Question 1: What is 'pluvial flooding'?

Answer: Flooding caused by heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage systems or saturating ground, leading to surface water runoff.

Question 2: Define 'floodplain'.

Answer: A flat area of land adjacent to a river that is prone to flooding during periods of high discharge.

Question 3: Explain 'river discharge'.

Answer: The volume of water flowing through a river channel per second, typically measured in cubic metres per second (m³/s).

Question 4: What is 'urbanisation' and how does it affect flooding?

Answer: Urbanisation involves the increase of built-up areas, which reduces permeable surfaces and increases surface runoff, heightening flood risk.

Question 5: Name the major river that caused significant flooding in the Somerset Levels in 2014.

Answer: River Parrett

Question 1: Which UK region is most prone to river flooding due to its low-lying landscape and historical rainfall patterns?

Answer: The Somerset Levels

Question 2: What are two primary causes of flooding in urban areas?

Answer: Heavy rainfall and impermeable surfaces leading to rapid surface runoff.

Question 3: Name one human activity that can increase the risk of river flooding.

Answer: Deforestation

Question 4: Describe the difference between flash floods and river floods.

Answer: Flash floods occur rapidly due to intense rainfall over a short period, affecting urban areas; river floods develop more slowly when rivers exceed capacity, flooding floodplains.

Question 1: Based on the case of the Somerset Levels in 2014, identify two impacts the flooding had on local communities.

Answer: Displacement of residents and damage to farmland and infrastructure.

Question 2: Explain how the heavy rainfall and high river discharge contributed to the flooding in the River Severn in 2021.

Answer: Prolonged periods of heavy rainfall increased river discharge beyond normal levels, causing the river to overflow its banks, especially in areas with saturated ground and low-lying floodplains.

Question 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of flood defenses used during the Somerset Levels floods of 2014.

Answer: Flood defenses such as raised embankments and pumping stations helped protect some areas, but inadequate drainage and delayed responses led to widespread flooding. Overall, defenses were partially effective but highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and planning.

Question 4: Identify one environmental consequence of repeated flooding in the same area, such as the Somerset Levels.

Answer: Soil erosion and degradation of wetland habitats, which can harm biodiversity.

Question 1: Explain why urban areas are more susceptible to surface water flooding during heavy rainfall.

Answer: Urban areas have many impermeable surfaces like concrete and tarmac, which prevent water absorption, leading to increased surface runoff and flooding.

Question 2: Analyse the main factors that contribute to the flooding of the River Severn and its floodplain.

Answer: Factors include high rainfall levels, extensive urbanisation along the river, low-lying topography, saturated soil conditions, and inadequate drainage systems, all leading to increased river discharge and flooding.

Question 3: Describe how deforestation upstream can influence flooding downstream.

Answer: Deforestation reduces vegetation that intercepts rainfall and stabilizes soil, increasing surface runoff and the volume of water flowing into rivers, thereby raising flood risk downstream.

Question 1: To what extent are flood defenses alone sufficient to prevent flooding in low-lying areas like the Somerset Levels?

Answer: Flood defenses such as embankments and pumping stations play a crucial role but are not entirely sufficient. They must be complemented by sustainable land management, early warning systems, and community preparedness. Relying solely on physical defenses can be risky if they are overwhelmed by extreme weather events or if maintenance is neglected. Therefore, an integrated approach combining engineering, environmental, and social strategies is essential for effective flood risk management.