Heatwave Case study

Question 1

When did the heatwave happen

Answer 1

• August 2003

Question 2

How did the anticyclone cause the heatwave in western Europe?
(4 points)

Answer 2

• Anticyclone for most of august
• Anticyclone moves clockwise so hot dry air form central Europe was bought to western Europe
• So temperature in the UK was higher and precipitation was lower
• Blocked low pressure systems in the Atlantic that would bring cooler rainier weather

Question 3

What where some social consequences of the Heatwave?
(3 points)

Answer 3

• people suffered heat stroke, dehydration, sunburn and breathing problems
• 2000 people died
• 20 where injured by lightning strikes

Question 4

What where some Economic consequences of the Heatwave?
(2 points)

(what melted)

Answer 4

• Roads melted + rails buckled in the heat causing delays
• livestock died

Question 5

What where some Environmental consequences of the Heatwave?

Answer 5

• water levels dropped

Question 6

What where some primary responses?
(3 points)

Answer 6

• NHS and media gave advice on how to stay safe
• Hose pipe bans
• Speed limit for trains and rails painted white to reflect heat and keep them cooler

Question 7

What was a secondary response?

Answer 7

• UK created a heatwave plan to minimise the impacts in the future