Flood Plain - GCSE Geography Definition

A flood plain is a flat area of land next to a river or stream that regularly gets flooded when the water levels rise. This happens because the river often overflows its banks during heavy rain or snowmelt. Over time, the river deposits layers of silt, which are tiny bits of soil and rock, on the flood plain, making it fertile and good for farming. Flood plains can be important for wildlife, but can also pose risks to people and properties during floods. Understanding how flood plains function is important for managing flood risks and planning land use in these areas.