Extreme Weather In The UK 🩵 Flashcards
what can persistent rainfall lead to?
Flood because the saturated ground cannot absorb anymore water- more surface run off
When is persistent rainfall common?
In late winter and early spring when snow melt makes the problem worse
what is flash flooding?
When intense rainfall brings a huge amount of water into an area in a short amount of time- common in up land areas where slopes are steep
What causes costal flooding?
When a deep depression (low pressure) causes strong winds which brings a storm surge to a river estuary which funnels coastal water in the mouth of a river
What causes strong winds?
Remnants of hurricanes travel over the Atlantic, bringing strong wind, these can trigger storm surges- leading to flooding
What can strong winds cause?
Storm damage, such as fallen trees and broken power lines, leading to power cuts
What is considered a drought in the U.K.?
15 consecutive days with less than 0.2mm of rain on any on day
What was the hottest heatwave recorded in the U.K.?
40.2 degrees
What may happen because of a drought?
Their may be insufficient water to produce crops
Why are heatwaves becoming more common?
Due to climate change- 30 times more likely to experience a heatwave in summer
What can extreme cold lead to?
Disruption particularly for transport, but also burst pipes and loss of crops and livestock
