Geography - Landforms and Landscapes

What is the difference between the terms ‘natural’ and ‘built’ environment

Built environments are altered by humans whereas natural environments are not.

transportation

refers to the process of eroded or weathered material being moved to new locations by agents such as wind, water and ice.

deportation

refers to materials being dropped in new locations and may result in the new landforms being created.

erosion

is the process whereby soil and rocks are worn away and moved to a new location by agents such as wind, water or ice.

weathering

refers to the breakdown of rocks due to the action of rainwater, temperature change and biological action

lowland

rainforests that are found at altitudes below 1000 metres. Trees are tall and include a greater variety of fruiting trees. 

montane

rainforests are found at an altitude of 1000 metres or higher. These rainforests are not as threatened as others. 

how the water cycle and the formation of landscapes are interconnected.

The water cycle and the formation of landscapes are interconnected because water constantly moves through the air and constantly makes contact with the land. In this way landscapes are shaped by water, and distinct features are formed such as caves. 

precipitation

is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

condensation

the process by which water vapor in the air is transformed into liquid water

groundwater

water that collects beneath the Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and fractures of rock formations.

run off

water that flows over the land surface after precipitation, eventually collecting in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.

evaporation

the process by which liquid water is transformed into water vapor, typically occurring when water is heated by the sun. This process is a key component of the water cycle.

swash

movement of water in a wave as it breaks onto a beach.

Backwash

movement of water from a broken wave as it runs down a beach, returning to the ocean.

Destructive waves

large powerful storm waves that have a strong backwash.

Mountains

a landscape that is higher then its surrounding environment

Deserts

are areas of low rainfall; they are an arid or dry environment. They can experience temperature extremes: hot by day and freezing at night.

Rainforests

are the most diverse landscapes on Earth. They are found in a variety of climates, ranging from the hot wet tropics to the cooler temperate areas. The lush vegetation found in these regions depends on a high level of rainfall.

Grasslands

savanna, are sometimes seen as a transitional landscape found between forests and deserts. They contain grasses of varying heights and coarseness, and small or widely spaced trees. They are often inhabited by grazing animals.

Polar regions

tundra can be found in polar and alpine regions. Characterised by permafrost, they are too cold for trees to grow. 

Aquatic landscapes

cover around three-quarters of the Earth and can be classified as freshwater or marine. Marine landscapes are the saltwater regions of the world and include oceans and coral reefs. Freshwater landscapes are found on land, and include lakes, rivers and wetlands.

•Karst landscapes

A landscape formed by dissolved rocks. And example is a blow hole or a cave

what is a longshore drift

Longshore drift occurs when sand moves along a shore - the sand is moved by wave action. Waves will be approaching at an angle and material is deposited at this same angle. 

Physical

occurs where water is continually freezing and thawing. The water penetrates cracks and holes in the rocks. As water freezes it expands, making the cracks larger. Over time the rock breaks apart.

Chemical

some rocks, such as limestone, contain chemicals that react with water causing the limestone to dissolve.

Biological

living organisms such as algae produce chemicals that break down rocks. They can also be forced apart by plant roots.