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