Lynmouth 1952                                                                                 Summer 2003 exam

On Friday 15th August 1952 a very large storm occurred over Exmoor. rainfall totals exceeded 225mms in 24 hours., falling on moorland already sodden by above-average rainfall. The runoff response was dramatic, aggravated by the steepness of  of the Lyn basin (100 square kms) which runs down to the Bristol Channel at Lynmouth. The peak flood discharge at Lynmouth was estimated at 511 cumecs, a figure only exceeded by the Thames (a 100 times larger basin) twice since 1883! Even today, it would be hard to provide adequate flood warning for such a small basin.
a) Study the resource extract above. Use it to outline how physical factors contribute to large scale flooding in a drainage basin.  (4)                                                Summer 2003 exam
b) Explain how two different physical characteristics of a drainage basin may lead to flooding. (8)
                                                                                                             January 2004 exam
c) Explain two ways in which human activity may increase the risk of floods (8)
                                                                                                             Summer 2003 exam
In parts b and c use some real case study evidence from whatever source e.g.
* examples mentioned in class / past questions
* research undertaken individually (e.g. the internet)
* research done with textbooks