Human Uses of Glaciated Areas

ADVANTAGES :) soils can be fertile (boulder clay plains)

arable farming (growing crops) possible in good climate areas, eg the Swiss Alps

fish farms common in Scotland and Norway

DISADVANTAGES :( steep/ irregular surfaces => difficult access (machinery)

poor soil is common in glaciated upland areas

often only pastoral (animal) farming is possible (sheep, v. common)

ADVANTAGES :) glacial U-shaped valleys can provide good, sheltered settlement

sites, eg Keswick in the Lake District

hills; good settlement sites for defence purposes

glacial troughs provide route ways through upland areas eg road/ rail/

canal links

DISADVANTAGES :( settlement growth restricted by lack of flat land

steep hills limit road/ rail construction

rock falls and avalanches are dangerous and costly to manage

ADVANTAGES :) glacial erosion can expose valuable minerals such as coal, slate, gold...

steep sided glacial troughs can provide excellent opportunities for hydro-electric power (HEP): because rainfall tends to be high and water goes downhill quickly => high energy levels, eg Fasnakyle, Scotland

windy areas => wind turbines

DISADVANTAGES :( difficult access

can clash with tourism or national park regulations (big/ noisy structures)

ADVANTAGES :) beautiful scenery/ landscapes => attract tourists

areas such as the Alps => skiing, climbing etc...

lakes, such as Lake Windomere => sailing, wind surfing etc...

DISADVANTAGES :( seasonal tourism => uncertain economy

problems with access => avalanches can be induced by winter sports

poor weather is more common in upland areas