Physical Landsacpe AI Flashcards
What is a drainage basin?
An area of land that is drained by a river and its tributaries.
What does the Long Profile of a river show?
How river gradient changes along its course.
What does the Cross Profile of a river illustrate?
How wide the valley and river channel are.
What type of erosion deepens the river valley and channel?
Vertical erosion.
What is the shape of a valley formed by vertical erosion?
V-shaped valley.
What causes high turbulence in a river?
Rough angular particles being scraped along the riverbed.
What is lateral erosion?
Erosion that widens the valley and forms meanders.
Define hydraulic action in the context of river erosion.
The power of water smashing against river banks, trapping air in cracks.
What is abrasion in river processes?
Pebbles grinding along the river bed like sandpaper.
What is attrition?
When rocks knock against each other, becoming smaller and more rounded.
What is the solution process in river erosion?
When water dissolves certain types of rocks.
Name the four methods of sediment transportation in rivers.
- Traction
- Saltation
- Suspension
- Solution
What occurs during deposition in a river?
The river loses energy and drops material it has been carrying.
What is a flood?
When a river bursts its banks and overflows onto surrounding land.
What is surface run-off?
Water that runs along the surface when the land is saturated.
How does heavy rainfall affect flooding?
It reduces infiltration, increasing run-off into the river.
What role does relief play in flooding?
Steep valleys are more likely to flood than flatter ones due to quicker run-off.
How does geology affect flooding?
Permeable rocks allow water to pass through, while impermeable rocks increase run-off.
What is the impact of vegetation on flooding?
Vegetation absorbs water, reducing flood risk through interception.
What are floodplains?
Areas of land covered in water when a river bursts its banks.
What is a waterfall?
A sudden drop along the river course formed by resistant and soft rock layers.
Describe the formation process of a gorge.
Occurs after a waterfall retreats upstream, leaving a steep-sided valley.
What are interlocking spurs?
Land formations created when a river bends around areas of hard rock.
What is an oxbow lake?
A horseshoe-shaped lake formed when a meander is cut off from the river.
What is a hydrograph?
A graph showing how a river responds to a period of rainfall.
What does peak discharge represent on a hydrograph?
The maximum amount of water held in the river.
Define lag time in the context of hydrographs.
The time taken between peak rainfall and peak discharge.
What is the base flow on a hydrograph?
The normal discharge of the river.
What is hard engineering in flood management?
Building artificial structures to control rivers.
What are some advantages of dams and reservoirs?
- Can produce electricity
- Attract tourists
What is a disadvantage of river straightening?
It increases flood risk downstream.
What is soft engineering in flood management?
A sustainable approach that does not involve artificial structures.
What is floodplain zoning?
Allowing only certain land uses on the floodplain to reduce flood risk.
What was a major cause of flooding in Morpeth?
Prolonged rainfall (150 mm in 2 days).
What is the River Tees known for?
It has the UK’s largest waterfall, High Force, at 21 meters high.
What are the characteristics of the upper course of the River Tees?
Vertical erosion, hard impermeable rocks, and a V-shaped valley.
How do levees form?
From sediment deposition during floods, increasing river bank height.
What happens during a flood relief channel operation?
Excess floodwater is diverted to reduce flooding in the main river.
What are mudflats?
Deposits of silt formed in an estuary, important for wildlife.
What defines a landscape?
An area where physical (natural) and human processes have created different features
What is one reason for the variety of landscapes in the UK?
The presence of many different types of rock
What are the two main types of areas in the UK landscape?
Upland and Lowland
What is the term ‘relief’ used to describe?
The shape of the land, including height above sea level, steepness of slopes, and shapes of landscape features
Where in England is there more relief?
In the north and southwest
What characterizes the rest of England in terms of relief?
It is flat
What describes the landscape features in Wales?
The center has steep relief, while the outskirts and coastlines are on lowlands
What is the gradient in relation to land?
How steep the land is
What is the source of a river?
The point where it begins, typically in upland areas
Where does a river travel after its source?
Towards lowland and eventually joins the sea at the mouth
Fill in the blank: Upland areas are typically _______ above sea level.
High
Fill in the blank: Lowland areas are typically _______ to sea level.
Close
True or False: The Lake District is known for its flat land.
False
What is the relationship between upland areas and river sources?
Rivers begin in upland areas
What is a drainage basin?
An area of land that is drained by a river and its tributaries
A drainage basin includes the river and all its tributaries.
What is the source of a river?
The start of a river, usually in an upland area
The source is where the river originates.
