What is Cwm Idwal in Snowdonia an example of?
A Landscape Shaped by Ice The word “Cwm” is Welsh for valley, and Cwm Idwal is a striking example of a glacial hanging valley.
How was Llyn Idwal formed?
The deposits and igneous rocks at Cwm Idwal were formed during the Ordovician period, around 450 million years ago. These rocks were formed by deposit movements at the bottom of the ocean as well as volcanic processes that formed layers of dust, ash and lava.
Where is Cwm Idwal located?
Snowdonia National Park
Cwm Idwal lies at the northern end of the Snowdonia National Park and is a popular location for mountaineering and other outdoor pursuits. It is an access point for the Carneddau and Glyderau mountain ranges.
How was Nant Ffrancon Valley formed?
Nant Ffrancon is a U-shaped valley which was carved by a glacier moving north-west. At the Nant Ffrancon rockstep, the waterfall Rhaedr Ogwen has a 100m drop in height. There is a hanging valley on the valley trough.
How do you pronounce Cwm Idwal?
2 syllables: “ID” + “wuhl”…Definition:
- well.
- we’re.
- at.
- the.
- head.
- of.
- cwm.
- idwal.
What glacial landform is called Craig Cwm Amarch?
‘Craig Cwm Amarch’ refers to the crags heading Cwm Amarch, which impinge from the south into the ridge of Mynydd Pencoed, a spur of the Cadair Idris range. The eastern end of Mynydd Pencoed overlooking Llyn Cau is known as Craig y Cau. (Daear Fawr, the ‘large ground’, may refer to an area of the Pencoed ridge.
What county is Cwm Idwal?
Gwynedd County
The lake lies wholly within Gwynedd County, although the eastern edge forms the boundary between the counties of Gwynedd and Conwy.
Can you swim in Llyn Idwal?
Llyn Gwynant and Elephant Rock, Snowdonia The sandy beach makes it a wonderful wild swim spot for families; kids and adults can paddle up to their knees if they don’t feel like taking the plunge during your day out.
How long is Nant Ffrancon Valley?
The summit at 312 metres (1,024 ft) is at Pont Wern-gof, about one-third of a mile beyond the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen. From here the road descends through Nant y Benglog to Capel Curig and through to Betws-y-Coed….
| Nant Ffrancon Pass | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 53°07′28″N 4°01′13″WCoordinates: 53°07′28″N 4°01′13″W |
Why is Snowdonia distinctive?
Snowdonia National Park is recognised by the character and quality of the landscape, which is valued for its natural beauty, distinctive biodiversity, diverse geological resources, cultural heritage, rural character and unspoilt tranquillity.
How do you pronounce Idwal?
Break ‘Idwal’ down into sounds: [ID] + [WUHL] – say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them. Record yourself saying ‘Idwal’ in full sentences, then watch yourself and listen.
What makes Cwm Idwal so special?
Cwm Idwal was designated as a National Nature Reserve in 1954, primarily because of the unique geology found here, and secondly on account of those rare plants that have colonised along the slopes. In Cwm Idwal there are sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks that were formed during the Ordovician era, around 450 million years ago.
How did the Cwm Idwal glacier form?
These glaciers accumulated in valleys such as Cwm Idwal, Cwm Cneifion and Cwm Clyd and as they moved down the mountain slopes they scraped stones from the valley headwalls and abraded the valley floors to leave shallow hollows. As the glaciers withdrew, debris was deposited in piles that are known as moraines.
What type of landforms are there in Cwm Idwal?
These landforms are seen in Cwm Idwal today, and are a study subject for many students of all ages. The bowl shape of Cwm Idwal is very typical of a glacial Cwm, with a steep rear and side walls, moraines and a lake.
Is there hawkweed in Cwm Idwal?
The Snowdonia hawkweed, Hieracium snowdoniense is only known to occur in Cwm Idwal. Rhiwiau Caws (Idwal Slabs) and the cliffs around the head of Cwm Idwal are a popular area for rock climbing; Rhiwiau Caws (on the eastern side of the Cwm) in particular are popular with inexperienced climbers learning their skills.