test

Question 1

Identify two other physical features of this coastline.

Answer 1

beach
(1); cliffed coastline (1); bay (1); undulating (1);
headland (1); forest (1); upland/highland coastline

Question 2

Suggest one way in which vegetation can affect this coastline.

Answer 2

reduces mass movement (1); minimises human access;

roots bind soil

Question 3

What is meant by the term sea-level change?

Answer 3

level of sea in relation to land changes (1) over a
longer time period (1). Award 1 mark for relevant points
e.g. normal/average sea level higher/lower (1); global
sea level rises/falls (1) isostatic/eustatic change

Question 4

Outline two impacts that sea-level changes can have on coastlines.

Answer 4

coastal flooding (1); submergence of low lying land (1);
landforms such as rias/fiords (1); raised beaches (1);
coral reefs (1); relict cliffs (1) …
river valleys flooded by
rising sea level (1) to form ria (1)… or an extended
example
e.g. low lying Maldive islands (1) disappear with rising
sea level (1) or a human impact e.g. coastal flooding
(1) > loss of homes/damaged infrastructure (1)
increased erosion (1)…

Question 5

Explain how different physical processes operate along a coastline.

Answer 5

key processes include wave erosion; transportation;
deposition; longshore drift; sub-aerial weathering; river
sediment transport …
how processes as
above work to constantly change a stretch of coastline.
They operate in both isolation e.g.
 erosion breaking down coastal rocks leading to
retreat
 waves depositing to grow beaches
and together as a natural system e.g. longshore drift
depositing in one place and eroding in another; mass
movement providing material for beaches; erosion of cliffs
producing material for building beaches; how wave action
may bring sediments shorewards to form offshore bars and
beaches … The focus is on a multi-process approach with
“different” being a key word.

Question 6

Identify one short-term impact of this hazard event. ( earthquake)

Answer 6

building collapse; homelessness (1); personal injury (1);
communications damage (1); disruption to services (1) ...
N.B. short-term and observed/implied

Question 7

Suggest how the scale of this event might have affected its long-term impact.

Answer 7

large scale; major … (1). Credit with 2nd mark where
long-term implications indicated e.g. severe consequences
for long time (1); financial loss (1); economic slowdown
(1); loss of tourism affects GDP (1).

Question 8

What is meant by the term weather conditions?

Answer 8

atmospheric conditions (1) for a short period of time (1).
Part definitions e.g. lists of weather elements (1); what
the air is like/doing

Question 9

Outline two methods of monitoring weather conditions.

Answer 9

Credit each valid instrument identified with 1 mark e.g.
rain gauge (1); radar readings (1); meteorological
sensors (1); satellite detectors (1); hand-held
electronic devices (1); visual judgements (1) …
2
nd mark in each case for an outline of the method
stated e.g. reading instruments (1) amount of rainfall in
collecting jar in gauge measured daily (1);
meteorological sensors (1) detect pressure changes and
send value to computer (1)

Question 10

Explain how tropical storms are caused.

Answer 10

to indicate
that tropical storms are huge spinning areas of low pressure
(cyclones) bringing strong winds and torrential rain and
commonly known as hurricanes, typhoons …
to indicate
that tropical storms are huge spinning areas of low pressure
(cyclones) bringing strong winds and torrential rain and
commonly known as hurricanes, typhoons …

Question 11

Discuss the challenges of managing a tectonic event in one named country.
(9)

Named country …………………………………………………………………………………

Answer 11

refer to the difficulties of doing this
i.e. of risk assessment, prediction, preparation/adjustment,
recovery…
A key part of many answers will be to look at the difficulties
of preparing and adjusting to the event e.g.
earthquake preparation involves designing non-collapsible
buildings; strengthening railways and roads; stocks of
emergency supplies …
volcanic eruption preparation involves evacuation plans,
lava diversion channels, planning controls on building
location ….
Difficulties may be less in HICs with their higher levels of
development, more and better quality management, better
technology and infrastructure, greater governance.

Question 12

Suggest three reasons why this location was chosen for the Motor Works.

Answer 12

road
access for transport of car parts (1); easy access for
labour force (1); road transport of finished vehicles to
market (1); flat/level building ground (1); large, open
area (1) …

Question 13

What is meant by the term energy efficiency?

