1.6 surpluses within the hydrological system Flashcards
what was storm desmond caused by in 2015?
a deep Atlantic low pressure system
how much rainfall was there at honister pass?
341.5 mm in 24 hours causing extensive flooding
what caused the 2015 cumbrian floods?
the jet stream was positioned over the north-west for longer than usual
the ground was already saturated from previous rainfall
there were impermeable surfaces
drains were blocked
what are causes of flooding?
storms - uk summer
monsoons - south asia between may and sept
snowmelt - Yukon 2023 melted earlier than expected
what factors exacerbate flood risk?
overgrazing land - less vegetation = more surface run off
channel straightening - water flows faster with less friction
urbanisation on flood plains - impermeable surfaces
how is flood risk mitigated?
soft engineering schemes:
reforestation
discouraging building near riversw
what are the long-term social impacts of the 2015 cumbria flooding?
5,200 homes were flooded
residents had to live in temporary accommodation
schools, healthcare and shops were shut
residents suffered psychological trauma as a result
what were the long-term economic costs of the 2015 cumbria floods?
many businesses closed
insurance claims exceeded £6 billion
farmers lost land and sheep drowned
house prices fell
risk of repeated flooding has deterred tourists
what were the long-term environmental costs of the 2015 cumbria flooding?
river banks were eroded - future flood risk
rivers were choked with debris
rivers were polluted with sewage
saturated ground caused landslides
