Physical and Human factors affecting flooding

Question 1

Precipitation

Answer 1

rapid water flow from precipitation increases river volume

Question 2

Snowmelt

Answer 2

Increases volume of water in river

Question 3

Low lying land

Answer 3

More prone to flooding as river moves slowest here

Sudden increase in volume can cause banks to flood

Question 4

Dam collapse

Answer 4

Poorly constructed dam collapse can cause huge influxes of water to be put into a river

Question 5

Soil saturation

Answer 5

High saturation limits infiltration

Increases likelihood of surface runoff

Question 6

Drainage basin size

Answer 6

Size and steepness affects volume of water the rover will receive

Question 7

Rock type

Answer 7

Impermeable rock increases runoff
(e.g. slate)
Permeable rock decreases runoff
(e.g. sandstone)

Question 8

Natural disasters

Answer 8

Change in sea levels increase risk of flooding in lowland areas
(e.g. Hurricane Katrina caused collapse of levees)

Question 9

Isostatic

Answer 9

Isostatic depression of Earth’s crust cause sea level rise

Question 10

El Nino

Answer 10

Name given to a ocean current that affects weather patterns

Change in temperature can impact precipitation rates

Question 11

Deforestation

Answer 11

Loss of vegetation
Less interception
Increases soil erosion

Question 12

Poor farming strategy

Answer 12

Overgrazing
No vegetation might grow
Decreases interception rates

Question 13

Overpopulation

Answer 13

Increased pressure on resources = increased soil erosion

Question 14

Urbanisation

Answer 14

Tarmac = surface runoff

Question 15

Water abstraction

Answer 15

Reduces base flow

Question 16

Key factors that affect flooding

Answer 16

Precipitation 
Rock type
Urbanisation
Water abstraction
Farming
Deforestation