Human Causes of Flooding Quiz

What is the first human factor discussed that increases the risk of flooding?

• Agriculture

• Urbanisation

• Mechanisation

• Deforestation

Why does urbanisation increase the risk of flooding?

• Promotes root uptake

• Creates impermeable surfaces

• Decreases surface runoff

• Increases interception

What is the impact of deforestation on flooding risk?

• Increases interception and transpiration

• Promotes root uptake by established vegetation

• Reduces surface runoff through interception

• Causes soil erosion, reducing capacity of rivers and reduces interception

How does agriculture contribute to the risk of flooding?

• Reduces sedimentation

• Creates artificial channels and compresses soil

• Promotes soil absorption through permeable soil surfaces

• Increases vegetation cover and interception

What is the main reason for the removal of hedges in agriculture?

• To reduce soil erosion

• To increase interception

• To make farming more efficient

• To promote root uptake

Why does intensive arable farming lead to increased flooding risk?

• Decreases runoff speed into main river channel

• Leaves fields bare over winter when the ground is frozen

• Promotes vegetation growth and interception

• Reduces soil saturation in permafrost

What happens when soil erosion occurs due to agriculture?

• Decreases river capacity

• Increases bedload into river channels

• Promotes root uptake

• Reduces surface runoff

How does the growth in car ownership contribute to flooding risk?

• Creates impermeable surfaces - tarmac

• Reduces discharge rate

• Promotes root uptake in urban areas

• Increases natural areas for water storage

What is the impact of covering land in impermeable materials?

• Reduces surface runoff

• Promotes water absorption

• Decreases flood risk

• Increases surface run-off and reduces lag time

Why does the use of large machines in farming increase flooding risk?

• Increases root uptake

• Reduces soil erosion

• Promotes vegetation growth

• Compress soil, making it impermeable