The geology of the UK
I can explain the formation and distribution of rocks in the UK, and understand how past tectonic activity shaped the landscape.
- Year 8
The geology of the UK
I can explain the formation and distribution of rocks in the UK, and understand how past tectonic activity shaped the landscape.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The UK has a rich and varied geology with igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks present.
- England's lowland geology is dominated by sedimentary rocks, such as limestone.
- Scotland's geology is dominated by metamorphic rocks with areas of igenous rock.
- In the past, Britain was close to a plate boundary, and there was volcanic activity.
Keywords
Igneous - rocks formed from cooled magma/lava
Sedimentary - rocks formed from layers of compressed sediment
Metamorphic - rocks formed due to intense heat and pressure
Tectonic - the structure of Earth’s crust and how it was formed
Distribution - how something is spread out over a geographical area
Common misconception
The UK doesn't experience volcanic activity today, so volcanoes are not important to the UK's geological history.
The UK was once a volcanically active region due to its position near tectonic plate boundaries millions of years ago. Evidence of past volcanic activity includes: the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and the volcanic rocks in Snowdonia.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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