River exe

Question 1

How long is the river Exe?

Answer 1

Flows 82.7km from its source in Exmoor

Question 2

What are 3 Physical Characteristics of the River Exe?

Answer 2

Area of upper catchment = 601km²

Maximum elevation = 514m

Lowest elevation = 26m

Question 3

Describe the Geology of the River Exe

Answer 3

84.4% of the catchment is covered by impermeable rocks - predominantly sandstones.

Question 4

What is the land-use around the River Exe Basin?

Answer 4

67% agricultural grassland.
15% woodland.
3% moors and peat bogs.

Question 5

Describe and Explain the Runoff levels of the River Exe Catchment

Answer 5

Runoff = 65% of water balance (high)

Runoff is due to the impermeable nature of the bed rock = reduced percolation and base flow.

Drainage ditches on Exmoor reduce soil water storage.

Question 6

What 2 projects affected the Water Cycle and Balance?

Answer 6

Construction of Wimbleball Reservoir.

Restoration of Peatland on Exmoor.

Question 7

When was the wimbleball reservoir bulit?

Answer 7

1997

Question 8

Describe the Wimbleball Reservoir (4 points)

Answer 8

• SA = 150 hectares.
• Supplies water to Exmoor and East Devon.
• Regulates water flow ensuring a constantly steady regime.
• Prevents peaks and troughs of water discharge - reducing flood risk.

Question 9

What effects did the Drainage Ditches have on the Water?

Answer 9

They increased the spread of water flow to the river

reducing water quality as more silt was carried downstream.

Question 10

What is the Exmoor Mires Project?

Answer 10

Restores peat bogs by blockage drainage ditches.

Question 11

What are the 5 things the Exmoor Mires Project does?

Answer 11

1. Increases water content.
2. returns ground to natural saturated, boggy conditions.
3. Helps retain carbon within the peat.
4. Means more water storage in upper catchment.
5. Improves water quality.