AQA GCSE Geography key terms

A build-up of vehicles that slows traffic because demand for road space exceeds the road's capacity.

A record of features along a selected line through an area, showing changes in features such as vegetation, settlement or land-use. These can be displayed alongside a cross-section.

A business with operations in more than one country.

The carrying of rock and sediment from one place to another, for example on, within or beneath moving glacial ice.

The physical networks and facilities that enable people and goods to move, including roads, railways, ports and airports.

The general pattern shown by data, such as an increase over time.

A line showing the general direction or pattern in plotted data.

A smaller river or stream that joins a larger river.

An organism’s feeding position in a food chain, such as producer or primary consumer.

A rotating low-pressure weather system that develops over tropical or subtropical oceans, with organised thunderstorms and winds spiralling towards its centre.

A forest ecosystem with warm temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year.

A powerful low-pressure weather system with strong winds and heavy rain, called a hurricane, cyclone or typhoon in different regions.

A former river-valley spur whose end has been cut off by a glacier, leaving a steep face.

A cold, largely treeless environment with permafrost, low-growing vegetation and a short summer growing season.

Not getting enough food energy to maintain good health.

Insufficient food energy or nutrients to maintain health, growth and development.

Differences in levels of economic development and quality of life between places.

An area of relatively high land, often with steep slopes and rugged terrain.

Changes over time in a town or city’s population, economy, buildings, infrastructure and environment.

A lack of the resources, services or living conditions needed for an acceptable standard of life. It includes disadvantages in housing, education, health and employment, not just low income.

Growing food within towns and cities, for example in community gardens or on unused land.

Increasing or improving vegetation and green spaces within a built-up area, for example through tree planting and creating parks.

An increase in the population living in a town or city, often accompanied by expansion of its built-up area.

The tendency for built-up urban areas to be warmer than the surrounding countryside.

The process in which an increasing percentage of a population lives in towns and cities.

Organising the development of a town or city, including its housing, infrastructure and services.

An increase in the number of people living in towns and cities.