River Basin Flashcards
How big is the catchment area for York ?
3000 km2
When was the wettest winter on record
November 2000
How much rain fell in 2 weeks?
250mm
Which tributaries flow into the Ouse?
The Swale, Ure and the Nidd
What is the geology like
Mostly impermeable clay
What is York’s population?
Around 200000
What has added to the severity of flooding in recent years
The area becoming more urbanised eg new housing and retail developments
Deforestation and the removal of peat bogs
What were causes of the 2000 floods?
Wettest winter on record- 250mm of rain fell in 2 weeks
2 rivers meet in York meaning twice the amount of water, so more amplified effects
Tributaries into Ouse are from the dales= steep land so water travels faster
Much of York’s land is impermeable so less infiltration can take place
What were some effects of the flooding?
450 homes damaged
Businesses close to the river lost out on money whilst repairs were happening
Communication was difficult as phone lines were down
Cost the council £1.3 million
What were the immediate responses?
65000 sand bags laid
500 troops on standby
2 rest shelters opened
Dingies sent out to those in immediate danger
Longer term responses
Better flood defences out in place
New buildings built slightly higher up to minimise the dangers and effects in the future
River Ouse was dredged and deepened
Earth embankments were built up
Afforestation to help interception rates increase and run off rates decrease
