River Tees Flashcards
Location and Background
The River Tees is located in north-east England. Its source area is high in the Pennines in the west and the river flows eastwards into the North Sea. The source of the River
Tees lies on Cross Fell in the Pennines, 893m above sea level, where rainfall is over 2000mm a year.
River Tees Management Strategy (Cow Green Reservoir)
In the upper course, Cow Green reservoir serves as a source
of fresh water for the towns along the Tees, and helps the Environment Agency control the flow of the river. During times of flood, they can minimise how much water they let in to the channel downstream of the dam and reservoir
River Tees Management Strategy (Yarm’s flood defence scheme)
Yarm is a historic market town that is particularly
prone to flooding. The most recent serious flood was in January 1995. Since then a
new flood defence scheme costing £2.1 million has been built. This has involved:
● Improved flood warning systems.
● Better liaison with the Meteorological Office, police and emergency services.
Is the river Tees management strategy successful?
It was initially very expensive, but the Tees Barrage has acted as a catalyst for £500
million of investment in offices, housing, educational, leisure and shopping facilities
because the River no longer floods. In addition, a major flooding events hasn’t
happened since 1995.
How do geology and climate influence geomorphic processes on the River
Tees? (Geology)
The Upper Tees is relatively mountainous with impermeable geology. This increases rates of surface runoff and allows more water to flow into the river increasing its erosive power vertically which creates steep V-shaped valleys.
Through the middle and lower course of the Tees, the landscape is made up
of sandstone a softer rock. The river’s increasing volume and energy mean
that there is lots of lateral (sideways) erosion, widening the river channel and forming meanders and steep river cliffs.
How do geology and climate influence geomorphic processes on the River
Tees? (Climate (Temperature))
Despite the generally mild winters in the UK, temperatures can be much
colder on higher ground close to the source of the river (in Cross Fell).
Therefore, in winter, the ground regularly freezes and freeze-thaw weathering can break up areas of exposed rock on the valley sides. If the valley sides are weakened, sudden mass movement, such as landslides, become more likely.
Material from landslides is added to the river’s load increasing its power to erode by abrasion.
How do geology and climate influence geomorphic processes on the River
Tees? (Climate (Rainfall))
Cross Fell is the highest mountain in the Pennines (893m high), on average it receives 2,800mm or rainfall annually. Heavy rain can flow quickly into the River Tees causing the volume of water to rapidly increase. High volume of water can increase transportation of material by the river which increases erosion by abrasion.
