River Eden

• Where is the River Eden located?

  North-west England
• How long is the River Eden?

  Just over 140 km
• Where does the River Eden's source originate?

  Pennine hills in south Cumbria
• What is the mouth of the River Eden?

  Solway Firth at the Scottish border
• What are the characteristics of the upper course of the River Eden?

  • Source about 600 m above sea level
  • Steep-sided valley due to vertical erosion
  • Narrow and shallow channel
  • Low discharge and velocity
  • Carries large, angular rocks
• What are the characteristics of the middle course of the River Eden?

  • Made from sandstone, a soft rock
  • Wider river valley due to lateral erosion
  • Gentle slopes on valley sides
  • Wider and deeper river channel
  • Increased discharge from joining streams
  • Smaller, rounded sediment load
• What are the characteristics of the lower course of the River Eden?

  • Very wide and flat valley
  • High velocity due to smooth channel
  • Large discharge from tributaries
  • River channel over 50 m wide in Carlisle
  • Fine, well-rounded material carried by suspension
• How does Cumbria's climate influence the River Eden?

  It is mild and wet, causing erosion
• What happens during freeze-thaw weathering in the upper course?

  It breaks up exposed rock on valley sides
• How does heavy rainfall affect the River Eden?

  It increases discharge and erosion risk
• What is the effect of landslides on the river's load?

  They increase the erosive power through abrasion
• How does geology influence the River Eden's landscape?

  • Harder rocks resist erosion, forming high ground
  • Limestone is vulnerable to carbonation weathering
  • Igneous rocks are impermeable, causing surface streams
  • Sandstone in middle/lower courses leads to lateral erosion
• What management schemes have been implemented in the Eden basin?

  1. Flood walls and embankments
  2. Reservoirs
  3. Planting trees
  4. Channel management
• What is the purpose of flood walls and embankments?

  To contain water within the river channel
• How do reservoirs affect river flow?

  They limit natural flow downstream
• What is the effect of planting trees near the river?

  It reduces flooding and erosion
• How does channel straightening affect river flow?

  It increases flow speed and erosion
• What human activities affect geomorphic processes in the Eden basin?

  • Deforestation increases surface runoff
  • Farming reduces soil stability
  • Urbanization increases impermeable surfaces
• What is river discharge?

  Volume of water flowing per second
• What does a hydrograph show?

  Discharge changes over time with rainfall
• What is peak discharge?

  Highest discharge in a given time period
• What is lag time in relation to river discharge?

  Delay between peak rainfall and peak discharge
• How does prolonged rainfall lead to flooding?

  It saturates soil, increasing runoff
• How does geology contribute to flooding risk?

  Impermeable rocks increase runoff and discharge
• How does land use change affect flooding?

  Impermeable surfaces increase runoff and discharge
• What role do trees play in flood prevention?

  They intercept rainwater and reduce runoff