rocks

what are the UK’s 3 main rock types ?

sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic

what are the characteristics of sedimentary rocks ?

formed from layers of sediment, usually soften, often permeable, may contain fossils

examples of sedimentary rocks

limestone, sandstone

what are the characteristics of igneous rocks ?

formed from magma/ lava, hard, resistant, crystalline, not layered

examples of igneous rocks

granite, basalt

what are the characteristics of metamorphic rocks ?

changed by heat and pressure, hard, often banded or folded

examples of metamorphic rocks

slate, marble

how are the UK’s main rock types distributed ?

igneous and metamorphic rocks are mainly in the north and the west (e.g. scotland, snowdonia, lake district)

sedimentary rocks are mostly in the south and the east (e.g. midlands, south east england)

how do geology and past tectonic processes influence upland and lowland landscapes ?

hard igneous and metamorphic rocks resist erosion form uplands and mountains

softer sedimentary rocks erode more easily and form lowlands and river basins

past tectonic activity folded, uplifted and fractured rocks, shaping today’s relief

what is the tees-exe line ?

an imaginary line from the River Tees to the River Exe that divides the UK into:

north and west: harder rocks, upland landscapes

south and east: softer rocks, lowland landscapes

how do physical processes create distinctive upland and lowland landscapes ?

glacial erosion and deposition created U-shaped valleys, corries, drumlins

weathering and climate break down rock

post-glacial rivers shape valleys and floodplains

slope processes (like mass movement) shape hillsides

what are the different types of weathering ?

physical: freeze-thaw breaks rock apart

chemical: rainwater reacts with rock (e.g. carbonation in limestone)

biological: plant roots and organisms break down rock

how has human activity created distinctive landscapes over time ?

agriculture: field patterns, hedgerows, terracing

forestry: manage woodland, deforestation

settlement: towns, transport routes, quarrying, reservoirs

how do you use geological maps to describe the distribution of UK rock types ?

by identifying colours and patterns to locate where sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks are found and linking them to upland and lowland areas

how do geological cross-sections show the relationship between geology and relief ?

they show rock layers underground and how they relate to surface height, helping explain why some areas are upland and others lowland

how do you locate key physical features on outline UK maps ?

by accurately placing uplands (e.g. Scottish Highlands), lowland basins, and major rivers (e.g. Thames, Severn, Trent)

how do you recognise physical and human features on 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 OS maps

by using map symbols and the key to identify things like rivers, contours, forests, settlements, roads and railways

what are the factors affecting the south downs national park ?

agriculture (farming)

forestry

horse racing

settlements (building houses)

description of the use of agriculture

about 85% of the park is farmed, with around 1100 farm businesses

chalk grassland is used for sheep and horse grazing

clay lowlands are used for cattle grazing

lower slopes are used for arable farming (crops)

advantages of agriculture

supports the local economy and jobs (around 6% linked to agriculture)

some farming supports rare bird species

hedgerows create wildlife corridors

disadvantages of agriculture

arable farming destroys habitats

chalk grassland has declined due to chemicals and intensive farming

less traditional grazing has led to scrub encroachment, reducing biodiversity

description of the use of forestry

about 23.8% is woodland, mainly in the west

mix of deciduous and coniferous forest, including ancient woodland

advantages of forestry

ancient woodland provides diverse wildlife habitats

timber provides a renewable resource for building and fuel

disadvantages of forestry

woodland clearance for development threatens ancient woodland

loss of trees like hazel and chestnut reduces biodiversity

description of the use of horse racing

chalk grassland is ideal for stud farms and training stables

many are epsom, surrey

advantages of horse racing

brings income, jobs and tourism

horse grazing helps maintain chalk grassland habitats

disadvantages of horse racing

land degradation and soil erosion from training

habitat pressure and reduced space for wildlife

tracks and stables damage soil and change the landscape

description of the use of settlements (housing)

villages and towns are expanding to meet housing demand

population about 113,000; around 323 new homes needed per year

advantages of settlements

provides homes for a growing population

creates construction jobs and boosts the local economy

improves services like schools and shops

disadvantages of settlements

loss of green space and wildlife habitats

changes the rural character and landscape

more traffic and pollution