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Physical Geography Revision

Rivers, mountains, coasts & tectonics — part of Geography on KODO.

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Physical Geography is a core area of KS3 Geography in the national curriculum. It covers essential concepts that build the foundation for GCSE study and beyond.

This topic includes subtopics such as Rivers and water cycle, Coastal erosion and landforms, Mountains and plate tectonics, Volcanoes and earthquakes and more. Each area is tested with multiple-choice questions that include detailed explanations to deepen your understanding.

Quick Reference

River stagesUpper course → Middle course → Lower course
Volcano typesShield (gentle), Composite (steep), Supervolcano
Earthquake measurementRichter scale (magnitude) & Mercalli scale (intensity)
Rock cycleIgneous → Sedimentary → Metamorphic (and back)

Key Definitions

Erosion
The wearing away of rock or soil by water, wind, ice or gravity.
Weathering
The breaking down of rock in situ (without movement) by physical, chemical or biological processes.
Tectonic plates
Large slabs of the Earth's crust that move slowly, causing earthquakes and volcanoes at their boundaries.

What You'll Cover

Rivers and water cycle
Coastal erosion and landforms
Mountains and plate tectonics
Volcanoes and earthquakes
Glaciation
Rivers and the water cycle
Coastal erosion and features
Mountains and tectonic plates
Weathering and erosion

Test Yourself — Physical Geography

Try 3 quick questions. No account needed.

Quick Quiz

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Memory Tricks & Mnemonics

"ABCS" of coastal erosion — Attrition, Abrasion (Corrasion), Corrosion, Solution (Hydraulic action)

Remember the four types of erosion.

"Freeze-thaw" = water enters cracks → freezes → expands → rock splits

Physical weathering process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Erosion in Geography?+
The wearing away of rock or soil by water, wind, ice or gravity.
What is Weathering in Geography?+
The breaking down of rock in situ (without movement) by physical, chemical or biological processes.
What is Tectonic plates in Geography?+
Large slabs of the Earth's crust that move slowly, causing earthquakes and volcanoes at their boundaries.
What does Physical Geography cover in KS3 Geography?+
Physical Geography in KS3 Geography covers Rivers and water cycle, Coastal erosion and landforms, Mountains and plate tectonics, Volcanoes and earthquakes, Glaciation, Rivers and the water cycle, Coastal erosion and features, Mountains and tectonic plates. Rivers, mountains, coasts & tectonics.
What is the best way to revise Physical Geography?+
Test yourself rather than re-reading notes. Do a short Physical Geography quiz, read the explanation for every answer you get wrong, then come back to those questions a few days later. KODO does this automatically with spaced repetition, and you can turn any topic into printable flash cards.
Is Physical Geography revision on KODO free?+
Yes. KODO is free for everyone until Friday 18 December 2026, with unlimited quizzes on Physical Geography and every other topic. After that there is still a free plan with daily quizzes.

Start practising Physical Geography now

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