O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · May/June 2025 · Q425 Marks

Section B Answer one question from this section. (a) Study Fig. 4.1, cross-sections of two different types of volcano.

(a)(i)What type of volcano is shown by cross-section B in Fig. 4.1? [1][1]
(a)(ii)Two features of a volcano are the vent and magma chamber. Define these terms. vent magma chamber [2][2]
(a)(iii)Using Fig. 4.1, compare volcano A and volcano B using the following headings. width height steepness [3][3]
(a)(iv)Describe the benefits for people of living close to volcanoes. [4][4]
(b)(i)Using Fig. 4.2, suggest reasons why there are active volcanoes in Iceland. [3][3]
(b)(ii)Describe problems that can be caused by active volcanoes. [5][5]
(c)For a named example you have studied, describe the strategies that can be used to reduce the problems caused by volcanic eruptions. Name of example [7][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 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] Shield
[2] Vent = an opening/hole/crack/tube (in the earth's surface) through which magma/lava/gas can escape/which leads from magma chamber.
[2] Magma chamber = the (underground place/area)/store/reservoir of molten rock.
[3] B is wider/A is narrower
[3] B is higher/A is lower
[3] A is steeper/B is more gently sloping
[4] Employment in/money from tourist industry/or example e.g. tour guide;
[4] Making/selling craft items/souvenirs/accommodation for tourists/restaurants;
[4] Scenic beauty;
[4] Mining/quarrying/or example e.g. Sulphur/pumice/diamonds;
[4] Geothermal power;
[4] Hot water/springs/mineral rich mud;
[4] Rich/good/fertile soils/able to grow lots of crops/high crop yield;
[4] Spiritual reasons;
[4] Mineral water/filtered water;
[3] Located on plate boundary/plates meet;
[3] Lines of weakness/faults/openings in crust;
[3] Plates move apart/divergent/constructive;
[3] Magma reaches surface/rises;
[5] Damage to homes/property/possessions;
[5] Damage to specified other building e.g. church, school, hospital etc. (MAX 1);
[5] Cost of repairs/high insurance premiums/cannot sell houses/reduction in house value;
[5] People forced to evacuate/homelessness;
[5] Destruction of crops;
[5] Food supplies destroyed/starvation;
[5] Roads/railways/bridges destroyed/blocked;
[5] People are unable to travel;
[5] Workplaces destroyed or examples;
[5] Unemployment/people cannot earn a living;
[5] Water supply polluted;
[5] Electricity/gas supplies cut;
[5] Death/injury (people/animals);
[5] Psychological trauma;
[5] Pressure on health care;
[5] Flights disrupted/grounded;
[5] Reduction of tourist income;
[5] Atmospheric pollution/ash causes breathing difficulties/toxic/poisonous gases;
[5] Reduces visibility/blocks out sun/darkens sky;
[5] Forests/natural vegetation destroyed;
[5] Loss of habitat;
[5] Floods caused by melting ice/dams breaking;
[7] Content Guide: Monitoring; Warn population of eruptions; Evacuate area; No go zones; Spray lava with water; Dig channels for lava to avoid settlements; Reinforce roofs of housing; Education about how to react in an eruption; Stay inside; Build shelters/bunkers; Wearing of face masks/protection from breathing in dust; Wear goggles/protect eyes etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details; Specific details of strategies.