Key terms & definitions

Returning an altered river towards a more natural condition, for example by restoring meanders and connections with wetlands.

A main river and the tributaries that feed into it.

The speed at which river water flows, usually measured in metres per second (m/s) in fieldwork.

A mechanical fastener that is permanently deformed to hold parts together.

A mechanical joining process in which a rivet is deformed to hold components together permanently.

The trial of Nelson Mandela and other resistance leaders in 1963–64, which resulted in life sentences for eight defendants in June 1964.

An enzyme that binds to DNA and builds a complementary mRNA copy during transcription.

Cooking food in a hot oven with added fat, which helps develop a crisp outer surface.

A programmable machine that carries out physical tasks automatically.

A material that combines sensing, movement, computation and communication so that it can respond to its surroundings autonomously.

The use of programmable machines to carry out physical tasks, such as assembling or painting products.

The design and use of computer-controlled machines that carry out physical tasks.

The technology involved in designing, constructing, programming and using robots.

The ability of a program to cope with incorrect or unexpected input without failing.

Software designed to handle unexpected errors or conditions without crashing or failing unnecessarily.

A bedrock outcrop shaped by glacial erosion, with a smooth, gently sloping upstream side and a steep, rough downstream side.

A style of popular music that developed in post-war America, with strong links to rhythm and blues and a strong appeal to young audiences.

Large boulders placed along the shore to absorb wave energy and protect the coast; also called riprap.

A switch whose button rocks between positions; an on/off version remains in the selected position.

The movement of detached rock fragments falling from a steep slope or cliff under gravity.

An American musical style that became popular in Britain during the 1950s, associated with performers such as Elvis Presley and Bill Haley.

A hollow in a rocky shore that retains seawater when the tide falls.

How well a rock withstands weathering and erosion.

The arrangement of a rock's layers, cracks and other features that can influence how it breaks down.

A solid length of metal with a round, square or hexagonal cross-section.

A retinal photoreceptor that is very sensitive to dim light but does not provide colour vision.

A term used to describe a state regarded as threatening international security and defying accepted international rules.

Restriction of Hazardous Substances: a directive that limits specified hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

A Buddhist charity that works to relieve suffering and injustice and supports vulnerable people.

A position a person holds and the behaviour expected of someone in that position.