Glossary
Diagnosis and Adaptation of Levee Systems

Scouring; scour

A phenomenon of erosion caused by the movement of flowing water, consisting in the hollowing out of banks, shorelines and anything in the way of the current.

Hazard

Situation, physical event (e.g. flood, storm), phenomenon or human activity with the potential to cause damage.

Watershed; catchment

Portion of land where precipitation and groundwater converge to feed a single watercourse.

Breakwater

Structure built parallel to the coastline to protect beaches and/or harbors from the effects of waves, coastal erosion or longitudinal drift.

Spike; groyne

Narrow structure, roughly perpendicular to the coast or shoreline, built to limit longitudinal currents...