River Processes & Pressure (Edexcel GCSE Geography B)

Analyse Figure 4 which shows the amount of money spent on river and coastal flood defences in the UK, 2005–2015.

Figure 4

• Flood risks have been increasing in the UK and are likely to increase further due to climate change.

• On average, flood damage costs the UK over £1bn a year, with damage in some years costing more than £6bn (2015).

• The government calculates that an extra £25 billion over and above current spending needs to be spent on flood defences over the next 100 years.

• If spending on flood defences is increased, potential savings are estimated to be £125 bn.

Assess the costs and benefits of future increases in spending on flood defences in the UK.

Study Figure 3 which is a diagram showing some differences along the course of a river.

Figure 3

i)

Which one of the following is the best description of the differences between the river channel at A and B?

(1)

ii)

Describe how river discharge is calculated.

(2)

For a named river, explain why it floods.

Named river ......................................................

Study Figure 3 which is a flood risk map for part of Reading, Berkshire.

Figure 3

Identify which one of the following is the best description of the flood risk in this part of Reading.

Explain one way in which human activity can increase the risk of river flooding.

Explain how both the processes of erosion and deposition create river meanders.

You may use a diagram to help your answer.

Study Figure 3 which is a photograph of the River Severn in Shropshire.

Figure 3

Identify which one of the following is the best description of the river landforms shown.

(1)

Explain one way in which rivers transport their load.

Explain two differences between upper course and lower course river landscapes.