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The flood is a disaster movie where London floods through a 25 metre freak wave that breaks the barriers of the Thames. The story is based on a book by Richard Doyle and it describes how millions are people are left homeless and thousands die after the flood disaster. A statement says that elements of the film could happen in real life, but they would like to emphasise that this is a fictional film made for gripping entertainment. A high spring tide at London Bridge could be up to 4.4metres high. A surge on top of the wave would make it up to 7.4 metres, which is higher than the 6.9 metre barrier. In the film you can see the surge as it breaks into London. In real life you would not be able to see the surge coming, the river level would just be higher. The wave would also rise over the edges in real life before hitting London. The barrier is still doing a good job for the protection of London. The Thames Barrier control systems collect data every 15 minutes and take measurements all down the east coast. If the barriers do have to be closed, there is a computer that can control from Tower Bridge to South Bank. The software can activate the equipment to move the gates into action in two hours. The risk of London flooding each year is currently at 0.05% which is at the world class level of production. By 2030 the risk of flooding will have increased to 0.1% risk of an annual flood. It has been said it is not a matter of if, but when London will flood. The sea level has risen 130 metres since the last ice age but no significant risings in the 20th century.
Scientists predict however, that the sea levels will rise by another 2.5 metres by 2100 and the barriers are just not built to cover the events that global warming may cause. The Thames Barrier will have to be replaced at some point to cope with the rising water levels. Global warming is the main reason for possible floods around the world. Global warming exists through the rise in the greenhouse gas concentrations through excessive use of gas, electricity and increased waste products. Global warming has increased temperatures in the earth's surface, air and oceans. The increased temperatures will cause extreme weather conditions and sea level will rise. There also may be glacier retreat, species extinction and new spread of disease. The increased temperatures leading to the increased mass of waters through glaciers, polar ice capsules and sea ice are melting this is causing water locked up inland and salt and fresh water in rivers and lakes. Solutions could be made by creating more space for flood water to channel. Every single person can change their ways to help the effects of global warming by reducing your yearly use of fossil fuels. This can be done by using your household appliances more efficiently and buying energy efficient products like light bulbs and class A washing machines. Use public transport more and your cars less, use trains as apposed to planes for domestic travel and recycle. For more information on more energy efficient living, see other articles in the gas and electricity section on www.onlinereview.org .
Staff editor, Gas & Electricity Section, November 2007 |
