Floods have many causes, including extreme rainfall, rapid snowmelt, and high tides, Flood control engineers work to mitigate the hazards of flooding by constructing flood control mechanisms. Oftentimes, simply planting water absorbing vegetation is sufficient. However, it is sometimes necessary to construct floodways, levees, dams, reservoirs, and retention ponds as a means to combat floods. Flood control engineers identify areas at high risk for flooding, and take action, either by constructing flood preventing structures, or by removing buildings from the area.
It is essential for flood control structures to be strong enough to avoid catastrophic failure. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. New Orleans was protected by several hundred miles of levees. Several of the levees failed, allowing floodwater to pour into the city. Over 50% of New Orleans was flooded. At the peak of the floods, some areas were over 20 feet underwater. Much of this flooding would have been avoided if the levees had not failed. The United States Government has in the past offered to buy flood prone property from citizens. In the wake of the 1993 floods across the midwest, the government bought 25,000 properties. These properties were subsequently converted to wetlands. These properties experienced flooding again in 1995, but the government didn't have to expend as many resources because the previous residents had been relocated. Moreover, ocean Engineers must design, construct, and provide maintenance for structures, devices, and materials capable of surviving harsh ocean environments. Corrosive saltwater, waves, storms, and marine life all complicate the process. Ocean engineers also maintain coastlines by managing pollution and waste disposal. Ocean engineers commonly work with oil companies, the military, and marine navigation fields. Each of these sectors requires engineers to construct permanent structures underwater without disrupting the habitat of marine life. Ocean engineers often work closely with oceanographers and marine biologists. |