What Is Drainage In Geography In Cumbria?

Have you ever wondered why water flows in a particular direction or how it gets from one place to another? These are some of the questions that can be answered by understanding drainage in geography. Drainage Cumbria is a drainage company in Cumbria that specializes in wetland projects, wastewater management, and drainage systems. In this article, we will explain the basics of drainage in geography and how it impacts the land in Cumbria, North West England.

Understanding Drainage

Drainage is the movement of water from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. It is a naturally occurring process that is a result of gravity. Water flows from hills and mountains, through streams, to rivers, and eventually into the ocean or another body of water. Drainage is an essential natural process that has shaped our planet's landscape.

Drainage basins or watersheds are areas of land that are drained by a network of streams and rivers. These basins are usually separated from other basins by higher elevations. The boundary between two basins is called a divide or a watershed boundary. Drainage basins can be small or large, and they are defined by the topography of the land. In Cumbria, there are numerous drainage basins that cover various land areas.

Streams are channels that carry water from one place to another. They are a part of the drainage system and are usually found in small drainage basins. Streams are the earliest and most basic component of a drainage system. They can be very small or miles long, depending on the size of the drainage basin. Streams are classified based on their sizes and flow rates. In Cumbria, there are several streams that traverse the county.

Rivers are the main channels through which water flows in a drainage basin. They are formed when several streams combine or merge. Rivers are the largest and the most significant component of a drainage system. They are responsible for carrying most of the water from a drainage basin to the sea. Rivers can also cause erosion of the land, especially in steep slopes. In Cumbria, there are several large rivers that flow across the county.

Drainage Basins in Cumbria

Cumbria is a county located in North West England. It covers an area of 6,768.79 km, and it has a population of approximately 498,000 people. The topography of Cumbria is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and mountains. It is also home to several lakes, including Lake District National Park. The county has several natural drainage basins that include:

• The Eden Drainage Basin
• The Derwent Drainage Basin
• The Duddon Drainage Basin
• The Esk Drainage Basin
• The Kent Drainage Basin
• The Lune Drainage Basin
• The Rockliffe Drainage Basin

These drainage basins are all interconnected and form a vast network of streams and rivers that flow across the county. They are responsible for shaping the landscape of Cumbria and providing freshwater to the population.

Drainage Patterns

Drainage patterns are the arrangements of streams and rivers in a drainage basin. The pattern of a drainage system is determined by the topography, geology, and climate of the area. There are three main types of drainage patterns, and they include:

• Dendritic pattern
• Trellis pattern
• Radial pattern

Dendritic patterns are the most common and occur in areas with uniform topography. The streams and rivers are branched out, and they resemble a tree with branches. This pattern is common in low relief areas such as Cumbria.

Trellis patterns occur in areas with alternating resistant and non-resistant rock layers. The streams flow in parallel valleys, and they are perpendicular to the main river. This pattern is common in areas with folding and faulting rocks.

Radial patterns occur in areas with volcanic activity or domes. The rivers and streams radiate outwards from a central point. This pattern is common in areas with central hills or mountains.

Impact of Drainage on the Land in Cumbria

The drainage system in Cumbria has a significant impact on the land. It shapes the landscape by causing erosion and deposition of sediments. The drainage system also affects the vegetation and the wildlife in the area. Here are some of the impacts of drainage on the land in Cumbria:

• Erosion and deposition: The constant flow of water through rivers and streams causes erosion of the land. The sediments are carried downstream and deposited in other areas, forming new landforms such as deltas and floodplains.
• Vegetation: The drainage system provides water for plants and trees to grow. The vegetation in Cumbria is diverse and includes woodland, meadows, and heathlands. The drainage system also affects the distribution of plants and animals in the area.
• Wildlife: The drainage system provides habitats for various animals such as fish, birds, and mammals. The lakes and rivers in Cumbria are home to several fish species such as salmon, trout, and pike.

Drainage Cumbria

Drainage Cumbria is a drainage company that specializes in wetland projects, wastewater management, and drainage systems. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing excellent service to our clients in Cumbria. We offer a range of drainage services that include:

• Drainage system design, installation, and maintenance
• Drain cleaning and repair
• Flood protection systems
• Wetland projects
• Wastewater treatment and management

We are committed to providing high-quality workmanship and using the latest technology in our drainage projects. If you have any drainage needs in Cumbria, feel free to contact us at 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at drainagecumbria.uk for more information.

Conclusion

Drainage in geography is an essential natural process that shapes the landscape and affects the vegetation and wildlife in an area. Cumbria, North West England, has several drainage basins that cover various land areas. These drainage basins form a vast network of streams and rivers that flow across the county. Drainage patterns are the arrangements of streams and rivers in a drainage basin, and they are determined by the topography, geology, and climate of the area. Drainage Cumbria is a drainage company that provides excellent service to clients in Cumbria. We offer a range of drainage services, and we are committed to using the latest technology in our projects.