O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/13 · May/June 2013 · Q425 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 7, which shows major plates and zones of tectonic activity. Key: plate boundary, direction of movement, major earthquake and volcano zones. [Figure 7]

(a)(i)What is meant by tectonic activity?[1]
(a)(ii)The following processes take place at different plate boundaries shown on Fig. 7. For each process name two plates on a boundary where the process is occurring. A subduction B plates moving apart.[2]
(a)(iii)Describe the global distribution of major earthquake and volcano zones shown on Fig. 7.[3]
(a)(iv)Explain why the risk of volcanic eruptions is high in some parts of the world.[4]
(b)(i)Identify three different types of impact of the earthquake shown on Fig. 8. [Figure 8][3]
(b)(ii)Explain why the impacts of earthquakes of similar intensity are likely to be less in MEDCs such as the USA than in LEDCs.[5]
(c)Explain the causes of an earthquake which occurred in a named area which you have studied. Name of area.[7]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2013). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a)(i) earthquakes and volcanoes; the moving of the earth's surface; moving of plates; etc.
[2] (a)(ii) A: South American and Nazca/Pacific and Eurasian/Phillipine and Eurasion; B: African and South American/Eurasian and North American/Antarctic and Indo-Australian;
[3] (a)(iii) Ideas such as: distribution is uneven; along plate boundaries/margins; eg. down centre of Atlantic Ocean/Pacific Ring of Fire/western coast of the Americas/Himalayas/southern Europe/South East Asia; (max 2) etc.
[4] (a)(iv) Ideas such as: they are closer to plate boundaries; plate boundaries are lines of weakness; plates are moving at either side/moving apart/subduction occurs/convergence occurs; and creating magma/destroying crustal material/melting rock/heats rock; build up of pressure at these points; so magma may be forces to reach the surface; etc.
[3] (b)(i) Ideas such as: fires; damage to roads/freeways/roads blocked; collapse of buildings; people killed/injuries; damage to bridges/collapse of bridges;
[5] (b)(ii) Ideas such as: better quality of buildings/build stronger buildings; built using 'earthquake proofing' or examples (max 2) e.g. computer controlled, counter weights, shock absorbers in foundations; better evacuation procedures; better education re: precautions such as drills (dev); higher level of medical care; better technology/more money for recovery; more/better emergency supplies available; more/better rescue teams trained; etc.
[7] (c) Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements including some place specific reference. Answers are likely to refer to factors such as: plate movements; friction; pressure build up; pressure released.