OCR GCSE Geography A key terms

A reference containing three easting digits followed by three northing digits, locating a position to a precision of 100 metres on the OS National Grid.

A simplified drawing of an area that selects the features relevant to a geographical purpose.

Mass movement in which a body of material moves downhill along a relatively straight slip surface, such as a weak bedding plane.

A gently sloping deposit of sediment on the inside of a meander.

Mass movement in which material moves downhill along a curved slip surface and rotates backwards.

An energy meter that records consumption and, when operating in smart mode, sends readings automatically to the supplier. An in-home display helps households monitor their energy use and costs.

An improvement in people’s quality of life, including health, education and access to essential services.

As erosion, the dissolving of soluble rock by water; as transport, the carrying of dissolved material within water.

The starting point of a river.

Examining location-based data to identify patterns and relationships and draw useful conclusions.

The arrangement of features or values across an area, such as a cluster or a gradual change.

The area served or affected by a settlement, service or other geographical feature.

A narrow ridge of sand or shingle extending into the sea, attached to the coast at one end.

The height of a particular point marked on a map, usually given in metres above sea level.

The extent to which values in a dataset vary, measured using statistics such as the range or interquartile range.

An isolated pillar of coastal rock left when an arch roof collapses.

An abnormal rise in coastal sea level caused by a storm, mainly as strong winds push seawater towards the coast, with low atmospheric pressure also contributing.

Financial support from government that reduces costs or encourages a particular activity, such as investment in energy generation.

Farming mainly to provide food for the farmer’s household rather than to sell.

The movement of people and activities from central urban areas to the suburbs on the edge of a town or city.

Water flowing over the ground surface towards a river rather than soaking into the ground.

Transport in which fine sediment is carried within the water rather than along the bed.

Meeting present needs while protecting the ability of future generations to meet theirs, balancing social, economic and environmental concerns.

Development that meets people's needs today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Drainage methods that manage rainfall close to where it falls, for example by allowing water to soak through permeable surfaces.

Using and managing energy to meet present needs while limiting environmental damage and protecting future generations’ ability to meet their needs.

Supplying energy to meet present needs without preventing future generations from meeting theirs, while considering environmental, social and economic effects.