Answer 13

making
the most of energy sources (1) in order to cut down on
waste/reduce consumption (1).
Award 1 mark for partial answers along right lines
e.g. use less energy(1); more economic fuel
consumption (1).

Question 14

Outline two reasons why energy efficiency is needed.

Answer 14

rising global demand (1); traditional
energy sources non-renewable (1); energy precious (1);
burning non-renewables polluting (1) …
2
nd mark available in each case if factor developed into
a full reason/cause e.g.
 rising global demand (1) puts strain on global
energy supply (1)
 traditional energy sources non-renewable (1)
limited in supply and will run out one day (1)

Question 15

Explain how the economic sectors vary in importance between HICs and LICs.

Answer 15

There is a specification case study on the comparative
sectoral shifts in one HIC and one LIC along the lines of the
Clarke-Fisher model which should inform the inter-country
variations e.g. LICs (pre-industrial society) with their large
primary sector e.g. 70% of workforce, modest secondary
sector e.g. 20% and small tertiary sector e.g. 10%
contrasts with HICs (post-industrial society) with their large
tertiary sector e.g. 50%, modest secondary sector e.g.
30%, small primary sector e.g. 10% and emerging
quaternary sector e.g. 10%.
In an LIC with the following national profile of 25% primary,
30% secondary, 40% tertiary and 5% quaternary one
region might have a 10-40-40-10 split whilst another 50-
15-33-2 breakdown.

Question 16

Discuss which of the factors affecting the development of one named high-tech
industry is the most important.

(9)

Named high-tech industry …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Answer 16

Named industries may include pharmaceuticals,
biotechnology, electronic goods, motor vehicles … with no
named location necessary.
The question is evaluative in nature seeking a consideration
of factors affecting its development i.e. growth of output;
more employees; new locations as business expands … and
an evaluation of the relative importance of such factors as:

availability of highly-skilled labour; R & D and university-
business links; transport advances both national and

transnational; clustering and external economies;
government policies; economic development and changing
demand; globalisation, supply chains and TNCs …

Question 17

Suggest two factors that might have encouraged the depopulation of this island.

Answer 17

remote/ low accessibility (1); poor
service provision (1); limited employment opportunity
(1); high/rising unemployment (1); farming
difficulties/mechanisation (1); limited facilities (1);
harsh weather (1) cheap imports (1)…

Question 18

What is meant by the term conservation?

Answer 18

for future use (1) or improvement (1).
1 mark answers will be partial e.g. looking after fine
scenery/landscape (1); sustainability (1); keeping
things as they are (1)….

Question 19

Outline two reasons for conservation in rural environments.

Answer 19

rare habitats (1); attractive landscape (1); threats
from commercial interests (1)
2
nd marks available for developing it into full reason e.g.
 rare habitats (1) at risk of survival from visitor
numbers (1)
 attractive landscape (1) to encourage tourism
(1) in danger of being spoiled by quarrying (1)

Question 20

Explain the causes of food shortages.

Answer 20

Food shortage is more common in LICs. Expect the causes

to be associated with :
 food production not meeting demand
 food supply affected by limited and uneven global
distribution systems (distribution barriers)
 fast population increase pushing up demand
 rising incomes in LICs raising demand
 rural-to-urban migration in LICs leaving fewer
farmers
 food supply disrupted by conflicts
 globalised food industry with some farming in LICs
for export rather than local consumption
 over-consumption in HICs
 production damaged by weather events
 poor storage

Question 21

Discuss the main ecological processes affecting the biodiversity of one
named ecosystem.

(9)

Named ecosystem …………………………………………………………………………………

Answer 21

can be based on any rural or
coastal ecosystem but might expect to see temperate
grassland; mangrove; coral reef; sand dunes … The
ecological processes identified need to be linked to the
ecosystem’s biodiversity i.e. the number and variety of
living species found in the ecosystem.
Good answers will appreciate the interaction of the
ecosystem’s living e.g. plants … and non-living e.g. soil …
components and the series of links in the ecosystem which
depend on each other known as its food chain.
Processes may refer to:
 photosynthesis and the carbon cycle
 food chains, primary producers, primary consumers,
secondary consumers .. and nutrient recycling esp.
nitrogen.
 adaptation and succession.
Ecosystems break down with loss of biodiversity if one
component or link changes.

