gcse geography cockermouth case study

GCSE Geography

Saturday 2 april 2016, cockermouth, england case study, cockermouth, england, when: 20-24th november 2009, causes .

• Cockermouth is built on the confluence of two rivers making it susceptible to flooding after heavy rains
• The drains and sewers were inadequate and not designed to cope with high levels of rainwater
• Urbanisation of the town has created more impermeable surfaces which caused rain water to reach rivers quicker resulting in much higher discharge
• The flood damage coincided with reduced budgets meaning that flood defences were inadequately maintained
• The river Cocker/ Derwent rose by over 2.5m 
• Cockermouth is on the confluence of two rivers
• There was a lot of rainfall in early November 
• The land was saturated and the water from earlier Storms went straight into river channels 
• Electricity cut off for over 1,200 people
• Hundreds of local businesses were flooded
• 18 farms were identified as being badly damaged by the floods 
• Train stations flooded
• Looting occurred 
• Bridges were washed away, including some of architectural importance due to them being over 100 years old. This also meant that people had to make huge detours. 
• A large number of people were unable to stay in their homes due to them being flooded. They tried to salvage what they could from their ruined homes. 
• Businesses lost their stock as well as future trade in the run up to Christmas
• 225 local businesses and shops were affected by the high water in the town centre, which in places rose to a level of 3 metres. They were also affected by the huge detours caused by damage to roads and bridges.
• 18 farms were badly damaged by the floods.
• The cost of the flood damage for the whole of Cumbria was at least £275 million and was many millions of pounds for Cockermouth alone. 
• Sewage water was mixed with the river water
• Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of sand and gravel had been deposited on fields alongside the river Cocker
• The floods caused significant erosion and deposition along the the course of the river Cocker. 
• The floods also caused significant damage to roads, bridges, walkways and bridleways. 

Responses  

• Temporary train stations built where stations flooded
• The army built temporary walk ways
• Over 200 people were rescued by the emergency services including the Armed Forces, RNLI, Mountain Rescue and 50 of these people were rescued by RAF helicopter. 
• 20 schools were closed and used as a shelter by those made homeless by the flooding.
• Tesco built a temporary store to serve the local area.
• A flood recovery grants scheme was set up to help local businesses within 4 days after the floods and similar funds were made available to help local residents and farmers. 
• Commercial and residential property need extensive repair due to flood damage. By November 2010, 78 businesses had started trading again with most fully reopened by March 2011
• Many of the roads damaged by the tarmac being ripped away by flood waters and the damaged bridges were repaired and replaced. 
• The Environment agency spent £500,000 on flood protection improvements including higher defence walls, new higher embankments and floodgates. The river Cocker is also to be dredged to help it cope with higher water levels at times of heavy rain. These are to be maintained but with limited funding. 

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Flooding Case studies GCSE

Cockermouth, UK – Rich Country (MEDC) Picture Causes: Rain A massive downpour of rain (31.4cm), over a 24-hour period triggered the floods that hit Cockermouth and Workington in Cumbria in November 2009

What caused all the rain? The long downpour was caused by a lengthy flow of warm, moist air that came down from the Azores in the mid-Atlantic. This kind of airflow is common in the UK during autumn and winter, and is known as a ‘warm conveyor’. The warmer the air is, the more moisture it can hold.

What else helped to cause the Cumbrian Floods? · The ground was already saturated, so the additional rain flowed as surface run-off straight into the rivers · The steep slopes of the Cumbrian Mountains helped the water to run very rapidly into the rivers · The rivers Derwent and Cocker were already swollen with previous rainfall · Cockermouth is at the confluence of the Derwent and Cocker (i.e. they meet there)

The effects of the flood · Over 1300 homes were flooded and contaminated with sewage · A number of people had to be evacuated, including 50 by helicopter, when the flooding cut off Cockermouth town centre · Many businesses were flooded causing long-term difficulties for the local economy · People were told that they were unlikely to be able to move back into flood-damaged homes for at least a year. The cost of putting right the damage was an average of £28,000 per house · Insurance companies estimated that the final cost of the flood could reach £100 million · Four bridges collapsed and 12 were closed because of flood damage. In Workington, all the bridges were destroyed or so badly damaged that they were declared unsafe – cutting the town in two. People faced a huge round trip to get from one side of the town to the other, using safe bridges · One man died– PC Bill Barker

Responses to the flood · The government provided £1 million to help with the clean-up and repairs and agreed to pay for road and bridge repairs in Cumbria · The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund was set up to help victims of the flood. It reached £1 million after just 10 days · Network Rail opened a temporary railway station in Workington The ‘Visit Cumbria’ website provided lists of recovery services and trades, and people who could provide emergency accommodation

Management of future floods at Cockermouth £4.4 million pound management scheme New flood defence walls will halt the spread of the river Funding from Government and local contributors River dredged more regularly to deepen the channel New embankments raise the channel height to reduce the likelihood of extra floods New floodgates at the back of houses in Waterloo street

Pakistan, Asia – Poor Country Picture At the end of July 2010 usually heavy monsoon rains in northwest Pakistan caused rivers to flood and burst their banks. The map below shows the huge area of Pakistan affected by flooding. The floodwater slowly moved down the Indus River towards the sea.

