O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/13 · May/June 2014 · Q625 Marks
(a) Study Fig. 8, an article about the pollution of Versova Beach in Mumbai, India (an LEDC). VERSOVA BEACH RAISES A STINK 1 kilometre stretch of beach turns into dumpyard with sewer lines opening onto it A one kilometre stretch of the Versova beach is now covered in rubbish because of dumping of garbage and debris, and encroachment by the fishermen's community. Also drainage and sewer pipes from houses open on to this stretch of beach. "This beach, which was once beautiful, has become a garbage beach. Piles of garbage and waste are thrown here. You can smell the beach from kilometres away," complained Gautam Popat, who lives near the beach. The Versova beach, an extension of the Juhu beach that is busy with people, has been the choice of those who prefer some calm. But the pollution is driving the crowds away. "Plastic bags, rotten food and even construction debris are thrown here," said resident Deepak Sahani. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to clean up the beach. Officials confessed that the clean-up operation was unlikely to be successful due to opposition from local fishermen. [Figure 8] (b) Study Photograph F (Insert), which shows homes of fishermen on Versova Beach.
- (a)(i)What is meant by pollution?[1]
- (a)(ii)Using Fig. 8, describe two different ways in which Versova Beach is polluted.[2]
- (a)(iii)Suggest three impacts of the pollution of Versova Beach on people.[3]
- (a)(iv)Explain how pollution of beaches, such as Versova Beach, can affect the natural environment.[4]
- (b)(i)Describe three features of the homes shown in Photograph F.[3]
- (b)(ii)The local authority is considering ways of cleaning up Versova Beach. Study the following three methods. Method A Move the fishermen’s community and demolish their houses. Method B Organise regular cleaning of the beach by teams of local authority workers. Method C Legalise the fishermen’s community, as long as they agree to keep the beach clean. Which method do you think will be the most sustainable? Explain your answer.[5]
- (c)For a named area you have studied, describe the causes and impacts of air pollution. 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 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [1] The introduction/disposal of harmful substances/waste into the environment/nature/air/water/makes environment dirty/make dirty or contaminated;
- [1] Garbage/rubbish/litter/waste (or example – plastic bags/food waste) debris;
- [1] Sewage;
- [1] Construction waste/construction debris;
- [1] Impacts such as: smell;
- [1] Disease (or example)/unhealthy;
- [1] Unsightly/visual pollution;
- [1] Puts off tourists/visitors;
- [1] Loss of income for local businesses/locals lose jobs;
- [1] Possible dangers e.g. broken glass could cut your foot;
- [1] etc.
- [1] Ideas such as: kills animals/fish/birds/ species;
- [1] extinction/endangered;
- [1] loss of biodiversity;
- [1] impacts on food chains;
- [1] damages habitats;
- [1] disrupts breeding patterns;
- [1] etc.
- [1] Features such as: unstable/ramshackle/falling down;
- [1] a variety of building materials are used/ made from wood/cardboard/sheeting etc (any reference from building materials);
- [1] self made;
- [1] small;
- [1] low level/single storey;
- [1] flat roofs;
- [1] close together;
- [1] etc.
- [1] Candidates can choose any method as credit is to be awarded for justification of the choice.
- NB: If a candidate chooses all three ideas then mark the best one. Candidate may choose one and then give reasons as to why discounted the other two ideas which is fine.
- Level 1 (1–3 marks) Statements including limited detail which describe the causes and/or impacts of air pollution.
- Level 2 (4–6 marks) Uses named example. More developed statements which describe the causes and/or impacts of air pollution.
- (NB: Max 5 if no named example)
- Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements which describe both causes and impacts of air pollution, including some place specific reference.
- Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to; Industry, Energy generation, Transport, Health issues, Impact on flora and fauna Visual/aesthetic impacts, Impacts on transport/communications etc.
- Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details; Specific details of places within the area chosen; Specific details of polluters; Statistical detail or specific factual detail etc.
- NB: Name of area can be any scale.
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