Case Study: The River Eden - Climate
Geography: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 1.1.21
Influences of Climate on Geomorphic Processes
Being on the UK's north-west coast, Cumbria is directly exposed to the dominant south-westerly winds. Because of this, Cumbria's climate is wet and mild.
Temperature
- Temperatures can get very low on the high ground near the Eden's source. In winter, this high ground freezes, leading to freeze-thaw weathering (particularly in the upper course).
- Weathering weakens the rock in the valley, increasing the likelihood of mass movement.
- Material from mass movement events increases the amount of material or sediment being carried by the river, leading to increased erosion by abrasion.
Rainfall
- Intense precipitation can cause the ground and soil by the River Eden to get saturated. The reduced stability of saturated ground makes landslides more likely.
- Heavy rain can rapidly enter water channels in the basin from V-shaped valleys. Rapid surface runoff can lead to rapid increases in channel volume.
- More material is transported when the channel is more full. Increased transportation means increased erosion by abrasion.
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