Paper 2: The UK's Physical Landscape Flashcards
How are igneous rocks formed?
When magma exits and cools above (or very near) the Earth’s surface
What are some characteristics of igneous rocks?
Contains mineral crystals, resistant
What are some examples of igneous rocks?
Granite, basalt
What are some characteristics of basalt?
Almost black, heavy, very resistant
How are sedimentary rocks formed?
Sediment becoming compacted and cemented
What are some characteristics of sedimentary rocks?
Contains fossils, the younger they are the less resistant and porous they will be
What are some examples of sedimentary rocks?
Chalk, carboniferous limestone, clay, sandstone, millstone grit
What are some characteristics of sandstone?
Slightly porous, those less than 100 million years old are weak, those more than 300 million years old are resistant
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
When rocks are subjected to high heat and pressure
What are some characteristics of metamorphic rocks?
Very resistant
What are some examples of metamorphic rocks?
Slate, schist, marble
What are some characteristics of marble?
Very resistant
What are the 3 processes of which the UK’s landscape has been created?
Sedimentation (geology), tectonic processes, glaciation
What is strata?
A layer or series of layers of rock in the ground
How has sedimentation influenced the UK’s landscape?
Coral reefs in the UK led to the formation of carboniferous limestone and other sedimentary rocks, creating layers of strata
How has glaciation influenced the UK’s landscape?
Glaciers formed U-shaped valleys by eroding away the land
How have tectonic processes influenced the UK’s landscape?
Tectonic processes cause changes in the landscape such as jagged cliffs as it dislodges land