Boscastle Flooding Case Study

Boscastle is in North Cornwall and sits in a narrow and steep sided river valley. This was the confluence of two rivers.

Physical factors that contributed to the flood;

• The topography of the land, steep upstream valleys act as funnels, more surface meant the water reaches the river quicker.
• The ground is made of shale, slate and clay soils, meaning the water will not infiltrate. 
• The natural chamel had been walled and couldn't adjust to the increase in water. 

The flood was a 'flash flood', there was a quick…