Geomorphological region-The Burren

Question 1

Burren-introduction

Answer 1

• Burren co.clare defined by limestone-unique karst landscape
  -Karst ls-250km2 bare limestone
  -Landforms-Lpavements,caves,doilines+swallow holes
  -also contain alternating layers limestone+shale
  >in terraces-thick limestone separated by thin shale beds
  -These terraces found north-west of the region

Question 2

Limestone+shale formation

Answer 2

-L+S foundin burren during carboniferous period 340MYA
-limestone composed of calcium rich skeletons of ded marine from waem shallow seas that covered the region
-shale formed in mud,carried by river was deposited+transformed to rock

Question 3

Carbonation

Answer 3

-Carbonation>chemical weathering attacks limestone
-rainwater absorbs co2 from air creqting a weak carbonic acid
-rain falls on alkaline limestone>chemical reaction occurs+dissolves limestone
-this occured in burren+formed unique surface-Lpavement
-Carbonation widened joints to deep grikess separated falt areas-clinta
-small hollows weathered on surface-karren

Question 4

human economic activities

Answer 4

-attractive areas tourist -caves+scenic landscape
-Region promoted as eco-tourism destination
-Alpine flowers+rare butterflies(burren blue) not found elsewhere in IE
-Ailwee caves-over 92,000 in 2010
-Tourism based on landscape led to wide availability of B+B accomodation+tourist based shops around the region