Characteristics of chalk and clay landscapes Chalk and clay is mainly found in the south east and east of England in lowland areas. Horizontal layers of chalk and clay sometimes tilt diagonally, due to tectonic activity. Clay is less resistant than chalk so it is eroded faster, leaving chalk sticking out to form escarpments and wide flat areas where the clay was eroded called vales. Escarpments have steep scarp slopes on one side, and gentle dip slopes on the other. This pattern of vales and escarpments can be seen in this diagram of The Weald in south east England. Chalk is a permeable rock that stores water, known as an aquifer. Clay is impermeable. Water flows through the chalk and surfaces where it meets an impermeable rock. Where the water emerges is called a spring line. Chalk areas also feature dry valleys, which were formed during the Ice Age when the ground was frozen and impermeable, but today the water flows underground beneath the valley. Uses of chalk and clay landscapes Chalk is quarried to use in cement for the building industry. Tourists are attracted to the scenery and enjoy activities such as hiking. The wide, flat vales are suitable for arable farming, livestock rearing and dairy farming. As chalk is an aquifer, it is used to supply drinking water using wells and pumps. Sources: Coordination Group Publishing Ltd. (CGP) (2010) GCSE Geography: The Revision Guide. CGP.
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