Envinomental threats to the UK- Somerset- Background and causes

Question 1

What was the date of the flooding event?

Answer 1

January 2014

Question 2

Where did the flooding occur?

Answer 2

Somerset, south-west UK

Question 3

Which river was impacted by the flooding?

Answer 3

River Parrett

Question 4

What area was impacted by the flooding?

Answer 4

65km2

Question 5

What percentage of average rainfall fell in January 2014?

Answer 5

193% of average rainfall fell in January 2014-Wettest January since 1910

Wettest January since 1910

Question 6

What type of wind speeds were recorded during the flooding?

Answer 6

Hurricane-force wind speeds

Question 7

What caused widespread flooding from tides?

Answer 7

Tidal surges from Bristol Channel

Question 8

What atmospheric condition drove storms across the Atlantic Ocean?

Answer 8

Powerful jet stream drove low pressure systems and their storms across the Atlantic Ocean, hitting west coast of UK

Question 9

How long had the River Parrett not been dredged?

Answer 9

River Parrett had not been dredged properly for 20 years

Question 10

How has urbanisation increased flood risk?

Answer 10

Farming practices are now more intensive and land is less able to retain water leading to increased surface runoffBuilding all over the floodplains has increased flood risk,

Question 11

How has human activity affected the landscape’s flood risk?

Answer 11

Humans drained the landscape meaning much is now low lying (even below sea level) and prone to flooding