W&C-The Eden Basin

Question 1

What is the location?

Answer 1

-Noth-West England, between Lake District and Pennines
-flows through city of Carlise- confluence of 3 rivers and low-lying

Question 2

Links with water cycle

Answer 2

-rainfall is high due to mountainous terrain
-basin is long and narrow= increases lag time
-slopes are steep in basin=decreases lag time and increases peak discharge
-basin mostly made up of sandstone and limestone= permeable, little surface runoff, increases lag time

Question 3

Farming practices

Answer 3

-more intense farming compacts soil= between 2000 and 2009, 30% increase in cattle farming= reduces infiltration rates, more surface runoff, risk of flooding
-grazing in upland ares reduces vegetation= reduces infiltration

Question 4

Construction of areas

Answer 4

-increased urban areas= new housing estates built in and around Carlisle- the Eden Gate development
-urban areas are impermeable, reduces infiltration
-some developments built on floodplains= flood risk to property

Question 5

Climate change

Answer 5

-change in rainfall patterns= western UK could get a 35% increase in rainfall by 2080
-deforestation= much of the original forest cover has been removed, reduces infiltration, more surface runoff

Question 6

Storm Desmond

Answer 6

-December 2015
-worst flooding in Cumbria
-262.2mm of rain in 48hrs
-2000 properties flooded in Carlisle alone