A berm is a level space, shelf, or raised strip of land, often constructed from soil or other materials, that separates areas vertically or horizontally, typically partway up a slope or along a boundary
. It can be natural or man-made and serves multiple purposes depending on the context:
- In civil engineering and landscaping , berms are used for erosion control, drainage management, flood protection, noise reduction, and aesthetic enhancement in gardens or urban areas
- In military applications , berms are earthen walls or parapets built adjacent to ditches or trenches to provide defensive barriers, cover, and to prevent soil collapse
- In road construction , berms act as shoulders or edges to support pavement and manage stormwater runoff
- In coastal and beach environments , berms are natural terraces formed by wave action above high tide, helping to protect shorelines from erosion
Berms vary in size, shape, and material but are typically rounded or linear mounds designed to blend into the landscape or fulfill practical functions such as water diversion, soil stabilization, or security
. In summary, a berm is essentially a raised or level strip of land used to separate, protect, or stabilize areas in various environmental, construction, and military contexts
