What is the main effect of flood walls?

Flood walls are primarily constructed to act as barriers that protect areas from flooding by preventing water from rivers or other bodies of water from encroaching onto adjacent floodplains. This dam-like function creates a physical separation between the river and the surrounding land, which is crucial during heavy rain or snowmelt when water levels rise. By keeping floodwaters contained within the riverbanks, flood walls help to reduce the risk of damage to properties, infrastructure, and ecosystems that would otherwise be inundated.

In contrast, promoting river meandering, increasing sediment deposits, and forming natural habitats are not primary roles of flood walls. River meandering is a natural process influenced by factors like flow velocity and sediment type, whereas flood walls are designed to stabilize riverbanks without encouraging such dynamics. Similarly, while sediment transport is important in river systems, the construction of flood walls does not inherently lead to increased sediment deposition within the river. Additionally, while some flood wall designs can incorporate green spaces or features that may benefit wildlife, the main purpose remains focused on flood prevention rather than habitat formation.