O-LevelGeographyEconomic development2217/12 · May/June 2015 · Q625 Marks

(a) Study Figs 10A, 10B and 10C, which show information about Sri Lanka (an LEDC). [Figures 10A, 10B, 10C]

(a)(i)On Fig. 10B, shade the area of over 2500 mm annual rainfall.[1]
(a)(ii)Give two reasons for the location of the reservoirs shown on Fig. 10C.[2]
(a)(iii)Describe the location of the areas which are irrigated on Fig. 10C.[3]
(b)(i)Study Fig. 11, which shows information about hydro-electric power. Content removed due to copyright restrictions. [Figure 11] Explain how hydro-electric power is generated.[3]
(b)(ii)What are the benefits of generating electricity using hydro-electric power as an energy source rather than by using fossil fuels?[4]
(b)(iii)Explain the factors which influence the location of hydro-electric power stations.[5]
(c)For a named country or area where large amounts of fuel wood are used for energy, describe the problems this causes for local people. Name of area or country .....................................................[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 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a) (i) on map – if any other part of map shaded as well = 0
[2] (ii) area of high rainfall/rainfall above 1500 mm in mountains/on high ground/above 500 metres;
[3] (iii) one towards east; one inland/in the centre; on and around/close to 8N; NE/NW of reservoirs; 0-200 metres/20 1–500 metres/below 500 m; Within 100 km of the reservoirs.
[3] (b) (i) water held in reservoir/water stored behind dam; flows down slope/into water inlet/through control gate; turns turbine; turbine linked to generator/creates electricity.
[4] (ii) it is renewable/won't run out; cheaper running costs; it does not pollute the atmosphere/does not produce carbon dioxide; so will be less likely to enhance global warming; does not produce acid rain; benefits of multi-purpose schemes – for example, recreation or irrigation (MAX 1) there are no waste products; it does not depend on imports etc. NB: Accept vice versa answers but do not double credit e.g. fossil fuels will run out.
[5] (iii) in mountainous areas/on steep slopes/drop in height; where it is easy to build dams/in a valley; on/next to/close to (fast flowing) rivers; in areas with high amounts of precipitation; so water flow will be constant; in areas where temperatures do not fall below zero for long periods of time; so rivers/reservoir does not ice over; in sparsely populated areas; so there is less opposition; impermeable rock; firm foundations/hard rock/not prone to earthquakes; two lakes at different levels.
[7] (c) Level 1 ( 1–3 marks): Statements including limited detail describing problems caused for people by using fuel wood Level 2 (4–6 marks): Uses named example More developed statements describing problems caused for people by using fuel wood NB: MAX 5 if no named or inappropriate example. A desert or continent is not an appropriate example. Level 3 (7 marks): Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements, including some place specific reference. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Distance to travel/time consuming; risk of fires; lung cancer; impacts of erosion of unprotected soil (on people); breathing difficulties etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: References to places within the country/locational details etc. NB: The focus is on people not environment. The focus is on impact and not the cause.