Continuing heavy rain hampered the rescue efforts. After visiting Pakistan, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, said that this disaster was worse than anything he’d ever seen. He described the floods as a slow-moving tsunami.

The effect of the floods · At least 1600 people died · 20 million Pakistanis were affected (over 10% of the population), 6 million needed food aid · Whole villages were swept away, and over 700,000 homes were damaged or destroyed · Hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis were displaced, and many suffered from malnutrition and a lack of clean water · 5000 miles of roads and railways were washed away, along with 1000 bridges · 160,000km2 of land were affected. That’s at least 20% of the country · About 6.5 million acres of crops were washed away in Punjab and Sindh provinces

The responses to the floods · Appeals were immediately launched by international organisation, like the UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee – and the UN – to help Pakistanis hit by the floods · Many charities and aid agencies provided help, including the Red Crescent and Medecins Sans Frontieres · Pakistan’s government also tried to raise money to help the huge number of people affected · But there were complaints that the Pakistan government was slow to respond to the crisis, and that it struggled to cope · Foreign Governments donated millions of dollars, and Saudi Arabia and the USA promised $600 million in flood aid. But many people felt that the richer foreign governments didn’t do enough to help · The UN’s World Food Programme provided crucial food aid. But, by November 2010, they were warning that they might have cut the amount of food handed out, because of a lack of donations from richer countries

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AQA GCSE Geography- UK, Cockermouth, Cumbria Case Study

Subject: Geography

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

19 September 2023

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Dive into an in-depth exploration of the notable Flood in Cumbria. This detailed guide unpicks the causes, impacts, and long-term implications of multiple flooding events, drawing particular attention to the 2009 and 2015 occurrences. You'll unearth key facts about floods in this region, dig into the role of defence mechanisms, and study both the positive and negative aftermath. Our hope is to not only provide information about past incidents but also to equip you with understanding to better face potential future incidents.

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Understanding the Flood in Cumbria

Located in North West England, Cumbria is a predominantly rural county which is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. With picturesque landscapes, the region is not a stranger to the extremes of nature, often suffering from severe floods . To comprehend these natural disasters , it becomes paramount to thoroughly understand the geographic and meteorological aspects behind them.

Flooding is an overflow of large amounts of water beyond its normal confines, typically over what is dry land. The resulting water damage can devastate communities, destroying homes, businesses, and leading to loss of life.

Review of the 2009 Floods in Cumbria

November 2009 saw Cumbria grappling with the worst floods in its history. The event marked the highest level of rainfall ever recorded in the UK over a 24-hour period - 314.4mm. This particular flood led to the unfortunate loss of a police officer and caused extensive property damage.

In the small town of Cockermouth, the water level in the River Derwent rose so dramatically that it swept away the Northside Bridge. The destruction of infrastructure led to significant isolation for local communities and took months to rebuild.

During the 2009 flood, Cumbria's infrastructure was left in ruins, with more than 1,300 homes affected. The utility services were stretched beyond their limits, with road closures and power outages being reported all across the county.

Key Causes of Flooding in Cumbria

It's important to grasp the main factors contributing to floods in Cumbria. Predominantly, these include heavy rainfall, topography, soil conditions, and human intervention.

• Heavy rainfall: The geography of Cumbria means that it often falls victim to severe Atlantic weather systems.
• Topography: The steep slopes and valleys of the Lake District mean water flows quickly into river systems.
• Soil conditions: The often saturated ground cannot absorb much additional water.
• Human intervention: Urbanisation can lead to greater surface run-off and therefore boost flood risk.

Top Facts about Flooding in Cumbria

In order to recap and summarise, here are some riveting facts about flooding in Cumbria:

Impact of Flooding on the Physical Environment in Cumbria

When discussing the impact of flooding in Cumbria, it’s hard to overlook its drastic effects on the county’s physical environment. With an extensive network of rivers, picturesque valleys, and abundant wildlife, the physical environment in Cumbria is intensely susceptible to the aftermath of flooding.

