GCSE
Geography
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Introduction to GCSE Geography (AQA) -
1.1 The Challenge of Natural Hazards -
1.1.1 Natural Hazards -
1.1.2 Tectonic Hazards -
1.1.3 Effects of and Responses to Tectonic Hazards -
1.1.4 Reducing the Effects of Tectonic Hazards -
1.1.5 Global Atmospheric Circulation -
1.1.6 Tropical Storms -
1.1.7 Effects of Tropical Storms -
1.1.8 Weather Hazards in the UK -
1.1.9 Extreme Weather Events in the UK -
1.1.10 Climate Change -
1.1.11 Managing Climate Change
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1.2 The Living World -
1.2.1 Ecosystems -
1.2.2 Tropical Rainforests -
1.2.3 Deforestation -
1.2.4 Sustainable Management of Tropical Rainforests -
1.2.5 Hot Deserts -
1.2.6 Development of Hot Desert Environments -
1.2.7 Desertification -
1.2.8 Cold Environments -
1.2.9 Development of Cold Environments -
1.2.10 Economic Development in Cold Environments
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1.3 Physical Landscapes in the UK -
1.3.1 UK Physical Landscapes -
1.3.2 Coastal Landscapes -
1.3.3 Coastal Landforms -
1.3.4 Coastal Management -
1.3.5 River Landscapes -
1.3.6 Fluvial Landforms -
1.3.7 River Management -
1.3.8 Glacial Landscapes -
1.3.9 Formation of Glacial Landforms -
1.3.10 Economic Activities and Management Strategies in Glaciated Upland Areas
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2.1 Urban Issues and Challenges -
2.2 The Changing Economic World -
2.3 The Challenge of Resource Management -
2.3.1 Food, Water and Energy -
2.3.2 Changing Demand and Provision of Resources in the UK -
2.3.3 Food: Food Resource Demand -
2.3.4 Food: Increasing Food Supply -
2.3.5 Water: Water Resource Demand -
2.3.6 Water: Increasing Water Supply -
2.3.7 Energy: Energy Resource Demand -
2.3.8 Energy: Increasing Energy Supply
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3.1 Issue Evaluation -
3.2 Fieldwork -
4.1 Cartographic Skills -
4.2 Graphical Skills -
4.3 Numerical Skills -
4.4 Statistical Skills -
4.5 Use of Qualitative and Quantitative Data -
4.6 Formulate Enquiry and Argument -
4.7 Literacy
1. Living with the Physical Environment
1.1.8 Weather Hazards in the UK
In this lesson, we will provide an overview of the types of weather hazards experienced in the UK.
What is Extreme Weather?
Extreme weather is when the characteristics of the atmosphere are significantly different from the average or usual atmospheric characteristics, in a specific place, during a specific time, that are often characterised by their intensity.
This may take place over one day or a period of time. Therefore, though the UK doesn’t experience tropical storms, it does still experience extreme weather events. This is partially because of the UK’s location, at the meeting point of several air masses (polar maritime, tropical maritime, etc.), which causes frequent changes in weather. Its island geography, mountains, and dense population in the south contribute to making the UK vulnerable to hazards.
Types of Weather Hazards in the UK
The UK does not experience extreme natural hazards like tropical storms or major earthquakes, but it is still vulnerable due to its location. The UK’s temperate climate and position on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean mean it is often hit by depressions (low-pressure systems) bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding. Being an island, the UK also faces coastal flooding and storm surges. Occasional heatwaves and droughts occur in summer, while snow and ice can cause disruption in winter. Small earthquakes and landslides also happen, though they are usually minor.
| Hazard | Description |
|---|---|
| Storms | Severe storms with strong winds and heavy rainfall can occur in the UK. These storms are often associated with low-pressure systems and can result in infrastructure damage, coastal erosion, and flooding. |
| Floods | The UK is prone to both river and coastal flooding. Heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or a combination of factors can lead to the ground being fully saturated with water, meaning any excess water overflows and causes widespread flooding. This can damage homes, transport systems, and crops. Urban areas with inadequate drainage systems are particularly vulnerable. |
| Heatwaves | Heatwaves occur when high-pressure systems lead to prolonged periods of hot and dry weather. Although relatively rare in the UK, heatwaves can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, and can impact agriculture, water supplies, and energy demand. |
| Cold Spells and Snowfall | Cold spells can occur during winter months, with temperatures dropping below freezing. These conditions can lead to frost, ice, and snowfall, affecting transportation, causing disruptions, and increasing risks of accidents and injuries. |
| Hailstorms | Hailstorms, although less common, can occur in the UK. These storms produce hailstones of varying sizes that can cause damage to buildings, vehicles, and crops. |
| Fog and Mist | Fog and mist are common weather hazards in the UK, particularly in coastal and hilly areas. Dense fog can reduce visibility and impact transportation, including air travel, and increase the risk of accidents. |
| Thunderstorms | Thunderstorms in the UK can produce lightning strikes, which pose a risk to structures, power systems, and individuals outdoors. Thunderstorms also commonly bring intense rainfall, and occasionally hail, which can cause flash flooding, damage to buildings, and disrupt power supplies. These are becoming more common due to climate change. |
| Lightning | Lightning is a buildup and discharge of static electricity within storm clouds. This happens when water droplets and ice crystals collide, creating a separation of electrical charges. When the charge becomes large enough, a massive electrical difference becomes large enough, and so a massive electrical discharge (lightning) occurs. |
Use the mnemonic “FRESH” to remember key hazards:Tip
Storm Eunice, 2022, was one of the most powerful storms seen in 30 years, with winds up to 122mph, causing widespread disruption and damage.Example
The summer heatwave in 2022 exceeded 40°C for the first time in the UK on record. This caused wildfires, drought warnings, and heat-related deaths. A similar heatwave in 2010 was linked with over 2,000 heat-related deaths, proving how even a moderate temperature increase can affect health.Example
While these weather hazards occur in the UK, their frequency, intensity, and impacts can vary from year to year and across different regions within the country.