Flood Recurrence and Probability Graphs Like the One Shown Below

question 27

Multiple Choice

Flood recurrence and probability graphs like the one shown below rely on historic records.The predictions for severe floods on graphs like this one are supported by few data points because data for such graphs have generally not been collected longer than a century.What effect would urbanization have on the reliability of using this kind of graph to calculate the frequency and severity of major floods?

• A) an underestimation of severe flood hazard
• B) an overestimation of severe flood hazard
• C) Urbanization would probably not affect the reliability of estimating severe flood hazard using this graphic predictive technique.

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Definitions:

Sociology

The study of social behavior, society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture that surrounds everyday life.

Time

A dimension in which events can be ordered from the past through the present into the future, and also the measure of durations of events and the intervals between them.

Sociology

The study of societal structures, relationships, and processes that influence human behavior and interactions.

Time

In economics, time is considered a valuable resource, affecting labor, production, and opportunity costs.