The characteristics of landscapes in the UK

What is geology?

Geology is all about the rocks beneath our feet. It is one of the most important factors affecting the physical and human landscapes of the UK. It is possible to identify three types of rock.

What are the three types of rocks able to identify?

• Igneous

• Sedimentary

• Metamorphic

How is igneous rock formed?

Magma that has cooled either on the ground surface on the ground surface (extrusive) when a volcano erupts or below the ground (intrusive)

What are the characteristics of igneous rock?

Tough and resistant to erosion; igneous rocks often form uplands

What are some examples of igneous rock?

• Dartmoor (granite)

• Northern Ireland (basalt)

• Chilling Hills (gabbro)

How is sedimentary rock formed?

Rocks formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediment, usually in the ocean

What are the characteristics of sedimentary rock?

Variable resistance to erosion, chalk and limestone are resistant and will form uplands, whereas weaker clays and sands form lowlands

What are some examples of sedimentary rock?

• Chalk ridges and escarpments (for example, Lincolnshire, the Chilterns and the South Downs)

• Limestone (for example, the Pennines)

• Sand and gravels (lowlands in southern England)

How is metamorphic rock formed?

Existing rocks that have undergone change due to extreme heating or pressure

What are the characteristics of metamorphic rock?

Very tough and resistant to erosion, often forming uplands

What are some examples of metamorphic rocks?

• Slate, schist and gneiss form uplands (for example, Snowdonia and the Scottish mountains)

What does figure 3 show and explain?

A simplified map showing the geology of the UK. The great range of colours representing different rocks explains the variety of UK landscapes.

What does geology have an influence on?

Determining the location of built locations

Where have they encouraged industrial location and urbanisation?

In areas where rocks such as coal (valuable sources of energy) or metal ores found in limestone (contain raw materials) occur at or close to the surface.

What was the development of Middlesbrough in the north-east of England based on?

Nearby mineral resources, which supplied the local chemical industry

What is climate?

Climate is the long-term average weather conditions, calculated over a period of 30 years.

What is the relationship between climate and landscapes like in the UK?

Climate of the UK has a role to play in creating the UK’s distinctive landscapes, but it is also affected by the landscapes - it is a two-way relationship

What climate does the UK have?

Maritime climate

Where does the UK’s prevailing wind come from?

South-west

What does the climate and prevailing wind account for?

The generally high rainfall and moderate temperatures through the year.

Describe the rainfall in the UK

The uplands - particularly in the west - receive a high proportion of the rainfall, with the lowlands in the south and east tending to be drier

Explain the rainfall in the UK

The moist wire from the Atlantic is forced to rise and cool over the western uplands, forming rain-baring clouds.

What is the type of rain formed because of the moist air from the Atlantic being forced to rise and cool over the western uplands known as?

Relief rainfall

What can the drier regions to the east be described as?

Being in the ‘rain shadow’

Describe temperature in the UK

Temperatures tend to be lower in the uplands that in the lowlands, with frost and snow being common hazards in the winter.

Explain temperature in the UK

Temperature falls on average by 0.6*C per 100 meters of altitude, therefore the uplands tend to experience lower temperatures.

What does climate effect?

Physical processes such as weathering and erosion

What is a very active process in the uplands and what does this result in?

Freeze-thaw → jagged rock surfaces and accumulations of scree on mountainsides

What are rivers like in uplands?

Fast flowing (due to high rainfall) and very erosive in uplands, carving deep V-shaped valleys

What has extreme cold in the uplands in the past lead to?

The formation of ice caps and glaciers, which carved spectacular landscapes

How has human activity changed the landscape?

Transformed the landscape of the UK from largely frosted landscape at the end of the last ice age (about 10, 000 years ago) to the present day’s agricultural and urbanised landscape.

What is human activity like in the uplands?

These areas are sparsely popular due to the harsh climate and steep relief.

Human activity is limited to extensive sheep rearing and forestry.

Reservoirs have been created in some areas to supply water and to generate hydroelectric power.

In recent years, wind farms have been constructed in some upland areas, exploiting strong winds.

What is human activity like in the lowlands?

These areas are more densely populated due to the moderate climate and gentler relief.

Commercial farming dominates the countryside and much of this landscape is urbanised or cross-crossed by transport and service infrastructure.