Economic Activities
Economic uses of glaciated areas
- Upland glaciated areas are challenging environments for economic activity
- Any activity needs to deal with low temperatures, heavy rainfall, steep slopes, and thin, infertile soils
- The most common economic uses are:
- Forestry
- Farming
- Tourism
- Quarrying
- Water supply and energy
- Forestry
- Evergreen (coniferous) forests are planted in upland areas as they can deal with this environment
- New forests can help lessen soil erosion and counter the impact of deforestation elsewhere
- Trees are felled for timber and provide job opportunities which boost the local economy
- Farming
- Due to the steep slopes and poor soils, sheep farming is the most common activity in upland areas
- Certain breeds of cattle can be grazed on the lower valley floor
- Crop growing is limited but grass can be grown for hay or silage to feed the animals
- Tourism
- The dramatic landscapes make glaciated areas attractive to visitors
- There are a variety of activities for people to do: Skiing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking etc.
- Boosts the local economy and provides a variety of jobs (directly and indirectly)
- Quarrying
- Glacial erosion has exposed valuable sources of stone and minerals in upland areas
- Minerals such as lead, copper, graphite, and coal
- Slate provides building and roofing material for homes and granite can be used as pavement blocs and kitchen countertops
- Water supply and energy
- The steep slopes and narrow valleys provide a natural environment for generating hydroelectric power (HEP)
- Glacial water can be collected and stored in a dam
- Dams can store drinking water which can be piped elsewhere for use
- Naturally occurring ribbon lakes can be used instead of building a reservoir