UK Flooding 2007

Question 1

Physical causes of the UK Floods (3)

Answer 1

• Extended rains early in summer
• So when storms came, the ground was already saturated
• Rainfall was 20% higher in June and July

Question 2

Human causes of the UK Floods (2)

Answer 2

• Development on floodplains

* Urbanisation

Question 3

Arguments for floodplain development due to UK growing population (4)

Answer 3

• More houses are needed
• Won’t build on most high risk areas
• A ‘holistic” approach is best
• Development takes place on a “green grid” -> so they incorporate parks and fields so they flood first

Question 4

Arguments agains floodplain development due to UK growing population (4)

Answer 4

• More people living in high flood risk areas
• Investment for flood defences needed
• People unable to get insurance due to high risk
• Will people actually want to live on floodplains now?

Question 5

What is Flood Plain Zoning (UK)?

Answer 5

It limits the amount of development that can take place on a floodplain - so farmland and playing fields are closer to the river (low value) and factories, offices and houses are further away from the river (high value)