### What is a flood plain? - [ ] A land area that never experiences flooding - [x] A land area that is subject to periodic flooding - [ ] A land area specifically designated for agricultural use - [ ] A land area that is always above sea level > **Explanation:** A flood plain is a land area that is subject to periodic flooding, often due to its proximity to a body of water or its elevation being at or below sea level. ### If a flood plain is described as a "100 year flood plain," what does that mean? - [ ] The area is expected to flood once every 10 years - [ ] The area is expected to flood annually - [x] The area is expected to flood once in a century - [ ] The area floods once every 50 years > **Explanation:** When described as a "100 year flood plain," it means that the area is expected to experience flooding once in a century. ### How does the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) define a flood plain? - [ ] An area that floods every year - [x] An area designated to be subject to flooding once every 100 years - [ ] An area immune to flooding - [ ] An area where flooding occurs every 50 years > **Explanation:** FEMA defines a flood plain as an area designated to possibly be subject to flooding once every 100 years. ### Why are flood plains significant to flood insurance companies and FEMA? - [ ] They help determine agricultural zones - [x] They are used to make insurance and risk assessment decisions - [ ] They mark protected forest areas - [ ] They define the boundaries of large cities > **Explanation:** Flood plains are significant to flood insurance companies and FEMA because they help in making insurance decisions and assessing flood hazards. There are defined boundaries that play a key role in determining the risks and insurance premiums. ### Which one of the following is NOT typically a characteristic of a flood plain? - [ ] Prone to periodic flooding - [x] Always above sea level - [ ] Often near a body of water - [ ] Used in flood insurance assessments > **Explanation:** Flood plains are typically not always above sea level; they are land areas prone to periodic flooding and often found near bodies of water. ### How does the frequency description of "annual flood plain" differ from "100 year flood plain"? - [ ] It means the same thing - [ ] Annual flood plain floods every decade - [x] Annual flood plain floods once each year, 100 year flood plain floods once in a century - [ ] They both flood twice a century but under different conditions > **Explanation:** An "annual flood plain" means the area is expected to flood once each year, while a "100 year flood plain" means the area is expected to flood once in a century. ### What factor is commonly used to describe the frequency of flooding in a flood plain? - [ ] The color of the soil - [ ] The types of vegetation present - [x] The expected frequency of flooding (e.g., annually, 100 years) - [ ] The type of housing present > **Explanation:** The term used to describe a flood plain often refers to the expected frequency of flooding events, such as annually or once every 100 years.