Loading…
Loading…
GCSE Geography · key term
A drawing showing the shape of the land along a line, as though a vertical slice had been taken through the landscape.
Used by AQA and OCR
Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3
Revise: Photographs, Sketches and Cross-SectionsA map shows where features are located, a photograph shows their appearance, and a cross-section shows the shape of the land along a particular line. Using these together helps you connect relief with vegetation, settlement and land-use.
Specification 9.1 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3
A side-view profile showing the height and shape of the land along a selected line.
Check the direction and both axis scales before interpreting a cross-section; the vertical scale can exaggerate slopes.
Check both axes before comparing slopes on a cross-section: vertical exaggeration can make gentle slopes look steep.
Create a free account to read GCSE Geography revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.
A cross-section shows the land in side view along a selected line, such as A–B. A map shows the arrangement of features from above; a cross-section makes the rises, falls and slope changes along that line easier to recognise.
A graph showing a slice through a landscape or feature, such as the shape of a river channel.