somerset case study Flashcards
(10 cards)
1
Q
where is somerset
A
south west england
2
Q
somerset environment
A
- extensive areas of lowlying wetland
- area is drained by many rivers, natural flooding for years
3
Q
when were the somerset floods
A
2014
4
Q
4 social impacts
A
- 600 homes flooded
- 16 farms evacuated
- power supplies cut off
5
Q
economical impacts of somerset floods
A
- council estimated £10 million damage
- 14000 ha farmland underwater for 3-4 weeks
- railway line to bristol closed
6
Q
3 environmental impacts
A
- water heavily contaminated with sewage and pollutants e.g chemicals
- huge amounts of debris
7
Q
immediate response of somerset
A
boats to attend school
support from volunteers/community groups
8
Q
long term response somerset
A
- 8km of surrounding rivers dredged to increase capacity
- road level raised- maintain communication and business
9
Q
what is dredging
A
when diggers or pumps remove silt and build it on the river banks to increase river capacity
10
Q
what caused floods with statistics
A
- wettest january since 1910 when records began. 350 mm rainfall, 10mm above avg
- rivers not dredged for 20 years, silt built up
