Edexcel B GCSE Geography > The UK’s Evolving Physical Landscape > Physical Processes and Upland and Lowland Landscapes in the UK
Why Do Upland and Lowland Landscapes Look Different?
In the UK, the contrast between rugged uplands and gently sloping lowlands is easy to spot. These differences in landscape are not just about geology – they’re also shaped by weathering, climate, glaciation, river action, and slope processes working over time.
Let’s explore how these physical processes interact to create the UK’s varied physical geography.
Upland Landscapes – Shaped by Ice and Rock
Upland areas such as the Scottish Highlands, Snowdonia, and the Lake District are typically found in the north and west of the UK. These landscapes are steep, rocky, and dramatic. But why?
Weathering in Uplands
Mechanical (physical) weathering dominates, especially freeze–thaw weathering. This occurs when water enters cracks in rocks, freezes and expands, breaking the rock apart.
Biological weathering from plant roots and animals also contributes to breaking down rock in exposed upland areas.
Post-Glacial Processes
Glaciers carved upland landscapes during the last Ice Age. The glaciers eroded valleys into distinctive U-shaped troughs, leaving behind features such as corries, arêtes, and hanging valleys.
After the glaciers retreated, meltwater rivers flowed through these deep valleys, continuing to erode the landscape.
Deposits of glacial material, such as moraines and erratics, can still be found in upland areas.
Slope Processes
Mass movement such as rockfalls and soil creep are common due to the steep slopes and loose material.
These processes help transport weathered material downhill, shaping the slopes over time.
Lowland Landscapes – Gentler, Wetter, and More Fertile
Lowland areas like the Fens, the Thames Valley, and the South Downs are usually found in the south and east. These areas are lower, flatter, and often more fertile.
Climatological Weathering
Chemical weathering is more common here due to warmer and wetter conditions.
Carbonation affects chalk and limestone, where rainwater (slightly acidic) dissolves calcium carbonate in the rock.
Solution weathering and biological processes also break down softer rocks, such as clay.
River Processes
Lowland areas are dominated by river erosion, transport, and deposition.
Over time, rivers widen their valleys and create features like meanders, oxbow lakes, and floodplains.
Slopes in lowland areas are gentle, but slumping and soil creep can still occur on clay-rich or waterlogged ground.
Human activity (e.g. drainage or ploughing) can influence slope processes in these regions.
Why the differences?
Feature
Upland Areas
Lowland Areas
Geology
Hard, resistant rocks (e.g. granite, slate)
Softer sedimentary rocks (e.g. clay, chalk)
Weathering
Freeze–thaw, mechanical
Chemical and biological
Glacial impact
Strong – glacial erosion and landforms
Limited – mainly deposition
River action
Less significant (short, fast rivers)
Major role in shaping wide valleys
Slope processes
Rockfalls, soil creep on steep slopes
Slumping on clay slopes
Climate influence
Cold, wet conditions enhance freeze–thaw
Milder, wetter climate encourages chemical weathering
Summary
Upland Landscapes
Upland areas like the Scottish Highlands and Snowdonia are high, steep, and rugged. They are shaped by resistant rocks, glaciation, and physical weathering such as freeze–thaw.
Glacial and Post-Glacial Processes
Glaciers during the last Ice Age eroded upland valleys into U-shapes and left behind features like corries, arêtes, and moraines. After the ice retreated, meltwater rivers continued to shape the valleys.
Weathering in Uplands
Mechanical weathering, especially freeze–thaw, dominates in upland areas due to colder climates. Biological weathering from plant roots and animals also contributes to breaking down rock.
Lowland Landscapes
Lowland areas such as the Fens and Thames Valley are flat, fertile, and shaped by river processes. They are found mostly in the south and east of the UK and have softer sedimentary rocks.
Weathering in Lowlands
Chemical weathering is common in lowland regions with warmer, wetter climates. Carbonation and solution processes affect rocks like chalk and limestone, breaking them down gradually.
River and Slope Processes
In lowlands, rivers shape the land through erosion and deposition, forming features like meanders, oxbow lakes, and floodplains. Gentle slopes still experience processes like soil creep and slumping, especially on clay soils.
