Analysis of terminological definitions of natural phenomena associated with rising water levels in watercourses and flooding

To define natural phenomena associated with an increase in flow rates and water levels in watercourses and flooding of settlements and territories outside the coastline, there are a significant number of terms in the Ukrainian language, some of which are perceived as synonyms. The use of all these terms in information materials and reports of natural phenomena associated with the problem of intensive increase in costs and water levels in watercourses, or the problem of "high water", of course, makes some sense. However, when solving the problem of "high water", which is to develop and implement the concept of protection against the harmful effects of water, researchers and engineers face some difficulties in using a large number of terms to define "high water". This article attempts to establish, among the total number of terms defining natural phenomena associated with the problem of "high water", one dominant term suitable for universal use in solving the problem of "high water". According to the results of logical and terminological analysis, the term "flood" is dominant among many terms of determining natural phenomena related to the problem of "high water", which should be used as a universal when developing and implementing the concept of solving the problem of "high water". The article presents and proposes for consideration by experts and stakeholders a new definition of floods occurring in a channel watercourse (river), as well as a broader definition of floods that can occur in both channel and non-channel watercourses. The article presents and proposes for the consideration of specialists and interested parties a new definition of flood in a channel watercourse (river), and also proposes a broader definition of a flood, both in a channel and off-channel watercourse.