What is a tributary?
A smaller stream or river which joins the main river
Tributaries contribute to the flow of the main river.
Define confluence.
The point where a tributary meets the main river
Confluences can be significant for water flow and ecology.
What is a watershed?
An imaginary line showing the boundary of the drainage basin
Watersheds separate different drainage basins.
What does the long profile of a river show?
How river gradient (steepness) changes as the river moves from its upper course to its lower course
The long profile illustrates the overall slope of the river.
What are the three main courses of a river?
Upper course, Middle course, Lower course
Each course has distinct characteristics in terms of gradient and flow.
Fill in the blank: The end of the river where it meets the sea is called the _______.
[Mouth]
What does the upper course of a river typically have?
Steep gradient
The upper course is characterized by steep slopes and fast-flowing water.
What characterizes the lower course of a river?
Gentle gradient
The lower course has a much gentler slope and slower flow.
What describes the upper course of a river?
Really steep gradient
Characterized by high erosive energy and turbulent flow.
What is an example of a named coastline and its features?
The Marret Coastline
Notable for its distinct geographical features and characteristics.
What is the size of the load in the upper course of a river?
Large boulders
These are typically found in the upper course due to high energy and turbulence.
What describes the cross section of a river in the upper course?
Narrow and steep
The cross section reflects the high energy and erosive processes occurring.
What characterizes the middle course of a river?
Gentle gradient
This section shows a transition from the steep upper course to the flatter lower course.
What describes the lower course of a river?
Very gentle gradient, wider, and flatter bed
This area is often associated with slower water flow and deposition.
What is the bedload in the lower course of a river primarily composed of?
Smaller materials
These are mainly suspended load due to the slower flow of water.
Fill in the blank: The process of __________ involves the wearing away of the riverbed and banks.
[erosion]
What processes are involved in river dynamics?
Erosion, transportation, deposition
These processes interact to shape the river landscape.
What describes the bed in the lower course of a river?
Very wide and deep
This allows for a greater volume of water and sediment transport.
True or False: The lower course of a river has a steep gradient.
False
The lower course is characterized by a very gentle gradient.
What type of energy is prevalent in the upper course of a river?
Erosive energy
This energy allows for significant erosion of the riverbed and surrounding landscape.
What happens to the gradient as you move from the upper course to the lower course of a river?
It decreases
The gradient becomes gentler as the river approaches its mouth.
What is erosion?
The wearing away of rock by the natural processes of rivers
What are the two ways erosion can occur in rivers?
Vertically and laterally
List the four processes of erosion.
- Hydraulic action
- Abrasion
- Attrition
- Solution
What is hydraulic action?
The sheer force of water crashing against the river banks
What does abrasion refer to in river processes?
The wearing away of the river bed and banks by sediment
Define attrition in the context of river erosion.
The process where rocks and stones collide and break into smaller pieces
What is solution in river erosion?
The dissolving of certain types of rocks by water
What is the load of a river?
The material carried by a river, including stones, pebbles, sand, and clay particles
What factors determine the size of the load a river can carry?
The amount of energy the river has
List the four ways in which a river transports material.
- Solution
- Suspension
- Saltation
- Traction
What is suspension in river transportation?
The process where fine particles are carried within the water column
Define saltation.
The bouncing of pebbles along the river bed
What is traction in the context of river transport?
The process where larger stones roll along the river bed
True or False: The more energy a river has, the smaller its load.
False
Fill in the blank: Erosion can occur _______ which makes the river deeper.
vertically
Fill in the blank: Erosion can occur _______ which makes the river wider.
laterally
What are the two distinctive fluvial landforms mentioned?
Waterfalls and gorges
Both are found in the upper course of a river.
What materials are involved in the formation of waterfalls?
Hard rock and soft rock
Waterfalls form when a river flows over hard rock with softer rock underneath.
What process primarily erodes the softer rock beneath a waterfall?
Hydraulic action and abrasion
These processes erode the softer rock more than the harder rock.
What creates a ‘step’ in the river leading to a waterfall?
The erosion of softer rock beneath harder rock
This erosion creates a change in elevation.
What is formed as the waterfall retreats over time?
A gorge
The retreating waterfall leaves behind a steep-sided valley.
What happens to the hard rock as it is undercut by erosion?
It becomes unsupported and collapses
This collapse contributes to the formation of plunge pools.
What is created at the foot of the waterfall due to erosion?
A plunge pool
The plunge pool is formed as collapsed rocks swirl around and erode the softer rock.
