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