What is an embankment?

An embankment refers to a man-made or natural area of land created along the side of a river. Its primary purpose is to prevent flooding, manage water flow, or support roadways and railways. Embankments can serve as a barrier to keep water contained, especially during high water levels or storms, thereby protecting nearby land and infrastructure. This definition aligns with the concept of using earthworks to create raised banks or walls alongside bodies of water. The involvement of human engineering enhances their effectiveness in flood defense and water management.

In this context, the other options do not fit the definition. A natural feature within a river is more likely to refer to rocks or bars within the water itself, which does not encapsulate the purpose or structure of an embankment. A section of natural forest describes a completely different ecological area, disconnected from the engineered aspect of embankments. Meanwhile, agricultural land pertains to land used specifically for farming, which also differs significantly from the characteristics and functions of an embankment.