O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · May/June 2019 · Q425 Marks

Answer one question from this section. (a) Study Fig. 4.1 (Insert), which is a map which shows the Pacific Ring of Fire.

(a)(i)Explain why the shaded area is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.[1]
(a)(ii)Compare the location of Mauna Loa and Ruapehu volcanoes.[2]
(a)(iii)Explain why there are active volcanoes on converging plate boundaries.[3]
(b)(i)Study Fig. 4.2, which is a diagram showing the number of earthquakes occurring on Mauna Loa between 2010 and 2015. Using Fig. 4.2 only, describe the changes in the number of earthquakes on Mauna Loa between 2010 and 2015.[3]
(b)(ii)Monitoring is one way to reduce the impacts of earthquakes and volcanoes. Describe other ways to reduce the impacts of earthquakes and volcanoes on people.[4]
(b)(iii)Explain why earthquakes and volcanoes cause more deaths and injuries in LEDCs than MEDCS.[5]
(c)For a named example you have studied, explain why people live close to an active volcano. Name of example[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 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] Volcanoes are in a roughly circular pattern / around / surrounding the Pacific;
[2] Ideas such as: Both are in the Pacific Ocean / on Pacific plate;
Ruapehu is in the Ring of Fire but Mauna Loa is not / Ruapehu is on the edge and Mauna Loa is in the centre / hot spot;
Ruapehu is further south / Ruapehu is in S.Hemisphere and Mauna Loa in N. Hemisphere;
Ruapehu is further west / Mauna Loa is further East;
Mauna Loa is nearer equator;
Ruapehu is East of Australia but Mauna Loa is West Of USA;
[3] Ideas such as: Subduction / one plate sinks under the other;
Oceanic plate is heavier / denser;
Destruction of / melting of crust;
Build up of pressure;
Magma released through weakness / crack etc
Note: Divergent plates idea =0 marks for question.
[3] Ideas such as: (General) Increase in number of earthquakes over the time period / most earthquakes in 2015;
Especially since 2013 / 2014;
Little change between 2010–2012 / 13;
More variation / fluctuations in 2015;
[4] Ideas such as: Evacuation procedures;
Buildings which are earthquake / volcano proof - accept details to MAX 2;
National earthquake day;
Education about what to do during earthquake / volcano / safety drills;
Train emergency services;
Survival kit / emergency food supply
Landuse zoning / exclusion zone;
Lava diversion channels;
Spray lava with water;
Shelters from volcanoes;
Wearing masks to protect from dust;
Flexible gas pipes / cut offs;
Etc.
[5] Ideas such as MEDCs / LEDCS: Invest more / less money in methods of protection / monitoring;
Instigate evacuation procedures more / less effectively;
Educate people so that they can protect themselves from the impacts;
Provide better healthcare / hospitals / doctors / ambulances;
Provide quicker / more efficient rescue services / helicopters
Build stronger / weaker buildings;
Have better / poor road network;
Etc.
Do not need LEDC / MEDC stated or comparative answer
[7] Levels marking
Level 1 (1-3 marks) Statements including limited detail which explain why people live close to an active volcano.
Job = L1 e.g. of job = L2
Level 2 (4-6 marks) Uses named example. More developed statements which explain why people live close to an active volcano. (Note: Max. 5 if no named or inappropriate example)
Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements which explain why people live close to an active volcano, including some specific details.
Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Fertile soils, Mining / quarrying Tourism, Prepared to take the risks / risks are outweighed by benefits, Geothermal power Friends / family Scientists Can't afford to move
Note: Develop each idea for 1 x L2 max.
These ideas simply stated = L1, can develop each idea once for L2. Jobs or earn money – use as development once ie 1 × L2.
Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details, Named areas / features etc. Statistics