6 physical causes of York flooding
How big is the catchment area?
3000 km^2
Which 3 rivers feed the Ouse?
Swale, Nidd and Ure
Which areas do the rivers feeding York drain?
Dales and Pennines
How does the relief contribute?
Upper course in dales steep = promotes faster runoff and less infiltration
How does the geology and geomorphology contribute?
Impermeable clay = can’t infiltrate = more runoff
How does vegetation lead to flooding?
Heathers and moorland in upper basin = low interception rates
Deciduous trees lose leaves in winter
How did soils contribute to flooding?
Peat soils absorbed summer precipitation = stores full in late autumn = more run off
How did climate and rainfall lead to flooding?
Autumn 2000 wettest on record
Waters that flood York come from dales area where rain is heavy. Not from Ouse section as rain (640mm) = PET (540mm)
3 human causes of flooding
How did farming lead to flooding?
How did urban developments lead to flooding?
How did climate change lead to flooding?
How much are temperatures rising in UK?
1-3 degrees over next 80 years
How many homes flooded?
300
Which area was badly affected?
Radcliffe badly affected
What had to close for months? Why?
Rowntrees park. Floodwaters had to be drained and play equipment hosed.
How many roads closed?
25 roads
What fields were saturated ?
Knavesmire fields near racecourse saturated
6 social effects
How much more likely is there to be 5 days in a row with heavy winter rain in UK?
50-60% more likely of 5 days plus with heavy rain in UK compared to 1960
Two examples of businesses flooded
King’s Head pub under water
City screen cinema
2 other infrastructure flooded
- Site of almost complete millennium footbridge south of centre of York
How much did it cost the City of York Council?
£1.3 million