O-LevelGeographyEconomic development2217/12 · May/June 2019 · Q625 Marks

Answer one question from this section. (a) Study Fig. 6.1 (Insert), which shows information about sources of electricity in Mexico (an LEDC).

(a)(i)State the number of nuclear power stations in Mexico.[1]
(a)(ii)Using Fig. 6.1 only, name one renewable and one non-renewable source of electricity in Mexico. – renewable – non-renewable[2]
(a)(iii)Compare the importance of different sources of electricity in the states of Sonora and Sinaloa.[3]
(a)(iv)Suggest reasons why some parts of Mexico are able to generate large amounts of electricity from hydro-electric power (HEP).[4]
(b)(i)Study Fig. 6.2, which shows information about natural gas pipelines in Mexico. Name and describe the route of any one natural gas pipeline between the USA and Mexico. Name Description of route[3]
(b)(ii)Mexico imports large amounts of natural gas from the USA. Explain why relying on imports of natural gas could cause problems for Mexico.[5]
(c)Name and state the location of a type of economic activity you have studied. Explain how the economic activity may cause the natural environment to be at risk. Type of economic activity Location How the economic activity may cause the natural environment to be at risk.[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] One
[2] Renewable: Hydro-electric / HEP; Geothermal; Wind.
Non-renewable: Coal; Oil / thermal;
[3] Ideas such as: Both have oil fired / thermal power stations;
Both have HEP;
Oil is more important / more thermal stations in Sonara / 4 in Sonora and 2 in Sinaloa;
HEP is more important / more HEP stations in Sinaloa / 5 in Sinaloa and 1 in Sonora;
Sonora has mainly oil but Sinaloa has mainly HEP;
Sonara has a geothermal power station, Sinaloa does not;
3 types of power in Sonora and 2 in Sinaloa;
Note: Must be comparative
[4] Ideas such as areas which can generate large amounts of HEP: Have lots of rainfall;
Mountainous / have steep slopes;
Experience periods of melting snow / ice
Have many places to build dams / reservoirs;
Have large / fast flowing river(s) / waterfalls;
Have large areas of land which can be flooded / open space / sparsely populated;
Etc.
[3] Northwest / Chihuahua / Los Ramones (1) reserved
No name =0 for answer. Correct pipeline but wrong description =1.
Chihuahua pipeline: From El Paso to El Encino; North to south / to the South; 500 km long; Inland;
Northwest: Tuscon to Mazatlan; NW to SE / to the SE; 1500 km long; Coastal
Los Ramones: Agua Dulce to Aguascalientes / Queretaro; NE to SW / SSW / to the SW / SSW; 1000 km; Inland;
[5] Ideas such as: Expensive;
Prices fluctuate;
Impact on balance of trade;
Reliance on a fuel which is non-renewable / will eventually run out / may have to find alternative fuel;
Specified impact(s) on natural environment e.g. air pollution, global warming;
Supply may be restricted (if there are political disputes);
Problems of damage to pipeline / explosions / leaks;
Etc.
[7] Levels marking
Level 1 (1-3 marks) Statements including limited detail which explain how an economic activity is causing the natural environment to be at risk.
Level 2 (4-6 marks) Uses named example. More developed statements which explain how an economic activity is causing the natural environment to be at risk. (Note: Max. 5 if no named or inappropriate example)
Manufacturing / agriculture / tourism acceptable as types of economic activity, along with other appropriate examples.
Location must generally be smaller than a country, however there may be exceptions e.g. Sahel.
Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements, including some place specific reference.
Content Guide: Answers could refer to any economic activity at any scale and are likely to refer to issues such as: Air pollution, Water pollution, Destruction of vegetation, Impacts on ecosystems / food chains, Impacts on climate, Soil erosion Global issues
Deforestation / industry / burning fossil fuels cannot be accepted as valid economic activity, therefore max. 5.
Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details / named areas within country / area chosen Statistics (can also be credited as PS)