Edexcel GCSE Geography A key terms

The volume of water passing a point in a river each second, usually measured in cubic metres per second ($\text{m}^3/\text{s}$).

A coastline where bands of different rock types meet the coast approximately at right angles.

Separating water from dissolved salts by evaporating it and then condensing the water vapour.

The geographical pattern of where something is found.

Changes occurring within a 24-hour period, such as differences between daytime and night-time temperatures.

Water used in homes for activities such as drinking, cooking, washing, cleaning and flushing toilets.

In the direction in which sediment is transported along the coast by longshore drift.

The area of land drained by a river and its tributaries.

The removal of accumulated sediment or other material from a river bed, sometimes including bed and bank material to enlarge the channel.

A watering system that supplies small amounts of water directly to the soil near plant roots, reducing losses compared with less targeted watering.

A shortage of water that develops over time and can last from weeks to years, affecting people or the environment.

Actions taken to reduce the effects of a prolonged shortage of rainfall, including emergency relief and preparation for future water shortages.

An elongated hill of glacial till shaped beneath moving ice.

A valley without a permanent river, sometimes left when water began draining underground through permeable rock after frozen ground thawed.

The biologically productive land and sea area needed to supply a person’s or population’s consumption and absorb its carbon dioxide emissions, expressed in global hectares.

An effect on income, employment, businesses, property or the costs of damage.

A community of living organisms interacting with one another and with their non-living surroundings.

The processes through which an ecosystem operates, such as plant growth, reproduction and nutrient cycling.

The processes through which an ecosystem operates, including nutrient cycling, water cycling and energy transfer.

A physical product obtained from an ecosystem, such as timber or fuelwood.

A benefit provided by an ecosystem, such as opportunities for recreation or the protection of wildlife.

The physical organisation of an ecosystem, including its vegetation layers and the distribution of trees and habitats.

Tourism designed to conserve the natural environment, benefit local people and educate visitors.

An irregular warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, linked to changes in atmospheric pressure, winds and rainfall.

Raised banks beside a river that increase the amount of water contained before it spills onto surrounding land.

Help provided to people affected by a disaster, including money, food, water, shelter, equipment and medical care.

Urgent assistance, such as food, drinking water and medical treatment, provided to protect people during a crisis.