The River Exe in Devon provides a brilliant real-world example... Show more
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C
Cristina Mead
23/11/2025
Geography
RIVER EXE: CASE STUDY
172
•
23 Nov 2025
•
Exploring the River Exe: Key Features and Supporting Organizations
C
Cristina Mead
@cristina_mead
1 / 3
River Exe Overview and Physical Characteristics
Ever wondered how a river system really works? The River Exe flows through some of Devon's most stunning landscapes, starting high up in Exmoor at 514m and winding down through Tiverton and Exeter before reaching the sea at Exmouth.
What makes this river special is its high drainage density with loads of tributaries feeding into it. The geology is crucial here - 84% of the catchment sits on impermeable sandstone, which means water can't soak through easily and instead runs straight off the surface.
The land use tells an interesting story too. 67% is agricultural grassland, with 15% woodland and arable farming, plus 3% moorland and peat bogs. This mix creates a complex water system where rainfall (a hefty 1295mm annually) either evaporates, gets stored in soil, or becomes runoff at 65% - that's unusually high!
Key Point: The Wimbleball Reservoir, built in 1979, acts like a massive tap controller, preventing both floods and droughts by regulating water flow throughout the year.
The Exmoor Mires Project and Flood Management
Here's where human intervention gets really clever. The Exmoor Mires Project tackles a problem created decades ago when farmers dug drainage ditches into peat bogs to make land more suitable for agriculture.
Those ditches seemed like a good idea at the time, but they caused water to flow too quickly, reducing water quality and releasing greenhouse gases as the peat decomposed. The project's solution? Block the drainage ditches to return the land to its natural boggy state.
By 2015, 1000 hectares had been restored (with a target of 2000ha total). The results are impressive - re-wetted peat bogs slow down runoff and naturally filter water, making it 20% cheaper to treat. This isn't just environmental do-gooding; it's practical flood prevention.
The benefits are massive: 2000-5000 properties in Exeter and Exmouth face reduced flood risk, plus improved carbon storage and better recreational opportunities.
Key Point: Peat restoration demonstrates how working with natural processes can be more effective than fighting against them.
River Characteristics Through Its Course
The River Exe changes dramatically as it flows from source to sea, and understanding these changes helps explain why flooding happens where it does.
In the upper course around Exmoor, you've got steep slopes at around 350m elevation, thin soils, and those crucial peat bogs. High rainfall hits saturated soils, creating rapid surface runoff - basically, water races downhill because it can't soak in.
The middle course around 250m elevation tells a different story. Here, deciduous tree roots absorb more water and hold soil together, increasing infiltration and reducing surface runoff. However, farmland creates complications - exposed ploughed fields increase soil erosion, while irrigation adds artificial precipitation to the system.
Down in the lower course, you get the urban reality check. High-density buildings create impermeable surfaces that send water straight into rivers. Limited vegetation means less interception, but the flatter terrain does allow for more surface storage.
Key Point: Each section of the river responds differently to rainfall, which is why flood management strategies need to consider the entire catchment, not just problem areas.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring the River Exe: Key Features and Supporting Organizations
C
Cristina Mead
@cristina_mead
The River Exe in Devon provides a brilliant real-world example of how human activities and natural processes work together to shape river systems. Running 82.7km from Exmoor to the sea at Exmouth, this river shows us exactly how geography concepts... Show more
River Exe Overview and Physical Characteristics
Ever wondered how a river system really works? The River Exe flows through some of Devon's most stunning landscapes, starting high up in Exmoor at 514m and winding down through Tiverton and Exeter before reaching the sea at Exmouth.
What makes this river special is its high drainage density with loads of tributaries feeding into it. The geology is crucial here - 84% of the catchment sits on impermeable sandstone, which means water can't soak through easily and instead runs straight off the surface.
The land use tells an interesting story too. 67% is agricultural grassland, with 15% woodland and arable farming, plus 3% moorland and peat bogs. This mix creates a complex water system where rainfall (a hefty 1295mm annually) either evaporates, gets stored in soil, or becomes runoff at 65% - that's unusually high!
Key Point: The Wimbleball Reservoir, built in 1979, acts like a massive tap controller, preventing both floods and droughts by regulating water flow throughout the year.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Exmoor Mires Project and Flood Management
Here's where human intervention gets really clever. The Exmoor Mires Project tackles a problem created decades ago when farmers dug drainage ditches into peat bogs to make land more suitable for agriculture.
Those ditches seemed like a good idea at the time, but they caused water to flow too quickly, reducing water quality and releasing greenhouse gases as the peat decomposed. The project's solution? Block the drainage ditches to return the land to its natural boggy state.
By 2015, 1000 hectares had been restored (with a target of 2000ha total). The results are impressive - re-wetted peat bogs slow down runoff and naturally filter water, making it 20% cheaper to treat. This isn't just environmental do-gooding; it's practical flood prevention.
The benefits are massive: 2000-5000 properties in Exeter and Exmouth face reduced flood risk, plus improved carbon storage and better recreational opportunities.
Key Point: Peat restoration demonstrates how working with natural processes can be more effective than fighting against them.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
River Characteristics Through Its Course
The River Exe changes dramatically as it flows from source to sea, and understanding these changes helps explain why flooding happens where it does.
In the upper course around Exmoor, you've got steep slopes at around 350m elevation, thin soils, and those crucial peat bogs. High rainfall hits saturated soils, creating rapid surface runoff - basically, water races downhill because it can't soak in.
The middle course around 250m elevation tells a different story. Here, deciduous tree roots absorb more water and hold soil together, increasing infiltration and reducing surface runoff. However, farmland creates complications - exposed ploughed fields increase soil erosion, while irrigation adds artificial precipitation to the system.
Down in the lower course, you get the urban reality check. High-density buildings create impermeable surfaces that send water straight into rivers. Limited vegetation means less interception, but the flatter terrain does allow for more surface storage.
Key Point: Each section of the river responds differently to rainfall, which is why flood management strategies need to consider the entire catchment, not just problem areas.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user