Geography Flashcards

What is 'desertification'?

Answer: The process by which fertile land becomes increasingly arid and desert-like

Desertification is the degradation of dryland ecosystems due to climate variation and human activities, turning productive land into desert.

Which development indicator measures access to education, healthcare, and income together?

Answer: Human Development Index (HDI)

The Human Development Index (HDI) combines life expectancy, education, and income data to give a composite measure of development.

What process formed the Great Rift Valley in East Africa?

Answer: A constructive plate boundary where plates pull apart

The Great Rift Valley was formed by a constructive (divergent) plate boundary where the African plate is slowly splitting apart.

In geography, what does 'relief' refer to?

Answer: The variation in elevation and shape of the land surface

In physical geography, relief refers to the differences in elevation across a landscape — its hills, valleys, and plains.

What is 'fair trade'?

Answer: A trading partnership that ensures producers in developing countries receive fair prices and better conditions

Fair trade is a movement that guarantees producers in less developed countries a minimum fair price and improved working and environmental standards.

What type of rainfall is caused by warm, moist air being forced to rise over mountains?

Answer: Relief (orographic) rainfall

Relief (orographic) rainfall occurs when moist air is forced to rise over high ground, cools, and condenses to form clouds and rain.

Which ocean current keeps the UK significantly warmer than other places at similar latitudes?

Answer: The North Atlantic Drift

The North Atlantic Drift (an extension of the Gulf Stream) carries warm water from the tropics to northwest Europe, moderating the UK's climate.