Question 1: Define the term 'floodplain'.

Answer: A flat area of land adjacent to a river that floods during high flow periods.

Question 2: What does 'urbanisation' mean in the context of flood risk?

Answer: The increase in urban areas, often leading to more surface runoff and higher flood risk.

Question 3: Explain what is meant by 'levee' in flood management.

Answer: A raised embankment built alongside a river to prevent flooding.

Question 4: Identify the term for heavy rainfall that causes rivers to overflow.

Answer: Cloudburst or intense rainfall.

Question 5: Describe what is meant by 'flash flood'.

Answer: A sudden, rapid flooding usually caused by intense rainfall over a short period.

Question 1: Which UK river is most associated with the 2014-2015 flooding event in the Somerset Levels?

Answer: River Parrett

Question 2: Name two physical factors that increase the risk of flooding in the UK.

Answer: Heavy rainfall and low-lying topography.

Question 3: What is the primary cause of river flooding in urban areas?

Answer: Surface runoff due to impermeable surfaces

Question 4: Name one human activity that can increase flood risk.

Answer: Deforestation or urbanisation

Question 1: Describe the main causes of the flooding in the Somerset Levels during 2014-2015.

Answer: Heavy rainfall combined with high tides, blocked drainage systems, and low-lying topography increased flood risk in the Somerset Levels.

Question 2: Identify two impacts of the flooding on local communities in Somerset.

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

Question 3: Explain how the flood management strategies used in Somerset aimed to reduce future flood risk.

Answer: Strategies included dredging of rivers, constructing barriers, and improving drainage systems to enhance water flow and reduce flooding.

Question 1: Explain why urbanisation increases the likelihood of flooding in cities like Leeds and Manchester.

Answer: Urbanisation replaces permeable land with impermeable surfaces such as concrete, increasing surface runoff. This reduces natural absorption of rainwater, leading to faster river flow and higher flood risk during heavy rainfall.

Question 2: Analyse the role of climate change in increasing flood frequency in the UK.

Answer: Climate change has led to more intense and frequent rainfall events, raising the likelihood of rivers overflowing. Warmer temperatures also cause sea levels to rise, increasing tidal flooding in coastal areas.

Question 1: To what extent are flood defenses like the Thames Barrier effective in managing flood risk in London? Evaluate considering advantages and limitations.

Answer: Flood defenses such as the Thames Barrier provide significant protection against tidal surges and high river flows, helping to prevent flooding in central London. However, their effectiveness depends on accurate forecasting and maintenance. Limitations include the potential for extreme weather events exceeding design capacity and the high costs of construction and upkeep. While they are crucial components of flood risk management, they must be complemented by sustainable land use planning and natural flood management techniques for comprehensive protection.

Question 2: Evaluate the sustainability of current flood management strategies in the UK, including hard engineering and natural approaches.

Answer: Hard engineering solutions like levees, dams, and barriers provide immediate flood protection but often have environmental drawbacks, such as disrupting natural river processes and habitats. Natural approaches, such as restoring wetlands and floodplains, offer sustainable benefits by absorbing excess water and enhancing ecosystems. An integrated approach combining both methods tends to be most effective, balancing protection with environmental sustainability. However, ongoing maintenance costs and the need for adaptive management pose challenges to long-term sustainability.