uk's physical landscape exam qs Flashcards
(10 cards)
Explain one reason why sedimentary rocks are usually eroded faster than igneous rocks. (2)
Sedimentary rocks are softer and more porous than igneous rocks, which are harder and more resistant. This makes sedimentary rocks erode faster.
Explain two ways in which human activities result in distinctive landscapes. (4)
Farming shapes the landscape by creating fields, hedgerows, and drainage systems. Over time, this leads to rural landscapes characterized by patchwork fields and farm buildings.
The construction of towns and cities transforms the natural landscape into built environments. This includes roads, housing estates, and industrial areas, resulting in a distinctly urban landscape.
Explain how coastal erosion processes create cliffs. You may use a diagram to help your answer. (4)
Cliffs are formed by the action of coastal erosion processes like hydraulic action and abrasion. Hydraulic action occurs when waves crash against the base of the rock, forcing air into cracks and causing the rock to break apart. Abrasion happens when rock fragments carried by waves grind against the coastline, wearing it away. Over time, the base of the cliff is eroded, creating a wave-cut notch. As the notch enlarges, the rock above becomes unstable and collapses, causing the cliff to retreat and form a steep face.
Explain one way in which wave height affects the rate of coastal erosion. (2)
Higher waves have more energy, creating stronger destructive waves that erode the base of cliffs more effectively through processes like hydraulic action.
Explain one reason why there may be an increase in the frequency of storms in the future. (2)
Rising sea temperatures increase evaporation, creating more low-pressure systems. This leads to more frequent and intense storms.
Explain one way in which hard engineering can reduce coastal erosion. (2)
Groynes trap sediment transported by longshore drift, building up the beach and reducing erosion by absorbing wave energy.
Explain one reason why some coastlines are protected whilst others are not. (4)
Some coastlines have high-value land and infrastructure like cities or transport routes. These areas are more likely to be protected because the economic losses from flooding would be severe. In contrast, low-value or sparsely populated coastlines may not justify the cost of coastal defences, as the benefits wouldn’t outweigh the costs.
Explain one reason why high discharge is likely to increase erosion. (2)
High discharge means there is more water flowing with greater energy, which increases the river’s ability to erode its banks and bed through hydraulic action.
Explain one way in which rivers transport their load. (2)
Suspension is when fine, light sediment is carried along while floating in the river water.
Explain one benefit of using hard engineering to manage flood risk. (2)
Hard engineering like embankments offers long-term protection from floods, often lasting decades without needing replacement.
