River Training Works MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Dikes and levees are man-made embankments built along rivers or coasts to prevent flooding of the surrounding land.

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify the term 'Dike' (also spelled Dyke) in the context of civil engineering. 2. In river engineering, a dike is a long wall or embankment built to keep out water from the sea or a river. 3. Another common name for such a flood protection embankment is a 'Levee'. 4. Comparing the given options, 'Levees' is the synonym for Dike. Answer: (A) Levees

Explanation

Dikes and levees are both earth embankments used for flood control. They are built parallel to the river bank to increase the channel capacity. This prevents water from entering the nearby low-lying areas during high flows.

Why the other options are wrong

B: Earth is a material used to build dikes, not another name for the structure itself. C: Slope is a geometric feature of an embankment, not the name of the structure. D: Wall is a general term; while a dike acts like a wall, 'Levee' is the specific technical synonym used in engineering.

Shortcut

Remember: Dike = Levee = Flood Bank.

Common mistake

Students might confuse a dike with a dam; a dam blocks the flow across a river, while a dike runs along the side of it.