The correct answer is D. All of the above.
Escapes are essential safety valves in a canal system because they allow excess water to be released safely, preventing flooding. They must lead the surplus water to natural drainages, such as rivers or streams, to ensure that it is not simply deposited in the canal system, which could lead to further flooding. The escapes are aligned to take advantage of contours of lower values, which means that they are located in areas where the land is naturally sloping, allowing the water to flow away from the canal system more easily.
Here are some additional details about each of the statements:
- Escapes are essential safety valves in a canal system. Without escapes, excess water could build up in the canal system, leading to flooding. This could damage property, crops, and infrastructure, and could even pose a risk to human life.
- The escapes must lead the surplus water to natural drainages. This is important because it ensures that the water is not simply deposited in the canal system, which could lead to further flooding. Natural drainages are designed to handle excess water, so they are the best place to release it.
- The escapes are aligned to take advantage of contours of lower values. This means that they are located in areas where the land is naturally sloping, allowing the water to flow away from the canal system more easily. This is important because it helps to prevent flooding and to ensure that the water is released safely.