Public Policy and Private Enterprise in the Development of Flood Plains: A Laboratory Exercise in Physical Geography

Abstract

This paper presents an exercise developed for use in introductory physical geography. The exercise is divided into three parts, each having specific objectives and methods for attaining these objectives.

I. The nature of the flood hazard. Flooding is discussed as a natural process. A flood hydrograph is used to illustrate the natural and man-made factors which influence the nature and timing of the flood event.

II. The extent of the flood hazard. Flood probabilities, return intervals, stage-susceptible areas are determined by the students enabling them to make quantitative assessments of the extent of the flood hazard.

III. Formulating public policy: a simulation game. Roles representing various segments and interest groups of the community are given to groups of students. The groups then present hazard adjustment recommendations based on the nature and extent of the hazard and their role to a simulated public meeting. The various recommendations are discussed within established rules of order to reach agreement on public policy.