Rivers Case Study: Somerset Levels

Question 1

Which two rivers flow through the Somerset levels?

Answer 1

The river tone
The river parrett

Question 2

When did the flooding occur

Answer 2

December of 2013- February 2014

Question 4

Factors name 3 factors that contributed to the flooding

Answer 4

Rain: a series of depressions off the Atlantic Ocean bringing weeks of wet weather
High tides: seawater levels were higher due to high tides and storm surges
Dredging: the rivers were full of sediment as they had not been dredged in over 20 years

Question 5

Social effects of the floods

Answer 5

• 16 farms evacuated
• residents evacuated into temporary accommodation
• cut off power supply in some locations
• villages such as Moreland and mulchelney were cut off and completely stranded

Question 6

Economic effects of the flood

Answer 6

• over £10 million costs in damage
• over 14,000ha of land underwater for 3-4 weeks
• over 1,000 livestock had to be evacuated
• work disrupted as roads were cut off
• railway line was closed

Question 7

Environmental effects of the flood

Answer 7

• sewage and chemicals contaminated the flood water which spread to other areas
• ecosystems destroyed and limited food supplies for animals

Question 8

Immediate responses

Answer 8

• weather and flood warnings, told to evacuate
• environment agency issued severe flood warnings
• some temporary flood defences were put in place such as barriers and sandbags to limit the water entering homes

Question 9

Long term responses

Answer 9

Somerset levels and moors action plan
- 20 year plan

Question 10

What are 3 new management strategies put in place?

Answer 10

Dredging - 8km of the river tone and river parratt to increase capacity
Drain enhancements - develop better drainage so do not need to rely on expensive mechanisms during future potential flooding
Bridgwater tidal barrier - construction of huge tidal barrier to stop high tides contributing to floods