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Unit 1: Physical Aspect

Position

British Isles lie off the northwest coast of continental Europe. Britains geographicalposition is marked by 0 longitude; by latitude 50N in south west England; and by

latitude 60N.

Size Great Britain: 93,000 sq. miles

England: 50,000 sq. miles

Wales: 8,000 sq. miles

Scotland: 30,000 sq. miles

Northern Ireland: 5,000 sq. miles

ReliefBetween earth movements sub-tropical periods intervened, swamp (hmedo) forests

covered most lowland zones. These were buried by sand, soil and mud (barro) so that

the forests fossil remains became the coal deposits of Modern British Isles.

During latter age periods glaciers moved southwards over most of the British Isles,

except Southern England.

The raised land areas were gradually worn away by weathering agents (wind, ice and

water). These geological and weathering changes shaped the details of the valleys and

plains and dictated the seating of Britains major rivers.

Era Consequences

Precambrian Eroded oldest stones in the north of Scot.

Primary (Paleozoic) Uplands in Ireland and Scotland

Terciary (Alpine) Formed valleys and plains in East Anglia

Quaternary (Ice Age) Moulded Highlands in Britain

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Climate Variability: the weather can change daily.

Equable: lack of extremes. Winters are mild and summers are warm.

Other Influences:

Anticyclones: high

pressure area which prevent clouds from forming.

Tropical air from

Sahara: Dry air

Regional descriptionEngland

Population: 48,000,000

Consists of highland areas in the north and west and of flat lowland countryside.

Plants: Fruit trees (apple, cherry)

Animals: fox, rabbit and hedger

Resources: minerals

Wales

Population: 2,000,000

Highland country: hills and mountains broken by deep valleys created by rivers.

Atlantic drift

Brings warm air

European airstreams

Makes:

Winters: mild

Summers: warm

Arti

cai

r Brings snow, warms

summers and rainfall

North Atlantic currentWesterlies bring

warm and moist air,

which bring rain

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Lowland zones: restricted to the narrow costal belts and lower parts of rivers and

valleys.

Plants: oak and conifers.

Animals: hare, rabbit and otter.

Resources: Coal

Scotland

It can be divided in 3 areas:

North west: Grampians + Islands (not so populated)

Central low lands: commercial place (3/4 of the population)

Southern upland: hills

Plants: Vegetation in elevated areas

Animals: Deer, rabbit, wildcat, salmon and troud

Resources: Coal and hydroelectric power potential.

Northern Ireland Population: 1,600,000

Situated near Scotland (producing migration in both directions)

Separated from Ireland since 1921

Rocky northern coast

Fertile south plain

Lough Neagh (Britains largest lake)

Plants: Orchid

Animals: pollan, whitefish

Resources: fertile soils and waterpower

National Parks

The lake district

The Lake District national park is the largest of the National Parks in Wales and

England. It was established to conserve the natural beauty of this glaciated highland

region for public enjoyment. It is glaciated highland region.

Its a unique area for:

U-shaped valleys

Hanging valleys

Tarns (mountain lakes)

Ribbon lakes (formed by glacier movements)

The Economy on the park is based on:

Turism

Forestry

Hill farming: of sheep and cattle. It is very difficult due to the harshness of the

environment (low sunshine, thin soils, rock outcrops, deeper soils remain

flooded)

Water provision

Conservation: The Lake District receives millions of visitors every year. Special

measures are needed to conserve the area as a whole. The aim is to secure balance

between the development of tourist environment and the conservation of the park.

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Main Characteristics:

Varied coastline: broad bays and rugged cliffs.

Headlands: rocks + sandstones.

Economy based on:

Farming: arable farming (cereals) in costal areas (reduced). Sheep on steeper

slope.

Forestry: Coniferous plantations

Manufacturing: Agricultural processing + craft industries. Also oil industry.

Tourism: Main activity. Fine beaches, clear waters on coast.

Pressures on the park:

Main problem: Oil industry (authorities are against it and the Government for).

Refineries affects the enjoyment of landscape.

Tourism: Find a balance between publics desire to enjoy and preservation of

nature.