Local scale river catchment case study (Pickering Beck)

Question 1

location

Answer 1

England - Yorkshire

Question 2

why is it susceptible to flooding

Answer 2

geology (gritstone and limestone) so ground quickly becomes saturated- increased surface run off
is also fed by numerous tributaries- increases volume of water in the main channel

Question 3

2007 floods - economic impact in the Yorkshire and Humber region

Answer 3

damage estimated at £2.1 billion

Question 4

compare the river discharge in May and June 2012 at Pickering Beck

Answer 4

4.5 cumecs in June and 0.5 cumecs in May- increased by 9 times- peaks and troughs

Question 5

relief of the area and how this exacerbates flooding

Answer 5

steep relief= faster run off= river reaches bank full discharge quicker. also limits the width of the river- so it holds a smaller volume of water

Question 6

vegetation

Answer 6

‘grips’ are in place that cut through the peat to improve drainage and create faster run off. result in faster channel flooding.
heather burning also occurs

Question 7

flood management- what are the 3 main principles

Answer 7

to slow water at the top of the catchment
to store water in the middle catchment
to improve water flow passing through the bottom of the catchment

Question 8

example of flood management strategy

Answer 8

woody debris dams- slows down water flow (100 in pickering beck)