canyon
chasm
cave
moraine
cirque
glacier tongue
U-shaped
valley
V-shaped
valley
2
2. Relief
33
Fluvial relief
Fluvial relief is created by rivers.
Rivers begin in the mountains, in the form of
streams
(short,
fast flows of water) which erode and carry rocks as they
descend. Over time, this action forms V-shaped valleys.
Later, the river transports and deposits these rocks forming
fluvial terraces
, which are flat areas at the sides of the river,
at different heights.
Glacial relief
Glacial relief is formed by glaciers.
In the mountains and in polar regions, water freezes and
accumulates in large bodies of ice (glaciers) which are
extremely heavy and strong. When they move, glaciers erode
and transport rocks, depositing them in the area where they
melt.
The movement of glaciers forms U-shaped valleys (due to
the weight and erosion caused by the body of ice), lakes and
deposits of rocks and mud, called
moraines
.
LANDFORMS CREATED BY WATER
Karst relief
This relief is created by the action of water on permeable
rock, such as limestone. Permeable rock allows water to filter
through it, exposing the rock to the action of water.
Deep
canyons
5
or
gorges,
with almost vertical sides, are
created. Underground, the water dissolves the rock, forming
caves
or caverns, with lakes,
chasms
(narrow, deep cavities),
stalactites
6
and
stalagmites
7
.
Apply
10.
Look at two photos of coastal relief and explain the action of the sea
in each case. Give examples of places in Spain with these landforms.
Analyse
11.
In which regions of the world do dune landscapes predominate?
What agent creates this type of relief?
12.
Explain how these landforms are created:
fluvial terrace, moraine,
canyon, chasm, cave, beach.
Create
13.
Find images of agorgeor a canyon
and a glacial valley. Explain the
similarities and differences.
14.
Find out about opencast mines.
What minerals are extracted
there? What impact do they have
on the environment?
