How do the Pennines shape the geography of northern England?

The Pennines serve as a major upland "backbone" or "spine" that defines the geography of northern England. Rather than a continuous range, they form a broken system of hills divided by numerous valleys, known as dales, which are carved in every direction.1

The Pennines significantly influence the region's physical landscape in the following ways:

• Watershed: They act as a north-south watershed, determining the courses of all major rivers in northern England.1
• Topography: The uplands feature a short, steep western slope and a gentle eastern dip. The northern section is generally broader and higher than the southern section.1
• Geology and Scenery: Composed of carboniferous limestone and Millstone Grit, the region is characterized by rounded or flat summits and remarkable underground features, including caverns and watercourses created by water action on the limestone.1
• Hydrology: While natural lakes are few, the area contains reservoirs within the Millstone Grit regions that provide essential water supplies to the manufacturing centers of Lancashire and West Yorkshire.1