Glaciated landscape confilcts Flashcards
Describe and explain land use in glaciated areas
Farming
Low temperatures because of the height of the land mean that the growing season is too short to grow crops and a lack of sunshine means crops will not ripen. The slopes are too steep for modern farming machinery to be used and the high rainfall leaches nutrients from the soil, leaving it thin, acidic and infertile.
Flatter areas in valleys are often marshy making it impossible to grow crops there. Sheep are hardy and can survive in these cold, harsh environments - on the upper slopes of U-shaped valleys, hill sheep farming is the most common type of farming. On the valley floors, eg in Great Langdale, cattle can graze where the land is flatter and the grass is better quality because of more fertile soils.
Hay is grown as a fodder crop to feed animals in winter. Diversification also enables farmers to earn extra income, eg from providing B&Bs accommodation for tourists.
Forestry
Commercial forestry can take place on the lower, gentler slopes of U-shaped valleys, eg on Harter Fell, where conditions are less harsh and soils are better quality.
Industry
The main industry in the area is quarrying. Local slate is used in roofing and to repair stone walls. Granite is used in making roads and limestone is used in steelmaking.
Recreation and tourism
Tourists visit the Lake District for its natural picturesque scenery and variety of year-round activities. The Lake District is also close to many urban areas, eg Carlisle, and has excellent road links via a number of motorways such as the M6. Ribbon lakes such as Lake Windermere provide excellent opportunities for watersports and activities including waterskiing, fishing and boat trips.
Arêtes like Striding Edge provide great opportunities for hill walking, while pyramidal peaks are good for rock climbing. Corries also provide excellent opportunities for winter sports such as skiing.
Historical and cultural attractions such as the Beatrix Potter exhibition and Dove Cottage, home to William Wordsworth, also draw people to the region.
Water storage and supply
The high rainfall ensures that lakes in this region, such as Lake Thirlmere, can be used to supply fresh drinking water to nearby towns and cities like Manchester. The hard impermeable rocks provide excellent geological conditions for water storage in reservoirs.
Renewable energy Hydroelectric power (HEP) hanging valleys are dammed to generate electricity using the force of the water from rivers.
describe the conflicts and solutions that take place in glaciated areas
Walkers leave gates open Farmers display ‘keep gate closed’ signs
Dogs chase sheep Park rangers are employed to prevent problems by encouraging responsible tourism
Stone walls are damaged Voluntary bodies, such as the National Trust, protect areas by buying land and buildings, and maintaining walls and footpaths
Farmers may restrict access to walkers at certain times, eg lambing season Park rangers liaise with different land users to minimise problems
Noise disturbs animals Visitor centre staff aim to educate the public about the ‘Countryside Code/Outdoor Access Code’
Increased litter National Parks have removed litter bins in the hope that people take their litter home
Traffic congestion at peak times impedes locals going about their daily business One-way systems (Ambleside), pedestrianised areas (Keswick) and improved public transport have been introduced to reduce the effect of traffic congestion
Footpath erosion results in visual pollution in popular walking areas, eg on the mountain Helvellyn National Park officers can build stone paths to reduce footpath erosion and put up signs to direct walkers along alternative routes
More noise and air pollution from increased traffic Rail and bus services have been improved to reduce the number of cars in the national park
Services may close as second home owners are not permanent residents Weekly vans providing services to small villages, eg mobile library
