civilisations and climate

• How does climate affect society?

  Climate affects society through various phenomena such as flooding and drought.
• What are some effects of flooding on society?

  • Loss of human lives
  • Damage to infrastructure
  • Economic disruption
• Which country is specifically mentioned in relation to flooding?

  The Netherlands
• What is one major effect of drought on society?

  Drought can lead to food shortages and economic instability.
• What historical event is associated with drought in the 18th century?

  The French Revolution
• Which prehistoric group is mentioned in relation to climate effects?

  The Anasazi
• What are the main topics covered in the study material?

  • Flooding in the Netherlands
  • The French Revolution
  • Drought in the western US
• What are some factors contributing to coastal flooding and climate change?

  Storm surge, precipitation intensity, sea level rise, and land subsidence.
• What significant event occurred in New Orleans in August 2005?

  Hurricane Katrina
• What were some historical human lives lost due to major floods in the Netherlands?

  • St Lucia 1287: 60,000
  • St Elizabeth 1421: 2,000
  • St Felix 1530: >100,000
  • All Saints 1570: >20,000
  • Christmas 1717: 11,000
  • Feb 1953: 1,836
• What was the population of the Netherlands around 1800?

  Less than 2,000,000
• What does the map of the Netherlands from 50 AD indicate?

  • Lower areas consisted of peat and clay
  • Higher areas were ice-pushed ridges and dunes
  • Light green areas were influenced by tides
• What does the map of the Netherlands around 1400 AD show?

  • Regions of open water (fresh/brackish/salt)
  • Areas flooded due to major storms
  • Subsidence of peat land after reclamation
• What water management practices were used in the Netherlands from 500 BC to 700 AD?

  • Dwelling mounds ('terp') were built in northern parts
  • Mounds were leveled after the Middle Ages
• What reclamation practices began in the Netherlands from 800 AD?

  • Reclamation of peat lands using drainage
  • Example: The Holme Post indicating land subsidence
• What was the water management system used in the Beemster reclamation project?

  • Water level regulated using ditches and canals
  • Water extraction done by windmills

  
• What is required for successful reclamation in the Netherlands?

  • Continuous pumping of water
  • Management of subsurface flow
• What were the motivations behind the construction of the Afsluitdijk?

  • Erosion and expansion of the Zuiderzee
  • Need for agricultural land
• What is the Deltaplan and its significance?

  • Originated in 1953 after the January flood
  • Aimed to shorten coastline and manage flood risks
• What are some implications of extreme weather events?

  • Large and long-lasting impacts
  • Protection measures can have unintended consequences
  • Changes in ecological systems due to land use
• How does climate affect us in various ways?

  • Through flooding and drought
  • Influencing historical events like the French Revolution
• What were some consequences of extreme weather prior to the French Revolution?

  Food shortages and bread riots occurred due to poor harvests.
• How many riots occurred from April to July 1789?

  300 riots
• What social issue contributed to the unrest leading to the French Revolution?

  Large social inequality existed between different classes.
• What significant event occurred on July 14, 1789?

  The Storming of the Bastille
• What were the far-reaching consequences of the Storming of the Bastille?

  It had significant impacts for France and Europe as a whole.
• What were some causes of food shortages leading to bread riots?

  Poor agricultural practices and several poor harvests throughout the 18th century.
• What event is referred to as the Flour War?

  The events of 1775 related to food shortages.
• What happened during the poor harvest of 1785?

  Cattle were slaughtered, leading to less manure and subsequent riots.
• What was the outcome of the better harvest in 1789?

  Shortages continued despite the better harvest.
• How did the riots evolve during the period leading to the French Revolution?

  Riots became political as social tensions escalated.
• What significant event is referred to as the French Revolution?

  The French Revolution occurred from 1787 to 1789.
• What environmental issue affected the western US prior to the French Revolution?

  Drought
• What was one of the consequences of extreme weather prior to the French Revolution?

  It led to food shortages and bread riots.
• How many riots occurred from April to July 1789 in France?

  300 riots
• What social issue contributed to the unrest leading to the French Revolution?

  Large social inequality
• What were some of the political issues leading up to the French Revolution?

  Conflict between the King and Parliament, finances, and previous wars.
• What significant event occurred on July 14, 1789?

  The storming of the Bastille
• What were the consequences of the storming of the Bastille?

  It had far-reaching consequences for France and Europe.
• What contributed to the food shortage and bread riots in France?

  Poor agricultural practices leading to low yield per acre.