Levée

For the musical term, see Levee (music).

For other uses, see Levee (disambiguation).

A levée, also known as a dike, dyke, embankment, floodbank, or stopbank, is an artificial embankment constructed to prevent the overflow of a river. Levées are typically made of earth and are built along the edges of rivers or other bodies of water to protect the adjacent land from flooding.

History

Levées have been used since ancient times to control water flow and protect agricultural land. The earliest known levées were constructed in Ancient Egypt along the Nile River to protect against the annual flooding. Similar structures were also built in Mesopotamia along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Construction

Levées are usually constructed from locally available materials such as earth, sand, and gravel. The design and construction of a levée depend on various factors, including the height and strength required to withstand potential floodwaters. Modern levées may also incorporate materials like concrete and steel for added strength and durability.

Types of Levées

There are several types of levées, including:

• Earthen Levées: Made primarily from compacted earth.
• Concrete Levées: Constructed using concrete for added strength.
• Rock-fill Levées: Built using rocks and boulders.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for the effectiveness of levées. This includes inspecting for signs of erosion, seepage, and structural damage. Vegetation management is also important to prevent root systems from compromising the integrity of the levée.

Environmental Impact

While levées provide significant protection against flooding, they can also have environmental impacts. They can alter natural water flow, affect local ecosystems, and contribute to the loss of wetlands. Efforts are often made to balance flood protection with environmental conservation.

Notable Levées

• The Mississippi River levée system in the United States is one of the most extensive in the world.
• The Netherlands has a comprehensive system of dikes and levées to protect against the North Sea.

See Also

• Flood control
• Dam
• Seawall
• Hydraulic engineering
• River engineering

Related Pages

• Flood control
• Dam
• Seawall
• Hydraulic engineering
• River engineering