Cambridge International · IGCSE · 0460
Geography — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Cambridge IGCSE Geography (0460)
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.
Cambridge International IGCSE Geography (0460)
Cambridge International IGCSE Geography (0460)
Cambridge IGCSE Geography (0460)
Aligned to Cambridge IGCSE Geography 0460 (2026): physical geography (e.g. river, coast, weather, hazards), human geography (population, urban, development), and geographical skills including OS maps, graphs and fieldwork.
Mark schemes: Case-study questions need named places and specific facts. Skills: read grid references, scale, contour patterns; interpret climate graphs and population pyramids. ‘Explain’ requires chains: process + consequence. Examiner reports reward annotated diagrams with labels.
Active recall: 0 / 20 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geographical skills | Essential | Scale | Ratio of map distance to ground distance. | |
| Geographical skills | Core | Grid reference | Four- or six-figure location on OS map. | |
| Geographical skills | Core | Contour line | Joins points of equal height — relief patterns. | |
| Geographical skills | Core | Cross-section | Side view of land along a line. | |
| Geographical skills | Core | Longitude / latitude | Angular position on Earth’s surface. | |
| Geographical skills | Advanced | Relief | Shape of land surface — valleys, ridges, spurs. | |
| Physical geography | Core | Hydraulic action / abrasion | River erosion processes. | |
| Physical geography | Core | Transportation / deposition | Load moved and dropped when energy falls. | |
| Physical geography | Core | Longshore drift | Sediment moved along beach by prevailing waves. | |
| Physical geography | Core | Hard / soft engineering | Sea walls vs beach nourishment — coastal management. | |
| Physical geography | Core | Natural hazard | Tectonic or atmospheric event threatening people. | |
| Physical geography | Core | Climate | Average weather over a long period. | |
| Physical geography | Advanced | Urban heat island | City warmer than surrounding rural area. | |
| Human geography | Core | Population density | People per unit area. | |
| Human geography | Core | Birth rate / death rate | Per thousand per year. | |
| Human geography | Core | Demographic transition model | Stages of falling birth/death rates. | |
| Human geography | Core | Migration | Push and pull factors; voluntary vs forced. | |
| Human geography | Core | Urbanisation | Increasing proportion living in towns/cities. | |
| Human geography | Core | HDI | Human Development Index — composite measure. | |
| Human geography | Advanced | Sustainable development | Meet needs today without harming future generations. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Geography (0460) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Cambridge International IGCSE Geography keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important geography terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Cambridge IGCSE Geography (0460) (0460). 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 IGCSE Geography (0460) 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 0460 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Cambridge IGCSE Geography (0460) for Cambridge International IGCSE. 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 IGCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.