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The general location of Britain's iron and steel industry has changed over time - Junior Cycle Geography - Question A - 2007
Question A
The general location of Britain's iron and steel industry has changed over time. Explain why this happened. You may use the diagram below to assist you. Ancient for... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The general location of Britain's iron and steel industry has changed over time - Junior Cycle Geography - Question A - 2007
Step 1
Explain the Ancient Forest Sites
Answer
The iron and steel industry originally utilized charcoal for fuel, and its production was closely linked to ancient forest sites. The Forest of Dean, for instance, was vital because the ample wood supply provided the necessary charcoal for smelting iron. However, as wood resources were depleted due to extensive use, the industry began to relocate.
Step 2
Discuss the Shift to Coalfield Sites
Answer
With the exhaustion of forest resources, the industry transitioned to coalfield sites during the Industrial Revolution. Coal became a more efficient and cheaper fuel source for iron smelting. This shift enabled factories to operate on a larger scale and facilitated the rise of industrial centers near coalfields.
Step 3
Analyze the Move to Coastal Sites
Answer
Eventually, as coal resources also became increasingly exhausted and transportation costs diminished, the industry moved to coastal sites. This relocation was driven by the necessity to import raw materials more economically, allowing for greater flexibility and sustainability in operations. Thus, the industry's geographic distribution has been shaped by the availability of affordable energy sources and raw materials, leading to its current coastal locations.