River Eden Catchment Case Study

Question 1

When did flooding occur in Carlisle?

Answer 1

5-6th December 2015

Question 2

Which storm caused the flooding?

Answer 2

Storm Desmond - heavy and prolonged rainfall caused the River Eden to burst its banks

Question 3

Where did flooding occur?

Answer 3

• Carlisle
• Keswick
• Glenridding

Question 4

How much more rainfall was recorded than the previous record in 2005?

Answer 4

600mm

Question 5

What is the land use within the catchment?

Answer 5

Mostly rural, only 0.8% urban

Question 5

How much of the catchment is grassland?

Answer 5

73%

Question 6

What is the catchment’s geology like?

Answer 6

Moderate permeability

Question 7

Which catchment feature may lead to a subdued hydrograph?

Answer 7

Urban areas are mostly small villages therefore not a lot of impermeable surfaces are present

Question 8

Which catchment feature may lead to a flashy hydrograph?

Answer 8

Channel straightening on tributaries in Carlisle

Question 9

What were the causes of the flooding?

Answer 9

• Extra tropical cyclone
• Area of low pressure
• Warm, moist air from the Atlantic

Question 10

What were some social impacts of the flooding?

Answer 10

• 2 fatalities
• 2,100 homes in Carlisle impacted
• 19,000 homes flooded in N England
• 3,000 families required temporary housing

Question 11

What were some economic impacts of the flooding?

Answer 11

• Local energy firm previously spent £7.9 million on defences which failed
• £500 million damage across Cumbria
• 131 bridges in Cumbria needed repairs

Question 12

What were the short-term responses?

Answer 12

• 100 flood warning ad 70 flood alerts
• 200 military personnel deployed
• 50 high volume pumps provided
• PM David Cameron visited

Question 13

What were the long-term responses?

Answer 13

• £50 million repair and renew scheme across Cumbria
• 5,000 homes and businesses in Carlisle given council tax relief