Contemporary Urban Environments - AQA Geography A-level

These flashcards cover key concepts related to urbanisation, suburbanisation, counter-urbanisation, and various urban issues and processes as outlined in the AQA Geography A-level contemporary urban environments curriculum.

What is urbanisation?

Urbanisation is defined as the increase of the proportion of people moving to urban areas.

What are urban areas typically characterized by?

Urban areas are characterized by high population density and the majority of employment not being in agriculture.

What percentage of the global population lived in urban areas in 1950?

In 1950, 30% of the global population lived in urban areas.

What is suburbanisation?

Suburbanisation is the growth of urban areas extending into rural areas, resulting in rural settlements being absorbed into urban areas.

Give an example of a location affected by suburbanisation.

Stoke Gifford in South Gloucestershire is an example of an area that has undergone suburbanisation.

What are the issues associated with suburbanisation?

Suburbanisation can lead to inner-city areas becoming deprived and can increase house prices in suburban areas.

What does counter-urbanisation refer to?

Counter-urbanisation is the process of people moving out of cities to rural areas in search of a better quality of life.

What is urban resurgence?

Urban resurgence (or re-urbanisation) is the process of people moving back into the city, usually after efforts to improve quality of life in the area.

What are megacities?

Megacities are urban areas with a population exceeding 10 million people.

What is the role of world cities?

World cities are central to global economic activities and are influential in political and social matters.

What is deindustrialisation?

Deindustrialisation is the decline of industrial activity in a region or economy.

What are some advantages of urbanisation?

Urbanisation can lead to better job opportunities, improved healthcare, and access to education.

What does the Urban Heat Island Effect refer to?

The Urban Heat Island Effect is the phenomenon where urban areas retain more heat than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and urban materials.

What is photochemical smog?

Photochemical smog is a type of air pollution that occurs when sunlight reacts with pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

How does urban drainage differ from rural drainage?

Urban drainage relies on impermeable surfaces, leading to increased surface runoff and higher flood risk.

What are Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)?

SUDS are systems designed to manage urban water sustainably by mimicking natural drainage systems.

What is the ecological footprint?

An ecological footprint measures how much we consume in relation to how quickly nature can regenerate resources.

What approach can be taken to reduce air pollution in urban areas?

Cities can implement laws to reduce emissions, improve public transport, and promote alternative fuels.

What challenges do cities face in becoming sustainable?

Challenges include limited funding for sustainable initiatives and the need for lifestyle changes among residents.