Geology

Geology helps explain these differences: rocks vary in how they formed, how resistant they are to erosion and whether water can pass through them. Their structure also matters, because past movements of the Earth’s crust have folded and raised rocks.

The UK’s hills, mountains, valleys and plains did not develop through a single process. Their present shape reflects the geology beneath them, ancient tectonic activity that formed and raised rocks, and later glaciation that eroded and deposited material.

Geology means the rocks of an area, including their types, structure and origins. Rocks differ in their resistance to erosion: some remain as prominent hills and mountains while others are worn down more readily.