Thames Barrier (IMAGE) University of Southampton Caption The Thames Barrier was built to protect London from floods with a return period of 1000 years up to 2030. Credit www.London-GB.com Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.