O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/13 · Oct/Nov 2012 · Q425 Marks

(a) Study Figs 5A and 5B, which show information about deforestation in tropical countries. [Figure 4.1] [Figure 4.2] (b) Study Fig. 6, information about the impacts of deforestation. [Figure 4.3]

(a)(i)Use Fig. 5A to estimate the percentage of deforestation caused by cattle ranching in Amazonia. ................................................ %[1]
(a)(ii)Use Fig. 5B to identify the annual rate of rainforest loss in Brazil and Democratic Republic of Congo. For each country you should underline the correct answer. • Brazil 0–49999 hectares 50000–499 999 hectares 500000–1 million hectares • Democratic Republic of Congo 0–49999 hectares 50000–499 999 hectares 500000–1 million hectares[2]
(a)(iii)Give three reasons why it is difficult for LEDCs to reduce the rate of deforestation.[3]
(a)(iv)Explain how tropical rainforests could be used sustainably.[4]
(b)(i)Using Fig. 6 identify three impacts of deforestation on the atmosphere.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain how deforestation may lead to flooding of local rivers.[5]
(c)For a named area of tropical rainforest which you have studied, describe and explain the main features of its climate. Name of area of rainforest ................................................................[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 2012). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a) (i) 60 N.B: allow tolerance of +/- 5 1 mark
[2] (a) (ii) A. 500 000 – 1 million; В. 50 000 – 499 000 2 @ 1 mark
[3] (a) (iii) Ideas such as: deforestation is a source of wealth/income/trees used for furniture/building/construction; many areas are too large to patrol; exploitation by multinationals/MEDC’s; pressure on resources/land/for plantations (burning forest); lack of government legislation/weak government control/corrupt government; need trees for cooking/fuel/charcoal; etc 3 @ 1 mark
[4] (a) (iv) Ideas such as: Rubber tapping; Collecting fruits/nuts; Restrict logging; Log one species rather than clear cutting/selective logging; Replace every tree chopped down by planting a new one/replant trees removed/re-afforestation; Ecotourism; Conservation areas; Creation of tribal reserves; Helilogging; Small scale hunting by indigenous tribes; etc 4 @ 1 mark
[3] (b) (i) Ideas such as: less oxygen; less precipitation/moisture in air; less evapotranspiration/evaporation/transpiration; more carbon dioxide; etc. 3 @ 1 mark
[5] (b) (ii) Ideas such as: there will be less interception/protection by vegetation; so rain falls directly on to the ground (dev); therefore soils will be less well drained (dev); compaction of topsoil occurs; therefore less infiltration/water flows overland (dev); soil erosion may occur; as soil is not held together by roots (dev); soil settles on river bed/displaces water; lag time is short; less trees to absorb water via roots; etc. 5 @ 1 mark or development
[7] (c) Levels marking Level 1 (1–3 marks) Statements including limited detail describing and/or explaining the main features of tropical rainforest climates. Level 2 (4–6 marks) Uses named example More developed statements describing and/or explaining the main features of tropical rainforest climates. Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named example (eg Amazon Rainforest). Comprehensive and accurate statements describing and/or explaining the main features of rainforest climates, including some place specific reference. Candidates may refer to ideas such as: Temperature Precipitation Convection Evapotranspiration Condensation Ascending air etc. Place Specific reference can be names of settlements/rivers/features within the selected area.