The physical environment refers to the natural landscape, including physical and geographical features such as rivers, mountains, vegetation, wildlife and climate.

The Role of Flood Defences in Cumbria

Given the regularity and magnitude of floods in Cumbria, effective flood defences play a crucial role in managing and mitigating their impact. These structures and systems are designed to control the flow and size of rising water, reducing its damaging effects.

A prominent flood defence system in Cumbria is the Keswick flood alleviation scheme. This structure, which includes a combination of raised embankments and wall defences, was developed to protect the town from the River Greta's swelling waters.

Flood defences have a multifaceted role:

• They reduce the vulnerability of settlements and infrastructure to floods.
• They decrease the likelihood of human casualties.
• They curtail the financial loss caused by property and agricultural damage.

Although highly beneficial, flood defences aren't perfect solutions. They can sometimes simply displace the problem downstream. In addition, highly engineered structures can have significant environmental impacts, altering habitats and disrupting wildlife.

Analysing the Impact of Flooding in Cumbria on Environment

Examining the effect of flooding on the environment in Cumbria helps understand not just the immediate, but also the long-term changes it brings about. These can range from landscape alteration and soil erosion to adverse effects on wildlife habitats.

An outline of environmental impact:

• Landscape alteration: Flooding can cause dramatic changes in the local landscape due to the force of water and movement of debris.
• Soil erosion: Strong floods can strip fertile topsoil layer, leading to poor soil quality and affecting local agriculture.
• Wildlife disruption: The sudden surge of water can destroy habitats, leading to the displacement or death of local wildlife species.

In-depth Study of the Cumbria Floods 2015

December 2015 bore witness to another catastrophic flood event in Cumbria. Named 'Storm Desmond', this event was characterised by relentless rainfall that led to severe flooding.

Storm Desmond was a vigorous extratropical cyclone and the fourth named storm of the 2015–16 UK and Ireland windstorm season. It brought record amounts of rainfall primarily to regions of northern England.

Storm Desmond had stern repercussions, including power cuts that affected tens of thousands of homes, widespread disruption to transport, and extensive damage to infrastructure. Furthermore, rare historic artefacts stored in the basement of Carlisle's Castle Museum were severely damaged by the floodwaters.

After Effects and Transformation Post Cumbria Floods

The aftermath of the Cumbria floods extends beyond immediate property damage and displacement of residents. Lasting changes in infrastructure, the local environment, and community resilience define the legacy of these natural disasters . Understanding the scale and nature of these transformations provides crucial insights into adapting and preparing for future flooding events.

Understanding the Cumbria Floods 2015 and its After-Effects

December 2015's Storm Desmond will be remembered as one of the most destructive flood events in Cumbria's history. However, to fully comprehend its long-lasting effects, it's important to delve deep into the transformations brought forth from the floodwaters.

After-effects of a flood refer to the consequences, both immediate and long-term, that are experienced by natural and human systems once floodwaters have receded. This can encompass changes to the physical environment, economic loss, infrastructure damage, and community trauma.

The 2015 Cumbria floods made an indelible mark:

• The flood led to widespread property damage, which required extensive reconstruction in its wake.
• Local infrastructure suffered, with many roads and bridges destroyed or severely damaged, requiring months to years for complete restoration.
• Significant environmental impact was seen in the form of eroded soils and compromised wildlife habitats.

The Long-Term Implications of the Cumbria Floods 2015

The floods of 2015 had far-reaching implications for Cumbria, impacting not just the environment and infrastructure, but also the region's economy and community dynamics.

Long-term implications of a flood event extend beyond immediate damage to property or resources. They include ongoing economic hardship, changes in land use, changes in community structure, and influencing future policy concerning flood defence and management.

Here are some of the significant long-term effects of the 2015 Cumbria floods:

• Communities were significantly affected with many residents wrestling with the psychological trauma of the event long after the waters subsided.
• The floods' economic toll was significant, with enormous costs associated with repairs, insurance payouts, and loss of business.
• Policy change and increased investment around flood defences and flood prevention strategies have become more prominent.

The 2015 Cumbria floods urged a recalibration of flood management strategies. Significant resources were directed towards better understanding the local topography, climate, urban development, and infrastructure – insights that are now guiding how Cumbria prepares for and responds to catastrophic flood events.

Positive and Negative Impacts of Cumbria Floods

The aftermath of Cumbria's floods presented both challenges and opportunities, encapsulating both the harsh reality of natural disasters as well as the resilience of the affected communities.

The positive impact of a flood sounds counterintuitive but can contribute to community solidarity, generation of employment in the reconstruction phase, and improvements in flood defences for future events. In contrast, the negative impacts are widely known, such as damage to property, loss of life, psychological trauma, and economic hardship.

