1.8 River Flooding Flashcards

0
Q

Why do river floods occur?

A

After a period of prolonged rainfall, causing river levels to rise. Or build up of melting snow.

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1
Q

What is river flooding?

A

When a river channel can no longer hold the amount of water flowing within it. Water overtops the banks and floods the adjacent land.

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2
Q

What are flash floods?

A

Floods after torrential storms and extreme rainfall.

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3
Q

What are some physical causes of river floods?

A
Rock type
Steep slopes
Long profile
Drainage density
Snowmelt
Intense and prolonged rainfall
Deforestation
Agriculture 
Ineffective flood management and warning systems
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4
Q

Causes of river floods – rock type

A

Impermeable rocks incourage overland flow, which transfers water rapidly to river channels

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5
Q

Causes of river floods – steep slopes

A

Steep slopes such as mountain environments encourages a rapid transfer of water, by Overland flow and through flow

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6
Q

Causes of river floods – long profile

A

If a river has a steep upper course and a flat lower course, Water is transferred rapidly to the lowlands

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7
Q

Causes of river floods- drainage density

A

Water can reach channels quickly, speeding flooding

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8
Q

Causes of river floods- snowmelt

A

Form a store of water, when melted they increase flooding

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9
Q

Causes of river floods- intense and prolonged rainfall

A

Tropical storms, hurricanes, monsoons have potential to cause significant floods

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10
Q

Causes of river floods- deforestation

A

Less chance of interception, won’t be stored in trees

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11
Q

Causes of river floods- agriculture

A

Arable farming- period with no vegetation grown increasing runoff

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12
Q

Causes of river floods- ineffective flood management and warning systems

A

Lack of them, broken or not checked

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13
Q

What is a human cause of river flooding?

A

Building construction, such as building on floodplains which creates an impermeable surface (roads, concrete, Tarmac)

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14
Q

The severity or magnitude of a flood is generally related to its frequency

A

The higher the magnitude the the lower the frequency, rarer.

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