Legal Definitions - floodplain

Definition: A floodplain is a piece of land that is prone to flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to a river or stream. It is typically flat land that extends from the riverbank and becomes submerged when the water level exceeds the capacity of the river channel.

Example: One example of a floodplain is the Mississippi River floodplain, which covers a large area of land in the central United States. When heavy rains or snowmelt cause the river to overflow its banks, the floodplain becomes inundated with water, causing damage to homes, businesses, and crops.

Explanation: The example of the Mississippi River floodplain illustrates how floodplains can be a significant risk to human settlements and agriculture. The flat terrain and proximity to the river make it an ideal location for farming and development, but also make it vulnerable to flooding. When the river exceeds its capacity, the floodplain becomes submerged, causing damage to infrastructure and disrupting people's lives.