T3 geo revision 2026 - glossary

A collection of technical terms and definitions regarding urban expansion, sustainability, and biological/physical processes derived from the lecture notes.

Anthropogenic processes

Involve human activity

Biological/Physical processes

Processes that are vital for organisms to live

Urbanisation

Growth in the proportion of a population living in urban environments

Urban sprawl

The process of outward expansion of urban areas from the CBD into the surrounding countryside and invading adjacent towns, regions and undeveloped land

Migration

The movement of population from one area to another

Rural to urban migration

The movement of people from countryside to city areas

Informal settlements/slums

Unplanned residential areas where residents lack legal land tenure and access to adequate infrastructure and services.

Sustainable

Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level

Development

An event constituting a new stage in a changing situation

Sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future generations needs

Sanitation

The promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by the use of facilities and services for the safe collection and disposal of human urine, faecal matter and rubbish

Cholera

An acute intestinal infection that spreads through food and water contaminated with faeces

Eco-city

Mainly focuses on reducing environmental impacts

Sustainable city

Focuses on the environment, society and economy so the city can meet people's needs into the future