Chalk and Clay Scenery

1. Chalk and Clay Scenery

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

6. Chalk escarpment Box hill Clay vale. Notice the roads and rail links Steep scarp slope

7. 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

8. Devils DykeEast Sussex • Dry valley

9. Look out from the top of Box Hill Chalk and flint provides good and attractive building material

11. Epsom DownsThe chalk is good for racehorse training