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Answer (i) or (ii) - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2019
Question 1
Answer (i) or (ii). (i) Explain, with the aid of diagrams, the formation of any two landforms. Or (ii) Describe and explain any two processes of mass movement.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Answer (i) or (ii) - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2019
Step 1
Explain, with the aid of diagrams, the formation of any two landforms.
Answer
To address this question, we will discuss the formation of two distinct landforms: Glacial Valleys and Sand Dunes.
1. Glacial Valleys
Glacial valleys are created through the process of glaciation. As glaciers move, they erode the landscape creating a U-shaped valley.
Diagram:
[Insert Diagram of a Glacial Valley]
Formation Process:
- Erosion: Glaciers, being heavy masses of ice, carve out valleys through both abrasion and plucking.
- U-Shaped Profile: As the glacier retreats, the valley retains a U-shape rather than a V-shape typical of river valleys.
2. Sand Dunes
Sand dunes form in arid environments where there is a limited vegetation cover.
Diagram:
[Insert Diagram of Sand Dunes]
Formation Process:
- Wind Erosion and Transportation: Wind erodes loose sand from a flat area and deposits it in a specific location, typically on the leeward side of an obstacle.
- Barchan Dunes: These are crescent-shaped dunes formed when the wind blows predominantly in one direction.
Step 2
Describe and explain any two processes of mass movement.
Answer
In this section, we will discuss two key processes of mass movement: Landslides and Slumps.
1. Landslides
Landslides occur when there is a sudden and fast movement of rock or soil down a slope.
Mechanism:
- Trigger: Factors include heavy rainfall, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions that increase the water content of soil, reducing friction.
- Movement Type: The materials involved can range from soil to large rocks, which can slide or flow rapidly.
2. Slumps
Slumps are a slower form of mass movement that involves the rotational movement of materials.
Mechanism:
- Characteristics: A slump occurs when a block of soil or rock moves downward along a curved surface.
- Factors Influencing Slumps: Water saturation and steep slopes often lead to this type of mass movement, which may exhibit a distinct scarp at the top and a bulging toe at the base.