The Thames River Basin Flashcards
Info about Thames region
1) Most developed part of the UK
What is the population of The Thames Region?
12 million (1/5 of UK population)
What area does The Thames Region cover?
13, 000km2
How many counties are within The Thames Region?
14 counties
Name two tributaries…
The Cole and The Lee
Describe the difference between the Western and Eastern regions…
Western Region=rural and agriculture is dominant.
Eastern Region= urban and industrialised
Approximately how many litres a day is extracted from the region’s rivers?
Approx 4700 million litres
Name four reasons why demand for water is increasing within The Thames Region…
1) use of water in homes and gardens
2) losses through leakages and pipes
3) population growth
4) economic and development pressure
Explain one reason why industry is developing within The Thames Region…
Geologically, the are contains much chalk, limestone, sand and gravel which creates opportunity for mineral extraction
Name the main way rivers help with industrial development…
They allow for the import and export of raw materials and finished goods
Describe why there are many heavy industries such as car manufacturing and iron and steel works on the floodplains…
because the land is flat and cheap and there is easy access to water for cooling purposes
Explain why many major settlements are built close to the river, especially in the rivers lower course…
because the river brings many benefits such as a good supply of drinking water, good potential for trade and communications, flat land, and in the past fertile soils for farming.
Name an example of a settlement within The Thames region which is built on higher ground to reduce the risk of flooding…
Oxford
Name an industrial development which is at risk from flooding…
The Thames Gateway in East London, a massive port used for lots of trade.
Name the major conflict within The Thames Region…
Relates to the demand for more housing
Name the main reason for increased demand in housing…
High demand for housing in South-East England due to large number of jobs in the London region.
Which areas would new settlements within The Thames Region affect?
Mudflats and Salt Marshes of The Thames Estuary which are important ecological areas.
How many houses would the new settlements consist of below sea level?
120,000 homes below sea level
Which parts of the river course are popular to farmers and why?
The lower parts of the river valley because of the supply of water (for machinery and irrigation) and relatively gentle slopes.
What type of farming is used in the areas where flooding is likely?
Livestock farming (animals can be lead to dry land in times of flood)
Name a social impact of transportation and trade…
The more trade there is, the greater the number of jobs + the multiplier effect.
How is the land good for transport?
The river valleys, especially those in the lower course of the river, are relatively flat and make transport routes easy to build.
Name a major transport route which follows the River Thames…
The main railway line from Oxford to London. It follows and passes through the River Thames.
Why is the River Thames not used for HEP?
The land is not steep enough to create enough power to drive the turbines.
Describe the tributaries input for energy…
Lots of the River Thames’ tributaries (e.g. The River Cole) at Coleshill near Faringdon have been used for grinding grain in the past.
Describe how the River Thames has an input on production of energy…
The River Thames is used to generate power indirectly. Much of London’s waste is carried to incinerators in the East of London which convert waste into electricity.
In terms of energy, how has the East of London been described?
“The areas where London generates its heat and buries its waste”.
Name 5 recreational activities which the River Thames Provides…
Fishing, swimming, canoeing, rowing, sailing, cruising, guided tours, walking and hiking.
Name an important recreational resource within the Thames Basin…
The Cotswold Water Park. It is made up of many lakes which are used for a wide variety of water-based activities.
How many properties are at risk due to tidal flooding?
420, 000 properties are at risk.
When did The Thames Barrier become operational?
1982
On average how many times does The Thames Barrier have to close a year?
On average 3 times a year. BUT 2000/01 there were 24 barrier closures.
Name an important local flood alleviation scheme…
Restored meanders and floodplains of the River Cole.
Describe an area which needs to be conserved…
The Cotswold Water Park is environmentally sensitive and is considered a pressure point due to the vast numbers of people it attracts.
How is The Cotswold Water Park being managed?
Lots of SSSI’s so has been recognised.
An area of environmental interest…
Thames Estuary has mudflats which attract a lot of attention due to vast biodiversity.
Define biodiversity…
The range of organisms present in a particular ecological community or system. It can be measured by the number of different species or the variation within or between species.
Describe the two main conflicts in The Thames River Basin…
1) Housing- more demand for housing but have to destroy salt marshes and mud flats, environmentalists not happy.
2) Industrial development and ecologically important areas- Cotswold Water Park- damage biodiversity.
