Unit 1C - River Landscapes in the UK - Case Study - Cockermouth flood managements

Question 1

Hard engineering techniques used at Cockermouth to reduce risk of flooding?

Answer 1

• Dredging the river

- New flood walls, embankments, flood gates, sewage system, raised bridge and waterproof windows

Question 2

Soft engineering technique used at Cockermouth to reduce risk of flooding?

Answer 2

Flood plain extended so when river floods, somewhere for water to go and this area allowed to deliberately flood

Question 3

Social issues caused by management in Cockermouth? 3 +ves

Answer 3

P: - Reduced anxiety/depression

• Quality of life improved as flooding risk was reduced
• 360 homes protected from self-rising barrier

Question 4

Economic issues caused by management in Cockermouth? 3 +ves and 2 -ves

Answer 4

P: - 55 businesses protected by new self rising barrier
- flood barrier has zero operating costs and will 100 years
- tourism not affected as schemes built to look pleasing
N: - Cost £4.4 million for whole management scheme
- still some flood damage during storm Desmond in Dec 2015

Question 5

Environmental issues caused by management in Cockermouth? 3 +ves and 1 -ve

Answer 5

P: - New style flood barrier means visual impact to river not impaired throughout rest of year
- reduced impacts to built up areas from floodplain zones and is sustainable
- sites of ‘Special Scientific Interest’ protected
N: - Dredging river damages vegetation and animal life of river and surroundings whilst it is being done

Question 6

Have the river management strategies in Cockermouth been successful?

Answer 6

Partly as there was still some flooding during Storm Desmond in Dec 2015