QCAA Geography flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Geographical inquiry sequence

The ordered process of formulating a question, planning methods, collecting and processing data, analysing and evaluating findings, concluding, and communicating results to answer a geographical question.

Primary versus secondary data

Primary data is collected firsthand through fieldwork such as surveys or measurements; secondary data is gathered by others, such as census statistics, weather records, or published maps.

Stratified sampling

A sampling method where the population is divided into subgroups, such as by age or location, and samples are drawn from each group to ensure representation.

Choropleth map

A map using shading or colour to represent the value of a variable per unit area, such as population density, making spatial patterns easy to compare between regions.

Contour interval

The constant vertical distance between adjacent contour lines on a topographic map, allowing relief and slope steepness to be interpreted from line spacing.

Data reliability and validity

Reliability refers to consistency and trustworthiness of a source; validity refers to whether the data actually measures the variable the inquiry intends to investigate.

Geographic information system

Software that stores spatial data as layers with attribute tables, allowing users to overlay, query, buffer, and analyse patterns and relationships across locations.

Convergent plate boundary

A boundary where plates move toward each other, producing subduction, deep earthquakes, volcanic arcs, and mountain building, commonly around the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Transform plate boundary

A boundary where plates slide laterally past each other, generating shallow earthquakes but little volcanism, as along the San Andreas Fault.

Moment magnitude scale

A logarithmic measure of earthquake energy released; each whole-number increase represents roughly 32 times more energy, so higher magnitudes are vastly more powerful.

Lahar

A volcanic hazard consisting of a fast-moving mudflow of volcanic ash, rock, and water that can travel far down river valleys and bury settlements.

Hydrograph lag time

The delay between peak rainfall and peak river discharge; shorter lag times occur with impervious surfaces, steep slopes, and saturated catchments, raising flood risk.

River discharge formula

Discharge, measured in cubic metres per second, equals channel cross-sectional area in square metres multiplied by average water velocity in metres per second.

Tropical cyclone formation

Cyclones form over warm ocean water above roughly 26 degrees Celsius, require Coriolis effect away from the equator, and weaken after landfall when moisture supply is cut.

Hazard risk equation

Risk is often modelled as hazard multiplied by exposure and vulnerability, divided by capacity; reducing exposure or increasing capacity lowers overall disaster risk.

Demographic transition model

A model describing population change through stages as birth and death rates fall at different times, shifting societies from high to low fertility and mortality.

Natural increase rate

The difference between birth rate and death rate, usually expressed per 1000 people per year, excluding the effect of migration on population change.

Population pyramid

A graph showing the age and sex structure of a population; a broad base indicates high fertility, while a narrow base and wide top indicate ageing.

Dependency ratio

The ratio of people outside working age, under 15 and 65 and over, to the working-age population aged 15 to 64, usually expressed per 100 workers.

Push and pull factors

Conditions that drive people away from a place, such as conflict or unemployment, and conditions that attract them, such as jobs, safety, and services.

Urbanisation

The increasing proportion of a population living in urban areas, driven by rural-to-urban migration and natural increase, often outpacing housing and service provision.

Population density

The average number of people per unit area, calculated as total population divided by land area, which can conceal uneven distribution within a region.

Spatial association

The degree to which two phenomena occur in the same locations, tested by comparing or overlaying distribution maps; association does not by itself prove causation.

Site and situation

Site refers to a place's local physical characteristics such as relief and water supply; situation refers to its position relative to surrounding features and other places.

Positive feedback loop

A process where a change amplifies further change, such as melting ice reducing albedo and increasing warming, pushing a system away from equilibrium.

Climate graph

A graph displaying monthly mean temperature as a line and monthly precipitation as bars, used to identify seasonal patterns and compare climate between locations.

Human Development Index

A composite development measure combining income per capita, education attainment, and life expectancy, giving a broader picture than economic output alone.

Percentage change formula

Percentage change equals the new value minus the old value, divided by the old value, multiplied by 100, allowing comparison across different units and scales.

Graph selection rules

Line graphs suit continuous change over time, bar charts compare categories, scatter graphs test correlation between variables, and pie charts show proportions of a whole.

Correlation versus causation

Correlation describes the direction and strength of a relationship between two variables; causation requires evidence that one variable directly produces change in the other.

Evaluating data limitations

Judging a response by acknowledging sample bias, data gaps, outdated sources, measurement error, scale mismatch, and model assumptions that affect confidence in conclusions.

Reasoned geographical judgement

A conclusion that weighs competing perspectives and trade-offs, then justifies a preferred response using cited evidence, stated assumptions, and acknowledged uncertainty.