Question 22

Outline three factors that should be considered when choosing a suitable sampling site for a microclimate investigation.

Answer 22

Credit any valid factor stated with 1 mark. Must include
at least two meteorological consideration for max marks
e.g. different surroundings (1). 2nd mark for this to be
exemplified twice e.g. south-facing aspect (1);
sheltered spot (1); open space (1) …
Allow 1 mark for valid access or health & safety
consideration e.g. trespass (1); traffic (1) ….
Each valid factor carries a 2nd mark for description re
suitability e.g.
 open space (1) > gives more “natural” reading
for area (1)
 trespass (1) > ensure permission acquired (1)

Question 23

Describe two sources of secondary information that might be useful in planning a microclimate investigation.

Answer 23

OS map (1); local Met Office station
records (1); local area weather forecast (1); compass
directions (1); historic weather diaries (1); newspaper
reports for area (1) ….
2
nd marks can be given where purpose of source made
clear e.g.
 OS map (1) gives altitude of site (1)
 compass directions (1) gives aspect of site (1); sites reflecting rock
type in vegetation survey (1)….

Question 24

Outline each of the three following sampling methods used in

geographical investigations.

Answer 24

Systematic sampling = sample taken in regular way (1)
e.g. every tenth person; every 100 metres (1)…
Random sampling = sample taken based on equal
chance of inclusion for all (1) e.g. using random
numbers table; drawn from a hat (1) ….
Stratified sampling = samples are selected according to
a known characteristic (1) e.g. age-distribution of
population in an opinions survey; sites reflecting rock
type in vegetation survey (1)….

Question 25

Suggest why one of the sampling methods named in (b)(i) would be appropriate to use in a microclimate investigation.

Answer 25

systematic – no bias (1) by measuring at regular
intervals (1) avoiding need for any personal
judgement (1)
 stratified – good way to achieve
representativeness (1) by basing sampling site
on OS map (1) and pre-fieldwork visits (1)
 random – avoids site selection difficulties (1) by
impersonalising sampling decision (1) no bias (1)

Question 26

Suggest one possible aim of a microclimate investigation.

Answer 26

 measure weather conditions (1) compare with
another local site (1)
 measure temperature … (1) compare with Met
Office station recordings for that area (1)

Question 27

Identify three reasons why a microclimate investigation might not achieve

the aim given in (c)(i).

Answer 27

 accuracy of data collected (1)
 sufficient data collected (1)
 careful data recording (1)
 accuracy of data collation (1) and data
presentation (1)
 reliable analysis and interpretation of findings (1)
 validity of conclusions reached (1)
 realism and practicality of aim (1)
 suitability of sites chosen (1)

Question 28

Describe the factors to be considered in preparing a questionnaire.

Answer 28

how many questions (1); layout of questionnaire
(1); decide on sample size (1); decide on sample
composition (1) number of questions (1); open (1)
closed (1);
Or award max to 2 well-developed (described) factors
e.g. sample composition (1) > spread of different ages
(1)

Question 29

Identify two health and safety risks of carrying out fieldwork in

urban locations.

Answer 29

traffic accidents (1); mugging/crime (1);
temptations to visit non-fieldwork places (1); getting
lost (1) avoid construction site (1)...

Question 30

Justify the technique used in Figure 9c to represent the results shown in ITS A GRAPH

Figure 9b.

Answer 30

comparisons
name graph type (line graph)
between age-groups observable (1); can be ICT-
generated (1); good way to display multiple data sets

(1) … or one developed/exemplified advantage e.g. easy
to interpret (1) as trends clearly visible (1).
Award up to 2 marks where a valid alternative
technique is identified e.g. compound bar chart (1)
better with grouped rather than continuous data (1).

Question 31

What conclusions can be reached from an analysis of Figures 9b and 9c?

Answer 31

 source overall e.g.
 nuclear is generally least popular source
 solar is generally most popular
 fracking generally less popular than onshore wind
2. age-group e.g.
 renewables i.e. onshore wind and solar far more popular
among younger people (16-34) that nuclear and fracking
 fracking more unpopular with older generations i.e. 35 +
 apart from 45-54s, nuclear similarly unpopular across
age-range
 older age-groups less keen on renewables than younger.

