Rivers And Coasts Case Studies

Question 1

Flooding

Answer 1

Boscastle- 16th August 2004
Causes: saturated ground, steep and saturated(valley), increased surface run off, impermeable rock prevented infiltration, shorter lag time , 3 rivers, drainage system with low capacity, small+low bridges
Impacts- 25 building destroyed, visitor centre destroyed, 50 buildings damaged, 20 million insurance pay out, pave and grounds damaged

Question 2

Coral reef

Answer 2

Great Barrier Reef- Australia, more than 900 islands, 2,600km
+1500 species, 6 breed turtles species, 134 species sharks+rays.
Conditions- shallow less than 60m (light+oxygen)
Warm water(18 degrees), clean water- oxygen supply, salinity 30-38ppm

Question 3

Mangroves

Answer 3

Sundarbans Bangladesh- in delta (confluence of Ganges,Brahmaputra, Meghna) covers 10000km2
Importance:habitats- Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, barrier against floods, against tropical storms, absorbs co2 , biodiversity
Threats:removed by people

Question 4

River

Answer 4

Brahmaputra- 9th largest 15th longest in world, flood in 1998 affecting 31 million, 45% of population rely on it
Benefits- flat land (agriculture,construction), fertile land,water supply, fish for food, transport+communication
Disadvantages- flooding (people die),repairing infrastructure expensive, agricultural land ruined by humidity . Floodplains already overcultivated