Water/Carbon Cycle - River Exe Flashcards
How long is the River Exe in kms?
82
Where is the source of the River Exe?
Exmoor
What is the maximum elevation and lowest elevation of the River Exe?
Maximum - 514m
Lowest - 26m
What rock type makes up the majority of the River Exe’s catchment area?
Sandstone
Is sandstone permeable or impermeable?
Impermeable
What percentage of the River Exe basin is used for agricultural grassland?
67%
What percentage of the River Exe basin is covered by woodland?
15%
What percentage of the water balance in the River Exe basin undergoes runoff?
65%
Why are runoff levels so high in the River Exe basin?
Due to the impermeable nature of the sandstone rock, reducing percolation and base flow.
What 2 projects have affected the Water Cycle and Water Balance in the River Exe basin?
- Construction of Wimbleball Reservoir
- Restoration of Peatland on Exmoor (Exmoor Mires Project)
What year was the Wimbleball Reservoir constructed?
1997
Where does the Wimbleball Reservoir supply water to?
- Exmoor
- East Devon
- Exeter
What is the surface area of the Wimbleball Reservoir?
150 hectares
What does the Wimbleball Reservoir regulate?
A steady water flow
What does the Wimbleball Reservoir prevent?
Peaks and troughs in water discharge, therefore reducing floods.
What did the Exmoor Mires project do?
Restore peat bogs by blocking drainage ditches.
What has the Exmoor Mires project achieved?
- More water storage in upper catchment area
- Helps retain carbon within the peat
- Reduce flood risk downstream
