Water on the Land - Flood Control for the River Tees (CS)

Question 1

Why does the River Tees often flood?

Answer 1

It rises from the Pennines, where:

• there is often high precipitation.
• the rocks are impermeable.
• the slopes are steep.

Question 2

What has been built in the upper course to help control floods? When was it build, and how does it help?

Answer 2

• Cow Green Resevoir was built.
• built in 1970 to provide water for industries.
• traps heavy rainfall and water from snowmelt, and allows flow to be regulated down stream.

Question 3

What course of the river is the town of Yarm? When did it have its most serious flood?

Answer 3

• lower course.
• Jan 1995.

Question 4

What flood control strategies have been put into place in Yarm?

Answer 4

• reinforced concrete walls with metal flood gates for access by people and vehicles.
• earth embankments.
• gabions to protect walls and embankments from erosion.
• building materials approved by English Heritage to remain, to keep with existing architecture.