Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK key terms

coastal management

The process of planning and implementing strategies to protect coastal areas from erosion and flooding.

management strategies

Approaches used in coastal management, including hard engineering, soft engineering, and managed retreat.

long profile

In River landscapes in the UK (optional route), long profile means the gradient and shape of a river from its source to its mouth. This matters in Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK because it supports the learning objective to describe the long profile and changing cross profile of a river and its valley. Use long profile only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

cross profile

In River landscapes in the UK (optional route), cross profile means the shape of a river valley when viewed in a cross-section. This matters in Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK because it supports the learning objective to describe the long profile and changing cross profile of a river and its valley. Use cross profile only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

fluvial erosion

The process by which rivers wear away the land through various mechanisms such as hydraulic action and abrasion.

hydraulic action

A fluvial erosion process where the force of moving water dislodges and removes material from the riverbed and banks.

Fluvial Transportation

The movement of sediment and materials by a river through processes such as traction, saltation, suspension, and solution.

Traction

A fluvial transportation process where larger particles are rolled along the riverbed by the force of the water.

Sediment deposition

In River landscapes in the UK (optional route), Sediment deposition means the process by which rivers drop off sediment as they slow down or lose energy. This matters in Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK because it supports the learning objective to explain why rivers deposit sediment. Use Sediment deposition only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

River dynamics

The changing processes and interactions within a river system that influence sediment transport and deposition.

interlocking spurs

Erosion landforms created by the meandering of a river, resulting in alternating ridges of land that protrude into the river valley.

waterfalls

Erosion landforms formed where a river flows over a vertical drop or cliff, creating a cascade of water.

Meander

In River landscapes in the UK (optional route), Meander means a winding curve or bend in a river formed by erosion and deposition processes. This matters in Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK because it supports the learning objective to explain the characteristics and formation of erosion and deposition landforms including meanders and ox-bow lakes. Use Meander only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

Ox-bow lake

In River landscapes in the UK (optional route), Ox-bow lake means a crescent-shaped lake formed when a meander is cut off from the main river channel. This matters in Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK because it supports the learning objective to explain the characteristics and formation of erosion and deposition landforms including meanders and ox-bow lakes. Use Ox-bow lake only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

deposition landforms

Landforms created by the accumulation of sediment, such as levees, flood plains, and estuaries.

flood plains

Flat areas adjacent to rivers that are prone to flooding and are formed by sediment deposition during flood events.

river valley

A low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river flowing through it.

landform

In River landscapes in the UK (optional route), landform means a natural feature of the Earth's surface, such as a hill, valley, or plateau. This matters in Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK because it supports the learning objective to use a UK river valley example to identify major landforms of erosion and deposition. Use landform only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

flood risk

The likelihood of flooding occurring in a specific area due to various factors such as precipitation, geology, relief, and land use.

precipitation

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and contributes to flood risk when it accumulates in excess.

Hydrograph

A graph that shows the rate of flow (discharge) of a river over time, typically in response to precipitation.

Discharge

The volume of water flowing through a river channel at a given time, usually measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s).

hard engineering

Flood management strategies that involve the use of physical structures to control water flow and reduce flood risk.

soft engineering

Flood management strategies that use natural processes and materials to reduce flood risk and enhance the environment.

flood management scheme

A strategy implemented to reduce the risk of flooding and manage its impacts on communities and the environment.

social, economic and environmental issues

Factors that must be considered in flood management, including community safety, economic costs, and ecological impacts.

Maximum ice extent

The farthest geographical reach of continental ice sheets across the UK during the last glacial maximum.

Last Ice Age

The most recent period of extensive glaciation, occurring approximately 20,000 years ago, when ice covered large parts of the UK.

freeze-thaw weathering

A process where water enters cracks in rocks, freezes and expands, causing the rock to break apart.

abrasion

The wearing away of rock surfaces by the mechanical scraping of other rock or sand particles.