River Derwent

Question 1

Brief intro ?

Answer 1

In March 1999 people living near the River Derwent in Yorkshire experienced it’s worst flooding in 70years.

Question 2

One physical cause of flooding?

Answer 2

Heavy rainfall between February 28 and March 11th over 250mm of rain fell on the North York moors this increases surface run off which led to flooding

Question 3

Human cause of the flooding

Answer 3

Peat removal in the source area lowered the soil storage capacity there, as peat acts like a sponge. This reduced infiltration

Question 4

Another physical cause

Answer 4

Time of year there was snow melt adding to the discharge from the North York moor source region. Leading to flooding

Question 5

One more Human caused

Answer 5

There were new building areas, which meant parts of the floodplain were being urbanised, such as the new estate at Malton. This reduces infiltration but increases surface run off.