The UK's Evolving Physical Landscape

• What has influenced the physical landscape of the UK?

  Geology and past processes
• What processes influence the UK's physical landscapes?

  • Geology
  • Past tectonic processes
  • Previous volcanic eruptions
  • Glacial processes:
  • Erosion (plucking, abrasion, weathering)
  • Deposition (drumlins, outwash plains)
• What is geology?

  The study of the structure of rocks
• What is plucking in glacial processes?

  Freezing onto the surface and removing sediment
• What is abrasion in glacial processes?

  Embedded sediment scouring the valley floor
• What is weathering in glacial processes?

  Freeze-thaw action splitting rocks apart
• What is deposition in glacial processes?

  Sediment put down as a glacier retreats
• What distinctive characteristics do these processes create?

  • Upland areas with resistant igneous and metamorphic rocks
  • U-shaped valleys, hanging valleys, scree slopes
  • Lowland landscapes with less resistant sedimentary rocks
  • Dip slopes and escarpments
• How are igneous rocks formed?

  When magma cools and solidifies
• What affects the grain size of igneous rocks?

  The rate at which magma cools
• How are sedimentary rocks formed?

  When sediments are deposited in layers
• What types of materials can form sedimentary rocks?

  Eroded rock particles and organic material
• How are metamorphic rocks formed?

  When rocks are exposed to intense pressure and temperature
• How do human activities differ in upland and lowland areas?

  • Upland areas:
  • Smaller settlements in flat valley bottoms
  • Use locally sourced materials (e.g., slates)
  • Lowland areas:
  • More suitable for diverse human activities
  • Settlements on spring lines and flatter plains