L2 - Dartmoor Tor Formation

Question 1

Define the term ‘weathering’?

Answer 1

Break down of rock ‘in situ’ (where it stands)

Question 2

Name the 3 main types of weathering…

Answer 2

Mechanical, Chemical and Biological

Question 3

Explain how climate can influence the types of weathering present a landscape

Answer 3

Large variations in temperature into the cold can lead to freeze-thaw weathering. Warmer and wetter climates lend themselves to chemical and biological weathering

Question 4

Describe the 4 processes of river erosion..

Answer 4

Hydraulic action - pressure created as air and water squeezed into rock cracks
Attrition - rocks collide making smaller ones
Abrasion - surface friction smooths rock
Corrosion - chemical reaction between water and rock

Question 5

Describe the 4 processes of river sediment transport..

Answer 5

Traction - large stones roll along bed - requires energy
Saltation - bouncing along river bed
Suspension - small rocks are suspended and carried in water column
Solution - rock minerals dissolve into water

Question 6

Explain the role of slope processes in the formation of distinctive upland environments?

Answer 6

Solifluction - active layer of permafrost is saturated and moves boulders down slope under gravity to create clitter slopes.

Question 7

Explain the role of post-glacial river processes in the formation of an upland landscape?

Answer 7

Erosional processes (4 types) break down larger sediment into smaller pieces to be carried away by transport processes (4 types).

Question 8

Explain the role of tectonics in making Dartmoor Distinctive.

Answer 8

Tectonic activity millions of years ago created large intrusive igneous batholith (now eroded into Tors)

Question 9

Which weathering processes have played a part in the formation of Dartmoor?

Answer 9

Hydrolysis (chemical weathering when UK was nearer the Equator) and Freeze-Thaw (now UK is in colder climate)

Question 10

Can you name a specific type of mechanical weathering?

Answer 10

Freeze-Thaw

Question 11

Can you name a specific type of chemical weathering?

Answer 11

Hydrolysis