A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY - 7037 - SUBJECT SPECIFIC VOCABULARY

Oct 1, 2026

Subject-specific Geography vocabulary for A-level Geography (7037) provides clear definitions for key terms used across the specification. The resource lists only the required terms under topic headings and emphasizes that all listed items can be used in examinations. It guides students to understand each term in context, while encouraging the use of additional specialist geographical vocabulary to support answers effectively across physical and human geography topics.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages32

Reading Time1 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

Subject specific vocabulary

Terms featuring across the specification

3.1 Physical geography

3.1.1 Section A: Water and carbon cycles

Subject specific vocabulary The following subject specific vocabulary provides definitions of key Geography terms used in our A-level Geography (7037) specification. All terms stated in the specification can be used in the examinations. Students should be familiar with these terms in relation to the topics that they study. The specified terms are listed below under each of the topic headings. Note that each list includes only the geographical terms stated in the specification. Students are encouraged to use other specialist geographical vocabulary in their answers as well as the terms listed here. Terms featuring across the specification Adaptation Action taken by human to reduce their vulnerability or exposure to impacts. Causes Reasons for the form/character of a phenomenon – for example why a process occurs or why a phenomenon displays its characteristic features. Challenges Difficult, large-scale problems that require solutions. Characteristics The key features and properties of a phenomenon. Conflicts Issues over which two or more groups of people disagree. Consequences The results of an action, change or process. These may be many and various and can be positive or negative in their geographical impacts. © 2024 AQA 1 of 32 A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – 7037 – SUBJECT SPECIFIC VOCABULARY Contrasting Where two or more phenomena differ from one another in one or more significant ways. Distribution The geographical locations of specified phenomenon/phenomena, most often shown on amap. A distribution may or may not present as a recognisable pattern. Dynamic equilibrium A state of balance in a constantly changing natural system, the operation of which attempts to balance inputs with outputs. Economic Connected with the economy and therefore related to production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Conventionally measured in money terms and connected with employment, industry, income and human welfare. Environmental Concerned with the environment – water, air and land, and the organisms which occupy it (including humans) and natural resources obtainable from it. Factors The underlying causes of a phenomenon and the elements which influence it. Impacts The results/outcomes of events, actions or processes on people and the environment. They can be positive or negative. Implications What happens or might happen as a result/consequence of specific events, actions or processes. Issues Matters which cause concern to people about which there may be differing views, and which may be sources of conflict. Lifestyle The way in which people normally live their lives. Lifestyles vary both within and between places. © 2024 AQA 2 of 32 A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – 7037 – SUBJECT SPECIFIC VOCABULARY Management The design and implementation of policies and strategies to run human systems and influence natural systems in order to minimise or reduce impacts or problems and enhance outcomes. Management involves deliberation, planning and action. Mitigation Any actions or measures taken to reduce or offset the adverse impacts or severity of a process or event. Negative feedback A cyclical sequence that decreases/diminishes an initial change in a natural system and tends to return the system to a state of equilibrium or balance. Opportunities Situations where change might be achievable and a better situation reached. Patterns Regularities in the occurrence or distribution of phenomena. Geographically, often shown on a map. Political Concerned with the distribution and exercise of power over human affairs, the promotion of different viewpoints and policies, the resolution of any such differences and the consequent decisions and their implementation. Positive feedback A cyclical sequence that increases or amplifies an initial change in a natural system. Problems Difficulties, risks or issues that worry people and indicate that responses are re

FAQs

What is the purpose of this subject-specific vocabulary list?

It defines key Geography terms used in the A-level Geography (7037) specification so students understand the terminology needed for their topics and exam answers.

Can students use these vocabulary terms in examinations?

Yes. The document states that all terms listed in the specification can be used in the examinations.

Are students allowed to use other geographical vocabulary beyond the listed terms?

Yes. The document encourages students to use other specialist geographical vocabulary in their answers in addition to the terms provided here.

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by Riley West