Theme Pack 5

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z849q6f/articles/z4g3qp3

What are mountains?Mountains are areas of land that are much higher than the land surrounding them. They are higher and usually steeper than a hill and are generally over 600 metres high. They are often found together in a group called a mountain range.

Some well-known mountain ranges in the four countries that make up the UK include:

the Cairngorms in Scotland

the Pennines in England

the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland

Snowdonia in Wales

How are mountains formed?The highest mountain ranges are created by tectonic plates pushing together and forcing the ground up where they meet. This is how the mountains of the Himalayas in Asia were formed.

Tectonic plates are also at work under the Atlantic Ocean, but instead of forcing the ground up, the two plates in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean are actually moving apart in opposite directions. This causes lava to erupt out of the gap that is left. As it cools down, the lava creates a long line of mountains - the longest mountain range on Earth.

Other mountains - usually those that stand on their own - are created by ancient volcanoes. Ben Nevis in Scotland was once a very large active volcano. It last erupted millions of years ago and the eruption was so violent that it caved in on itself.

The highest mountains in the UK are:

1. Ben Nevis in Scotland (also the highest in the UK)

2. Scafell Pike in England

3. Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland

4. Snowdon in Wales

1. 2.

3. 4.

Task 1Draw a diagram and explain each of the different types of mountains.

Use the supporting information and the following website to help you.https://www.theschoolrun.com/homework-help/mountains

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z3fycdm/articles/zvys8xs

Let's explore the Lake District

Where is the Lake District?The Lake District is a national park and World Heritage Site in North West England. It is home to the highest mountain in England - Scafell Pike, and the deepest lake - Wastwater. It is popular with both day visitors and holidaymakers because of its beautiful mountains and lakes.

What is it like in the Lake District?The landscapes of the Lake District have been created over millions and millions of years. Rocks such as sandstone, limestone and granite gradually formed in layers. Next, tectonic plates created volcanoes and also pushed the rock up to create high mountains.

Two million years ago, icy glaciers covered the mountains and as the glaciers slowly crept down the mountains, they picked up pieces of rock, which eroded the mountains and created valleys. When the ice melted, these valleys filled up with the melted water and created deep lakes. Small crevices made by the ice at the tops of mountains filled with water to create tarns.

The Lake District is home to lots of plants and animals and also people, who live in towns such as Keswick and Windermere. Tourism is an important industry here, with over 12 million visitors every year who come to walk, cycle, run, boat or just to look at the amazing scenery.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z3fycdm/articles/zb3ywty

Let's explore the Alps

What are the Alps?The Alps are a large mountain range in the middle of Europe. They are spread over eight countries:

France

Monaco

Italy

Switzerland

Liechtenstein

Austria

Germany

Slovenia

The Alps formed when two large tectonic plates slowly collided, pushing up the ground over tens of millions of years, creating some of the highest peaks in Europe. The highest mountain in the Alps is Mont Blanc.

What is it like in the Alps?The weather in the Alps is affected by different temperatures of air coming from the north, west and south. These conditions create five different types of climate, depending on height - the higher up the mountains, the colder it gets.

The tops of the mountains are covered in snow and glaciers. Different types of animals and plants live in the different climate zones and some are not found anywhere else in the world.

Many rivers have their source in the Alps. Melting snow and ice in spring and summer supply water to the rivers and lakes at the foot of the mountains. Dams have also been built to hold this water in order to create hydroelectric power for nearby towns and cities.

Tourism is the main industry in the Alps. Around 30 million people visit the Alps each year, enjoying activities such as:

skiing and snowboarding

walking

sightseeing

trail running

mountain biking

paragliding

Watch this video to see more of the Alps!

Task 2Compare mountains of the Lake District and the Alpes. Use the information you have learned so far. What other key information can you find out using the internet?

Task 3Create your own mountain range model. Use recycling materials and everyday household objects to create a model of a mountain range. You could base it on an existing place in the world or create your own.

Challenge – Can you include miniature models of wildlife, lakes, rivers, buildings and people in your mountain range?