Pickering Beck Case Study Flashcards
Where is Pickering Beck?
In the north east of England near Leeds, York and Middlesborough
How big is Pickering?
It’s a small market town occupant to around 7000 people
When did the beck flood?
In 1999, 2000 and 2007
On an economic scale how badly did the 2007 flood affect Pickering?
It resulted in an estimated £2.1 Billion damage to both industries and residents
How big is the catchment area of Pickering Beck?
68Km^2 , consisting of steep valleys and water grains from the North Yorkshire moors
What stone does the water flow over?
Gritstone, Limestone and peat
What was the average discharge in 1973?
13 cumecs
What was the average discharge in 2002?
40 cumecs
What does the gritstone mean for the water flow?
It causes large amounts of surface runoff due to being impermeable
What does the Limestone and peat mean for the water flow?
It causes large amounts of infiltration and saturation which in turn causes more groundwater flow
What is the relief of the Pickering beck catchment area?
There is a steep relief generally with steep valleys
What does the relief mean for the water flow?
There is large surface runoff as there is no time for infiltration
What does the vegetation type do for the water flow?
The peat and heather holds up the water meaning there is a larger build up of water before a sudden break, like a sponge
How has agriculture contributed to the flooding?
The moorlands are used for arable farming which involves cultivating the land. this cultivation means there is more infiltration and hence more ground water flow
How has making troughs and peaks for farming contributed to the flooding?
The channels created serve as a easy route for the water to take and hence increases surface runoff
How has pastoral farming increased the risk of flooding?
Livestock reduce the amount of vegetation on the moorland which in term leads to more infiltration
How has the management of the moorlands added to the increased chance of flooding?
The moorlands have been managed to move the water as quickly as possible
What is once way the moorlands have been managed?
Through the use of grips, which are long trenches used to move the water quickly
How has the local Cropton forest planted in 1960 contribute to flooding?
When planted drainage channels were built in to move the water to the stream and to the trees
What are the three objectives of the management strategies newly put in place?
- Slow the water at the top
- Store the water in the middle
- Improve the quality of water at the bottom
What is an example where soil bunds were placed?
Newtondale, that can hold up to 120,00m^3
What is Riparian woodland?
Woodland that is hydrophilic such as willow and alder, take up water when they are flooded
What plan is put in place for the Riparian woodland?
To place around 50 hectares alongside the river
What were restored to reduce the flow of water in the top of the catchment?
Woodland dams, to date 129 have been restored
