Chap 4 - Sustainable Management of Water

Question 2

What is a flashflood.

Answer 2

Flash floods are caused by exceptionally heavy rainfall over a short period of time. A flashflood can be recognised by its quick rise in water level. A flashflood takes place suddenly and lasts for a short period of time.

Question 3

What are the three causes of flash floods

Answer 3

1. Lots of concrete on the ground > water is impermeable > low infiltration > surface runoff > flashflood
2. high rainfall > overwhelms the drainage > high surface runoff > flashflood
3. Poor drainage > Rainfall easily overwhelms drainage > high surface runoff > flashflood

Question 4

What is a river flood.

Answer 4

RIverfloods occur when water in the river rises rapidly and overflows it banks, flooding the surrounding areas.

Question 5

What causes a riverflood

Answer 5

1. High rainfall > High water levels in river banks > overflows riverbanks > more surface runoff > flood
2. The snow at the top of the mountain melts > flows down into river > water level rises in rivers > overflows river banks > high surface runoff

Question 6

What causes a drought

Answer 6

1. Not enough water / low rainfall > land dries up > droughts
2. Global warming > higher temperature > land dry up > drought

Question 6

What is a drought.

Answer 6

A drought is a long period of little or no rainfall in a specific area.

Question 7

What are some environmentally impacts of floods or droughts

Answer 7

Land –> Destruction of habitatas / Death of flora and fauna
Water –> Water pollution
Air –> Air pollution

Question 8

What are some social impacts of floods or droughts

Answer 8

Loss of lives, culture loss, affects peoples health