O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/13 · May/June 2018 · Q425 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 4.1 (Insert), which is a cross section of the atmosphere between the Equator and the Tropics.

(a)(i)Which letter, X, Y or Z, shows the position of the hot deserts?[1]
(a)(ii)Describe how the following are different in equatorial and hot desert climates. Rainfall Temperature range[2]
(a)(iii)Explain how latitude and atmospheric pressure influence the characteristics of equatorial and hot desert climates.[3]
(a)(iv)Explain why wind direction and distance from the sea are important influences on hot desert climates.[4]
(b)(i)Describe three characteristics of the vegetation shown in Fig. 4.2. 1 2 3[3]
(b)(ii)Explain how vegetation is able to survive in a hot desert environment.[5]
(c)For a named area of tropical rainforest you have studied, explain why deforestation has taken place. 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 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a)(i) Y
[2] (a)(ii) Rainfall: Desert is drier/has less rainfall; Temperature: Desert has larger (annual) temperature range; Desert has larger diurnal temperature range; Note: The answer needs to compare. Accept valid statistics.
[3] (a)(iii) Ideas such as: The equatorial climate/desert is hot because the sun is overhead/high in the sky/at low latitudes The equatorial climate does not have seasons because the sun is overhead at all times/the desert has seasons because of the lower angle of the sun at different times of the year; Rainfall is high in equatorial regions due to low pressure/rainfall is low in desert regions due to high pressure; As the air is rising in equatorial regions/the air is falling in deserts; Note: Does not need to compare.
[4] (a)(iv) Ideas such as: Deserts are inland/a long way from the sea; So winds are dry by the time they reach them/winds have lost moisture; Influenced by trade winds; From north east in northern hemisphere/south east in southern hemisphere; And blow over large areas of land before reaching them/blow from land to sea/winds blow out from the deserts etc.;
[3] (b)(i) Ideas such as: Sparse/not much vegetation/scattered; Low level/short/not tall; Bushes/small trees/shrubs; Fleshy leaves/thick leaves/succulents; Spines/thorns/thin leaves/spikes
[5] (b)(ii) Ideas such as: (Long roots) reach to water table/underground rocks; (Wide root systems/widely spaced) to collect water from a larger area; (Fleshy stems) store water; (Thorns/spikes) prevent evaporation; (Thorns/spikes) protects from predators; (Seeds lie dormant) and germinate in times of rainfall; (Light colours) to reflect the sunlight; (waxy leaves) to prevent water loss; (Low lying) to protect against winds;
[7] (c) Levels marking Level 1 (1-3 marks) Statements including limited detail which explain why deforestation has taken place. Level 2 (4-6 marks) More developed statements which detail which explain why deforestation has taken place. (MAX 5 if no or inappropriate example) Level 3 (7 marks) Comprehensive and accurate statements, including reference to places. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Economic development Commercial agriculture Ranching Shifting cultivation Logging Mining Hydro-electric power generation Road building Settlement Increasing population etc. Note: Not a country. Borneo is OK or example where majority of country is rainforest. Statistics are not appropriate for development.