Assess the different ways in which we can use river environments and identify the different conflicts that occur

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Elizabeth Wood

Assess the different ways in which we can use river environments and identify the different conflicts that occur.

Humans use all river environments other than those, which are remote and in inaccessible areas. We alter the landscape both directly and indirectly, altering the processes that shape the environment. The different ways in which we, as humans, change the environments is often at odds with another and conflicts with the physical processes at work will result. As human populations within river environments enlarge, so do the conflicts.

The River Tees, in North East England, has an environment much used by humans. The source of the river in the Pennies is 893 metres above sea level, with a high rainfall of over 2000mm a year. It is in an area of impermeable rock so surface runoff is greater; precipitation reaches the river channel quickly.

The river Tees is clear and turbulent, with a waterfall, gorge and rapids. In the upper course of the river communication and the building of settlements is difficult on the steep valley sides. There also are harsh weather conditions in the Pennies. There is tourism such as walking or hiking to visit the High Force waterfall and the scenic landscape. Also recreational activities take place as such as water sports take place consisting of white water rafting, sailing canoeing and also fishing. However, this creates only a small amount of employment. Other types of employment consist many of farming such as hill sheep farming on the valley sides, as the soils are too poor for arable farming from the harsh weather conditions creating great soil erosion. The industry such as a hydroelectric power station has developed in the Pennies, and also quarries, as there is little settlement around to cause conflict with. Forestry also takes place on the valley sides where land is cheap. The River Tees is also used as a water supply as reservoirs where created in the Pennies, which also are used for recreational activities. The population density is low due to the limited employment opportunities and consists of isolated villages found along side of roads and on the lower valley sides.

In the lower course of the River Tees, the valley is wider and flatter and the river meanders in wide loops. At the river mouth there is a large estuary with mud flats, here large industries are found such as chemical plants and steel companies. Many exports and imports arrive at the estuary, bringing oil and natural gas from the North Sea. Shipbuilding is also a large industry in the area as it is a major port. Farming settlements used to be situated on the floodplains due to the flat valley floor and the fertile soil; these once small settlements have developed into large urban areas such as Middlesbourgh. Tourists visit the estuary to see the migratory birds and the seals, as the weather here is windy from the North Sea, but reasonable.

River environments are habitats not only of humans, but many rare species of wildlife. Conservation of river environments is very important as the protection of the environment naturally with out the intervention of humans, many river environments are protected as country parks to prevent urbanisation on them.

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The fertile land on the floodplain of the river can be used for agriculture and also recreation such as football pitches, which don’t need protection if the river may flood. Agriculture also takes place on valley sides, such as grazing for animals especially sheep in Scotland.

Many major cities have rivers running through them, The Thames runs through London, The Seine through Paris, The Nile through Cairo, and the East River and the Hudson River through New York are just a few examples. These huge cities were once just small farming settlements, being such an ideal situation for a settlement ...

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