River discharge and flooding Flashcards

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1
Q

River discharge

A

Is the volume of water that flows in a river per second.

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2
Q

Hydrographs

A

Show how the discharge at a certain point in a river changes over time in relation to rainfall.

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3
Q

Peak discharge

A

The highest discharge in the period of time you are looking at.

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4
Q

Lag time

A

The delay between peak rainfall and peak discharge.

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5
Q

Rising limb

A

The increase in river discharge as rainwater flows into the river.

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6
Q

Falling limb

A

The decrease in river discharge as the river returns to its normal level.

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7
Q

Floods due physical factors

A

Prolonged rainfall-long period of rainfall causes the soil to become saturated
Heavy rainfall-the water arrives too rapidly for infiltration
Geology(rock type)-clay soils and rocks are impermeable
Relief- in steep-side valley, the water will reach the river channel faster

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8
Q

Floods due human factors

A

Buildings and roads are made of impermeable materials. This increases the runoff of rainwater
Deforestation-trees intercept rainwater on their leaves, take up some water from the ground and store it. By cutting down the trees, the volume of water which reaches the channel increases.

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