Geology affecting glaciated landscape Flashcards
What are the two key aspects of geology that influence glaciated landscape systems?
The two key aspects of geology that influence glaciated landscape systems are lithology and structure.
What does lithology describe?
Lithology describes the physical and chemical composition of rocks.
What is the difference between clay and basalt in terms of resistance to erosion?
Some rock types, such as clay, have a weak lithology with little resistance to erosion, weathering and mass movements, while others, such as basalt, made of dense interlocking crystals, are highly resistant and are more likely to form prominent glacial landforms such as arêtes and pyramidal peaks.
What is limestone vulnerable to in terms of weathering?
Limestone is predominantly composed of calcium carbonate, which is soluble in weak acids and so is vulnerable to decay by the chemical weathering process of carbonation, especially at low temperatures.
What does structure concern in geology?
Structure concerns the properties of individual rock types such as jointing, bedding, faulting, and permeability.
What is primary permeability?
Primary permeability is a property of porous rocks, such as chalk, where tiny air spaces (pores) separate the mineral particles and can absorb and store water.
What is secondary permeability?
Secondary permeability is when water seeps into rocks, such as carboniferous limestone, through joints which are easily enlarged by solution.
How can the angle of dip of rocks influence valley side profiles?
The angle of dip of rocks can have a strong influence on valley side profiles. Horizontally bedded strata support steep cliffs with near vertical profiles. Where strata incline, profiles tend to follow the angle of dip of the bedding planes.
