Book 19, Question 124
What Does a Flood Leave Behind?
After a flood, the river leaves behind mud, sand, logs, and sometimes a new channel! When the water goes down, you can see the story of what happened. Some of what it leaves behind is actually good for the land, but a flood can also be hard on people.
More fun facts
- Floods leave clues called high-water marks.
- They include dried mud, piles of snagged debris and scraped soil.
- Muddy water can leave a mud line on buildings and roads.
- Scientists use these marks to learn how high the flood rose.
- Floods can also leave damaged homes and roads.
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, National Geographic
Questions kids ask
What is a high-water mark?
It is a clue left by a flood, like dried mud or a mud line, that shows how high the water rose.