Geography review

• Coastal protection


  Protecting coastal infrastructure and property from flooding and erosion OR protecting the coastal ecosystem
• These two visions of coastal protection are often incompatible as the first usually requires engineering works and the second demands no human intervention
• Principles of integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) in the EU recommendation


  • Protecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems by sustainable management of the natural resources
  • Recognising the threat of rising sea level and increasing storms due to climate change
  • Protecting coastal settlements in an 'ecologically responsible' way
• 'Working with natural processes'


  One of eight principles of ICZM in the EU recommendation
• The natural processes and dynamics of coastal systems are in continual, and sometimes sudden, flux</b>
• By working with these natural processes, rather than against them, and by respecting the limits (or 'carrying capacity') imposed by natural processes, we make our activities more environmentally sustainable and more economically profitable in the long run
• 'Working with natural processes'


  Has a range of conflicting definitions
• 'Working with natural processes'


  • Deliberate modification of wave patterns by offshore structures or groynes
  • Beach nourishment and using sand fences to build dunes
  • Non-intervention - allowing natural processes to operate without interference
• Non-intervention - allowing natural processes to operate without interference - is the only true meaning of 'working with natural processes' from an ecosystem perspective
• Non-intervention means not allowing human infrastructure to get in the way of natural processes - either not building it at all, removing it or allowing it to collapse
• What is the total length of the River Eden?

  131 km
• Where is the River Eden located?

  Cumbria, North West England
• What types of rocks are found in the River Eden basin and their effects?

  • Igneous rock: impermeable, causes overland flow, forms v-shaped valleys.
  • Limestone: impermeable, vulnerable to carbonation weathering.
  • Sandstone: softer, erodes easily, creates wider channels and meanders.
• How does precipitation affect the River Eden basin?

  High precipitation increases overland flow and infiltration
• What is the annual precipitation in Penrith?

  2800 mm
• Why does the upper course of the River Eden have decreased percolation?

  Due to impermeable rocks like limestone
• What are the effects of snow on the River Eden's water flow?

  • Snow temporarily stores water.
  • Released as snow melt in spring.
  • Links to winter rainfall distribution.
  • Higher flow rates due to winter storms.
• How does geology influence river runoff in the River Eden basin?

  Impermeable rocks increase overland flow rates
• What is the elevation drop in the upper course of the River Eden?

  From 523 m to 155 m
• How does land use affect river runoff in the Eden basin?

  Agriculture increases overland flow and runoff
• What are the impacts of vegetation on the River Eden's runoff?

  • Upland areas: mosses and ferns dominate.
  • Low interception rates lead to surface runoff.
  • Moorland vegetation captures heavy rainfall.
• How does topography affect river runoff in the River Eden?

  Steeper slopes increase surface runoff rates
• How does farming increase the risk of flooding in the Eden basin?

  Compaction reduces soil porosity and infiltration
• What percentage of land in Carlisle is covered by trees?

  12.9%
• How does construction contribute to flood risk in the River Eden?

  Urbanization increases surface runoff and drainage
• How many homes were built in the Eden Gate development?

  850 homes
• What is the impact of deforestation on flooding risk in the River Eden?

  Less interception leads to increased surface runoff
• How much tree cover has Cumbria lost from 2001 to 2023?

  15.5 kha
• What type of hydrograph did the Eden flood of 2015 produce?

  Flashy
• What factors affect the lag time at the River Eden?

  Long basin increases lag time, steep slopes decrease it
• What were the causes of Storm Desmond's impact on the River Eden?

  • Confluence of three rivers increased discharge.
  • Antecedent soil moisture was high.
  • Unusually heavy rainfall from atmospheric river.
  • Urban developments reduced infiltration.
• What were the antecedent conditions before the flood?

  Saturated soil increased overland flow rates
• What were the effects of Storm Desmond on the River Eden in 2015?

  • 2,100 properties affected in Carlisle.
  • 7,465 properties flooded in total.
  • 17,911 customers lost electricity.
  • 45 schools affected, 3,034 children missed school.
• What were the broader impacts of the floods in Cumbria?

  • 50,000 people without power.
  • 1,000 evacuated from Hawick.
  • 40 schools closed, NHS services disrupted.
  • UK economy could lose £3 billion.
• What efforts did the Environment Agency make to reduce flooding?

  • £25 million allocated for flood protection.
  • £6.5 million for Eden catchment projects.
  • Restoration of 350 hectares of peatland.
  • Improved infrastructure and flood gates installed.
• What were the short-term responses to the River Eden floods?

  • 90 troops assisted in remote areas.
  • £400,000 donated within 48 hours.
  • £1 million appeal launched for flood victims.
• What were the long-term responses to the River Eden floods?

  • £50 million repair and renew scheme announced.
  • Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund launched.
  • Council tax and business rate relief for affected households.
• Where is the Eden Basin located?

  Cumbria, northwest England
• What river flows through the Eden Basin?

  River Eden
• From where does the River Eden flow to where?

  From the Pennines to the Solway Firth