Flood risk at the coast

Question 1

Height of land

Answer 1

Low lying = vulnerable

Question 2

Degree of subsidence

Answer 2

Water abstraction, building of settlements

Question 3

Vegetation removal

Answer 3

Traps sediment and reduces wave impact

Question 4

Global sea level rise

Answer 4

Ice sheets melt and warming of the ocean/expansion

Question 5

Population growth

Answer 5

In coastal areas more people = more risk

Question 6

Storm surges

Answer 6

Rise in sea level due to storm or tropical cyclone

Question 7

Depressions

Answer 7

Areas of low pressure as air rises, cools, condenses and falls bringing rain

Due to the low-pressure, sea levels are higher - for every 10mb decrease in pressure, the sea level is 10cm higher

This is called the inverse barometer effect

Question 8

The rate of sea level rise is accelerating, what was the rate in the 1900s compared to 2006?

Answer 8

Throughout the 1900s, the rate averaged 1.4mm a year

Since 2006, the rate has averaged 3.6mm a year

Question 9

What is the practice of ‘gripping’?

Answer 9

The practice of ‘Gripping’ (the channelization of streams) in converting moorlands for use in arable farming has increased flood risk in catchments such as the river Hodder.