Chalk and Clay Scenery

Distribution

Describe the distribution (the spread and location) of chalk in England

Chalk is sedimentary rock

Chalk tends to form in bands – beds that cover large areas

Characteristics

Chalk is a permeable rock – it allows water to pass through it

It is also porous – this means there is a high proportion of pores in chalk. It is these pores that allow water into chalk which often makes it waterlogged

Rainwater soaks through the pores until it reaches the water table – this is the upper surface of underground water storage

Where the water table reaches the surface springs are formed

Characteristics

Chalk is a pure form of limestone and rich in calcium carbonate which means it’s vulnerable to chemical weathering and carbonation

As it contains joints and pores it is also vulnerable to freeze-thaw weathering

Chalk escarpment

Box hill

Steep scarp slope

Clay vale. Notice the roads and rail links

View from Box Hill over clay vale

The clay vale is wetter with longer grass. Dairy farming is practiced. It is easier to build roads and settlements on the flatter

clay The clay can be used for brick making

Devils DykeEast

Sussex

Dry valley

Look out from the top of Box Hill

Chalk and flint provides good and attractive building material

Epsom DownsThe chalk is good for racehorse training