Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
7 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
Thames Barrier |
The gates that form the barrier are raised from the river bed during high tides to stop flooding Built between 1974 and 84 costing £534m (£1.6b in todays prices) |
|
|
Why do we need it? |
The lower Thames estuary including London is vulnerable to flooding A storm surge in 1953 destroyed the old defences and killed 300 people. The banks of the Thames has many historical places. |
|
|
Effectiveness |
Raised 4-6 times a year but getting raised more often costs £8m a year to operate No tidal flooding since it was built. |
|
|
Social impacts |
40,000 properties 1.5 million commuters 1.25 million people 69 tube stations, 400 schools and 16 hospitals |
|
|
Economic Impacts |
Banks, insurance and other companies HQs financial disaster zone property assets of £100 billion Infrastructure value too high to estimate |
|
|
Environmental Impacts |
Sea level in South East UK expected to rise 4mm a year Low lying areas will be worst affected |
|
|
Future |
Expected to cope with sea level until 2030-50 Another barrier downstream will be needed soon to help. |
