O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/13 · Oct/Nov 2010 · Q425 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 7, which shows types of weathering process. [Figure 7]

(a)(i)Identify one example of physical (mechanical) weathering and one example of chemical weathering from Fig. 7.[1]
(a)(ii)What is the main difference between physical (mechanical) weathering and chemical weathering?[2]
(a)(iii)Describe how biological weathering occurs.[3]
(a)(iv)Explain the main factors which influence the type and rate of weathering.[4]
(b)Study Photograph C (Insert), which shows a landscape formed in an upland area in a temperate country.
(b)(i)Describe the appearance of the landscape shown on Photograph C.[3]
(b)(ii)Freeze-thaw is one process of weathering operating in the area shown in the photograph. Describe how this process occurs. You may use a labelled diagram in your answer.[5]
(c)Choose a named example of one of the following: an area of mountains, a fast-flowing river, a flood plain. Describe the ways in which your chosen type of natural environment can provide opportunities for the people who live there.[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 (Oct/Nov 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a)(i) Physical = Freeze-thaw/exfoliation
[1] (a)(i) Chemical = Carbonation/oxidation
[2] (a)(ii) Chemical weathering involves a change in (chemical) composition of rocks/physical does not involve chemical change/involves rocks breaking down into smaller particles.
[3] (a)(iii) seeds fall into cracks in rocks;
[3] (a)(iii) plants/roots grow in cracks;
[3] (a)(iii) cracks widened/rocks broken apart;
[3] (a)(iii) organic acids help decomposition of rocks;
[3] (a)(iii) animals may burrow/weaken rocks;
[4] (a)(iv) rock type (named rocks)
[4] (a)(iv) structure of rock; e.g. rocks with cracks are likely to experience freeze-thaw weathering;
[4] (a)(iv) composition of rocks/minerals that rocks are made up of; some rocks may be dissolved by chemicals in rainwater;
[4] (a)(iv) climatic/weather conditions; e.g. in areas where temperatures fluctuate around zero freeze thaw is more likely to occur; higher temperatures increase rate of weathering; doubles with every rise of 10C; acid rain;
[4] (a)(iv) NB No reserve on type/rate
[3] (b)(i) (bare) rock surfaces/outcrop;
[3] (b)(i) big boulders/rocks;
[3] (b)(i) rocks with joints;
[3] (b)(i) lichens growing on rocks/moss;
[3] (b)(i) round/smooth rock surfaces;
[3] (b)(i) vertical/steep slopes;
[3] (b)(i) rolling hills/gentle slopes/farmland in the background/trees/woodland in background;
[3] (b)(i) eroded rock in middle/worn down in middle;
[3] (b)(i) different levels/steps;
[5] (b)(ii) rain collects in cracks/joints;
[5] (b)(ii) temperature falls;
[5] (b)(ii) thus water freezes;
[5] (b)(ii) expands (dev);
[5] (b)(ii) stress on cracks/joints;
[5] (b)(ii) joints opened(dev)/therefore pressure on rock;
[5] (b)(ii) melting;
[5] (b)(ii) more water enters the joints/repetition
[5] (b)(ii) NB: Diagram must be labelled or link to answer.
[7] (c) (Level 3) Must include place specific information. Uses named example (e.g. Montmorency River, Quebec).
[7] (c) (Level 3) Comprehensive and accurate statements including some place specific reference.
[7] (c) (Level 3) (e.g. Scenic beauty e.g. waterfall at Montmorency Falls; tourist industry provides specified employment, HEP generated for Quebec City, attracts industry/multiplier effect as smelting industries have been established close to where it joins St Lawrence river, downriver transport of logs from upper reaches to sawmills near Quebec etc.)