Examine the impact of folding and faulting on the landscape - Leaving Cert Geography - Question Question 1 - 2007

Folding impacts the landscape primarily by creating mountainous regions and altering the topology of the areas where it occurs. For example, the Appalachian Mountains have a series of ridges and valleys that are characteristic of folded landscapes. The geological layers are compressed, creating complex structures such as anticlines and synclines, which contribute to elevated terrains and can influence local climate and vegetation. The folding also leads to the formation of natural resources like coal deposits, which are found within these folded strata, affecting both ecology and human activity.

A well-known landform resulting from faulting is the San Andreas Fault in California.

Faulting reshapes landscapes through the displacement of rock layers along fault lines. The San Andreas Fault exemplifies this process, where movement between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates has led to significant earthquakes and geological activity. The landscape is characterized by linear valleys, fault scarps, and changes in land elevation. These events can dramatically impact human settlements, infrastructure, and ecosystems, as they introduce risks and changes in land use patterns. Areas along the fault line may experience increased erosion and can lead to the formation of new habitats.