somerset levels floods

Question 1

location of the somerset levels

Answer 1

-in the southwest of somerset
-extensive area of flat floodplain located between the mendip and quantox hills

Question 2

human causes

Answer 2

-river hadn’t been dredged for 20yrs and sediment had built up
-farming has compacted the soil reducing infiltration and trees have been cleared reducing evapotranspiration

Question 3

physical causes

Answer 3

-wettest January since 1910
-storm surges swept up from the Bristol Channel; which prevented freshwater reaching the sea
-small drainage basin

Question 4

social impacts

Answer 4

-over 600 houses flooded
-16 farms evacuated
-residents evacuated to temporary accommodation

Question 5

economic impacts

Answer 5

-est total cost more than £10 million
-over 14,000 hectares of land under water for 3-4 weeks

Question 6

environmental impacts

Answer 6

-floodwaters highly contaminates with sewage
-stagnant water had to be reoxygenated

Question 7

immediate response

Answer 7

-flood warning issued by met office
-RSPCA reduced cattle and horses
-evacuation of residential properties

Question 8

flood action plan

Answer 8

-£20 millón action plan
-march 2014, 8km of river tone and parrett were dredged
-road levels have been raised to maintain communications
-£180,000 earth bank built at thorney