Using examples at the local scale, examine the 'two-way' relationship between climate and human activity in upland moors and valleys.

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Using examples at the local scale, examine the ‘two-way’ relationship between climate and human activity in upland moors and valleys

The reasons why human activity has developed in these upland moors and valleys are due to a variety of physical factors. The moorland and valley areas are generally high ranging from 200 to 300 metres in height. The relief is relatively flat and can be undulating as found in the Peak District, Dartmoor, Brecon Beacons and in the Southern Uplands of Scotland. The soils are generally poor, thin and weak in granular composition and are usually vegetated with wild plants and grasses.

Agricultural activities such as hill sheep farming in Exmoor have developed. Only the hardy sheep are able to tolerate the weather conditions found in these areas. Also tourist visitor numbers have increased in recent years, due to greater a greater interest in outdoor exhibitions of organised groups, professional and amateur hikers as well as the general public, therefore encouraging the need for tourist facilities. Roads and motorways have been built to provide access through these terrains, for examples the A684 motorway that passes through the Pennines to Yorkshire from Lancastershire. Furthermore organisations such as the Forestry Commission have converted many upland areas into forests as found in the Flow Country in Scotland and on many of the flanks of the Pennines.

Climate affects human activity in a variety of ways in these areas. Man is better equipped to tolerate high temperatures than cold temperatures. Tourists who take to the moors must be therefore prepared for the unexpected climate fluctuations that can occur there, for example what seems like a calm morning may develop into a heavy shower of rain in the afternoon. The preparation before going to upland areas would be ultimately taking the appropriate clothing. Factors such as rain, limited light and wind chill (dry air) can exaggerate coldness producing what feels like to the human bodily functions as harsh weather.

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Agricultural activities are limited to only select farming types that can endure the atmospheric conditions. Arable farming is reliant on climate and is consequently unsuitable in these areas due to the short growing seasons, which inevitably lowers the yield. However in the northeast of Scotland, crops such as oats can be grown in these conditions with great difficulty. A great capital investment is required to make the soils fertile using fertilisers and machinery. Although frequent rain and strong westerly winds remove the top soils that cause soil erosion. Farming is also limited due to the aspect of the slopes and ...

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