Coast

• What are the main physical processes that contribute to the differences in landscapes across the UK?


  Erosion, weathering, tectonic processes, rock type, resistance of the rock, climate, and human activity
• How do current and past climates influence UK landscapes?

  They affect erosion processes and the role of ice in shaping the land
• What role does rock type play in the landscape of the UK?

  Different rock types affect the resistance to erosion and landscape formation
• How does river erosion contribute to landscape differences in the UK?

  It shapes valleys and alters landforms over time
• What is the role of volcanic activity in shaping landscapes?

  It forms landscapes through the hardening of magma into basic rock
• What are the two types of igneous rocks and how do they form?

  • Extrusive igneous rocks: Form when magma spills onto the surface and cools (e.g., basalt)
  • Intrusive igneous rocks: Form when magma cools slowly before reaching the surface (e.g., granite)
• What are sedimentary rocks and how do they form?

  • Formed from tiny particles of sand and clay eroded from landscapes
  • Deposited in layers
  • Examples: sandstones, clays, shales, carboniferous limestone, chalk, and coal
• What does metamorphic mean and how do metamorphic rocks form?

  • Metamorphic means 'changed form'
  • Formed from igneous or sedimentary rocks transformed by extreme heat or pressure
  • Examples: sandstone → quartzite, limestone → marble
• How do sedimentary rocks contribute to lowland areas in the southeast of the UK?

  They are easily eroded, leading to the formation of lowland areas
• What is weathering in geology?

  Weathering is the breakdown of rocks in their place of origin
• What are the three types of weathering?

  1. Physical/mechanical weathering
  2. Biological weathering
  3. Chemical weathering
• What is freeze-thaw weathering?

  It is when water collects in rock cracks, freezes, expands, and causes rock fragments to break off
• How does biological weathering occur?

  It occurs through the actions of plants or animals
• What is chemical weathering?

  It is the decomposition of rocks caused by chemical reactions, such as acidic rainwater
• How does salt weathering occur?

  Salt crystals grow in rock cracks, expanding and putting pressure on the rocks
• What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

  • Weathering: Breakdown of rocks in situ
  • Erosion: Wearing away and removal of land by natural forces
• What is mass movement in geology?

  It is the shifting of large amounts of soil and rock debris due to gravity
• What are the types of mass movement?

  1. Rockfall
  2. Landslide
  3. Slumping
  4. Mudflow
• What is a scarp in geology?

  A scarp is a cliff, steep slope, or ridge of higher land
• What is a watershed?

  A watershed is an area of highland that divides two drainage basins
• What is the impact of climate on the erosion of sedimentary rocks?

  Climate affects the rate of erosion, especially through processes like acid rain
• How does the presence of ice influence the landscape?

  Ice can shape the land through erosion and deposition processes
• How does the hardness of igneous rocks affect their landscape formation?

  Hard igneous rocks resist erosion, maintaining height and forming mountains
• What is the relationship between rock type and landscape features in the UK?

  Different rock types lead to varying landscape features due to their resistance to erosion
• What is weathering?

  Weathering is the breakdown of rocks on the earth's surface in their place of origin.
• What is physical weathering?

  Physical weathering is the disintegration of rock without a chemical change.
• What are examples of physical weathering?

  Examples of physical weathering include exfoliation and freeze-thaw weathering.
• How does freeze-thaw weathering occur?

  1. Water collects in cracks or holes in the rock.
  2. Water freezes at night and expands, deepening the cracks.
  3. When temperatures rise, the ice thaws and water seeps deeper.
  4. Repeated cycles cause rock fragments to break off.
• What is chemical weathering?

  Chemical weathering is the decomposition of rocks caused by chemical reactions within the rock.
• How does acidic rainwater contribute to chemical weathering?

  Acidic rainwater, containing carbon dioxide, reacts with calcium carbonate in rocks, dissolving them.
• What is salt weathering?

  Salt weathering occurs when seawater evaporates, leaving salt crystals that expand in rock cracks.
• What causes mass movement?

  Mass movement is caused by the shifting of large amounts of soil and rock debris due to gravity.
• What are the types of mass movement?

  • Rockfall
  • Landslide
  • Slumping
  • Mudflow
• What is a rockfall?

  A rockfall occurs when fragments of rock break away from a cliff face, often due to freeze-thaw weathering.
• What is a landslide?

  A landslide is when blocks of rock slide downhill.
• What is slumping?

  Slumping is when saturated soil and weak rock flow down a slope along a curved surface.
• What is a mudflow?

  A mudflow occurs when saturated soil and rock debris flow down a slope.
• What is a watershed?

  A watershed is an area of highland that divides two drainage basins.
• What is a scarp?

  A scarp is a cliff, steep slope, or ridge of higher land.
• What is a vale?

  A vale is a term used instead of saying valley.