Which type of flooding typically occurs with identifiable channels?

Riverine flooding typically occurs in areas where water flows through identifiable channels, such as rivers and streams. This type of flooding is characterized by the overflow of banks when there is excessive rainfall or snowmelt, leading to higher water levels that can inundate adjacent floodplains. This channelized flow of water distinguishes riverine flooding from other types of flooding that can occur over broader areas or in more flat terrain, where channels may not be as apparent or defined.

In contrast, shallow flooding often occurs in low-lying areas where the flow of water may not be directed through a channel, while coastal flooding is due to storm surges or tides impacting coastal areas, and surface flooding typically results from heavy rainfall accumulating in depressions and low spots without following a defined path. Therefore, riverine flooding is uniquely associated with the presence of channels that guide the movement and overflow of water.