Geology of the UK Flashcards
what is meant by geology
rock type
how are igneous rocks formed
molten magma cooling
how are sedimentary rocks formed
sediment at the bottom of lakes compress to form rock
how are metamorphic rocks formed
subjected to heat and pressure in large amounts
what type of rock is the majority of the UK
sedimentary
what is glaciation
ice from the ice age melts and erodes the sides of upland valleys causing them to change from a v shape to a u shape
what are slope processes
excess rain saturates rocks and dislodges soil particles causing landslide and rock falls
what are weathering processes
biological, chemical, physical
what is biological weathering
tree rocks force cracks in rock
what is chemical weathering
rain water is slightly acidic due to carbon dioxide in the air causing rocks to erode
what is physical weathering
caused by physical changes such as temperature
what are scree?
angular pieces of rock
how does physical weathering take place in the lake district?
freezing temperatures cause water in rocks to freeze and crack
what glacial processes take place in the lake district?
‘v’ shaped valleys turn into ‘u’ shaped valleys as ice eroded the valley sides
what slope processes occur in the lake district?
landslides are common due to the steep gradient and rain dislodging rock
what weathering processes occur in the weald?
calcium carbonate causes chemical weathering
biological weathering as tree roots break rock
what is scarp and vale topography?
a landscape consisting of steep slopes but also small dips
what past glacial river processes have occurred in the weald?
water in chalk froze making it impermeable
fresh water formed and soaked into the chalk
what slope processes occur in the weald?
soil creep as rain dislodges soil particles
what are used as field boundaries in upland areas?
dry stone walls
what are used as field boundaries in lowland areas?
hedges
what type of farming is common in upland areas?
sheep farming
what type of farming is common in lowland areas?
crop farming
what is the land relief like in upland areas?
high
