Landscapes & Landforms Flashcards
What is a Landform?
A landform is a specific shape or physical feature of the Earth’s surface which has been produced by a natural process.
What is a Landscape?
A landscape is a part of the Earth’s surface. It consists of a variety of geographical features that are characteristic of an area.
What is the Definition of ‘Aesthetic Value’?
The worth of something’s beauty or emotional appeal
What is the Definition of ‘Cultural Value’?
Cultural value is linked to the importance of landforms and landscapes as expressed by people through creative means.
What is Salinity?
Salinity refers to a high level of salt in the soil, which kills plants.
What is Desertification?
Desertification is the transformation of fertile land into dry, desert-like areas.
What causes Desertification?
Human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing and poorly managed agriculture can cause desertfication.
What is soil erosion?
Soil erosion is the removal of topsoil faster than the soil-forming processes can replace it.
What are the two types of Salinity?
Dryland Salinity and Irrigated Salinity.
What is irrigated Salinity?
When extra water from irrigation enters the ground it also forces the water table to rise.
What is Dryland Salinity?
Salt in the underground water is forced to rise when we remove trees with deep root systems that keep the water table low in the ground.
Why is soil important?
Soil is important as it supports plants and animals. Soil is damaged by overfarming and other poor agricultural practices, affecting agriculture.
What are the four layers of the Earth?
Inner core, Outer Core, Mantle, Crust
What are the three types of Mountains?
Fold mountains, Block mountains, Volcanic Moutains.
What is a Block Moutain?
Block mountains are created when cracks in the Earth’s crust- known as faults- force blocks of land upwards.
What are fold Mountains?
Fold mountains are created by upward pressure where two tectonic plates collide.
What are Volcanic Mountains?
Volcanic mountains are created by volcanoes. They are created when magma pushes its way from beneath the Earth to the crust.
What are Hotspots?
A point not on a plate boundary where there is tectonic activity
What is a Shield Volcano?
A wide, gently sloping mountain made of layers of lava and formed by quiet eruptions
What is a Geomorphic Hazard?
A geomorphological hazard is a danger that occurs as a result of changes to a landform, affecting the stability of the site and resulting in devastating effects on the area and those living there.
What is a Natural Disaster?
A natural disaster is the occurrence of an expected natural event that adversely affects the environment and people in that area.
What is a Natural Hazard?
A natural hazard is a known feature of an area that may cause loss of life, injury and/or property damage.
What is a Landslide?
A landslide is the movement of rock, debris, or eath down a slope.
What are some processes that contribute to a landslide?
- Heavy rains
- Building on slopes making the land less stable
- Hard surfaces (increases the runoff)
- Growth of cities means that people live in unsafe areas
- Clearing
What is the World Heritage List?
The World Heritage List is a list of the world’s most important natural and human features.
What does ‘sustainable’ mean?
able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.