Glacial Landscapes

    OCR
    GCSE

    This study area demands a rigorous understanding of glacial systems as open systems governed by the glacial budget. Candidates must analyse the interrelationship between process (erosion, transport, deposition) and form (upland/lowland landscapes). The scope extends from the relict landscapes of the Pleistocene (Devensian) to contemporary active glacial environments, requiring evaluation of the physical mechanisms of ice movement (basal slip, internal deformation) and the anthropogenic challenges facing fragile glacial environments today.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit precise sequencing of geomorphic processes (e.g., freeze-thaw weathering, plucking, abrasion, rotational slip) when explaining landform formation.
    • Award marks for accurate identification of glacial features (corries, arêtes, glacial troughs) using contour patterns on 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 OS maps.
    • Candidates must link specific geological characteristics (rock resistance) to the resultant landscape relief.
    • Credit responses that evaluate the management of human impacts (tourism, farming, forestry) with specific reference to a named UK case study (e.g., Lake District or Snowdonia).

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You identified the landform correctly, but failed to cite the specific contour evidence from the map."
    • "Your explanation of plucking needs to explicitly mention the refreezing of meltwater onto the bedrock."
    • "Connect the physical landscape feature directly to the economic activity it supports (e.g., steep slopes for climbing/hiking)."
    • "When assessing management, weigh the environmental benefits against the economic costs to reach a Level 3 judgment."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit precise sequencing of geomorphic processes (e.g., freeze-thaw weathering, plucking, abrasion, rotational slip) when explaining landform formation.
    • Award marks for accurate identification of glacial features (corries, arêtes, glacial troughs) using contour patterns on 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 OS maps.
    • Candidates must link specific geological characteristics (rock resistance) to the resultant landscape relief.
    • Credit responses that evaluate the management of human impacts (tourism, farming, forestry) with specific reference to a named UK case study (e.g., Lake District or Snowdonia).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When explaining formation, use the 'Process-Sequence-Result' structure to ensure full marks.
    • 💡Always quote evidence from the map (grid references, spot heights, contour intervals) to support descriptions of relief.
    • 💡Memorize specific place names within your case study (e.g., Red Tarn, Helvellyn) to move beyond generic responses.
    • 💡Differentiate clearly between erosional landforms (highland) and depositional landforms (lowland) to avoid classification errors.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'weathering' (in situ breakdown) with 'erosion' (wearing away during movement).
    • Describing a V-shaped valley instead of a U-shaped valley (glacial trough) characteristics.
    • Failing to provide specific 6-figure grid references when asked to locate features on an OS map insert.
    • Providing generic management strategies without linking them to the specific conflict (e.g., footpath erosion vs. visual pollution).

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Describe
    Explain
    Assess
    Evaluate
    Calculate
    Interpret

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