New
New
Year 10
AQA

UK landscapes - the role of geology and past processes

I can explain how geology, tectonics and glaciation have influenced the UK's upland and lowland landscapes.

New
New
Year 10
AQA

UK landscapes - the role of geology and past processes

I can explain how geology, tectonics and glaciation have influenced the UK's upland and lowland landscapes.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The UK has upland and lowland landscapes and river systems.
  2. Geology affects the shape and type of UK landscapes.
  3. Tectonic activity has helped form upland and lowland areas.
  4. Glacial erosion and deposition shaped upland and lowland landscapes.
  5. Geology is the study of the Earth.

Keywords

  • Landscape - an area shaped by physical and human processes

  • Igneous rocks - rocks formed when molten magma cools and solidifies

  • Sedimentary rocks - rocks made from compacted sediment layers over time

  • Metamorphic rocks - rocks changed by intense heat and/or pressure

  • Geology - the study of the Earth and its physical structure

Common misconception

Upland areas in the UK were created by glaciers.

Glaciers shaped many upland landscapes during the last Ice Age, but the original formation of mountains like those in Scotland and the Lake District was caused by tectonic activity millions of years ago.


To help you plan your year 10 geography lesson on: UK landscapes - the role of geology and past processes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

There are opportunities to relate landscapes mentioned in this lesson to OS map extracts and to map skills.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the terms to their definitions.
Correct Answer:upland,a highland area of land, often hilly or mountainous

a highland area of land, often hilly or mountainous

Correct Answer:lowland,a flat or gently sloping area of land at low elevation

a flat or gently sloping area of land at low elevation

Correct Answer:erosion,wearing away of land by wind, water or ice

wearing away of land by wind, water or ice

Correct Answer:coastline,the area where land meets the sea

the area where land meets the sea

Q2.
Which part of the UK has the most upland areas?
South-east England
East Anglia
Correct answer: Scotland
The Fens
Q3.
Which landform is most likely found in lowland areas?
Correct answer: River valley
Mountain peak
Cliff
Moorland
Q4.
What natural force shapes the UK’s coastline over time?
Farming
Correct answer: Erosion
Construction
Planting trees
Q5.
What best explains the difference between upland and lowland areas?
Correct answer: Height above sea level
Number of roads
How much rain they get
Type of trees growing there
Q6.
Why are coastal landscapes in the UK constantly changing?
People move there
Correct answer: Erosion by waves and tides
Trees grow quickly
Roads are built

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.
Correct Answer:Landscape,An area shaped by physical and human processes

An area shaped by physical and human processes

Correct Answer:Geology,Study of the Earth and its physical structure

Study of the Earth and its physical structure

Correct Answer:Igneous rocks,Formed when molten magma cools and solidifies

Formed when molten magma cools and solidifies

Correct Answer:Sedimentary rocks,Made from compacted sediment layers over time

Made from compacted sediment layers over time

Q2.
What causes metamorphic rocks to form?
Freezing and thawing
Correct answer: Heat and pressure
Rain and erosion
Cooling magma
Q3.
What role did glaciers play in shaping the UK?
Caused volcanoes
Correct answer: Carved valleys and shaped upland features
Formed sedimentary rocks
Created oil reserves
Q4.
Which statement shows confusion about upland areas?
Correct answer: Uplands in the UK were created by glaciers
Glaciers helped shape uplands
Tectonic activity formed original upland landforms
Uplands contain hard rock like granite