Question 1: Floodplain: A flat area of land adjacent to a river, prone to flooding during high flow periods. Example: The floodplain of the River Severn.

Answer: A flat area next to a river that floods during high water levels.

Question 2: Levee: An embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river. Example: The levees along the River Thames.

Answer: An embankment designed to prevent flooding.

Question 3: Dams: Structures built to control water flow and store water for various uses. Example: The Dinorwig pumped-storage scheme.

Answer: Structures that control water flow and store water.

Question 4: Flood management: Strategies and actions taken to reduce flood risk and impacts.

Answer: Strategies to reduce flood risk and impacts.

Question 5: Catchment area: The area of land from which water flows into a river or reservoir.

Answer: The land area that drains into a river.

Question 1: Which of the following is a primary purpose of flood barriers along the River Thames? A) To increase river flow B) To prevent flooding C) To reduce water quality D) To promote sediment deposition

Answer: B) To prevent flooding

Question 2: Name two major flood management strategies used along UK rivers.

Answer: Levees and flood storage areas.

Question 3: What is the main environmental concern associated with constructing dams in river catchments?

Answer: Disruption of ecosystems, sediment flow blockage, and habitat loss.

Question 4: Describe one benefit and one drawback of using levees for flood management.

Answer: Benefit: Reduces flood risk; Drawback: Can lead to increased river flow velocity and downstream flooding.

Question 5: Identify the river in the UK that has experienced significant flood management projects.

Answer: River Thames

Question 1: Based on the Thames flood management scheme, identify two measures implemented to reduce flood risk.

Answer: Construction of flood barriers (like the Thames Barrier) and the creation of flood storage areas.

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

Answer: The Thames Barrier is a movable flood barrier that can be raised during high tides or storm surges to block water from flooding central London.

Question 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Thames Barrier in managing flood risk, including potential limitations.

Answer: The Thames Barrier effectively prevents flooding during storm surges, protecting central London and reducing economic losses. However, it is limited by the maximum height it can withstand; extreme weather events may exceed its capacity, and rising sea levels due to climate change could reduce its long-term effectiveness, necessitating additional flood management measures.

Question 1: Analyse the main causes of flooding in the UK and how management strategies aim to address these causes.

Answer: Main causes include heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, and high tides. Strategies like levees, dams, and flood barriers aim to control water flow, store excess water, and prevent overflow, thereby reducing flood risk and protecting communities.

Question 2: Explain why urban areas like London are particularly vulnerable to river flooding and how management strategies mitigate this risk.

Answer: Urban areas have high densities of buildings and impermeable surfaces, increasing runoff. Strategies such as flood barriers, drainage systems, and floodplain zoning reduce surface runoff and control water flow to mitigate flood risk.

Question 1: To what extent are current flood management strategies in the UK effective in reducing flood risks and protecting communities? Discuss with reference to specific case studies such as the River Thames.

Answer: Current strategies like the Thames Barrier, levees, and floodplain zoning have significantly reduced flood risks in urban areas, protecting thousands of residents and vital infrastructure. However, challenges remain due to climate change, increased storm intensity, and rising sea levels, which may exceed existing defenses. While these measures are effective to an extent, a combination of structural and non-structural strategies, ongoing maintenance, and future planning are essential for comprehensive flood risk management in the UK.