Glacial Systems: Ice Dynamics & Upland Landscapes — A-Level Geography Revision
Revise Glacial Systems: Ice Dynamics & Upland Landscapes for A-Level Geography. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
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Go to Dryland Landscapes & Hot Desert EnvironmentsWhat is Glacial Systems: Ice Dynamics & Upland Landscapes?
This topic focuses on the formation and movement of glaciers and ice sheets, and their role in shaping upland landscapes. It covers processes of glacial erosion (plucking and abrasion) and deposition, leading to the creation of landforms such as corries, arêtes, and moraines. The topic also considers the impact of deglaciation on these landscapes.
Board notes: Covered by AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. AQA has a focus on the concept of glacial systems as a whole. Edexcel requires knowledge of periglacial environments as well. OCR often asks students to interpret OS maps of glaciated areas.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
When asked to explain the formation of a glacial trough, a student should start by describing a pre-glacial river valley. They should then explain how the valley was widened, deepened, and straightened by a glacier moving through it, with plucking steepening the sides and abrasion deepening the floor. The answer should also mention the formation of truncated spurs and hanging valleys.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing the formation of a corrie with the formation of a drumlin.
- 2Not being able to distinguish between different types of moraine (lateral, medial, terminal).
- 3Describing glacial landforms without explaining the processes that formed them.
Glacial Systems: Ice Dynamics & Upland Landscapes exam questions
Exam-style questions for Glacial Systems: Ice Dynamics & Upland Landscapes with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel and OCR specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Glacial Systems: Ice Dynamics & Upland Landscapes
Core concept
This topic focuses on the formation and movement of glaciers and ice sheets, and their role in shaping upland landscapes. It covers processes of glacial erosion (plucking and abrasion) and deposition,…
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a glacier and an ice sheet?
A glacier is a body of ice that flows downhill, confined by valley sides. An ice sheet is a much larger mass of ice that covers a whole continent or large landmass, and is not confined by topography.
How do we know that glaciers have shaped the UK landscape?
The UK has many distinctive upland landscapes with features like U-shaped valleys, corries, and erratics (rocks transported by ice), which are all evidence of past glaciation during the Pleistocene epoch.