OCR GCSE Geography B: UK in the 21st Century Tutorial

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to the OCR GCSE Geography B unit: "UK in the 21st Century." It covers key themes, concepts, and case studies to help you understand the physical and human geography of the UK.

Physical Setting of the UK

Contrasting Landscapes

The UK has a varied physical landscape, characterized by uplands in the north-west and lowlands in the south-east.

• North-west uplands: Areas such as the Lake District, the Pennines, and the Scottish Highlands are dominated by rugged terrain, formed through a combination of tectonic uplift and glacial erosion during the Ice Age.
• South-east lowlands: The sedimentary rocks in this region have been shaped by ice sheets, resulting in a flatter, more gently sloping landscape.

Rainfall Gradient

The UK experiences a significant rainfall gradient due to its maritime climate: - Wet west: The prevailing westerly winds bring high levels of rainfall to the uplands of the north-west. - Dry east: The lowlands of the south-east experience lower rainfall due to the rain shadow effect.

River Systems

The UK's river systems are vital for water supply, drainage, and ecological habitats. Notable rivers include: - River Severn: The longest river in the UK, draining into the Bristol Channel. - River Thames: A key river in the South-east of England, supporting urban and industrial activities.

Water Stress in the UK

Wet West vs Thirsty South-east

• Wet west: High rainfall in the uplands leads to abundant water resources.
• Thirsty south-east: The south-east experiences lower rainfall and higher population density, creating water stress.

Solutions to Water Stress

• Water transfer schemes: Water is redistributed from surplus areas (e.g., Kielder Reservoir) to deficit areas.
• Reservoir construction: Reservoirs such as Kielder Water and Forest in Northumberland store water for transfer to the south-east.

Demographics of the UK

Ageing Population

The UK's population is ageing, with a higher proportion of elderly people in rural areas.

Migration and Diversity

• Population movement: Migration from urban to rural areas has contributed to counter-urbanization trends.
• Diversity: The UK is becoming increasingly diverse, with urban areas like London experiencing high levels of cultural and ethnic variety.

Housing Shortfall

• Housing demand: A shortage of affordable housing, particularly in the south-east, has led to rising house prices and social inequality.

Economy of the UK

Manufacturing Decline

The UK's manufacturing sector has declined since the 1970s, largely due to globalization and the rise of service industries.

Service and Quaternary Rise

• Service sector growth: The UK has become a leading global provider of financial, business, and tourism services.
• Quaternary sector: The knowledge-based economy, including IT and education, has grown significantly.

Impact of Brexit

Brexit has introduced economic uncertainty, particularly in manufacturing and agriculture, which rely heavily on EU trade.

Land Use in the UK

Farmland

• Agricultural land: The majority of the UK's land is used for agriculture, with a strong emphasis on arable farming in the lowlands.
• Decline of farmland: There has been a gradual decline in the proportion of land used for farming due to urbanization and other land-use changes.

Urban Areas

• Urban growth: Urban areas now account for around 22% of the UK's land, with significant expansion in the south-east and other urban centers.
• Urban sprawl: The growth of cities has led to concerns over loss of green spaces and increased pressure on infrastructure.

Forest and Woodland

• Forest cover: Just over 13% of the UK is covered by forest and woodland, reflecting an increase in afforestation efforts.
• Biodiversity: Forests play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of the key themes and concepts covered in the OCR GCSE Geography B specification. By focusing on the physical and human geography of the UK, you will be well-equipped to tackle the exam questions and case studies.