Expect an expanded answer with at least two well-developed
concluding statements. Likely to support statements with
data or uses adjectives to indicate extent of opposition;
required at top of level. Conclusions to refer to both source
and age-group.

Question 32

Suggest additional information that might be collected to improve this a fieldwork investigation

Answer 32

opinions re
other sources (1) especially coal/oil …(1); location of
home (1) in relation to electricity-generation plants
…(1);
or secondary sources e.g. published national surveys
(1) suggesting split according to gender (1) or
educational/professional level (1).

Question 33

Describe the trend in the rate of deforestation in Brazil between 2004

and 2013.

Answer 33

decreasing rate (1)
with 2nd mark for either quantification e.g. 28000 sq.
km. in 2004 to around 5000 sq. km. at end of period
(1) or qualification e.g. almost continuous (1);
continuous downward trend (1) except anomalies -
2008 and 2012 (1).

Question 34

define desertification

Answer 34

the spread of arid/desert-like conditions (1)into
semi-arid areas/areas surrounding present desert(1).
Can be based on the change to cultivated/agricultural
land due to people/climate change …
Partial but valid statements e.g. spreading deserts (1);
land degradation (1); advancing soil erosion by wind
(1); farmland becoming unproductive (1) …

Question 35

Outline two causes of desertification.

Answer 35

poor soil management (1) due to overgrazing so
soil lacks binding from vegetation (1)
 drought (1) > vegetation to die so soil vulnerable
to erosion (1)
 deforestation (1) for fuel supply leaves soil
exposed to erosion (1)

Question 36

Describe how desertification is being managed in one named area.

Answer 36

increased mobility of people and animals (1);
windbreaks to reduce wind erosion of bare soil (1);
planting of drought-tolerant species e.g. marram to
stabilise soils(1); leaving land fallow to allow soil
recovery (1) ; planting nitrogen-fixing legumes to
improve soil fertility (1)

In Mali the plant jatropha curcas is grown as hedges
around food crops. It’s able to grow in poor quality soil
and its roots bind soil together (1). It protects soil from
wind and water erosion (1). Oil produced from the plant
can be sold providing a valuable source of income
reducing the need to over-cultivate (1). The plant can
also be burnt as fuel reducing the need for deforestation
(1).

Question 37

Explain how two of these pieces of evidence show that the climate is
currently changing.

Answer 37

sea level rising (1); warming of air temperatures
(1); more extreme weather (1) … Further marks to
show how this is changing “normal” weather
experienced and long-term averages e.g. storms more
frequent and/or more intense (1). Some explanation of
how it provides evidence needed for full marks in each
case.
e.g. rising sea levels (1) because rising temperatures
(1) leading to greater Polar ice melt (1) with meltwater
now in the oceans (1).

Question 38

Discuss the different opinions about the possible causes of global warming.

Answer 38

The question is about the global warming/climate change
debate over causation. The overwhelming consensus is that
climate change is real and under way but the degree of
human responsibility is uncertain. Most scientists believe
humans are largely to blame via the use of fossil fuels, air
pollution and an enhanced greenhouse effect leading to
global warming. Some explanation of the relationship
between rising CO2 levels and other heat-trapping gases
and global warming needs to be given. UN IPCC is 95
certain that climate change is mainly man-made i.e. more
than half of the 0.85 degrees C. increase since 1900 due to
human activities. Natural causes including orbital changes,
volcanic activity and variations in solar output may have
contributed as they have in previous climate change. Good
candidates will remark that the history of the Earth is one
of climate change; climates changed long before any
human influence on the climate system. During the current
period of quite rapid warming since the 1970’s, solar
activity has been high and may explain a small part of
global warming. There are natural long-term fluctuations in
solar output but impacts are thought to be more regional
than global e.g. the solar minimum 1645-1715 may have
led to the 0.5 degrees C. temperature drop in western
Europe known as the “Little Ice Age.” Furthermore, the
better air quality resulting from anti-pollution legislation
may have enabled solar radiation to push air temperatures
since the 1960’s, by perhaps 20%. What % of global
warming is natural and what % is human-induced is a
matter of debate. Level 3 responses should raise this idea
and introduce some evaluation of the relative contribution
of factors.

Expect some depth of treatment, a degree of balance with
regard to human and natural factors and coherent
explanation. Some evidence of evaluation of people versus
nature as causes at top of level. Good understanding of the
causation debate.