RIVER FLOODING

THE DRAINAGE BASIN SYSTEM

TASK: Looking at the drainage basin system, explain why people replacing their front lawns with paved driveways
have increased the risk of flooding in urban areas.
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TASK: Study the spider diagram factors affecting discharge

1. What factors in a river drainage basin make flooding more likely? In each case,
briefly explain why. (7 marks)
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RIVERS HAZARDS & OPPORTUNITIES

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Demonstrate an understanding that rivers present hazards
For a named flood outline the:
o Causes
o Impacts
o Solution
Recognise that rivers offer opportunities for human activities
o i.e. why do people continue to live in flood prone areas

CASE STUDY: BANGLASDESH

Causes
Effects/ Impacts
Solution/ Responses
Why do people continue to live in such a flood prone area?

LOCATION

PAST PAPER QUESTIONS

November 2008
For a named river which you have studied, explain the causes of flooding (7)
November 2011
Explain why, in many LEDCs large numbers of people live close to the rivers which may flood (5)
May 2009
In many parts of the world the natural environment presents hazards to people. For a named area, explain
the causes of flooding and describe the impacts on people living there (7)
May 2010
Describe the advantages and difficulties of people living close to a river (on a floodplain) (5)
Jume 2007
Flooding occurs on the flood plains and deltas of some rivers.
For a river you have studied, explain what has been done to reduce flooding (7)

CASE STUDY: FLOODING IN BANGLASDESH

Bangladesh lies north of the _________________, sharing borders with ________ and
_____________(Burma)
Over __________ million people live here
It is one of the most ______________ populated countries in the world
Most of the country is part of a huge, _________________ formed by deposition from some
of the longest rivers in the world, _______________ and its tributary, the
______________ and the ___________________ river.

The low-lying country is vulnerable to flooding and cyclones and it stands to be

badly affected by predicted rises in sea levels.

Full name: People's Republic of Bangladesh

Population: 152.4 million (UN, 2012)
Capital and largest city: Dhaka
Area: 143,998 sq km (55,598 sq miles)
Major language: Bengali
Major religions: Islam, Hinduism
Life expectancy: 69 years (men), 70 years (women)
(UN)
Monetary unit: 1 taka = 100 paisa
Main exports: Garments, fish, jute goods, leather
products
GNI per capita: US $780 (World Bank, 2011)

Poverty is deep and widespread; almost half of the population live on less than one dollar a
day. However, Bangladesh has reduced population growth and improved health and education.
The major employer is agriculture, but it is unable to meet the demand for jobs. So, many
Bangladeshis - in common with citizens from other countries in the region - seek work abroad,
sometimes illegally.
The country is trying to diversify its economy, with industrial development a priority. Overseas
investors have pumped money into manufacturing and the energy sector. The collapse of a
garment factory in 2013 with the loss of more than 1,000 lives brought workers out onto the streets
to demand better conditions.

Onshore and offshore gas reserves hold out some chance of future
prosperity. There has been a debate about whether the reserves should
be kept for domestic use or exported. International companies are
involved in the gas sector.
Formerly East Pakistan, Bangladesh came into being only in 1971,
when the two parts of Pakistan split after a bitter war which drew in
neighbouring India. Bangladesh spent 15 years under military rule and,
although democracy was restored in 1990, the political scene remains
volatile.
Analysts say antagonism between the main parties - the Awami League
and Bangladesh Nationalist Party - reflects personal animosity between
leaders rather than substantial ideological differences.
Political tensions have spilled over into violence; hundreds of people
have been killed in recent years. Attacks have targeted opposition rallies
and public gatherings. Senior opposition figures have also been
targeted.Concern has grown about religious extremism in the usually
moderate and tolerant country. The government has outlawed two fringe
Islamic organisations.
Bangladesh has been criticized for its human rights record, with
particular concern about assaults on women and allegations that police
use torture against those in custody.

Sub tropical monsoon climate

Average temperatures range from 10oC in January to 35oC
in August
The monsoon rainfall adds to the water flowing in the rivers
If the monsoon rains fall when the rivers are full and
summer high tides up to 6m are present in the Bay of
Bengal, disastrous floods occur
The situation can be exacerbated (made worse) by
tropical cyclones between May and November

USEFUL WEBLINKS

http://www.coolgeography.co.uk/Alevel/AQA/Year%20
12/Rivers,%20Floods/Flooding/Bangladesh.htm

http://www.ffwc.gov.bd/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6935745.stm

http://greenfieldgeography.wikispaces.com/IGCSE+River
s+and+GCSE+Rivers

CASE STUDY: FLOODING IN BANGLASDESH

CAUSES OF FLOODING
Describe the natural causes of flooding in Bangladesh
Consider the following factors:

Drainage basin size

Drainage basin relief / altitude

Climatic factors (three of them)

Deposition of silt

EFFECTS
Describe the damage done during the floods.

Why do people continue to live in flood prone areas?

In what ways have humans made flooding more likely and more harmful?
Consider the following factors:

Population growth, linked to...

o
deforestation
o
urbanisation of the floodplain
o
intensification of agriculture
o
Climate change (two factors)
Poverty

SOLUTIONS / RESPONSES
Make notes at least four of the following solutions / responses. For each, explain how they work and give at least two strengths or weaknesses.

Emergency aid, Shelters, Warning systems, Dams / reservoirs, Embankments, Long term, appropriate aid projects