What is "ponding" in the context of flood management?

Ponding in the context of flood management refers to stormwater runoff collecting in depressions, which can occur after heavy rainfall or during flood events. This accumulation of water can happen in low-lying areas that are unable to adequately drain, leading to temporary pools of standing water. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for flood management because it can pose hazards such as increased mosquito breeding sites, water quality degradation, and it may affect transportation and infrastructure if not properly managed.

The other choices pertain to different aspects of water management. Accumulation in storm sewers addresses how water is handled within urban drainage systems but doesn't capture the concept of ponding. Rainwater infiltrating the soil focuses on groundwater recharge rather than surface pooling. Finally, excessive drainage during floods relates to the discharge of water rather than the specific collection of water in localized areas, which is central to the definition of ponding.