Fill in the blank: Waterfalls and gorges are found in the _______ course of a river.
upper
This is where the physical processes leading to these landforms occur.
True or False: Waterfalls can form only over soft rock.
False
Waterfalls form when a river flows over hard rock with softer rock underneath.
What are interlocking spurs?
Fingers of land that jut out from the hills and criss-cross each other like a zip, made from more resistant rock.
Interlocking spurs are features formed by river erosion in the upper course of a river.
What is the primary type of erosion in the upper course of a river?
Vertical (downwards) erosion.
This type of erosion creates steep, v-shaped valleys.
Why can’t the river erode laterally in the upper course?
The river isn’t powerful enough to erode laterally.
This limitation forces the river to wind around the hillsides made of resistant rock.
How are interlocking spurs formed?
As the river winds around the hillsides made of resistant rock.
This process creates the characteristic criss-cross pattern of interlocking spurs.
What are rapids?
Fast flowing sections of river where the gradient is quite steep and the water is turbulent.
Rapids are formed from ridges of harder rock amongst the soft rock.
What causes the formation of rapids in a river?
Ridges of hard rock that create an uneven slope.
The interaction of hard and soft rock contributes to rapid water flow.
Fill in the blank: Interlocking spurs are created as the river winds around hillsides made of _______.
resistant rock.
Resistant rock is essential for the formation of interlocking spurs.
What are meanders?
Bends in a river, usually found in a river’s middle course
Meanders are formed by erosion and deposition.
What is an oxbow lake?
A crescent-shaped lake formed when the neck of a meander gets narrow and the river cuts through it
The old river is cut off by deposition.
Where do meanders typically form in a river?
In the river’s middle course
Meanders are characterized by their bends.
What happens to water flow on the outside bend of a meander?
The water flows fastest and wears the river away
This leads to undercutting of the bank.
What occurs on the inside bend of a meander?
The water flows slowest and deposits its load of mud and shingle
This is where sediment accumulates.
Fill in the blank: Increasingly large bends in a river are known as _______.
meanders
What causes a meander to change its shape and position?
Erosion and deposition
These processes constantly alter the river’s course.
What is the process that leads to the formation of an oxbow lake?
The river cuts through the neck of the meander
This shortens the river’s course and isolates the old section.
True or False: The water on the outside bend of a meander is slower than on the inside bend.
False
The outside bend has faster water flow.
What key features should be included in a sketch of a meander?
Erosion, deposition, meander migration, narrow gap, new river channel
These features illustrate the processes involved in meander formation.
The fastest flow of water is on the ______ bend of the river.
outside bend
The outside bend experiences faster water flow due to the river’s curvature.
The fastest flow of water results in ______.
erosion
Erosion occurs on the outside bend due to higher velocity water.
The outside bends move closer together as the meander neck becomes ______.
narrower
The narrowing of the meander neck contributes to the potential for oxbow lake formation.
When there is a very ______ discharge, the river cuts across the neck and takes a straight course.
high
High discharge increases the river’s energy, enabling it to cut through the neck.
The former meander is left as a ______ oxbow lake.
horseshoe shaped
Oxbow lakes typically have a distinct horseshoe shape after the river’s course changes.
Draw a labelled cross-section to show how the inside bend of a meander is different from the outside bend of a meander. The words to use include:
- Inside bend
- Outside bend
- Erosion
- Deposition
- River cliff
- Slip-off slope
- Slower
- Faster
- More friction
- Less friction
This exercise illustrates the contrasting features and processes at play in meanders.
What are levees?
Raised embankments at the side of the river channel created when a river is prone to flooding.
Levees occur when a river bursts its banks, depositing sediment due to reduced energy from friction with land.
How are levees formed?
Formed by the deposition of sediment during floods, building up the banks higher over time.
Heavy sediment is deposited close to the river, with progressively smaller sediment further away.
What is a floodplain?
A large area of flat land on either side of a river that is prone to flooding, made of alluvium.
Floodplains are typically found in the middle and lower course of a river.
How are floodplains formed?
Formed when meanders migrate across the floodplain and deposit silt during floods.
The edge of the floodplain is called a bluff.
What material composes a floodplain?
Alluvium, which is sediment or silt deposition from the river.
Floodplains develop thick deposits of fertile land over years.
Fill in the blank: Levees are formed when a river bursts its banks and _______ reduces the energy and causes deposition.
friction with the land
True or False: Floodplains are only found in the upper course of a river.
False
What happens to sediment size as the distance from the river channel increases?
The size of sediment becomes progressively smaller.
