Edexcel Geography GCSE UK landscapes

1. 1. Overview of UK’s physical landscape

2. Overview of UK Landscapes
Lesson 1: Geological Variations in the UK
Lesson Objectives:
• Identifying the 3 main groups of rock
• Identifying the UK’s main rock types
• Understanding the characteristics of these rock types

3. What are the 3 main groups of rock?
• Igneous
• Sedimentary
• Metamorphic

4. What do you know already?
On your mini white board:
In 3s – take a rock type each – think on your own,
share
and add

5. Now complete the first 2 columns of the A3 table
using your text book p. 12 (and p 2-4 Tomorrow’s
Geography) and stick into your exercise book
Extras:
Use your iPads to find out what is meant by
the ‘rock cycle’.
Quick video Intro to 3 types – stop at 2:50

6. Quick Check – Igneous Rocks – add to your table
Igneous rocks are formed by
cooling magma (molten rock
inside the Earth).
When it cools inside the
Earth it forms intrusive rock,
which has large crystals as it
has cooled slowly e.g.
granite.
Magma that has cooled on
the surface is known
as extrusive rock. This will
have small crystals as it has
cooled quickly e.g. basalt.
Igneous rocks are
hard as they are
made up of
interlocking
crystals. They are
therefore
resistant to
erosion.

7. Quick Check - Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary rocks are
formed from sediments that
have settled in layers at the
bottom of a lake or sea, and
have been compressed over
millions of years.
Compression cements the
particles together into a
rock.
The sediment comes from
eroded rocks carried there
by rivers or ice, and from the
skeletons of sea creatures.
Softer than
igneous and
metamorphic rocks
so themselves are
more susceptible
to erosion
Many different
types
Have a range of
resistance e.g.
sandstone = softer
carboniferous
limestone = harder
sedimentation
compaction
cementation

8. Quick Check – Metamorphic Rocks
Rocks subjected to extreme
pressure or heat change into a
new group of rocks called
METAMORPHIC ROCKS
Extreme pressures, such as
between two colliding tectonic
plates, sedimentary rocks can
change into metamorphic rocks.
This is called REGIONAL
METAMORPHISM
Also, where rocks are in contact
with areas of extreme heat,
such as near magma chambers,
metamorphic rocks can be
formed. This is called CONTACT
METAMORPHISM.
Metamorphic
rocks are very
hard and so
usually resistant
to weathering
and erosion.

9. What is the rock cycle? – rest of video from 2:50
• What did you find out?
• It explains how sedimentary, igneous
and metamorphic rocks are formed,
destroyed and reformed.
• What information should be added
to the arrows in the diagram opposite?
Have a go on your own copy.

10. Examples of the Rock Categories
Each of the 3 rock categories is made up of different types – some of
the ones found in the UK you need to know about:
1. Igneous - granite and basalt
2. Sedimentary – chalk and sandstone
3. Metamorphic – schist and slate

11. 10 Minutes Research, 10 Feedback
• In groups of 6 use your iPads to find out about the
properties of ONE of the examples each for the 3 main rock
groups (6 examples in total).
• Use your iPad to research and produce a fact file about the
formation and properties of your chosen rock example and
a picture
• Feedback to your group and air drop your fact file
1. Igneous - granite and basalt
2. Metamorphic – schist and slate
3. Sedimentary – chalk and clay

12. Homework – On Showbie
• Write a rap/song/poem to summarise the formation, properties and
location of the 3 types of rocks here is an example