W&C CASE STUDY - The River Exe

Question 1

Location:

Answer 1

• travels through Exmoor, Exeter and Exmouth

Question 2

Describe the water balance in the River Exe drainage basin

Answer 2

• 65% of the water balance is surface runoff
• 85% of the bedrock is impermeable, which reduces percolation greatly
• 15% woodland, 67% agricultural grassland

Question 3

Why is surface runoff so high?

Answer 3

• impermeable bedrock reduces infiltration
• drainage ditches in the upper catchment decrease soil water storage

Question 4

What were the 2 recent developments that affected the water cycle?

Answer 4

• Exmoor Mires project
• Wimbleball reservoir

Question 5

Why was the Wimbleball reservoir created?

Answer 5

• to supply water to Exeter and parts of Devon
• regulates water supply and reduces peaks/troughs

Question 6

What did the Exmoor Mires project do?

Answer 6

Restore peatlands in Exmoor that were previously drained for agricultural use

Question 7

What were the benefits of the Exmoor Mires project?

Answer 7

• increase water storage
• increased carbon storage
• increased biodiversity and water supply for animals