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Look at Diagram Q1 - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 1 - 2019
Question 1
Look at Diagram Q1. Explain the formation of an arête. You may wish to use an annotated diagram or diagrams in your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Look at Diagram Q1 - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 1 - 2019
Step 1
Step 2
Processes in formation:
Answer
The formation of an arête can be attributed to several key processes:
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Plucking: When ice freezes onto and detaches from bedrock, it pulls loose rocks away from the mountain slopes.
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Abrasion: As glaciers move, the rocks embedded in the ice grind down the sides and floor of the valley, creating a steep terrain that contributes to the sharp edges typical of an arête.
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Weathering: Weathering can weaken the rock walls, leading to further collapse, which accentuates the sharpness of the arête.
Overall, arêtes are formed as two glaciers erode towards each other in a steep valley, which can create a distinctly sharp ridge from the resulting erosion.
Step 3
Additional factors:
Answer
Arêtes also develop through gravitational processes, which can lead to increased weathering along dominant striations. Furthermore, steep edges and valleys may be more pronounced due to continued erosion over time, enhancing the formation of these distinctive landforms.