This occurs due to the energy reduction as sediment is deposited further away.
What is the source of the River Tees?
Cross Fell
Cross Fell is the highest point in the Pennines and serves as the source of the River Tees.
What are the three main courses of a river?
- Upper course
- Middle course
- Lower course
These courses represent the changes in elevation and flow characteristics of a river.
Describe the location of the upper course of the River Tees.
Located near Cross Fell
The upper course is characterized by steep gradients and high elevations.
What is the height above sea level at the source of the River Tees?
301+ m
This height indicates the steepness of the terrain at the river’s source.
What happens to the height of the land as the River Tees moves from its source to its middle course?
Decreases to 61-300 m
This indicates a gradual lowering of the land as the river flows downstream.
What is the height range of the land in the lower course of the River Tees?
0-60 m
This range indicates that the river is approaching sea level as it enters the North Sea.
What major landform is located at the upper course of the River Tees?
High Force
High Force is a notable waterfall located on the River Tees.
Fill in the blank: Rivers usually begin at their _______.
[source]
The source is the starting point of a river, often located in highland areas.
What is the major reservoir associated with the River Tees?
Cow Green Reservoir
This reservoir is located in the upper course of the River Tees and is used for water supply.
True or False: Middlesbrough is located in the upper course of the River Tees.
False
Middlesbrough is located in the lower course of the River Tees.
What town is located near the middle course of the River Tees?
Barnard Castle
This town is significant for its historical castle and proximity to the river.
What are contour lines?
Lines drawn on maps that join places of the same height. They are usually an orange or brown colour.
Contour lines help visualize the shape of the land and indicate slope steepness.
What does it indicate if contour lines are close together?
The slope is steep.
Close contour lines represent a rapid change in elevation.
What does it indicate if contour lines are far apart?
The slope is gentle.
Far apart contour lines suggest a gradual change in elevation.
What is a spot height?
An exact point on a map with an elevation recorded beside it that represents its height above sea level.
Spot heights provide specific elevation data for particular locations.
What information do contour lines provide on a map?
The shape of the land and the height above sea level in metres.
Numbers along contour lines indicate the elevation at those points.
What is the purpose of grid references?
To identify specific locations on a map.
Grid references can be four or six figures, providing increasing precision in locating features.
Complete the four-figure grid reference for Juby’s Farm.
(28, 11)
Four-figure grid references provide a general area for locating places.
Complete the four-figure grid reference for Old Hall.
(29, 17)
Grid references are essential for accurate navigation and mapping.
Complete the four-figure grid reference for Vicarage Farm.
(30, 15)
Each grid reference corresponds to a precise location on a map.
What is the spot height of the land at (308, 159)?
I OM
The spot height gives the exact elevation at a specific grid reference.
In which course of the river are we likely to be in here?
Middle lower.
River courses can indicate various geographical and hydrological features.
What are the colors typically used for contour lines on maps?
Orange or brown.
These colors help distinguish contour lines from other map features.
What does a six-figure grid reference provide?
More precise location identification compared to a four-figure reference.
Six-figure references divide the grid square into tenths for specificity.
What are the main physical factors affecting flood risk?
Precipitation, geology, relief
These factors influence how water accumulates and flows in river landscapes.
What is the process through which moisture falls from the sky?
Condensation
This process leads to the formation of clouds and precipitation.
What term describes the process of water traveling on the ground?
Run off
Run off contributes to increased river discharge during flooding.
Fill in the blank: Urban areas are ______ likely to lead to flooding.
more
Urbanization reduces the ground’s ability to absorb water, increasing overland flow.
What is the effect of deforestation on flood risk?
Increases overland flow
Deforestation reduces the amount of vegetation that can absorb water, leading to higher river discharge.
What does groundwater flow refer to?
Movement of water underground
Groundwater flow can affect the overall water table and contribute to flooding.
How does land use in urban areas affect flood risk?
Reduces water absorption by ground
Impermeable surfaces lead to increased runoff and river discharge.
What is percolation?
Process of water being absorbed by the ground
Percolation helps regulate water levels and can mitigate flood risks.
True or False: Agriculture can decrease flood risk.
False
Farming practices, especially on deforested land, can increase overland flow and flood risk.
What is the water table?
The upper surface of groundwater
Changes in the water table can indicate potential flooding risks.
What effect does increased precipitation have on flooding?
Increases river discharge
More rain leads to higher water levels in rivers and potential overflow.
What is precipitation?
Moisture falling from the atmosphere e.g. rain, sleet, hail.
