GCSE Geography OCR

This subject is broken down into 96 topics in 10 modules:

  1. Geography A (Geographical Themes) 33 topics
  2. Global Hazards 13 topics
  3. Changing Climate 4 topics
  4. Distinctive Landscapes 7 topics
  5. Sustaining Ecosystems 6 topics
  6. Urban Futures 5 topics
  7. Dynamic Development 7 topics
  8. UK in the 21st Century 8 topics
  9. Resource Reliance 7 topics
  10. Geographical Skills 6 topics
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  • 10
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  • 96
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  • 32,031
    words of revision content
  • 4+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Geography

Geography A (Geographical Themes)

Distinctive Characteristics of Physical Landscapes of the UK

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Distinctive Characteristics of Physical Landscapes of the UK

  • Physical landscapes are parts of the natural topography that have significant distinctive features. The UK is renowned for its variety of physical landscapes including the rugged highlands and lochs of Scotland, gentle rolling hills in England, and distinctive coastlines around Wales.

  • Upland areas: Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, North of England (Pennines), and South West of England (Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bodmin Moor) are characterised by steep, rugged terrain, rocky outcrops, and extensive moorland. Climate tends to be colder with higher rainfall.

  • Lowland areas: These occupy the Midlands, East Anglia, South East and East of England. They are recognised by softer, rolling landscapes, fertile soils, and a milder, drier climate. They are a prime location for agricultural activities.

  • Coastal Landscapes: The UK is surrounded by a rich variety of coastal landscapes. The South West is characterised by high cliffs and sandy beaches while, the East coast has flatter marshlands.

  • River landscapes: The UK has several major rivers like the Thames, Severn, Tay, and the Tweed with unique characteristics. These include features as meanders, oxbow lakes, floodplains, and deltas.

  • The chalk hills or 'downs' of Southern England: The North and South Downs are formed of chalk, a soft, white limestone. The rolling hills and deep valleys (or 'dips') are a characteristic feature of these areas.

  • Scotland's Glaciated Landscapes: The Scottish Highlands are a region heavily influenced by past glaciation, with spectacular features such as corries, pyramidal peaks, U-shaped valleys, and lochs.

  • Wales’ mountainous landscape: Areas such as the Snowdonia National Park are distinguished by rugged mountains and deep valleys, shaped by the forces of glaciation.

These various physical landscapes contribute to the overall diversity of the UK's terrain, each with an inherent beauty while also influencing the human activity in the region.

Course material for Geography, module Geography A (Geographical Themes), topic Distinctive Characteristics of Physical Landscapes of the UK

Geography

Changing Climate

Global Effects of Climate Change

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Global Effects of Climate Change

  • Climate change affects different regions of the world in different ways. For instance, in some places, temperatures may rise, causing droughts or heat waves. In other areas, it may lead to more severe storms or unpredictable weather patterns.

  • Rising global temperatures cause polar ice to melt, raising sea levels. This is a significant concern for low-lying countries and regions, such as The Maldives and parts of Bangladesh, which risk losing vast amounts of land to the sea.

  • Many animals and plants face extinction as their habitats change or disappear due to global warming. The polar bear, for example, is on the endangered species list due to the loss of arctic ice.

  • There are implications for human health too. Rising temperatures can lead to heat-related diseases, while alterations in rainfall patterns can facilitate the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

  • Climate change impacts agriculture. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can hinder crop growth and lead to food shortages, especially in regions heavily reliant on farming.

  • The economic costs of climate change are enormous. This includes the cost of natural disasters, health expenses, the disruption of farming and fishing, and the loss of tourism in areas hit hard by climate change.

  • Increased likelihood of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts and heavy rainfall. These events can lead to flooding, landslides, and other disasters that cause damage and loss of life.

  • Greater levels of air pollution could result due to higher temperatures worsening issues of smog and increasing allergies and respiratory problems.

  • Mutations in ecosystems due to rising temperatures could lead to the degradation of coral reefs, which are important for marine biodiversity.

  • There's an increased risk of wildfires with drier conditions and hotter temperatures, which not only affect landscapes but also contribute to air pollution and endanger lives and properties.

  • The distribution of species across the globe will also shift due to climate change. Species are migrating to cooler areas, potentially leading to new competitions and changes in biodiversity.

  • Lastly, increased stress on water resources due to melting glaciers can disrupt hydrological cycles and affect water availability in various parts of the world.

Course material for Geography, module Changing Climate, topic Global Effects of Climate Change

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