How Engineers Stop Floods: High-Tech Solutions for Flood Control

By Jackie Craven, About.com Guide

In England, engineers developed an innovative movable flood barrier to prevent flooding along the Thames River. Made of hollow steel, water gates on the Thames Barrier are normally left open so ships can pass through. Then, as needed, the water gates revolve shut to stop water flowing through and to keep the level of the Thames River safe.

The Thames Barrier gates were constructed between 1974 and 1984 and have been closed to prevent floods more than 100 times.

Next: Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier

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• Floods Are on the Rise
• Watergates in Japan
• The Thames Barrier in England
• Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier in the Netherlands
• The Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier in the Netherlands
• The Hagestein Weir in the Netherlands

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