Blog
Geography in the news - Flood warnings across the UK
28th January 2013
This article has been written by Josh Rankin - a 3rd year undergraduate from the University of Leeds studying a Geography/Geology degree.
GEOGRAPHY IN THE NEWS - Flood warnings across the UK
With an increase in temperature, and therefore melting of the recent snow, along with a forecast of heavy rain, there have been 80 flood warnings and nearly 300 alerts put in place across Britain.
Flooding has already been occurring in many places across the UK including North Yorkshire where a man has unfortunately died:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21217480
Rain falling on already saturated ground is likely to result in further flooding. Throughout Sunday thawing of snow and further rain fall caused river levels to increase with some still yet to reach peak flow.
The Met Office show which areas have been issued a weather warning:
The Environmental Agency and the Met Office are great websites for geographers to look at from time to time.
Use the following website to answer the questions:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/default.aspx
1.What depth of fast flowing water could knock you off your feet?
2.Name 4 items that you should keep in a flood prepare kit.
3.Use the flood map generator (right hand side of “Am I at risk?” tab) to determine whether the area you live is at risk of
flooding.
4.What flood defence can be used in upland areas?
5.What flood defence can be used in urban areas?
6.Using http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/?tab=map
find out what the surface pressure will be for the area you live on Wednesday. What weather would you expect to see from that?
You can check the answers below.
Answers:
1.6 inches.
2.Any four of the following: important documents
(passport, insurance certificates etc.), torch, radio, batteries, blankets or warm clothing, first aid kit, bottled water, tinned food, personal items, mobile phone, waterproof clothing.)
3.N/A
4.Restoring peat bogs or replanting forests in floodplains.
5.Use of green roofs, permeable paving or surface water storage areas.
6.N/A