River flood management

What is a common physical cause of river flooding?

• Deforestation

• Heavy rainfall

• Urbanisation

• Dam construction

Answer explanation

Heavy rainfall is a primary physical cause of river flooding, as it leads to increased water flow into rivers, often exceeding their capacity and resulting in overflow. Other factors like deforestation and urbanization can exacerbate this issue.

What is a river's drainage basin?

• The total length of a river from source to mouth.
• The area where a river meets the ocean.
• A river's drainage basin is the area of land that collects and drains water into a river or stream.
• The width of a river at its widest point.

To reduce flooding of a river, like in our example of Banbury, we can use flood (a)   strategies.

What is hard engineering?

• Hard engineering involves planting trees to prevent erosion.
• Hard engineering is the use of biodegradable materials in construction.
• Hard engineering focuses on community education.
• Hard engineering is the use of physical/manmade structures to manage natural processes.

What is soft engineering in river flood management?

• Building dams to control river flow.
• Soft engineering involves using natural methods to manage river flood risks.
• Planting trees to absorb rainwater only.
• Using concrete barriers to prevent flooding.

Where is the highest point on this map, which has the least chance of flooding?

Which of the following is a human cause of river flooding?

• Prolonged rainfall

• Snowmelt

• Urbanisation

• Steep slopes

Answer explanation

Urbanisation increases impervious surfaces, leading to higher runoff and reduced natural absorption, which can exacerbate river flooding. In contrast, prolonged rainfall, snowmelt, and steep slopes are natural causes.

What is the primary purpose of the Banbury Flood Alleviation Scheme?

• To generate hydroelectric power

• To improve water quality

• To reduce the risk of flooding

• To promote tourism

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of the Banbury Flood Alleviation Scheme is to reduce the risk of flooding. This initiative focuses on managing water flow and protecting the area from flood damage, making it the correct choice.

Which feature is typically found at the source of a river drainage basin?

• Delta

• Estuary

• Tributary

• Confluence

Answer explanation

A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger river, typically found at the source of a river drainage basin. In contrast, a delta, estuary, and confluence are features associated with the river's mouth or junctions.

How does urbanisation impact flooding?

• Increases infiltration

• Decreases surface runoff

• Increases surface runoff

• Decreases precipitation

Answer explanation

Urbanisation typically involves the replacement of natural land with impermeable surfaces like concrete, which prevents water from infiltrating the ground. This leads to increased surface runoff, heightening the risk of flooding.