Exam adviceLithosphere

Advice for sitting the Higher Geography exam

Part ofGeographyExam and assignment

Lithosphere

You should be able to explain and show understanding of features relating to glaciation and coasts.

Glaciation

You need to understand the formation of erosional features in glaciated landscapes:

  • corrie
  • arête
  • pyramidal peak
  • U shaped valley
  • hanging valley
  • ribbon lake

Remember to include the processes of glacial erosion in an answer: plucking and abrasion, and freeze-thaw weathering, if appropriate.

You must also understand the formation of depositional features in glaciated landscapes:

  • drumlin
  • esker
  • terminal moraine

You should try to use a diagram or a series of diagrams, which show the development of a glacial feature over time.

Coasts

You should be able to demonstrate understanding of the formation of erosional features in coastal landscapes:

  • Wave-cut platform
  • headland and bay
  • cave
  • arch
  • stack

Remember to include the processes of coastal erosion in an answer: hydraulic action, corrosion/solution, corrasion, and attrition.

You should be able to demonstrate understanding of the formation of depositional features in coastal landscapes:

  • sand spit
  • sand bar
  • tombolo

Remember to include the process of longshore drift in your answer. You should also try to use a diagram or a series of diagrams, which show the development of a coastal feature over time.

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