AQA · GCSE · 8035
Geography — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
AQA GCSE Geography (8035) — Specification (2026)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
AQA GCSE Geography (8035)
AQA GCSE Geography (8035)
AQA GCSE Geography (8035) — Specification (2026)
Topics follow AQA GCSE Geography (Living with the physical environment; Challenges in the human environment; Geographical applications; Geographical skills).
Mark schemes: AQA mark schemes reward accurate geographical terminology and clear use of case-study evidence. Define key processes (e.g., erosion) and link causes to impacts using data where possible.
Active recall: 0 / 27 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical geography processes | Essential | Weathering | Breakdown of rock in place by physical, chemical, or biological processes. | |
| Physical geography processes | Core | Erosion | Wearing away and removal of rock/soil by moving water, ice, wind, or waves. | |
| Physical geography processes | Core | Deposition | Dropping of sediment when transport energy decreases. | |
| Physical geography processes | Advanced | Hydrograph | A graph showing river discharge over time, often after rainfall. | |
| Human geography | Core | Urbanisation | An increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas. | |
| Human geography | Advanced | Megacity | A city with a population greater than 10 million. | |
| Human geography | Advanced | Sustainable development | Meeting present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs. | |
| Human geography | Core | Development | Improvements in standard of living and quality of life over time. | |
| Human geography | Core | Quality of life | How good life is for people (health, education, income, environment, safety). | |
| Human geography | Advanced | Globalisation | Increasing connections and interdependence between places through trade, media and transport. | |
| Natural hazards & climate | Core | Tectonic plate | A section of Earth’s lithosphere that moves over the mantle. | |
| Natural hazards & climate | Core | Earthquake | Ground shaking caused by sudden movement along a fault. | |
| Natural hazards & climate | Core | Volcanic eruption | Release of magma, ash and gases from a volcano. | |
| Natural hazards & climate | Core | Tropical storm | A rotating low-pressure weather system with strong winds and heavy rain. | |
| Natural hazards & climate | Advanced | Climate change | Long-term change in average climate conditions, including temperature and rainfall patterns. | |
| Natural hazards & climate | Advanced | Mitigation | Reducing the causes of a hazard or climate change (e.g., lowering emissions). | |
| Rivers, coasts & ecosystems | Core | Drainage basin | Area of land drained by a river and its tributaries. | |
| Rivers, coasts & ecosystems | Core | Interception | Rainfall caught and stored by vegetation before reaching the ground. | |
| Rivers, coasts & ecosystems | Core | Longshore drift | Movement of sediment along a coast by waves approaching at an angle. | |
| Rivers, coasts & ecosystems | Core | Hard engineering | Man-made structures to control natural processes (e.g., sea walls, groynes). | |
| Rivers, coasts & ecosystems | Advanced | Soft engineering | Working with natural processes (e.g., beach nourishment, managed retreat). | |
| Rivers, coasts & ecosystems | Advanced | Biome | Large-scale ecosystem with characteristic climate, vegetation and animals. | |
| Geographical skills | Essential | Grid reference | A method of locating points on a map using easting and northing coordinates. | |
| Geographical skills | Core | Scale | The relationship between distance on a map and distance on the ground. | |
| Geographical skills | Core | Choropleth map | A map showing data using shading/colour for different areas. | |
| Geographical skills | Advanced | Fieldwork | Collecting primary data outside the classroom to investigate geographical questions. | |
| Geographical skills | Advanced | Sampling (geography) | Choosing data points (e.g., systematic or random) to represent an area. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Geography (8035) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this AQA GCSE Geography keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important geography terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to AQA GCSE Geography (8035) — Specification (2026) (8035). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Geography glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for GCSE Geography (8035) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Geography.
- Can I download this Geography keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Geography list aligned to the 8035 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow AQA GCSE Geography (8035) — Specification (2026) for AQA GCSE. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Geography at GCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.