Rivers: Human Causes of Flooding - Urban land use

Question 1

New infrastructure:

Answer 1

• Urbanisation = Growth = Towns and cities
• Population increase = New homes and schools = New roads and shops.
• Buildings and roads = Impermeable surfaces = greater potential flood risk

Question 2

New houses:

Answer 2

• New houses built on greenfield sites = Homes built on countryside.
• Housing density has increased by 72% since 2001 = More houses per plot.
• Strict laws about building on floodplains = 7% are still in high risk areas.
• Tarmac roads and concrete pavements - Rapid surface runoff through gutters, drains and culverts leads to a rapid rise in river discharge, hence flooding.

Question 3

Disappearing gardens:

Answer 3

• People pave back gardens = They don’t have to mow the lawn.
• Parking is an issue = 47%Uk households have 2 cars.
• Front gardens are concreted - Accommodates the cars.

Question 4

Explain how changing lifestyles and building practices can have an impact on flooding:

Answer 4

• Cars per household - number of cars on roads, where to park? Tarmac? Infiltration? Surface run off?
• Time to look after garden - Both parents working. Easy garden = no plants.
• Places to park - concrete front garden? Surface run off?