An herbaceous plant which is not a grass, sedge, or
rush.
Forebay
An easily maintained, extra storage area provided
near an inlet of a BMP to trap incoming
sediments before they accumulate in a pond or wetland
BMP.
Foreshore
The part of the shore lying between the crest of
the berm (or upper limit of wave wash at high tide) and the ordinary low-water
mark, ordinarily traversed by the uprush and backrush of the waves as the tides
rise and fall.
Forest
Land with at least 10% of its surface area stocked
by trees of any size or formerly having had such trees as cover and not
currently built-up or developed for agricultural use. Forests are distinguished
by their species of trees and plants, density, and soil type. Forests are also
divided into vertical layers - the canopy, the shrub layer, and the forest
floor. A plant association predominantly of trees and other woody vegetation.
Forest Cover
The amount of forest per unit area.
Forest Health Monitoring Program (FHP)
The FHP's mission
is to develop and implement a cooperative multi-agency program to monitor,
assess, and report on the long-term status, changes, and trends in forest ecosystem health in the United States.
Forested Wetlands
Wetlands,
largely wooded swamps and bottomland hardwood forests that are dominated by
trees (greater than 20 feet tall).
Foundation Wall
A support structure that connects the
foundation (the building substructure) to the main portion of the building (the
building superstructure).
fps
Abbreviation for feet per second.
Fragmentation
Refers to a formerly healthy forest that has
been divided into many patches, usually due to conversion to agricultural or
residential land.
Freeboard
1. A factor of safety usually expressed in feet
above a design flood level for flood protection
or control works. Freeboard tends to compensate for the many unknown factors
that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a
selected size flood and floodway conditions such as wave action, bridge opening
and floodway obstructions, and the hydrological effects of urbanization of the
watershed. 2. The vertical distance from the water’s surface to the top of the levee.
French Drain System
A crushed rock drain system,
constructed of perforated pipes, which is used to drain and disperse wastewater.
Frequency of Storm (Design Storm Frequency)
The
anticipated period in years that will elapse, based on average probability of
storms in the design region, before a storm of a given intensity and/or total
volume will recur; thus a 10-year storm can be expected to occur on the average
once every 10 years. Sewers designed to handle flows which occur under such
storm conditions would be expected to be surcharged by any storms of greater
amount or intensity.
Fresh Water
Water that generally contains less than 1,000
milligrams-per-liter of dissolved solids.
Frost-Heave
The upward movement of soil surface due to the
expansion of water stored between particles in the first few feet of the soil
profile as it freezes. May cause surface fracturing of asphalt or concrete.
Fugitive Dust
Particulate pollution from construction
sites, unpaved roads, or other disturbed areas.
Fungicide
Chemicals used to harm or kill undesirable fungi.
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L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | XYZ
For more information about Infrastructure Defense Technologies’ flood barriers and erosion control barriers and applications, please call us at 1-800-379-1822, email us at info@metalithH2O.com, info@infrastructure-defense.com or fill out our contact form.
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The Metalith H2O
A Division of Infrastructure Defense Technologies
3575 Morreim Drive • Belvidere, Illinois 61008
Phone: 1-800-621-5617 • Fax: 1-815-323-1317
Email: info@MetalithH2O.com
Copyright ©2003-2009 Infrastructure Defense Technologies.
All rights reserved.
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