Edexcel GCSE Geography A key terms

An atmospheric circulation cell between the equator and approximately 30° latitude in each hemisphere.

A tributary valley whose floor lies above the floor of the main glacial trough.

The use of constructed structures or physical alterations, such as embankments, sea walls and tidal barriers, to control water or resist waves.

An event or process that has the potential to harm people, property, economic activities or ecosystems.

An action taken to prepare for a hazard, protect people from it or deal with its consequences.

A section of resistant coastal land that projects out into the sea.

Open land dominated by low-growing shrubs such as heather and gorse, typically on acidic, nutrient-poor soils.

A state of greatly reduced activity that allows some animals to survive winter while using less energy.

Improvement in people’s well-being and opportunities, including their ability to live healthy lives, gain an education and meet their needs.

An index combining measures of income, life expectancy and education into a score between 0 and 1; higher scores indicate greater human development.

Human actions that alter natural conditions or the way resources are used and managed.

Decomposed organic matter in soil, formed from dead plant and animal material.

Erosion in which the force of flowing water breaks material away from a river’s bed and banks.

Electricity generated by moving water turning turbines connected to generators.

Electricity generated when moving water drives turbines connected to generators.

A shortage of water in rivers, lakes, reservoirs or groundwater, often developing after prolonged below-normal rainfall.

A testable prediction about a relationship or pattern that can be supported or challenged by evidence.

A long cylinder of ice drilled from a glacier or ice sheet, containing evidence of past atmospheric conditions and temperatures.

Information and communication technology: systems used to store, process and exchange information, including computers and mobile networks.

Rock formed when molten rock cools and solidifies, either beneath the Earth's surface or after eruption.

Action taken shortly before, during or immediately after a disaster to protect life and meet urgent needs.

Movement into a country. UK long-term immigration statistics count people moving to the UK for at least 12 months.

Goods and services bought from other countries.

The growth of manufacturing and other industrial activities within an economy.

Water used in industrial activities, including manufacturing goods, cooling machinery and generating energy.

Unequal distribution of income, wealth or access to opportunities between people or groups.

The movement of water from the ground surface into the soil.