Failure of artificial levees during floods frequently involves undermining, which
undermining" is a misnomer, as it initially involves eroding the levee down from its top.
happens because the rising water overtops the levee and then erodes the bottom of the structure
from the other side.
happens because the rising water levels exert high pressures that force water through the bottom of
the levee.
happens because the rising water erodes the bottom of the levee.
happens because the rising water levels decrease pressures so much that the levee collapses into the
river.
