Using an example you have studied, describe the effects a river flood has on a country

Using an example you have studied, describe the effects a river flood has on a country

Using an example you have studied, describe the effects a river flood has on a country

We have used the case study of the Mississippi River flood.

The Mississippi has a high flood risk because:

  • It has over 100 tributaries
  • Its drainage basin covers 1/3 of the USA and some of Canada
  • Heavy rain in April 1993 saturated the upper basin so storms through June and July caused a large amount of surface run-off
  • An area of land the size of Britain was flooded
  • Road bridges had to be closed
  • 43 lives were lost and a lot of property was destroyed. There were 50,000 evacuees
  • Long term effects included the fact that the water didn't go away quickly and it was still draining off the land months later
  • Sewage had been washed into the water so there was a great risk of disease
  • It took months to clean out houses and offices
  • Stagnant water attracted mosquitoes and rats
  • Human activity: dams, no water could penetrate through the soil because of buildings and concrete

Reducing the risk of flooding:

  • Dams have been added to make large lakes
  • Strengthen the levees
  • Afforestation - trees are planted to slow down surface run-off
Water

Agricultural pollution

Agricultural pollution

Water

Deltas

Deltas

Water

Disease: Cholera

Disease: Cholera

Water

Hydrographs

Hydrographs

Water

Levees and flood plains

Levees and flood plains

Water

Managing water supplies

Managing water supplies