Edexcel GCSE Geography B (1GB0) — Geographical Investigations
Students often write vague enquiry questions like 'How does the river change?' — for Edexcel B, your question MUST include a specific physical variable (e.g., discharge), a directional change (e.g., increases), and the exact location.
When asked to 'Suggest' an enquiry question based on an OS map, use specific map evidence such as a grid reference or a named confluence to secure high AO4 (skills) marks.
In exams, always justify your reach selection by mentioning feasibility, such as 'Site 1 was selected because the water was shallow enough to safely enter and use a 1-metre rule.'
enquiry cycle
The sequence of stages in a geographical investigation, from planning and data collection to analysis, conclusions, and evaluation.
enquiry question
A specific, localized, and open-ended question that guides a geographical investigation.
flood risk
The likelihood and potential impact of a river overflowing its banks, affecting people and property.
measurable data
Information that can be recorded as numbers (quantitative), allowing for objective comparison and statistical analysis.
river variables
Quantifiable physical characteristics of a river, such as its width, depth, velocity, and discharge.
annotated field sketches
Qualitative diagrams of a fieldwork site that include labels to explain specific features like flood defenses or land use.
Bradshaw Model
A theoretical model describing how river characteristics, such as width and velocity, change from source to mouth.
discharge
The volume of water flowing through a river channel at a given point, usually measured in .
occupied channel width
The width of the channel that is actually filled with water at the time of the investigation.
hypothesis
A clear, testable, and directional statement about the expected relationship between variables.
reach scale
A segment of a river exhibiting fairly uniform hydrological characteristics, typically 10 to 100 metres long, where fieldwork is conducted.
feasibility
The extent to which fieldwork can be practically and safely carried out given constraints like time, location access, and available equipment.
accessibility
The ease and safety of reaching a fieldwork site, usually via public footpaths or rights of way.
Weil's Disease
A bacterial infection spread by animal urine in water, presenting a major safety risk during river fieldwork.
location-specific factors
Unique geographical features of a study area (e.g., a named confluence or town) that must be included in an enquiry question.
channel morphology
The physical size and shape of the river channel, including its width, depth, and the nature of its bedload.
bankfull
The maximum capacity of a river channel before it overflows onto the floodplain, directly linked to flood risk.
Put your knowledge into practice — try past paper questions for Geography B
enquiry cycle
The sequence of stages in a geographical investigation, from planning and data collection to analysis, conclusions, and evaluation.
enquiry question
A specific, localized, and open-ended question that guides a geographical investigation.
flood risk
The likelihood and potential impact of a river overflowing its banks, affecting people and property.
measurable data
Information that can be recorded as numbers (quantitative), allowing for objective comparison and statistical analysis.
river variables
Quantifiable physical characteristics of a river, such as its width, depth, velocity, and discharge.
annotated field sketches
Qualitative diagrams of a fieldwork site that include labels to explain specific features like flood defenses or land use.
Bradshaw Model
A theoretical model describing how river characteristics, such as width and velocity, change from source to mouth.
discharge
The volume of water flowing through a river channel at a given point, usually measured in .
occupied channel width
The width of the channel that is actually filled with water at the time of the investigation.
hypothesis
A clear, testable, and directional statement about the expected relationship between variables.
reach scale
A segment of a river exhibiting fairly uniform hydrological characteristics, typically 10 to 100 metres long, where fieldwork is conducted.
feasibility
The extent to which fieldwork can be practically and safely carried out given constraints like time, location access, and available equipment.
accessibility
The ease and safety of reaching a fieldwork site, usually via public footpaths or rights of way.
Weil's Disease
A bacterial infection spread by animal urine in water, presenting a major safety risk during river fieldwork.
location-specific factors
Unique geographical features of a study area (e.g., a named confluence or town) that must be included in an enquiry question.
channel morphology
The physical size and shape of the river channel, including its width, depth, and the nature of its bedload.
bankfull
The maximum capacity of a river channel before it overflows onto the floodplain, directly linked to flood risk.