• Negative Impacts: Major repercussions such as damage to homes, personal injury, psychological trauma, financial hardship, environmental degradation and community displacement rank among the negative impacts.
• Positive Impacts: On the brighter side, floods also sparked community solidarity, increased employment in reconstruction, and improved flood defences and preparedness for future events.

Flood In Cumbria - Key takeaways

• Flooding in Cumbria refers to the overflow of large amounts of water beyond normal confines, often causing devastation to communities, infrastructure, and leading to loss of life.
• Key causes of flooding in Cumbria include heavy rainfall, topography, soil conditions, and human intervention, often leading to significant destruction and isolation of communities. The 2009 floods were notably damaging.
• The impact of flooding on the physical environment entails dramatic landscape changes, soil erosion, and disruption to wildlife habitats. Flood defences in Cumbria aim minimize this impact, though they can also cause environmental disruptions.
• The Cumbria floods in 2015, initiated by 'Storm Desmond', led to widespread flooding and significant damage in the region, affecting communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
• The aftermath of Cumbria floods has both positive and negative impacts, encompassing property damage, community trauma, economic hardship, as well as improved community resilience, increased employment in reconstruction, and advancements in flood defences and preparedness.

Frequently Asked Questions about Flood in Cumbria

--> when were the cumbria floods .

The Cumbria floods occurred in both November 2009 and December 2015

--> How were the Cumbria floods managed? 

The floods were managed in various ways such as implementing a flood management strategy, flood defences such as a self-closing river barrier, river dredging, and early warning systems. 

--> Why is Cumbria prone to flooding? 

Cumbria is prone to flooding due to the location of towns such as Cockermouth at the confluence of the Derwent and Cocker rivers. The area is also prone to storms and intense rainfall, with flooding events expected to become more frequent in the future due to climate change. 

--> Why did the Cumbria floods in 2009 happen?   

As a result of a deep depression which was formed in the Atlantic Ocean, warm air rose over the Cumbrian mountains and fell as relief rainfall. This heavy rainfall fell into the Derwent and Cocker rivers, with the rivers bursting their banks resulting in flooding. 

--> What were the effects of the flood in Cumbria in 2015? 

The 2015 floods were one of the worst and most destructive floods in the UK, with 7,465 properties flooded, transport disrupted, and water polluted to name some of the impacts. The floods were also estimated to have cost £500 million in damage. 

Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards

_____ rain fell during the November 2009 floods 

What is the definition of flooding?

What were the impacts of the 2009 floods in Cumbria?

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_____ rain fell during the November 2009 f loods 

Name 2 responses to the Cumbria 2009 floods 

Flood defenses were installed,  early warning systems or river dredging 

Flooding is an overflow of large amounts of water beyond its normal confines, commonly affecting areas of dry land. It can cause extensive damage to communities, destroying homes and businesses, and potentially leading to loss of life.

The 2009 floods in Cumbria resulted in the loss of a police officer, extensive property damage and more than 1,300 homes were affected. The infrastructure, including bridges, was ruined, leading to significant community isolation.

What are the main causes of flooding in Cumbria?

The main causes of flooding in Cumbria include heavy rainfall, topography, soil conditions and human intervention, such as urbanisation.

What was significant about the rainfall in the town of Seathwaite in 2009?

In 2009, the town of Seathwaite in Cumbria recorded the highest rainfall in the UK over a 24-hour period.

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GCSE Geography – Case Study – Flooding, Cumbria 2009

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1 . Question

What is the average rainfall in the UK, depending upon location?

• 700 mm-2,500mm
• 700m-2,500m

2 . Question

What was the cause of the rainfall that caused record flooding, in Cumbria, in 2009?

• Deep depression from the Atlantic.
• Deep depression from the Pacific.
• Deep depression from the North Sea.
• Deep depression from the English Channel.

3 . Question

Cumbria had already received a month’s worth of rain before the extreme events of 17-20th November. What effect did this have?

• New rain could not soak into the soil.
• Traffic diversions were not in place.
• Public shelters were not in place.
• Financial support packages were not in place in time.

4 . Question

How many homes were flooded in Cumbria in 2009?

5 . Question

What contaminated the rivers as a direct result of the flooding?

6 . Question

Which of the following is NOT an environmental impact caused by the erosion of the River Derwent.

• Financial ruin of local businesses.
• Landslides.
• Trees ripped up.
• Ecosystem damaged

7 . Question

What was the estimated financial impact of the floods of 2009?

