Factors Increasing Flooding Risk Flashcards
(11 cards)
Define flooding
Flooding is where land that is not normally underwater becomes inundated.
Named example of Io flood event.
On 19 November 2009” a weather station at seathwaite in the Lake District measured an astonishing 314.4mm of rain in just 24 hours!
What causes flooding?
The volume of water steadily increases causing river levels to rise during a long period of rainfall.
What are flash floods?
They occur following torrential storms more often associated with heavy rainfall/storms that occur in the summer.
Physical factors that can influence flooding
Precipitation, geology (rock type) and steep slopes.
Human factors (land use) that can influence flooding.
Urbanisation, deforestation and agriculture.
Hard engineering definition
Involves using man made structure to prevent or control natural processes form taking place.
Define cost benefit analysis
Costs: the financial cost of the scheme, and any negative impacts on the environment/peoples live.
Benefits: financial savings made by preventing flooding, along with any environment improvements.
Hard engineering methods
Dam, Channel straightening, embankments and flood relief channels.
Define soft engineering
Working with natural river processes to mange th flood risk. Does not involve building artificial structures or trying to stop natural processes. Aims to reduce/slow movement of water into a river channel to help prevent flooding.
Methods of soft engineering
Wetlands and flood storage area, floodplains zoning and river restoration.