Precipitation can occur in various forms, impacting water levels and ecosystems.
What factors can increase the risk of flooding?
- Heavy rainfall
- Prolonged rainfall
These factors can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flooding.
What is the significance of geology in flood risk?
The rock type of the area affects water absorption.
Impermeable rocks prevent water from soaking in, increasing flood risk.
What is the difference between impermeable and permeable rock?
- Impermeable rock: water can’t soak in
- Permeable rock: water can soak in
The type of rock influences how water drains into the ground.
How does land relief affect flood risk?
- Steep land increases runoff
- Flat land allows for more water absorption
The steepness of land can impact how quickly water flows into rivers.
What does a river hydrograph illustrate?
The relationship between precipitation and river discharge.
Hydrographs are essential for understanding flood patterns and river behavior.
What is drainage density?
The number of streams in a particular drainage basin.
A higher drainage density means water drains to a river more quickly.
What is the definition of a river mouth?
The point where the river comes to the end, usually when entering a sea.
This is a critical point for ecosystems and sediment transport.
What is river discharge?
The volume of water flowing through a river channel.
Discharge is measured to assess river flow and potential flooding.
Fill in the blank: A stream or smaller river which joins a larger stream or river is called a _______.
tributary
Tributaries contribute to the overall water flow of larger rivers.
What does the term ‘drainage basin’ refer to?
The area of land drained by a river.
Drainage basins are crucial for managing water resources.
What is the starting point of a river called?
source
The source is where the river originates, often from springs or melting snow.
What is the channel of a river?
The course of a river including the river bed and river banks.
The channel is vital for directing water flow and managing flood risks.
What is a storm/flood hydrograph?
A graph that shows how a river responds to precipitation over time.
It illustrates the relationship between rainfall and river discharge.
What does the lag time in a hydrograph refer to?
The time difference between maximum rainfall and maximum discharge.
It indicates how quickly water from precipitation enters the river channel.
What factors influence discharge and lag time?
Factors include:
* Basin size
* Rock type
* Land use
* Relief
* Soil moisture
* Rainfall intensity
Each of these factors affects how quickly water reaches the river channel.
How does basin size affect hydrograph characteristics?
Small basins lead to rapid water transfer, creating a ‘flashy’ hydrograph, while large basins result in relatively slow water transfer.
This affects the steepness of the hydrograph.
What is the effect of impermeable rocks on water movement?
Impermeable rocks encourage surface run-off, leading to faster water transfer into the river.
This can result in a shorter lag time and higher peak discharge.
How does land use impact hydrograph behavior?
Urban areas with houses, roads, and drains speed up water transfer, while forests slow it down due to water absorption by leaves and roots.
This difference significantly affects the shape of the hydrograph.
What is the influence of relief on water movement in a drainage basin?
Gentle slopes slow down water transfer, while steep slopes facilitate quicker movement.
The topography of the land plays a critical role in how water flows.
What happens to surface run-off during heavy rainfall?
Surface run-off increases as rainfall intensity rises, especially when soil moisture is already high.
This can lead to quicker discharge into rivers, affecting hydrograph peaks.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the total amount of water shown in a hydrograph.
discharge
Discharge is typically measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s).
True or False: A flashy hydrograph has a long lag time and low peak discharge.
False
A flashy hydrograph is characterized by a short lag time and high peak discharge.
What is indicated by a low, flat hydrograph?
It indicates a long lag time and low peak discharge.
This typically occurs in larger drainage basins with slower water transfer.
How does rainfall intensity affect soil moisture?
Higher rainfall intensity increases surface run-off and can lead to saturation of the soil.
Saturated soil reduces its ability to absorb more water, increasing run-off.
What is drainage density?
The total length of streams and rivers in a drainage basin per unit area.
It influences how quickly water can be transferred through the basin.
What is the purpose of hydrographs?
Hydrographs are used to record the flow of a river before, during, and after a rainstorm.
Hydrographs provide visual representations of river discharge over time.
What does a hydrograph show as the flow of the river increases?
A rising limb.
The rising limb indicates the increase in discharge as rainfall occurs.
What is peak discharge?
The maximum flow or discharge of a river during a rainstorm.
Peak discharge is represented at the highest point on the hydrograph.
What is the falling limb in a hydrograph?
The part of the hydrograph that shows the gradual decrease in discharge after peak flow is reached.
The falling limb reflects how the river returns to normal levels post-rain.
What is the lag time in a hydrograph?
The gap between peak discharge and peak rainfall.