8 . Question

What preventative measures have been put in place in Cockermouth to assist negate future flooding?

• Flood defences.
• Better signage.
• Improved communication routes.
• Local support system.

9 . Question

How does improved flood warning information assist in flood damage limitation?

• Allows people time to evacuate and protect their properties.
• allows people to better plan their holidays.
• Ensures that schoolchildren are sent home.
• Ensures that shops are closed to limit shopping opportunities.

10 . Question

How has Facebook and Twitter assisted with the threat of future storms and flooding?

• Allows for better and faster communication.
• The two companies have made grants to the affected areas.
• The two companies have presented mobile phones and tablets to local communities.
• Allows for local community to order sufficient supplies in time.

11 . Question

Which of the following is consistent with future proofing your home in order to mitigate flooding?

• Laying tiles on the floor rather than carpets.
• Putting slate tiles on the roof rather than concrete tiles.
• Ensuring that the front doors of new homes are not facing the road.
• Painting walls with waterproof paint.

12 . Question

UK temperatures have increased by approximately how much since 1980?

• 10 degree C
• 100 degrees C
• 1,000 degrees C

13 . Question

What does a range of data tell us about the temperature of the Earth’s climate?

• It is warming and changing.
• It is getting colder.
• The effect is so small it cannot be recorded.

14 . Question

Over what period did the record rainfall over Cumbria last?

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Beast from the East – Extreme weather in the UK

The causes, effects and responses to the Beast from the East

What caused the Beast from the East?

Under normal circumstances, winters in the UK are mild compared to some places on the same latitude because of the jet stream, a warm air mass travelling across the Atlantic Ocean from Mexico to the UK. However, in February 2018, a meteorological event called stratospheric warming disturbed the jet stream – allowing cold winds from Russia to travel as far as the UK.

At this time of year, there is usually a polar vortex – a large mass of cold air – in the upper atmosphere, also known as the stratosphere. This vortex is what usually causes air to move from west to east. However, there was a considerable rise in air temperature of around 50°C 18 miles above the Earth at the North Pole. Sudden stratospheric warming caused a weakening of the jet stream, leading to a change in the direction of the winds approaching the UK from west to east to east to west, allowing a cold air mass (polar continental air mass) from Russia to cover The UK.

Air masses affecting the UK – source: Met Office

When the air left Siberia, Russia, it was around -50°C. By the time it reached the UK, it was just below freezing, though this was still cold for the time of year. In addition, the air mass picked up water over the North Sea, which resulted in a heavy snowfall when it reached The UK.

The Beast from the East meets Storm Emma

Storm Emma was a weather system originating from the Azores and travelling north to the UK. On 1st March 2018, the weather front brought blizzards, gales and sleet as it hit the cold air brought down by the Beast from the East. As a result, the Met Office issued a series of red warnings for southern England. Storm Emma would instead have caused wet and windy conditions without the cold air if temperatures were closer to average.

Primary impacts of the Beast from the East

• Ten people died
• Up to 50cms of snow fell on high ground
• Rural (countryside) areas experienced temperature lows of up to -12°C

Secondary impacts of the Beast from the East

• Hundreds of schools were forced to close
• Thousands of schools were closed across the UK, including more than 125 in North Yorkshire and more than 330 across Kent, and hospital operations were cancelled.
• Many rail services were cancelled.
• British Airways cancelled hundreds of short-haul flights from Heathrow, and London City Airport also cancelled many services.
• The National Grid issued a ‘gas deficit warning’ prompting fears of a shortage, but households were reassured domestic supplies would not be affected.
• Nearly all train operators warned of cancellations and disruption, and hundreds of flights were cancelled.
• Hundreds of motorists on the M80 near Glasgow were stuck for up to 13 hours, with some spending the night in their cars and others abandoning their vehicles. Around 1,000 vehicles were at a standstill, tailing back eight miles in both directions.
• There was a shortage of food in some supermarkets.
• Drifting snow led to the isolation of several villages.
• Red weather warnings were issued covering parts of Scotland, Devon, Somerset, and South Wales, prompting Devon and Cornwall police to declare a major incident. The red weather warning was just the third in seven years.
• The Environment Agency issued flood warnings for parts of Cornwall’s south coast. Residents were told to expect tides to be around 400 mm.
• The Royal Air Force was drafted in to help relief efforts in snow-hit Lincolnshire. Ten RAF vehicles and their crews transported doctors and stranded patients after local police admitted they struggled to cope.
• High on the Pennines on the M62, the military provided support rescuing vehicles.
• In Edinburgh, soldiers were deployed to help transport about 200 NHS clinical and support staff to and from the Western General Hospital and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

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