Edexcel GCSE Geography A key terms

An approach in which government or other powerful organisations plan and direct improvements.

River transportation in which large particles, such as boulders, roll or are pushed along the river bed.

A situation in which the value of a country’s imports exceeds the value of its exports over a stated period.

The prevailing tropical winds that blow towards the equatorial low-pressure belt: from the north-east in the Northern Hemisphere and the south-east in the Southern Hemisphere.

A line across an area along which observations or measurements are made.

A business that operates in more than one country.

The loss of water vapour from plants through their leaves.

The movement of sediment or dissolved material from one place to another.

The movement of material by a river.

Water that has been processed to remove harmful contaminants and make it suitable for its intended use, such as drinking.

A loss of tree canopy through clearing or tree death, which may be temporary or permanent and caused by people or natural events.

A river or stream that joins a larger river.

A powerful rotating tropical storm with strong winds and heavy rainfall, which can also produce a storm surge.

A ridge projecting into a valley that has been cut short by glacial erosion, leaving a steep face.

A pattern of uneven economic development in which London and south east England attract greater growth and investment than many other parts of the UK.

Having work but being unable to obtain enough hours, or doing work that does not fully use a person's skills.

Differences in the level of development between places or groups of people.

The raising of part of the Earth’s crust, which can contribute to mountain building.

The activities or purposes of a place, such as housing, government, retail or finance.

An increase in the proportion of a population living in urban areas.

An increase in the number of people living in towns and cities, which does not necessarily mean an increase in their share of the total population.

The improvement or redevelopment of an area that has experienced decline.

The transition zone at the edge of a built-up area, where urban and rural land uses meet.

The outward expansion of a built-up area into surrounding countryside.

The speed of river flow, usually measured in metres per second (m/s).

Erosion downwards into a river bed, deepening the channel and valley.

An old tree with features such as cavities and decaying wood that provide valuable wildlife habitats.