York 2000 Flashcards
6 physical causes of York flooding
- Catchment area
- Relief
- Geology and Geomorphology
- Vegetation
- Soils
- Climate and rainfall
How big is the catchment area?
3000 km^2
Which 3 rivers feed the Ouse?
Swale, Nidd and Ure
Which areas do the rivers feeding York drain?
Dales and Pennines
How does the relief contribute?
Upper course in dales steep = promotes faster runoff and less infiltration
How does the geology and geomorphology contribute?
Impermeable clay = can’t infiltrate = more runoff
How does vegetation lead to flooding?
Heathers and moorland in upper basin = low interception rates
Deciduous trees lose leaves in winter
How did soils contribute to flooding?
Peat soils absorbed summer precipitation = stores full in late autumn = more run off
How did climate and rainfall lead to flooding?
Autumn 2000 wettest on record
Waters that flood York come from dales area where rain is heavy. Not from Ouse section as rain (640mm) = PET (540mm)
3 human causes of flooding
- Farming
- Urban developments
- Climate change
How did farming lead to flooding?
- Upland areas for pastoral farming = grass for cattle = little interception.
- Arable farming in Vale of York = deforestation = no interception when crops harvested
How did urban developments lead to flooding?
- New housing, out of town shopping, industry, widening of A1
- Impermeable surfaces and drains carry water to Ouse quickly
- Developments on North of York, Clifton Moor
How did climate change lead to flooding?
- More extreme weather
- Led to series of deep depressions across Atlantic = rain
- Uk temps rising by 1-3 degrees over next 80 years = wetter winters
How much are temperatures rising in UK?
1-3 degrees over next 80 years
How many homes flooded?
300
Which area was badly affected?
Radcliffe badly affected
What had to close for months? Why?
Rowntrees park. Floodwaters had to be drained and play equipment hosed.