Extreme Weather (UK) Case Study — Somerset Levels

Question 1

Location

Answer 1

Somerset —> SW of England
Glastonburg located in Somerset
Surrounded by the Mendips and Quantocks

Question 2

Geology of Somerset

Answer 2

An area of coastal plain and wetland
Covers 650 km^2
Mainly agricultural, arable, grazing land
Important habitat for birds and plants
Surrounded by lots of rivers —> high drainage density, floods as it is low-lying

Question 3

Causes

Answer 3

1. Heavy rainfall — In Jan. 184 mm rainfall, 200% higher than average in Jan
2. High tides — Bristol Channel, prevent floodwater from being takes to the sea
3. Clogged rivers — lack of dredging caused rivers to be clogged with sediment
4. Saturated soil — unable to retain more water, farming practices —> land converted to grassland increases surface run-off and less absorption

Question 4

Somerset Levels

Answer 4

December 2013 - February 2014

Question 5

Social Impacts

Answer 5

6000 homes flooded
Crop and grazing land flooded
Evacuation
Power supplies cut off
Whole villages cut off
Increased crime

Question 6

Economic Impacts

Answer 6

Farmland under water for weeks —> farmers lost profit
Livestock evacuated
£10 million damage

Question 7

Environmental Impacts

Answer 7

Agricultural and domestic waste pollution

Habitat loss

Question 8

Response

Answer 8

£20 million flood action plan was drawn up
Extra police patrols response to crime
£30 million from UK government to help people
Dredging of rivers increased their capacity
Building high embankments
Installation of pumps
Building coastal flood protection barrage