What is the primary purpose of managing the River Tees?
- Control flooding
- Increase potential for tourism/recreation
The river has a long history of flooding and supports a large population and many industries requiring water supply.
When was the Cow Green Reservoir built and what are its main functions?
- Built in 1970
- Provides water supply for industries
- Regulates river flow
It stores water during high flow and releases it during low flow.
What is the cost of the Yarm’s Flood Defence Scheme and what features does it include?
£2.1 million
Features include reinforced concrete walls, flood gates, earth embankments, gabions, fishing platforms, and tree planting.
True or false: The Tees Barrage was completed in 1995 and cost £54 million.
TRUE
It improves water quality and recreational value of lower Tees and reduces flooding risk.
What are the benefits of the Tees Barrage?
- Improves water quality
- Increases recreational value
- Reduces flooding risk at high tide or during storm surge
- Catalyzes investments in building offices and houses
The water is fresher and cleaner as it does not mix with tidal saltwater.
What is the purpose of dredging the channel of the River Tees?
- Improves navigation
- Maintains a deep-water channel
- Reduces flood risk in upper parts of the estuary
Dredging helps ensure safe passage for vessels.
What is the effect of cutting meanders in the River Tees?
- Allows water to move faster along the channel
- Reduces flood risk
This artificial straightening of the river helps manage water flow.
What measures have been taken to improve flood warning systems in Yarm?
Better flood warning systems implemented
This is part of the overall flood defence strategy for the area.
What is discouraged to prevent damage in flood-prone areas?
Building on low-lying and flood-prone land
This is part of the flood management strategy for the River Tees.
What is the length of the River Tees?
85 miles
The River Tees flows from its source at Cross Fell to its mouth at Teeside.
What is the source elevation of the River Tees at Cross Fell?
893 metres a.s.l
This elevation contributes to the river’s characteristics in the uplands.
What is the average annual rainfall at the source of the River Tees?
over 2000mm per year
High rainfall contributes to the river’s reliable water supply.
What is the highest waterfall in England located on the River Tees?
High Force
High Force is 22m in height.
What type of rock is the cap rock of the River Tees made from?
hard, resistant igneous rock - whinstone
This rock type influences the river’s flow and landscape.
What is the main land use in the upper course of the River Tees?
- Rough grazing for sheep
- Dairy cattle grazing
The land is unsuitable for crops due to steep sides and thin/acidic soil.
What are the settlement characteristics in the upper course of the River Tees?
- Few employment opportunities
- Mainly small villages and farms
The lack of flat land limits building and communication.
What is the water quality like in the valley of the River Tees?
very high
The water is suitable for drinking for homes and industry.
What are the negative impacts of tourism in the River Tees area?
- Congestion
- Litter
- Overcrowding
Tourism brings income but also challenges to the local environment.
What type of land use dominates the lower course of the River Tees?
- Heavy industry
- North Sea oil terminal
- Petrochemical works
- Iron and steel works
These industries have transformed the landscape of the lower course.
What happens to the River Tees in the middle course?
- River widens
- Starts to meander
- More settlements and bridging points
The meanders were straightened in the 19th Century for navigation.
What is the fastest current location in a meander of the River Tees?
outside of bend
The fastest current occurs on the outside of the bend due to lateral erosion.
Fill in the blank: The River Tees flows into the ________ where there are large areas of mud flats.
estuary
The estuary is important for wildlife.
What is created when the river cuts through the neck of land during a time of flood?
Ox-bow lake
This process is part of the river’s natural meandering and erosion.
