AQA GCSE Geography spec A: Granite landscapes

2. Intrusive igneous rock, large crystals
Impermeable rock
Batholith – mass of intrusive igneous rock
reaching surface ( exposed when overlying
rock is eroded)
 Granite Mostly found in:
 South West England and
North Scotland and
West and East coasts of Ireland.

3. Tough, resistant to erosion and weathering
Consists of: grey quartz, black mica, pink
feldspar
Feldspar - Decays to form kaolin (china
clay)

4. Granite has cracks or joints
Vertical joints formed when granite cooled
and contracted
Horizontal joints formed due to release of
pressure (from overlying rocks)
Joints make granite vulnerable to
mechanical weathering
Impermeable rock – granite moorlands
oftenly wet, marshy with lots of rivers.

5. Isolated outcrop of granite on a hilltop
Linton suggested:
- Spacing of vertical joints
- Some close, some far apart
- Warm and wet conditions, with deep
chemical weathering
- Closely spaced joints eroded quicker
- Erosion and slumping removed weathered
granite forming tor