American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What does the term 'floodplain' refer to?

1. A flat area prone to flooding during heavy rain

2. A legal designation for land use

3. A type of land zoning classification

4. A map showing demographics of flood-prone areas

The correct answer is: A flat area prone to flooding during heavy rain

The term 'floodplain' specifically refers to the flat area that is prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. This area typically includes the land adjacent to a river, stream, or other water bodies that can be affected by overflow or intense precipitation. Floodplains are essential in understanding hydrology and flood risks as they serve to absorb excess water during flood events, thereby reducing potential flood damage upstream and downstream. In contrast, a legal designation for land use reflects zoning regulations or policies that determine how land can be developed or utilized. Land zoning classifications pertain to categories that dictate the permitted uses of land, such as residential, commercial, or industrial zoning. A map showing demographics of flood-prone areas would illustrate population and socio-economic factors in these regions but does not define what a floodplain is. Thus, the primary definition focuses on the geographical and hydrological characteristics of the floodplain itself.