![]() Characteristics of granite landscapes The main landforms found in granite areas are tors (see photograph of Saddle Tor, above) Over time the material above an area of granite is weathered and removed by rivers and glaciars. This reduces the pressure on the granite beneath, causing cracks called joints. Rock with joints close together are weathered and broken down more quickly than sections with fewer joints, meaning that they are weathered more slowly than surrounding rock. As the weathered material is removed over time, it leaves rocky outcrops sticking out of the surface. A more in-depth explanation can be found here. However, this is for A Level students, so a more simplified description should be sufficient for GCSE level. http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/learningabout/lab-printableresources/lab-factsheetshome/lab-torformation Due to the impermeable rock and the high rainfall in many granite areas, the soil is waterlogged and acidic. This leads to moorlands, marches and bogs with low-growing vegetation, as can be seen in the photograph above. Deep, steep V-shaped valleys are also formed by streams eroding cracks in the rock. Uses of granite landscapes Granite is quarried and used as building stone. For example, Aberdeen is known as the Granite City due to the amount of granite used in building construction. Granite areas have poor soils unsuitable for arable farming or dairy farming, but they can be suitable for rearing livestock. The impermeable rock makes granite areas suitable for reservoirs. The unique landscapes of granite areas also attract tourists, as we will look at in more detail in the Dartmoor case study, found in the Teaching Ideas section. Sources: S-Cool (2015) Rocks and landscapes: Granite. [Accessed on 11/08/15] Availablefrom: http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/geography/rocks-and-landscapes/revise-it/granite Dartmoor National Park Authority Geology and Landforms 'Tor formations - Dartmoor Factsheet' [Accessed on 11/08/15] Available from: http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/learningabout/lab-printableresources/lab-factsheetshome/lab-torformation Coordination Group Publications Ltd. (CGP) (2010) GCSE Geography: The Revision Guide. CGP
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