Paper 1 - River Case Study Somerset Levels - Case Study

Question 1

Case Study- Recent River Flood Event

When were Somerset Level Floods?

paper 1 Physical geography

Answer 1

December 2013- February 2014

Question 2

WHAT WERE THE PHYSICAL CAUSES OF FLOODING IN THE SOMERSET LEVELS?

Answer 2

A quick succession of prolonged Atlantic storms, with persistent rainfall and gale-force winds, was the primary cause of flooding. The rivers could not cope with the significant amount of rain that fell in the low-lying area. High tides in the Bristol Channel and its narrowing also create tidal surges. These blocked the floodwater, trying to escape the Somerset Levels. Coastal defences coped with the tidal surges.

Question 3

For how many years had the rivers not been dredged

Answer 3

Due to a European Framework Directive rivers in the UK had not been dredged for 20 years

Question 4

What were the consequences of depressions?

Answer 4

Low pressure areas causing heavy rain

Question 5

Why were high tides a contributory factor?

Answer 5

Seawater levels were higher due to high tides and storm surges brought by the Atlantic Depressions . The high tides prevented freshwater from being able to drain in to the sea which made river levels rise