OCR · A Level · H481
Geography — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
OCR A Level Geography (H481)
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.
OCR A Level Geography (H481)
OCR A Level Geography (H481)
OCR A Level Geography (H481)
OCR H481 (2026) covers physical systems (water, carbon, landscapes), human interactions (changing spaces, global connections), geographical debates, and an independent investigation (NEA) blending physical theory, human geography, and statistical skills.
Mark schemes: OCR rewards precise place detail with named examples and accurate data. Synoptic essays require sustained argument linking physical and human factors. Statistical tests must state hypothesis, value, critical value, and significance level. NEA mark scheme rewards methodology justification, data limitations, and reasoned conclusions.
Active recall: 0 / 22 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical systems | Core | Water cycle equation | Drainage basin balance: Q = P − E − T ± S where stores buffer changes. | |
| Physical systems | Core | Storm hydrograph | Lag time between peak rainfall and peak discharge depends on basin characteristics. | |
| Physical systems | Core | Carbon cycle | Stores in biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere with anthropogenic flux changes. | |
| Physical systems | Core | Plate tectonics | Lithospheric plates move via mantle convection at constructive, destructive, conservative margins. | |
| Physical systems | Advanced | Hazard risk equation | Risk = (Hazard × Vulnerability) ÷ Capacity links exposure to coping ability. | |
| Physical systems | Advanced | Park's hazard response model | Curve tracking community wellbeing through relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction phases. | |
| Physical systems | Advanced | Sea-level change | Eustatic is global volumetric change, isostatic is local crustal rebound or subsidence. | |
| Human geography | Core | Demographic transition model (DTM) | Five stages tracking falling birth and death rates as countries develop. | |
| Human geography | Core | Dependency ratio | Ratio of dependants under 15 and over 64 to working-age population. | |
| Human geography | Core | Age-sex pyramid | Population pyramid showing structure by age cohort and gender. | |
| Human geography | Core | Push-pull migration | Negative origin factors push migrants, positive destination factors pull them. | |
| Human geography | Advanced | Gentrification | Influx of higher-income residents into deprived urban areas, raising rents and displacing locals. | |
| Human geography | Advanced | Burgess concentric model | Urban land-use rings: CBD, transition, working-class, middle-class, commuter zones. | |
| Globalisation & development | Core | KOF Globalisation Index | Composite measure of economic, social, and political globalisation by country. | |
| Globalisation & development | Core | Human Development Index (HDI) | Composite of life expectancy, education, and GNI per capita. | |
| Globalisation & development | Core | Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient | Graph and statistic measuring income inequality from 0 (equal) to 1. | |
| Globalisation & development | Advanced | Location quotient | Ratio of local industry share to national share, identifying regional specialisation. | |
| Globalisation & development | Advanced | Soft vs hard power | Hard power coerces via military or economic force, soft power attracts through culture. | |
| Globalisation & development | Advanced | Mackinder's heartland theory | Geopolitical claim that controlling the Eurasian heartland confers world power. | |
| Geographical skills | Core | Spearman's rank correlation | Tests rank-order correlation: rs = 1 − (6Σd² ÷ n(n² − 1)). | |
| Geographical skills | Core | Chi-squared test | Compares observed and expected frequencies: χ² = Σ(O − E)² ÷ E. | |
| Geographical skills | Advanced | Mann-Whitney U test | Non-parametric test comparing medians of two independent samples. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Geography (H481) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this OCR A Level Geography keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important geography terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to OCR A Level Geography (H481) (H481). 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 A Level Geography (H481) 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 H481 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow OCR A Level Geography (H481) for OCR A Level. 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 A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.