Section 4.1 (geology and the UK)

Question 1

What is the line that separates the two main rock types in the UK? What has occurred on one side that has not occurred on the other side?

Answer 1

The Tees-Exe line (runs from Teeside to Exeter) separates the two main rock types. On the northern area of the line, the landscape was glaciated during the ice age. However, the ice never reached past the Tees-Exe line.

Question 2

Name the three rock types

Answer 2

Sedimentary, Metamorphic, Igneous

Question 3

How are sedimentary rocks formed? Give some examples of sedimentary rocks.

Answer 3

Sedimentary rocks form from eroded sediments transported by rivers. Some are resistant (e.g.limestone) whilst others crumble easily (e.g. shale)

Question 4

How are igneous rocks formed? Give some examples of igneous rock.

Answer 4

Igneous rocks are formed from lavas and magmas. When cooled, they crystallised. They are mostly very resistant to erosion. e.g. granite

Question 5

How are metamorphic rocks formed? Give some examples.

Answer 5

Metamorphic rocks are sedimentary rocks that have been applied to intense heat and pressure, hardening them and rendering them more resistant. e.g. marble, gneiss, schist

Question 6

What landscapes do glaciers cause?

Answer 6

Glaciers destroy anything in their paths. Therefore, they cause huge U-shaped valleys. Misfit rivers often run through these valleys

Question 7

What is scree? How is it formed?

Answer 7

Scree are angular shaped rocks broken away due to freeze-thaw weathering.

Question 8

What is the highest point in the UK?

Answer 8

Scafell Pike (978m)

Question 9

Compare igneous and metamorphic rocks

Answer 9

Igneous rocks are made from lavas and magmas cooling to form solid rocks. Metamorphic rocks however are sediments that have been put under intense heat and pressure. Both rock types are very resistant.

Question 10

Explain how glacial erosion and deposition shaped UK uplands

Answer 10

Glaciers have carved out huge amounts of land forming colossal U-shaped valleys. They deposit very fertile soil, ideal for farming. A misfit stream sometimes runs through the carved out valley.

Question 11

Give the approximate age and examples of UK igneous rocks

Answer 11

Basalt (approximately 1.2 billion years old), granite (approximately 1.6 billion years old)