Management

• Which major cities are mentioned as having rivers flowing through them?

  Paris, London, Dublin
• What are the benefits of rivers to humans?

  Rivers provide transport and other benefits.
• What has increased the impacts of rivers on humans?

  The amount of natural and human-made alterations.
• What are the two main types of solutions for river management mentioned?

  1. Environmental
  2. Sustainable & environmentally sensitive solutions
• What is EO channelisation?

  It is the deliberate modification of river channels to reduce size and depth.
• What is the purpose of channelisation?

  To increase water flow throughout the channel.
• Why is flood control important in river management?

  Flooding can have huge financial costs and disrupt communities.
• How do changes in river channel characteristics affect flooding?

  They create a state of dynamic equilibrium that can lead to rapid flooding.
• What are the consequences of flooding on farmland?

  It can take productive land out of production for weeks or months.
• What was the River Blackwater and Drainage Scheme aimed at improving?

  Flooding and agricultural productivity.
• What are the main aims of channelisation projects in Northern Ireland?

  Flood control and local field drainage.
• How long is the stretch of the River Main that improves land drainage?

  20 km
• What methods are used in channelisation projects?

  Re-sectioning, re-alignment, and dredging
• What is re-alignment in river channelisation?

  It increases river velocity and efficiency by reducing friction.
• What does re-alignment channelisation achieve?

  It creates a straighter, shorter route and steeper gradient.
• What is dredging?

  Removal of accumulated silt and sediment from the riverbed.
• What are the consequences of dredging?

  It increases water velocity and may cause instability upstream and downstream.
• What is a negative consequence of channelisation?

  It can make flooding worse in some areas.
• What are the impacts of channelisation on river ecology?

  • Impacts habitats and new ecology
  • Changes in flow characteristics affect species
  • Reduces habitat diversity
  • Alters the riparian zone
• How does channelisation affect river instability?

  It drastically changes channel patterns and flow characteristics.
• What happens to flood risk downstream after channelisation?

  It increases due to faster water movement through the engineered section.
• What major floods were worsened by channelisation?

  The Mississippi floods of 1993 and 2011.
• What are the reasons for needing sustainable and environmentally sensitive strategies in river management?

  1. Attenuation of channelization increases flood risk downstream.
  2. Restoration of natural variety improves habitat density.
  3. Climate change increases the threat of flooding.
• What is the predicted increase in flood damage in Europe by 2050 due to climate change?

  Fourfold increase.
• What are some engineering solutions for environmental protection in river management?

  • Boarding on embankments
  • Planting reeds
  • River training
  • Riprap
  • Lowering of water table
  • Extending riverbeds
• What is the growing concern regarding river management?

  • Environmental impact of river management
  • Need for physically sensitive channel management
  • Balancing ecosystem health with flood protection
• What are the environmentally sensitive approaches to land drainage?

  • Buffer channel engineering
  • Restoration of natural habitats
  • Sustainable flood management strategies
• What is one method of flood protection mentioned in the study material?

  Planting reeds
• What is the purpose of lowering the water table in flood management?

  To help manage flood risks
• Why is increasing channel capacity important for flood protection?

  It allows for more water to flow without overflowing
• What are the key features of Ramsome's environmentally sensitive approaches to land drainage?

  • Sensitivity to transversal section
  • Channel widening to increase capacity
  • Maintaining undisturbed bank areas to reduce erosion
• What role do retention areas play in flood management?

  They provide habitats and help manage water flow
• What is a multi-stage channel and when is it used?

  It is created when space is limited to increase channel capacity during high flows
• How do environmentally sensitive approaches to channel engineering differ from traditional methods?

  They focus on maintaining ecological balance while managing water flow
• What is the environmental concern regarding river management mentioned in the study material?

  It can have negative impacts on ecosystems
• How can instability in riverbanks be controlled according to the study material?

  By using soft engineering techniques
• What are the advantages of using soft engineering materials in flood management?

  • Encourages sediment deposition
  • Promotes vegetation colonization
  • Creates new habitats
• What is the purpose of the Low Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme?

  To enhance flood protection for properties
• What was a significant event that prompted the Low Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme?

  Exceptional rainfall in June 2012
• How many properties will benefit from the Low Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme?

  1,700 properties