CFM EXAM PREP 2025 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
Riverine, coastal, & shallow - ....ANSWER ...-What are the three most common
types of flooding?
Which type of flooding has accounted for the most flood-related deaths in recent history?
- ....ANSWER ...-Flash flooding
What is "meander"? - ....ANSWER ...-A curve or a turn in a river channel.
What is the major cause of coastal flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-Storm surge
What causes a tsunami? - ....ANSWER ...-Underwater earthquakes or volcanoes
List the five types of special flood hazards covered in this course. - ....ANSWER ...-
Closed basin lakes, uncertain flow paths, dam breaks, ice jams, and mudflows
List at least three benefits that floodplains, in a relatively undisturbed condition, actually
contribute or could contribute to your community - ....ANSWER ...-Habitat and
wildlife protection, groundwater recharge, natural flood and erosion control
What two problems result from floodplain development? - ....ANSWER ...-1.
Development alters the floodplain and the dynamics of flooding
2. Buildings and infrastructure are damaged by periodic flooding
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 1
,What does watershed development do to flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-The increase
in impervious surface results in increased runoff and higher flood levels
What is one of the problems with constructing seawalls to protect buildings from
flooding or erosion? - ....ANSWER ...-It can accelerate the erosion on properties at
the end of the wall
What are the five main causes of flood damage? - ....ANSWER ...-1. Hydrodynamic
forces
2. Debris impact
3. Hydrostatic forces
4. Soaking
5. Sediment and contaminants
Standing water as little as ___________ feet deep can collapse the walls of a frame house
- ....ANSWER ...-Three feet
What are some of the safety and health hazards that accompany floods? -
....ANSWER ...-1. Disruption of public utilities
2. Electrocution
3. Contamination of water supplies
4. Fire
5. Animal carcasses, garbage and ponds that can become breeding grounds for germs
and mosquitos
6. Mold, mildew, and bacteria that grow in damp, flooded areas
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 2
, 7. Contaminated air from dirty heating ducts
8. Stress and mental health problems
Prior to the 1960s, what was the primary way to reduce flood losses? -
....ANSWER ...-Structural flood control projects
What is the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's definition of
"floodplain management?" - ....ANSWER ...-"A decision-making process that
aims to achieve the wise use of the nation's floodplains."
What are the two primary goals of floodplain management? - ....ANSWER ...-1. To
reduce the loss of life, disruption, and damage caused by floods
2. To preserve and restore the natural resources and functions of floodplains
What areas are conducive to flash flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-1. Hilly areas with
steep slopes and narrow valleys
2. Urban areas with large amount of impervious surfaces and storm sewers
3. Areas downstream of dams or subject to ice jams
Is erosion only a threat in coastal areas? - ....ANSWER ...-No. Riverine erosion can
move stream channels and undercut structures.
What is "ponding?" - ....ANSWER ...-Where stormwater runoff collects in
depressions and cannot drain out. (AO Zone)
Are plants and animals the only beneficiaries of the "natural and beneficial functions" of
floodplains? - ....ANSWER ...-No. People benefit from floodplains through the
food they provide, the recreational opportunities they afford and the scientific knowledge
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 3
AND ANSWERS
Riverine, coastal, & shallow - ....ANSWER ...-What are the three most common
types of flooding?
Which type of flooding has accounted for the most flood-related deaths in recent history?
- ....ANSWER ...-Flash flooding
What is "meander"? - ....ANSWER ...-A curve or a turn in a river channel.
What is the major cause of coastal flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-Storm surge
What causes a tsunami? - ....ANSWER ...-Underwater earthquakes or volcanoes
List the five types of special flood hazards covered in this course. - ....ANSWER ...-
Closed basin lakes, uncertain flow paths, dam breaks, ice jams, and mudflows
List at least three benefits that floodplains, in a relatively undisturbed condition, actually
contribute or could contribute to your community - ....ANSWER ...-Habitat and
wildlife protection, groundwater recharge, natural flood and erosion control
What two problems result from floodplain development? - ....ANSWER ...-1.
Development alters the floodplain and the dynamics of flooding
2. Buildings and infrastructure are damaged by periodic flooding
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 1
,What does watershed development do to flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-The increase
in impervious surface results in increased runoff and higher flood levels
What is one of the problems with constructing seawalls to protect buildings from
flooding or erosion? - ....ANSWER ...-It can accelerate the erosion on properties at
the end of the wall
What are the five main causes of flood damage? - ....ANSWER ...-1. Hydrodynamic
forces
2. Debris impact
3. Hydrostatic forces
4. Soaking
5. Sediment and contaminants
Standing water as little as ___________ feet deep can collapse the walls of a frame house
- ....ANSWER ...-Three feet
What are some of the safety and health hazards that accompany floods? -
....ANSWER ...-1. Disruption of public utilities
2. Electrocution
3. Contamination of water supplies
4. Fire
5. Animal carcasses, garbage and ponds that can become breeding grounds for germs
and mosquitos
6. Mold, mildew, and bacteria that grow in damp, flooded areas
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 2
, 7. Contaminated air from dirty heating ducts
8. Stress and mental health problems
Prior to the 1960s, what was the primary way to reduce flood losses? -
....ANSWER ...-Structural flood control projects
What is the Unified National Program for Floodplain Management's definition of
"floodplain management?" - ....ANSWER ...-"A decision-making process that
aims to achieve the wise use of the nation's floodplains."
What are the two primary goals of floodplain management? - ....ANSWER ...-1. To
reduce the loss of life, disruption, and damage caused by floods
2. To preserve and restore the natural resources and functions of floodplains
What areas are conducive to flash flooding? - ....ANSWER ...-1. Hilly areas with
steep slopes and narrow valleys
2. Urban areas with large amount of impervious surfaces and storm sewers
3. Areas downstream of dams or subject to ice jams
Is erosion only a threat in coastal areas? - ....ANSWER ...-No. Riverine erosion can
move stream channels and undercut structures.
What is "ponding?" - ....ANSWER ...-Where stormwater runoff collects in
depressions and cannot drain out. (AO Zone)
Are plants and animals the only beneficiaries of the "natural and beneficial functions" of
floodplains? - ....ANSWER ...-No. People benefit from floodplains through the
food they provide, the recreational opportunities they afford and the scientific knowledge
…FOR DTUDY PURPOSES ONLY…©️2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED… 3
