A catchment manager is comparing the hydrological responses of two sub-basins in the Pennines following an identical heavy rainfall event. Sub-basin A exhibits a significantly shorter lag time and a higher peak discharge (a 'flashy' hydrograph) compared to Sub-basin B.
Which combination of characteristics in Sub-basin A is most responsible for this rapid hydrological response?
Permeable chalk geology, dense deciduous woodland cover, and gentle valley gradients.
Impermeable clay soils, extensive urbanisation with asphalt surfaces, and steep valley slopes.
Porous sandstone bedrock, afforested coniferous plantations, and flat floodplain topography.
Deep gravelly soils, contour-ploughed arable fields, and moderate valley slopes.
