Changing Physical Landscapes Flashcards
What are the three rock types?
Sedimentary, Igneous and Metamorphic.
How does sedimentary rock form and what is it like?
They form in layers of weathered or eroded rock that has been transported or deposited. Alternatively they can form from dead sea creatures being compressed over millions of years. They are classified by texture and composition, having many layers and often containing fossils. An example of sedimentary rock would be limestone.
How does igneous rock form and what is it like?
They are composed of arranged crystals, being very resistant and not containing fossils. They may form beneath the surface like Granite or be present at the Earth’s surface like Basalt. They are cooled magma that has hardened and solidified, created by tectonic activity.
What are metamorphic rocks like and how do they form?
They are formed when sedimentary and igneous rocks are put under great pressure or heat, chemically changing to a new type of rock. They have crystals formed in layers and can contain fossils (although normally deformed). They can tend to be a mixture of sedimentary and igneous com
Describe the distribution of the UK’s geology.
In the North of England and in the Scottish Highlands, rocks tend to be igneous or metamorphic, so the mountains are higher due to less erosion. In the southern plains of England, it is predominantly sedimentary rock that has existed for far longer.
Where is the river Tees situated?
In the North-East of England, emptying into the North Sea.
Where is the river Exe situated?
Going from the Exmoor hills and through Devon emptying in the British Channel.
Where is the river Thames situated?
Going from central England through London and emptying into the North Sea.
Where is the river Severn situated?
Going from central Wales, emptying into the Bristol Channel.
Where is the river Trent situated?
Going from the highlands of the Peak District in Northern England and draining into the North Sea.
How do settlements impact UK landscapes?
Settlements require trees to be cut down and area to be cleared, removing animals and plants from their habitat and relocating them, this prevents trees from taking in CO2 and this thus increases emissions and worsens Climate Change, which will affect the UK landscape in the future.
How does agriculture change UK landscapes?
Overgrazing in agriculture makes land infertile and destroys natural habitats. Additionally, the large areas of flat land needed to farm affects variation of height in the area.
How has Forestry changed in UK landscapes?
Natural forests have been regulated for a while but despite this, large areas of forest have been cut down for timber and to make room for settlement.
How has glaciation affected UK landscapes?
Glacial areas tend to contain large quantities of fresh water reserves, they also have U-shaped valleys with rivers flowing through them.
How has climate affected UK landscapes?
In times of high rainfall, arable land becomes irrigated and mountains lose land due to erosion (for example through Hydraulic Action or Freeze-Thaw Weathering). Crops and plants will die in times of large-scale drought or an ice age.
