GCSE Geography - Fold Mountains - the Alps

GCSE Geography - Fold Mountains - the Alps

1. How are they formed?

   • Rivers erode and transport sediment to the sea/ocean in a geosyncline
   • Rivers meet the sea and energy falls
   • Sediment is deposited
   • Over time, layers of sediment build up and turn into rock
   • This is due to the pressure from above
   • The sediment is forced upwards as it is compressed
   • Plates move together due to convection currents
   • The layers of sediment fold into a series of synclines and anticlines

2. Farming

   • Traditionally dairy cattle
     • Cable cars are used to transport milk from the co-operative dairies into the valley
     • Transhumance
       • In summer, animals are taken to the saeter to graze
       • In winter they return to the farm
       • This allows the grass to grow in summer
   • Some hay is farmed for use as feed
   • However, most farmers use artificial cattle feed
   • Valleys are sheltered from wind
   • There is little flat land available
   • The soil is reasonably fertile
   • Cool climate, heavy snowfall and strong winds mean a short growing season

3. Rivers and HEP

   • Rivers
     • Steep slopes
     • Summer glacial melting
     • High precipitation
     • These all produce fast flowing rivers ideal for HEP production

4. Tourism

   • Resorts like Chamounix were opened in the 1950s
   • Winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are popular
   • Wildlife tourism also contributes to the economy hugely
   • There are both winter and summer resorts
   • The Alps are close to important areas like Germany and France

5. Trees and logging

   • Trees grow up to a height of 1800m
   • Soft wood can be used for paper and fuel

6. Housing and roads

   • There is little flat land available for building
   • It is difficult to establish communication links
   • Hard to locate industries
   • Some roads or settlements need avalanche protection
   • New roads give access to upland pastures