Edexcel GCSE Geography A Key Terms

A management framework used to evaluate responses based on Prediction, Preparation, Protection, and Planning.

A precise coordinate used to locate a feature within a 100m by 100m square on an OS map.

The non-living components of an ecosystem, such as climate, soil, and water.

The non-living physical components of an ecosystem, such as temperature, rainfall, and soil.

Resources obtained from the non-living parts of the Earth, such as the lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.

The loss of ice and snow from a glacier system, typically through melting or evaporation.

A process of erosion where transported sediment wears away the river bed and banks, as well as breaking down itself.

The process of a plant shedding its leaves in response to colder seasonal temperatures.

When the annual supply of water falls below 500 cubic metres per person.

When an individual earns more or has a higher status job than their parents did.

The input of snow and ice into a glacier system.

How close a recorded measurement is to the true value, often improved by using more precise equipment.

An environmental impact where abandoned mines contaminate water supplies, often turning water reddish-orange due to iron.

The top layer of tundra soil that thaws briefly during the summer, becoming waterlogged.

A plate boundary where tectonic activity, such as mountain building, volcanoes, and earthquakes, is occurring.

Making journeys by physically active means, most commonly walking or cycling.

Actions taken to adjust to the physical impacts and effects of climate change, such as building flood defenses.

The process of planting trees in non-forested areas to create new woodlands and combat environmental degradation.

A population with a high and increasing proportion of people aged 65 and over, typical of Stage 5 developed countries.

Large-scale, intensive farming operations that apply business and technology principles to maximize crop yields.

The clearing of woodland to create space for intensive farming and larger fields.

The topsoil layer, rich in organic material mixed with mineral components.

A large body of air with relatively uniform temperature and moisture characteristics, determined by its source region.

The measure of the proportion of solar radiation reflected by a surface, with ice having a high albedo and open water a low albedo.

The measure of how much sunlight is reflected back into space, which dangerously decreases as white, reflective Arctic ice melts.

A rapid increase in the population of algae in an aquatic system, usually caused by a spike in nutrients from agricultural runoff.

Nutrient-rich sediment deposited by a river onto a floodplain during a flood, creating highly fertile soil.

The division of a mountain into distinct layers of different ecosystems based on changing climate at different heights.

Conditions that are depleted of oxygen, commonly found in heavily waterlogged wetland soils.

Environments lacking oxygen, such as waterlogged soil, which promote methane-producing bacteria.