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.
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.
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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.
To help you plan your year 8 geography lesson on: The geology of the UK, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 geography lesson on: The geology of the UK, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 geography lessons from the Rocks, weathering and soil: Why is geology important? unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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