CS - Heat Wave Across Europe

Question 1

Describe the location of the Heat Wave and the areas that were affected

Answer 1

It was within Europe

France and Southern Britain were the worst affected

Question 2

Explain what caused the heat wave

Answer 2

A large area of high pressure covered Europe during 2003 which meant there was very little cloud cover present to block out the sun

Also this air mass that was present at the time was Tropical Continental which meant very little moisture was present during this time period

Question 3

Describe the positive impacts of the heatwave

Answer 3

Tourism was booming due to the extreme heat, there was no need to travel to warmer destinations on holiday

Ice cream and sun lotion sales sky-rocketed

Many berries and orchard farms within southern England flourished because of the hot weather

Question 4

Describe the negative impacts of the heatwave

Answer 4

Compared to the average expected deaths an extra 2000 deaths occurred in England during this time period and an extra 4000 deaths in France due to dehydration and heat stroke; hospitals and morgues were struggling to cope

Those over the age of 70 were most affected

Forest fires rages across Portugal, destroying large areas of forestry habitats for wildlife and loggers

In lakes and rivers many were caused to dry up resulting in a mass death of fish populace

Many wheat crops failed due to farmland drying up

Question 5

Describe how the impacts of the heatwave were managed

Answer 5

Hose pipe bans were put in place across Europe to prevent water wastage

Free water was given out in the London Underground to prevent heat stroke

A large warehouse on the outskirts of Paris had to be used as a temporary morgue to store corpses