River Exe CS

Question 1

What are 3 physical characteristics of the River Exe

Answer 1

Area of upper catchment = 600km2

Maximum elevation = 500m

Lowest elevation = 30m

Question 2

Describe the geology of the River Exe

Answer 2

84.4% of the catchment is impermeable rock
Predominantly sandstone

Question 3

What is the land use around the basin

Answer 3

67% agricultural grassland

15% woodland

3% moors and peat bogs

Question 4

Describe and explain the runoff levels of the River Exe

Answer 4

Runoff = 65% of water balance

Runoff is due to impermeable nature of the bedrock
= reduced percolation and base flow

Drainage ditches on Exmoor reduce water storage

Question 5

What 2 projects affect the water cycle and balance

Answer 5

Construction of Wimbleball Reservoir

Restoration of peatland on Exmoor

Question 6

When was Wimbleball reservoir created

Answer 6

1997

Question 7

Describe the Wimbleball reservoir

Answer 7

SA = 150 hectares

Supplies water to Exmoor and east Devon

Regulates water flow

Prevents peaks and throughs of water dischareg

Question 8

What effects did the drainage ditches have on the water

Answer 8

Increased the spread of water flow to the river, reducing water quality as more silt was carried downstream

Question 9

What is the Exmoor mires project

Answer 9

Restores peat bogs by blockage drainage ditches

Question 10

What are the 5 things Exmoor Mires project does

Answer 10

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.