River Ribble

Question 1

size and shape of the drainage basin?

Answer 1

110km long basin 2182km2 rises in penines at 442 km flows s-w

Question 2

shape of hydrograph?

Answer 2

intense storms - short lag time high peak discharge. rising and descending limbs are rapid, can absorb large quantities of water without flooding

Question 3

what is the rock type of the area?

Answer 3

upper course - millstone grit and carboniferous limestone
millstone has densely packed particles and is impermeable. limestone has huge cracks, also lots of glacial drift. huge surface run off

Question 4

soil type?

Answer 4

upper course - peat soil, slow discharge huge store

Question 5

what are there a lot of in the upper course?

Answer 5

flood plains formed before river was rejuvenated

Question 6

what are the rainfall levels?

Answer 6

varies from 1775mm at river source to 890 mm at estuary, distributed throughout the year.

Question 7

what is urbanisation like in this area?

Answer 7

R.calder tributary flows through burnley doesn’t contribute much to river ribble

Question 8

what is agriculture like?

Answer 8

farming in Bowland and R.Hodden contribute to downstream flooding. overgrazing, heather burning for grouse is not always properly managed. peat cover has been lost