Topic overview
What you need to know
UK landscapes are shaped by geology, climate and geomorphic processes. Rivers and coasts change through weathering, mass movement, erosion, transport and deposition.
Exam tip
For any landform, name the processes and explain them in the correct order; annotated diagrams can strengthen the sequence.
Core knowledge
Key facts for UK Physical Landscapes
Hydraulic action
Erosion caused when the force of water and compressed air break material from a river bank or cliff.
Abrasion
Erosion caused when rocks carried by water scrape and wear away the channel or cliff.
Longshore drift
The movement of sediment along a coast as angled swash and straight backwash create a zigzag path.
Deposition
The dropping of transported material when water loses energy.
Hard engineering
Managing erosion or flooding with artificial structures such as sea walls, dams or groynes.
Soft engineering
Managing natural processes with approaches such as beach nourishment, flood warnings or managed retreat.
Finished learning?
Mark the notes complete, then test what you can recall.