1. The River Severn

The River Severn is Britain's largest river with a length of 354km and a catchment area equaling 2500 square km. It rises from Plynlimon Fawr, 610m above sea level, in the Cambrian Mountains of Wales.

After travelling some 140km from its source, the river reaches Shrewsbury. The channel is now transporting an average of 10 cumecs of water; yet during the storm events, the discharge can rise to above 500 cumecs. What causes such a dramatic change in flow?

The factors that promote flooding are listed below. With the use of maps, relevant background knowledge and the links on page 5, decide which factors might contribute to flooding in Shrewsbury:

1) Rainfall patterns.
2) Topography.
3) Drainage pattern.
4) Catchment size and shape.
5) Geology.
6) Land Use.
7) Antecedent soil conditions