Upland areas
- Generally formed of harder rocks which resist erosion e.g. granite and some limestones
- Many have been affected by the activity of glaciers e.g. Snowdonia
- Gradient of the land is often steep
- Climate tends to be cool and wet
- Harsh climate and thin soils means that rough vegetation thrives and some upland areas are used for forestry
- Land uses include sheep farming, quarrying and tourism
Lowland areas
- Generally formed of softer rocks e.g. chalk, clay and some sandstones
- Flat landscape with gently rolling hills
- Climate tends to be warmer and drier
- Vegetation grows easily in fertile soils and includes grassy meadows and deciduous forests
- Land use include quarrying, tourism, dairy and arable (crops) farming
- Most urban areas and industries are located in lowland areas
Glaciated landscapes
- During the last glacial period ice covered the north and west of the UK (mostly upland areas). Ice is very powerful so it was able to erode the landscape, carving out valleys. It also deposited lots of material as it melted.
- Landscapes formed by glacial meltwater can be found in the south and east of the UK beyond where the ice covered.
