Physical Landscapes in the UK Flashcards
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
Metamorphic rocks are formed when heat and pressure cause other rocks to change. This results in the rock becoming harder and more compact
What are some examples of rocks metamorphing?
Shale becomes slate when exposed to heat and pressure. Slate becomes schist when exposed to more heat and pressure
Where are metamorphic rocks found in the UK?
Metamorphic rocks are found in large bands across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
How are sedimentary rocks formed?
Sedimentary rocks are formed when layers of sediment are compacted over time
What are some examples of sedimentary rocks?
Carboniferous limestone is a fairly hard rock formed from shells and skeletons of dead marine organisms. Chalk is formed like carboniferous limestone but is softer. Clay is a very soft rock made from mud and clay minerals.
Where is sedimentary rock found in the UK?
Chalk and clay are mainly found in South-East England with carboniferous limestone to the North and West.
How are igneous rocks formed?
Igneous rocks are formed when magma from the Earth’s mantle cools and hardens.
Where are igneous rocks found in the UK?
Igneous rocks are found mainly in Scotland, North-East England, the Lake District and Snowdonia.
Where are the majority of upland areas in the UK?
Most of the upland areas in the UK is located in Scotland, the Lake District and the Pennines in the North and North-West of the UK.
Where are the majority of lowland areas in the UK?
Most of the UK’s lowland is found in the South and East of the UK. Cities like Norwich are the largest towns in the East Anglia lowland area.
What are the three types of weathering?
- Mechanical weathering
- Chemical weathering
- Biological weathering
What is erosion?
The wearing away of rocks as a result of being picked up and moved somewhere else.
What is attrition?
When pieces of rock scrape against other pieces of rock in the river.
What is abrasion?
Heavier rocks being scraped along the bottom of the river, making it deeper and wider.
What is hydraulic action?
Rocks being shaped & eroded from the force of the water, it gradually wears away the banks when air is trapped.