Geography key terms

A line showing the general direction or pattern in plotted data.

A smaller river or stream that joins a larger river.

An organism’s feeding position in a food chain, such as producer or primary consumer.

A rotating low-pressure weather system that develops over tropical or subtropical oceans, with organised thunderstorms and winds spiralling towards its centre.

A forest ecosystem with warm temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year.

A powerful low-pressure weather system with strong winds and heavy rain, called a hurricane, cyclone or typhoon in different regions.

A former river-valley spur whose end has been cut off by a glacier, leaving a steep face.

A series of waves produced by sudden displacement of a large volume of water, often following movement of the seabed during an earthquake.

A cold, largely treeless environment with permafrost, low-growing vegetation and a short summer growing season.

A pattern of uneven economic development in which London and south east England attract greater growth and investment than many other parts of the UK.

Oil and gas sources that require additional extraction or processing techniques because the fuel cannot flow freely towards a well.

Having work but being unable to obtain enough hours, or doing work that does not fully use a person's skills.

The number of deaths of children before their fifth birthday per 1,000 live births.

Not getting enough food energy to maintain good health.

Insufficient food energy or nutrients to maintain health, growth and development.

A situation in which the quantity supplied is insufficient to meet demand at the current price.

Differences in levels of economic development and quality of life between places.

An area of relatively high land, often with steep slopes and rugged terrain.

The raising of part of the Earth’s crust, which can contribute to mountain building.

The movement of colder water from deeper in the ocean towards the surface.

Changes over time in a town or city’s population, economy, buildings, infrastructure and environment.

The densely populated, built-up central part of an urban area, where many jobs, services and transport connections are concentrated.

A lack of the resources, services or living conditions needed for an acceptable standard of life. It includes disadvantages in housing, education, health and employment, not just low income.

Growing food within towns and cities, for example in community gardens or on unused land.

The activities carried out in a place, such as retailing, manufacturing or housing.

The activities or purposes of a place, such as housing, government, retail or finance.

A space in a town or city used to grow food, such as a domestic garden, school garden or shared community plot.