An outwash plain is a low, flat area of land made of sand and gravel. It is found in front of a terminal moraine (see Figure 11.20).
Formation: • As the glacier melts, meltwater carrying a load of sand and gravel flows from the front of the glacier and spreads out over the lowland area.
• As the meltwater loses energy, it begins to deposit the heavier material first, followed by the lighter material.
Example of an outwash plain: The Curragh in Co. Kildare.
: Figure 11.23 The Curragh, Co. Kildare ACT VITY
Can you apply the D-E-P-E-D formula to explain one feature of glacial deposition and one feature of fluvio-glacial deposition to your classmates? Use the outline on page 53 of your Activity Book to help you.
(i) List the four ways a glacier transports its load. (ii) What is boulder clay? (iii) The Curragh in Co. Kildare is an example of which glacial feature? (iv) Where in Ireland might you find a drumlin landscape? (v) Can you explain two pieces of geographical information we can learn from erratics?
/ I can explain how glaciers transport their load. / I can identify landforms of glacial deposition and fluvio-glacial deposition.
/ I can explain the formation of two landforms of glacial deposition and two landforms of fluvio-glacial deposition.
People and glaciation Learning Intentions
In this section, you will learn: zz how people interact with and manage glacial landforms.
The influences of glaciation are widespread on the Irish landscape. These influences can have both a positive and a negative effect on human activity.
Benefits of glaciation
Agriculture The boulder clay deposited during an ice age makes very fertile soil that is suitable for agriculture. The Golden Vale area in Munster is famous for its dairy produce.
