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Examine the role of the processes of erosion on the formation of one fluvial landform or one coastal landform or one glacial landform that you have studied - Leaving Cert Geography - Question (i) or (ii) - 2020
Question (i) or (ii)
Examine the role of the processes of erosion on the formation of one fluvial landform or one coastal landform or one glacial landform that you have studied. Or Des... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Examine the role of the processes of erosion on the formation of one fluvial landform or one coastal landform or one glacial landform that you have studied - Leaving Cert Geography - Question (i) or (ii) - 2020
Step 1
Examine the role of the processes of erosion on the formation of one fluvial landform or one coastal landform or one glacial landform that you have studied.
Answer
To answer this question, I will examine the processes of erosion, focusing specifically on a fluvial landform: the river valley.
Processes of Erosion
Erosion involves the wearing away of the earth's surface through wind, water, or ice. Key processes include:
- Hydraulic Action: The force of moving water can dislodge and transport materials from riverbanks and beds.
- Abrasion: Eroded particles carried by the water scrape and wear down the banks and bed, deepening and widening the channel.
- Attrition: Rocks and particles collide with each other, breaking down into smaller, smoother pieces.
- Solution: Dissolving of soluble materials in the water contributes to erosion, particularly in limestone regions.
Impact on the Formation of a River Valley
The combined effects of these processes contribute significantly to the formation of a river valley:
- Formation: As water flows, hydraulic action starts to erode the riverbanks, while abrasion further deepens the channel, creating a V-shaped valley over time.
- Landform Characteristics: The continuous erosion leads to wider and deeper valleys, often characterized by steep sides and a flat bottom.
This examination shows that processes of erosion play a crucial role in shaping landforms in fluvial environments.
Step 2
Describe and explain the factors governing the operation of one mass movement process that you have studied.
Answer
To address this question, I will describe and explain the factors that govern the operation of landslides, a common mass movement process.
Mass Movement Process: Landslides
Landslides are the downward movement of rock, soil, or debris under the influence of gravity. Various factors influence their occurrence:
Factors Governing Landslides
- Slope Angle: Steeper slopes are more prone to landslides due to the increased gravitational force acting on the material.
- Water Content: Increased moisture can saturate the soil, decreasing its cohesion and making it more susceptible to sliding.
- Vegetation Cover: The presence of vegetation helps stabilize slopes by anchoring soil with roots. Removal of vegetation (e.g., deforestation) increases risk.
- Geological Composition: Certain materials, such as clay, are more prone to landsliding than others due to their plasticity and how they react to water.
Explanation of the Operating Process
When a combination of these factors occurs, such as heavy rainfall saturating a steep slope, the cohesive forces in the soil can weaken significantly.
- As gravity overcomes this cohesion, a mass of soil or rock may begin to move.
- This movement can occur rapidly, resulting in a landslide that can cause significant damage to the environment and infrastructure.
In summary, the understanding of these factors is essential to predict and mitigate the risks associated with landslides.