Flash flood
Flash flood
A flash flood (pronunciation: /ˈflæʃ ˈflʌd/) is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas, usually caused by intense rainfall.
Etymology
The term "flash flood" is derived from the speed at which the flood occurs. "Flash" refers to something happening suddenly and unexpectedly, while "flood" comes from the Old English "flōd", meaning a flow of water.
Definition
A flash flood is a sudden, rapid flooding event, typically caused by heavy or excessive rainfall over a short period of time, particularly in areas where the ground is hard or already saturated. Flash floods can also occur in the event of a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release of water held by an ice jam.
Related Terms
- Rainfall: The primary cause of flash floods. It is the amount of rain that falls over a certain area in a certain period of time.
- Flood: A general term for an overflow of water that submerges land which is usually dry.
- Dam: A barrier that stops or restricts the flow of water or underground streams.
- Levee: An embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river.
- Ice jam: A buildup of ice that forms a dam and causes a sudden release of water when it breaks.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flash flood
- Wikipedia's article - Flash flood
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