O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2011 · Q325 Marks

Section B Answer one question from this section. (a) Study Photographs B, C and D (Insert) which show a river at different locations along its course. (b) Study Fig. 4, which shows part of a river and its valley. [Figure 4.0]

(a)(i)Which Photograph is taken closest to the source of the river?[1]
(a)(ii)Briefly describe the difference between: A the gradient of the river in Photographs B and C, B the depth of the river in Photographs B and D.[2]
(a)(iii)In which Photograph, B, C or D, will most deposition be occurring? Give reasons for your answer. Photograph ................................................................[3]
(a)(iv)Explain how rivers transport their load by each of the following processes: traction, saltation, suspension, solution.[4]
(b)(i)Draw and label a cross section along the line P–Q, shown on Fig. 4, to show: • the differences in the depth of the channel, • a slip off slope, • a river cliff.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain how an oxbow lake may form at X on Fig. 4.[5]
(c)For a named river which you have studied, describe the advantages and difficulties of living on its flood plain. 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 (Oct/Nov 2011). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a)(i) C
[2] (a)(ii) A. Gradient steeper in C than B; B. Deeper in D than B.
[3] (a)(iii) (Most deposition will occur in B or D as): Low gradient (B or D); It is unable to transport its load (B or D); Speed of flow is reduced/lack of energy (B or D); There are loose rocks/pebbles (B or D); It floods often (B or D); It is shallow (B); The river is in its lower course (D); Inner bend of meander (D);
[4] (a)(iv) (traction) materials being pushed/rolled along river bed; (saltation) materials being picked up by water and bounced along the bed/series of hops; (suspension) materials carried/suspended within the water; (solution) materials dissolved in the water;
[3] (b)(i) One mark for: Shape of section showing depth; River cliff labelled; Slip off slope labelled etc.
[5] (b)(ii) Ideas such as: Erosion on outer banks of meander; Due to faster speed of flow (dev); Deposition in inner bend; Narrows neck of meander; Eventually cuts through/until they meet; During time of flood (dev); Ends of former meander sealed by deposition; Former channel/meander becomes oxbow lake etc.
[7] (c) Level 1 (1–3 marks): Statements including limited detail describing advantages and/or difficulties of living on a flood plain. (e.g. Good for agriculture/fertile soils; Water for irrigation; easy to build road/rail; source of food/fish; flat building land; flooding; instability of foundations; need to bridge rivers; competition for space etc.)
[7] (c) Level 2 (4–6 marks): Uses named example. More developed statements describing advantages and/or difficulties of living on a flood plain. (e.g. fertile soils therefore high crop yields; Water for irrigation enables cultivation in dry periods; easy to build road on flood plain; source of food/fish to vary diet; flat building land so construction is easy; flooding may regularly damage homes; need to bridge river makes cost of road construction expensive; competition for space due to high population density etc.) (NB MAX 5 marks if no named example or inappropriate example)
[7] (c) Level 3 (7 marks): Uses named example (e.g. Ganges). Comprehensive and accurate statements describing advantages and difficulties of living on a flood plain with place specific information. (e.g. fertile soils therefore high rice yields; Water for irrigation enables cultivation when north east monsoon winds blow overland; easy to build road on flood plain; source of food/fish to vary diet; flat building land so construction is easy; flooding may regularly damage homes; need to bridge river makes cost of road construction expensive; competition for space due to high population density etc.)