River Ribble

Question 1

Rock Type

Answer 1

upper course of Ribble is Millstone Grit with few pore spaces and therefore increased overland flow

Question 2

soil

Answer 2

peat in the upper course is a major source of groundwater, slowing down increase in discharge

Question 3

shape and size of drainage basin

Answer 3

• elongated basin = water taking more time to reach channel
• basin is very big, extensive floodplains

Question 4

rainfall

Answer 4

• rainfall is evenly distributed around year
• infiltration excess -> overland flow following summer thunderstorms
• saturation so excess flooding common at end of winter

Question 5

urbanisation

Answer 5

• tributary calder runs through Burnley suburb, with rapid discharge as water is directed into river

Question 6

agriculture

Answer 6

in the lower Ribble, overstocking w sheep has led to vegetation degrading = increased soil erosion
- peat cover has been lost due to fire