O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · May/June 2024 · Q425 Marks

Study Fig. 4.1 (Insert), a diagram of the hydrological cycle.

(a)(i)Tick (✔) the sentence that defines hydrological cycle. The hydrological cycle describes different forms of precipitation. The hydrological cycle describes processes by which rivers erode and deposit materials. The hydrological cycle describes reasons why flooding occurs. The hydrological cycle describes ways water moves through the land, ocean and atmosphere.[1]
(a)(ii)Identify the processes which occur at A and B in Fig. 4.1. A B[2]
(a)(iii)Draw arrows to match the names of the processes with their definitions in the following table. process definition channel flow water changes into water vapour condensation water moves from the soil into the rocks evaporation water moves in a river percolation water vapour becomes liquid[3]
(a)(iv)Explain why: transpiration varies from time to time overland flow varies from place to place.[4]
(b)(i)Study Figs. 4.2 and 4.3 (Insert), photographs of different rivers in Scotland, in the UK. Describe three differences between the natural characteristics of the rivers shown in Figs. 4.2 and 4.3. 1 2 3[3]
(b)(ii)Explain how rivers, such as those shown in Figs. 4.2 and 4.3, erode their banks and bed.[5]
(c)Explain how a river you have studied has been managed to reduce the risk of flooding. Name of river ................................................................[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 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] The hydrological cycle describes ways water moves through the land, ocean and atmosphere. 1 mark
[2] A = throughflow. B = groundwater flow/base flow. 2 @ 1 mark
[3] channel flow -> water moves in a river; condensation -> water vapour becomes liquid; evaporation -> water changes into water vapour; percolation -> water moves from the soil into the rocks. All 4 correct = 3 marks 3 correct = 2 marks 1 or 2 correct = 1 mark 0 correct = 0 marks
[4] Transpiration varies from time to time: Temperatures/sunshine/light; The amount of precipitation/water in the soil; At some times of year there are more plants; Type of plant/plants with different type/number of leaves; Some plants shed their leaves during one season; Humidity; Wind speed; Atmospheric pressure; Etc. Overland flow varies from place to place: The amount/density/type of plant cover/deforestation; Relief/angle of slope; Some areas have bare rock; More/less rainfall; Soil/infiltration rates; Saturation of soils/previous rainfall; Rock type/permeable/impermeable rock; Land use/arable v pastoral; Urbanisation/concrete surfaces/drains; Etc. Note: max. 2 on each section. 4 @ 1 mark
[3] Fig. 4.2 is narrow but Fig. 4.3 is wide (is not)/Fig. 4.2 is narrower/Fig. 4.3 is wider; Fig. 4.2 is shallow but Fig. 4.3 is deep (is not)/Fig. 4.2 is shallower/Fig. 4.3 is deeper; Fig. 4.2 has low discharge but Fig. 4.3 has high discharge (does not)/Fig. 4.2 has lower discharge/Fig. 4.3 has higher discharge; Fig. 4.2 has (large) rocks in the channel/river but Fig. 4.3 does not; Fig. 4.3 has deposited materials/slip off slope at edge but Fig. 4.2 does not; Fig. 4.2 has a steep (gradient)/waterfalls/rapids but Fig. 4.3 is flat/gentle gradient (has not)/more regular long profile; Fig. 4.2 has a low velocity but fig. 4.3 has a high velocity (does not)/Fig. 4.2 is slower flowing/fig 4.3 is faster flowing; Fig. 4.2 has turbulent flow but 4.3 has smooth flow; Etc. 3 @ 1 mark
[5] Hydraulic action: Bed/banks removed by power/force of water/removal of unconsolidated/loose materials/expansion of air in cracks. Abrasion: Sandpaper action of load on bed/banks. Corrosion/solution: Carbonates/limestone chemically changed/dissolved (by acidic water). Etc. 5 @ 1 mark or development
[7] Level 1 (1–3 marks) Statements including limited detail which explain the attempts to manage the risk of flooding. Level 2 (4–6 marks) Uses named example. More developed or linked statements which explain the attempts to manage the risk of flooding. (Note: Max. 5 if no named or inappropriate example.) Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements which explain the attempts to manage the risk of flooding including some place specific reference. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Dredging; Channel straightening; Raising/strengthening banks/levees; Sandbags; Overflow channels/spillways; Dams/reservoirs; Afforestation; Land use zoning/designate land which can be flooded; Flood barriers; Etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details, Places along river, Specific details/costs of methods etc. Note: At L1 accept methods being stated as simple explanation (e.g. build a dam). At L2 and L3 candidates should refer to how the methods work (e.g. build a dam to regulate the rivers flow).