River Eden Flashcards
Where is the River Eden located?
North-West of England, between the Lake District and the Pennines
Give 4 characteristics of the River Eden that affect the Water Cycle
- Mountainous terrain in the upper course of the Eden leads to large amounts of orographic rainfall resulting in higher than average rainfall in the Basin
- The elliptical shape of the River Eden increases lag time
- The slopes within the basin are steep which decreases lag time and increases peak discharge
- Rock types vary throughout the basin making lag time increase or decrease depending on the specific location
Give 2 other factors that affect the discharge of a river
- Precipitation
- Temperature
How does precipitation affect the discharge of a river?
Antecedent rainfall will make the soil already saturated meaning any further rainfall will not be able to infiltrate into the soil, and will therefore lead to greater runoff
How does temperature affect the discharge of a river?
- When temperatures fall below 0, it is more likely to lead to snowfall, which will not flow into the river, and therefore will decrease discharge. However, in the spring, when the snow melts, there is likely to be greater discharge
- In Savanna summers, when the temperatures are high for a very long time, the soil hardens becoming impermeable, therefore any rainfall event will lead to a flash flood
- In temperate deciduous forests, trees drop their leaves in autumn, which leads to less interception and greater runoff. In addition, the litter produced by the falling leaves may get washed into the river and decrease it’s capacity, increasing flood risk
- Coniferous trees maintain their leaves all year round, however are less effective at intercepting rainfall
Give 2 examples of towns that are in the upper course
- Appleby
- Kirkby Stephen
Give an example of an impermeable rock in the river basin
Intrusive Igneous Rocks
Give an example of a town that sits on impermeable rock
Ulswater
Give 2 examples of permeable rock in the river basin
- Perinth Sandstones
- Carboniferous Limestone
Give an example of a town that sits on permeable rock
Perinth
What is the most populous town in the basin
Carlisle
At what 3 rivers is Carlisle at the confluence of?
- Eden
- Irthing
- Caldew
Give 3 ways how land use changes have increased flood risk
- Farming
- Urbanisation
- Deforestation
How has farming in the upper course increased flood risk
Grazing in upland areas e.g. hill farming of sheep reduces the amount of vegetation that can intercept rainfall, increasing runoff
How has farming in the middle course increased flood risk
More intense farming has caused soils to become compacted e.g. by heavy machinery or trampling by livestock which reduces infiltration, and increases flood risk