Lag time indicates the delay between rainfall and the resulting river discharge.
Which river is most likely to flood?
River A because the amount of rain that reached the river was very high discharge.
High discharge often leads to flooding, especially in areas with little vegetation.
Which river is likely to be in an urban area?
River A as there could have been trees or grass to infiltrate or intercept the rainfall.
Urban areas typically have more impervious surfaces, leading to higher runoff.
Why might the lag time be longer in hydrograph B?
Because there could be forests and trees in the area meaning the trees would absorb and intercept the water.
Vegetation can significantly affect how quickly water reaches the river.
Complete the missing word: Hydrographs show a _______ as the flow of the river increases.
Rising limb
Complete the missing word: When the peak is reached, a gentler _______ records the gradual decrease in discharge.
Falling limb
Fill in the blank: The gap between peak discharge and _______ is called the lag time.
Peak rainfall
What are dams?
Huge walls built across rivers, usually in the upper course
Dams create reservoirs (artificial lakes) behind them.
What is a reservoir?
An artificial lake formed behind a dam
Reservoirs store water and can be used for drinking water and hydroelectric power.
What is the benefit of reservoirs during heavy rain?
They store water, reducing the risk of flooding
This helps manage water levels during prolonged rainfall.
What is channel straightening?
The process of cutting out meanders and building artificial straight channels
This helps water move out of an area more quickly.
What are embankments?
Raised walls built along river banks
They help to protect areas from flooding.
What are flood relief channels?
Channels built to divert water around important areas during high water levels
They help manage flood risks by controlling water flow.
What is the role of flood warnings?
To inform people about possible flooding through various media
This provides time for preparations to be made.
What is floodplain zoning?
Restrictions preventing building on flood-prone areas
This helps minimize the risk of damage from flooding.
How does tree planting help in flood management?
It interrupts rainwater and increases land lime
This can reduce runoff and lower flood risk.
What is river restoration?
Making the river more natural by removing man-made levees
This allows the floodplain to flood naturally, reducing flood risks.
What are some disadvantages of building dams?
They are expensive, can flood settlements, and may cause downstream flooding
Eroded material can also reduce farmland fertility downstream.
True or False: Flood warnings can prevent floods from happening.
False
Warnings provide information but do not stop floods.
Fill in the blank: The impact of flooding is reduced because the river’s discharge is _______.
reduced
This helps to protect buildings and reduce damage.
What is one consequence of channel straightening?
Increased erosion downstream
Faster flowing water can lead to more erosion in those areas.
What is a potential risk of flood relief channels?
They could flood if water levels get too high
This can create additional flooding risks in nearby areas.
How does vegetation reduce flood risk?
It reduces soil erosion and provides habitat for wildlife
Healthy vegetation can also help absorb rainwater.
What is one limitation of flood preparation?
It does not guarantee safety from floods
People may feel falsely secure if they believe preparations are sufficient.
What is a consequence of modifying buildings for flood resistance?
It can be expensive
This can limit the ability to expand urban areas.
How does urban expansion relate to flood management?
Limited suitable building sites can restrict urban growth
This can increase pressure on existing infrastructure.
What is hard engineering in flood management?
Uses physical structures to control water flow
Examples include dams, levees, and flood walls
What are the costs associated with hard engineering?
Typically high due to construction and maintenance
Costs can include environmental impact assessments and land acquisition
What is soft engineering in flood management?
Uses natural processes and systems to manage flood risks
Examples include wetlands restoration and afforestation
What are the benefits of soft engineering?
More sustainable and environmentally friendly
Often enhances biodiversity and improves water quality
Fill in the blank: Most of hard engineering is more _______.
costly
Fill in the blank: Soft engineering relies on _______ processes.
natural
What is the location of the flood management scheme discussed?
Morpeth, 15 miles north of Newcastle
What river is involved in the flood management scheme?
River Wansbeck
In which county does the River Wansbeck run?
Northumberland
Why was flood management required in Morpeth?
To reduce the risk of severe flooding
What is one measure taken to manage the river?
Mitford Dam
What is another measure used in flood management?
Stepping stones
What structure was used at Lowford Bridge?
Tree-catching poles
What is the purpose of the barriers mentioned?
To stop water entering
What type of existing infrastructure was improved?
Flood walls
What are the three categories to analyze the issues with flood management?
Social, Economic, Environmental
Fill in the blank: The flood management scheme in Morpeth was needed to _______.
[reduce the risk of severe flooding]
True or False: The River Wansbeck runs through Northumberland County.
True
