Ice-shaping processes

Geography

This unit, comprising of three variants, teaches pupils about processes and landforms associated with coastal, river and glacial landscapes. Pupils will learn about the formative processes involved in creating distinctive landforms and of the need for management.

Coastal, river and glacial landscapes

Glaciers {{}} the landscape by the processes of abrasion and plucking.

{{}} are vast masses of ice that cover large areas of land, over 50 000 square kilometres.

During the day, higher temperatures cause snow to melt.

At night, temperatures drop below 0°C. The water freezes and expands.

The expanding ice pushes against the rock, making the crack larger.

The process repeats as freezing and thawing occur over time.

The crack continues to grow. Eventually, the rock weakens and pieces break off.

Order the process of freeze-thaw weathering.

the movement of material from one area to another

the movement of sediment from one place to another

a large body of water that flows over land

a large mass of ice that moves slowly over land

a type of rock formed by volcanic activity

a small, frozen body of water found in mountain ranges

a large mass of ice that covers vast areas of land

a type of glacier that only forms in the Arctic

a thin layer of ice found on lakes and rivers

Which period is known for extensive ice coverage?

Which areas in the UK were most affected by ice coverage during the last Ice Age?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Ice-shaping processes

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.