Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · Geography · Higher
Physical and human controls on flood risk
Explain how physical and human factors may affect flood risk. Use Figure 19 and your own understanding.
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Marking points
- 1 Explains at least one physical factor affecting flood risk.
- 2 Explains at least one human factor affecting flood risk.
- 3 Applies Figure 19 and own understanding rather than copying the source only.
- 4 Links factors to runoff, infiltration, lag time, discharge or exposure to flood water.
Full-mark answer
Physical factors can increase flood risk when water reaches the river quickly. In Figure 19, 340 mm of rain fell in 24 hours, so the soil would become saturated and more water would flow over the surface into rivers. Cockermouth is also at the confluence of two rivers, so two flows meet and raise water levels, while steep surrounding hills increase rapid runoff. Human factors can also increase risk. Homes and businesses built on flood plains are directly exposed to rising water, and impermeable surfaces such as concrete and roads reduce infiltration and shorten lag time. Therefore both physical conditions and human land use affect how likely flooding is and how severe its impacts are.
Why this answer loses marks
Heavy rain causes floods and buildings get wet.
The answer needs factor links to runoff, infiltration, lag time or exposure, and should include both physical and human factors.