floodplain

Everyday

A floodplain is the flat land beside a river that gets covered with water when the river floods. tree →

In the lessons

In geography lessons floodplains are part of a river's course; their soil is fertile because floods leave mud (silt), so they are good for farming but risky for houses. Phrases: «on the floodplain», «build on a floodplain».

Examples

• The farm lies on the river's floodplain. tree →
• Floods leave rich soil on the floodplain. tree →
• Building houses on a floodplain is risky. tree →
• The floodplain was under water after the storm. tree →
• Label the floodplain on your river diagram. tree →
• Cows graze on the floodplain in summer. tree →

Note

Countable. Written as one word or two: floodplain / flood plain. Safety: never walk or drive through floodwater.