EQ1 4.1 Geology and UK Flashcards
Tectonic processes in upland landscapes
Convection currents occur beneath the plate which uplifts the rock from below the sea, becoming land.
Geological processes in upland landscapes
When the Uk was covered by tropical seas, tropical fish and corals thrived. When they died, their skeletons sunk to the sea floor which formed horizontal layers called ‘strata’
Glaciation processes in upland landscapes
Rivers such as the ‘Wharfe’ eroded into the Pennines during uplift. Altering river valleys made them deeper and it widened them into U-shaped troughs.
What are igneous rocks?
The earths oldest rocks, formed from lavas and deep magmas. They were once molten, then cooled and crystallised. Most igneous rocks are resistant to erosion.
What are metamorphic rocks?
Sedimentary rocks that were heated and compressed during igneous activity. Heating and compression harden them and make them resistant shale becomes slate and limestone becomes marble.
What are sedimentary rocks?
Formed from sediments eroded and deposited by rivers, the sea or on the sea bed. Some are resistant while others crumble easily.
Why are there peaks and valleys?
There are valleys because of frozen glaciers from glaciation eroded through the softer rock faster and deposited into U-shaped troughs. There are peaks because as the frozen glaciers grew, the ice on the sides of the glacier is less erosive so erodes less. This causes peaks. Sedimentary rock occurs on the top when there is uplift.
Give a definition, approximate age, 3 examples and location in UK of igneous rocks
Its the earth’s oldest rock, formed from lavas and deep magmas. They were once molten, then cooled and crystallised. Most igneous rocks are resistant to erosion. Their about 4.6 billion years old. Granite, basalt and rhyolite. Lake district.
Give a definition, approximate age, 3 examples and location in UK of sedimentary rocks
Formed from sediments eroded and deposited by rivers, the sea, or on the sea bed. Some are resistant while others crumble easily. Approximately 73 million years old. Sandstone, shale and siltstone. Yorkshire coast.
Compare metamorphic and igneous rock
Igneous rocks are cooled and crystallised after being molten, whereas metamorphic rocks are heated and compressed during igneous activity.
Compare the formation and characteristics of granite and carboniferous limestone
Granite is formed from the slow crystallisation of magma below the Earth’s surface (igneous rock). It is a light coloured rocks and has large grains on it. Carboniferous limestone is formed in warm, shallow tropical seas. Its made up of shells and hard parts of millions of sea creatures. It is light grey and hard.
Explain how glacial erosion and deposition shaped the UK uplands
Rivers such as the wharf eroded into the Pennines during uplift. The ice age brought glaciers to the pennines. This made altering river valleys, which made them deeper and widened them in to U-shaped troughs. When they were melting, the glaciers were leaving Malham cove (with a waterfall) and other features.
Explain when and how sedimentary rock was formed across the UK Lowlands
Sedimentary rock occurs on the top of the glaciers when there is uplift.
Explain how scarp and vale topography forms in the UK Lowlands
Over time, the anticline dome eroded away removing the chalk at the centre but leaving the exposed chalk escarpments (scarp slope) and the alternate strata of more/less resistant rock. The flat land in between, formed the vale and was flatter and lower.
