AQA A-Level Geography Paper 1 Exam
2026 Questions and Answers
Define 'system' - Correct answer-A type of model. An assemblage of interrelated
parts that work together by way of some driving process.
Inputs into a pond system - Correct answer-Precipitation, leaves, seeds, sunlight
Flows/transfers into a pond system - Correct answer-Infiltration, photosynthesis,
transpiration
Stores in a pond system - Correct answer-Water, soil, plants
Outputs in a pond system - Correct answer-Water infiltrating soil, evaporation,
seed dispersal
Dynamic equilibrium meaning - Correct answer-Balance between inputs + outputs,
stores stay the same
Positive feedback definition - Correct answer-The effects of an action are amplified
by its knock-on effects.
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,Negative feedback definition - Correct answer-The effects of an action are nullified
by its knock-on effects
Inputs into a coastal system - Correct answer-Waves, wind, tides, sediment,
currents, sea level change, biogenic inputs
Processes within a coastal system - Correct answer-LSD, deposition, erosion
Outputs within a coastal system - Correct answer-Spits, headlands, stacks, cliffs,
sand dunes, salt marshes, beaches, arches, loss of wave energy
Erosion definition - Correct answer-The wearing away of the Earth's surface by the
mechanical action of processes such as glaciers, wind, rivers, marine waves and
wind.
Fetch definition - Correct answer-The distance of open water which a wind blows
uninterrupted by major land obstacles. This determine the magnitude and energy of
a wave reaching shore.
Mass movement definition - Correct answer-The movement of material downhill
under the influence of gravity.
Weathering definition - Correct answer-The disintegration of rocks in situ until it is
moved by later erosional processes. Can be mechanical, biological or chemical.
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, Sources of energy (wind) - Correct answer-Movement of air from high pressure to
low pressure (greater pressure gradient, greater wind speed). Wind direction=
where wind is blowing from, prevailling wind= main wind direction in an area.
Sources of energy (waves) - Correct answer-Wind causes waves on ocean surface,
wind transfers energy to the water through friction between air molecules + water
molecules .
Wave refraction - Correct answer-Waves approach shore at an angle, this can
change the direction of wave travel.
One end of wave feels bottom (sea floor), slows down whilst rest of wave
continues at its deep water speed.
More of wave comes into contact with sea floor and slows down. As this happens,
the wave crest changes direction and becomes more perpendicular to the shoreline.
Wave refraction (irregular coast) - Correct answer-Wave nears coast and drags the
shallow water
Wave becomes higher and steeper with shorter wavelength
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2026 Questions and Answers
Define 'system' - Correct answer-A type of model. An assemblage of interrelated
parts that work together by way of some driving process.
Inputs into a pond system - Correct answer-Precipitation, leaves, seeds, sunlight
Flows/transfers into a pond system - Correct answer-Infiltration, photosynthesis,
transpiration
Stores in a pond system - Correct answer-Water, soil, plants
Outputs in a pond system - Correct answer-Water infiltrating soil, evaporation,
seed dispersal
Dynamic equilibrium meaning - Correct answer-Balance between inputs + outputs,
stores stay the same
Positive feedback definition - Correct answer-The effects of an action are amplified
by its knock-on effects.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,Negative feedback definition - Correct answer-The effects of an action are nullified
by its knock-on effects
Inputs into a coastal system - Correct answer-Waves, wind, tides, sediment,
currents, sea level change, biogenic inputs
Processes within a coastal system - Correct answer-LSD, deposition, erosion
Outputs within a coastal system - Correct answer-Spits, headlands, stacks, cliffs,
sand dunes, salt marshes, beaches, arches, loss of wave energy
Erosion definition - Correct answer-The wearing away of the Earth's surface by the
mechanical action of processes such as glaciers, wind, rivers, marine waves and
wind.
Fetch definition - Correct answer-The distance of open water which a wind blows
uninterrupted by major land obstacles. This determine the magnitude and energy of
a wave reaching shore.
Mass movement definition - Correct answer-The movement of material downhill
under the influence of gravity.
Weathering definition - Correct answer-The disintegration of rocks in situ until it is
moved by later erosional processes. Can be mechanical, biological or chemical.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, Sources of energy (wind) - Correct answer-Movement of air from high pressure to
low pressure (greater pressure gradient, greater wind speed). Wind direction=
where wind is blowing from, prevailling wind= main wind direction in an area.
Sources of energy (waves) - Correct answer-Wind causes waves on ocean surface,
wind transfers energy to the water through friction between air molecules + water
molecules .
Wave refraction - Correct answer-Waves approach shore at an angle, this can
change the direction of wave travel.
One end of wave feels bottom (sea floor), slows down whilst rest of wave
continues at its deep water speed.
More of wave comes into contact with sea floor and slows down. As this happens,
the wave crest changes direction and becomes more perpendicular to the shoreline.
Wave refraction (irregular coast) - Correct answer-Wave nears coast and drags the
shallow water
Wave becomes higher and steeper with shorter wavelength
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
