Question 1: Define 'flood management' and provide an example of a flood defence used in the UK.

Answer: Flood management refers to strategies and structures designed to reduce or control flooding; for example, the construction of flood barriers along the River Thames.

Question 2: What is 'river channel straightening' and how does it affect river flow?

Answer: River channel straightening involves modifying the natural meanders to create a shorter, faster flow pathway, which can increase flood risk downstream.

Question 3: Explain the term 'riparian buffer zone' and its ecological importance.

Answer: A riparian buffer zone is a vegetated area alongside a river that helps filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Question 4: Name two types of flood defence structures used in the UK.

Answer: Levees and flood barriers.

Question 5: Define 'river rehabilitation' and give an example of a project in the UK.

Answer: River rehabilitation restores natural river processes and ecosystems; an example is the Meander Restoration Project on the River Severn.

Question 1: Which UK river is famous for its extensive flood defence schemes, including barriers and embankments?

Answer: River Thames

Question 2: Name one natural and one artificial method used to reduce flooding in the UK.

Answer: Natural: Wetland restoration; Artificial: Flood barriers

Question 3: What is the purpose of dredging in river management?

Answer: Dredging involves removing sediment to increase river capacity and reduce flood risk.

Question 4: Describe the main goal of river channel modification projects.

Answer: To control flow, reduce flooding, and sometimes improve navigation or land use.

Question 1: Based on the Thames River flood management case, identify two strategies used to protect London from flooding.

Answer: Construction of the Thames Barrier, and raising embankments along vulnerable sections.

Question 2: Explain how the Thames Barrier helps to prevent flooding in London.

Answer: The Thames Barrier is a movable flood defence that can be raised during high tides and storm surges to prevent water from inundating the city.

Question 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Thames Barrier in managing flood risk in London.

Answer: The Thames Barrier has been effective in reducing flood risk during major storm surges, protecting thousands of homes and infrastructure. However, concerns include rising sea levels and the need for future upgrades or additional defences to handle increased flood frequency.

Question 1: Analyse the causes of increased flood risk in UK river basins such as the River Severn.

Answer: Increased flood risk is caused by urbanisation, deforestation reducing natural runoff, heavy rainfall events due to climate change, and modifications of natural floodplains that reduce infiltration.

Question 2: Explain why river restoration projects are important for sustainable river management.

Answer: River restoration helps restore natural floodplains, improve biodiversity, reduce erosion, and allow rivers to manage floodwaters more effectively, supporting ecological and human needs.

Question 3: Analyse the environmental impacts of hard engineering solutions like dams and levees.

Answer: Hard engineering solutions can disrupt ecosystems, reduce sediment flow, and lead to downstream erosion. They may also cause loss of natural habitats and alter river dynamics, impacting biodiversity.

Question 1: To what extent are hard engineering solutions like dams and barriers sustainable in managing UK river flood risks?

Answer: Hard engineering solutions are effective at immediate flood prevention but pose sustainability challenges due to environmental impacts, high costs, and potential for downstream erosion. While they offer short-term protection, integrating soft engineering and natural flood management methods can provide more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in the long term.