weather hazards in the uk

Question 1

is the uk weather becoming more extreme

Answer 1

with global warming it is likely the uk weather is becoming more extreme

Question 2

what are physical causes of the somerset flooding

Answer 2

-prolonged heavy rainfall. jan 2014 was the wettest on record
-saturated soils meant water ran off quickly into rivers
-high tides prevented river water escaping into the sea

Question 3

what are human causes of the somerset flooding

Answer 3

the rivers had not been dredged for 20 years,reducing channel capacity
urbanisation on the flood plain increased impermeable surfaces

Question 4

when did the somerset levels experience extreme flooding

Answer 4

dec2013-feb2014

Question 5

what were 3 social impacts of the somerset flooding

Answer 5

600 homes were flooded
residents were evacuated and living in temporary shelters
some people could not get insurance after the floods

Question 6

what were 3 economic impacts of the somerset flooding

Answer 6

the cost of flood damage was over £100 million
80% of businesses were affected by the flooding
the bristol to taunton railway was damaged and main roads were closed

Question 7

what were 3 environmental impacts of the somerset flooding

Answer 7

soil was damaged by stagnant water leading to agriculture loss
floodwater was contaminated with sewage, chemicals and oils
ecosystems were destroyed

Question 8

what were 3 immediate management strategies that help reduce the flooding risk

Answer 8

-met office issued flood warnings
-residents used sand bags to protect their property
-boats were used to get help and food to people who were stranded
-facebook and twitter were used to communicate news by FLAG
-temporary pumps pumped water back into rivers

Question 9

what were 3 long-term management strategies that helped reduce the flooding risk

Answer 9

-rivers ‘tone’ and ‘parrett’ were dredged (6millon pounds)
-some road levels were raised
-pumping stations were made permanent