O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/11 · May/June 2010 · Q425 Marks

Study Fig. 5, which shows an area before and after a volcanic eruption. [Figure 5]

(a)(i)What is an active volcano?[1]
(a)(ii)Using only evidence from Fig. 5, explain how the volcanic eruption changed the physical features of the area shown.[2]
(a)(iii)Using only evidence from Fig. 5, describe three likely problems which the volcanic eruption may have caused for people living in the area.[3]
(a)(iv)Describe what can be done to protect people from volcanic eruptions.[4]
(b)(i)Study Fig. 6, which shows information about volcanoes in Iceland. [Figure 6] Using evidence from Fig. 6, explain why there are volcanoes in Iceland.[3]
(b)(ii)Suggest how volcanoes are likely to benefit the people who live in countries such as Iceland.[5]
(c)Tropical storms are another type of natural hazard. Explain why the effects of tropical storms of the same strength are likely to be greater in an LEDC than an MEDC. Refer to examples which you have studied.[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 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] A volcano which is likely to erupt/is erupting/has erupted recently. 1 mark
[2] Ideas such as: created a large crater; created new land/extended coastline; increased size of volcano; more gently sloping; 2 @ 1 mark
[3] Ideas such as: Buildings/housing destroyed/people homeless/whole village destroyed; Roads cut off/railway cut off/communications/transport; Crops destroyed/farm animals killed; Fishing port isolated/economic impact described; Holiday resort destroyed/economic impact described; Ash causing breathing problems/have to wear face masks; Ash disrupts flights; 3 @ 1 mark
[4] Ideas such as: Monitoring/warning population/prediction; Evacuation/re-locate homes; Redirecting lava flow/by digging diversion canals; Halting advance by dropping concrete slabs into flow/using concrete blocks as a wall; Spraying water onto flow; Education/training/emergency action plans/drills; Building reinforcements e.g. sloping roofs; Max 1; etc 4 @ 1 mark
[3] Ideas such as: Located on plate boundary; Plates diverge/move apart/constructive; Creation of gap between plates; Magma released through gap; Lava solidifies to create volcano; 3 @ 1 mark
[5] Ideas such as: Fertile soils; therefore high crop yields (dev) Geothermal power; provides cheap source of electricity (dev) Attract tourists; need for tour guides(dev),souvenirs (dev); Resource extraction; examples e.g. sulphur (dev); Vulcanologists live close by to study volcanoes; 5 @ 1 or development
[7] Level 1 (1-3 marks) Statements including limited detail explaining why effects of tropical storms are likely to be greater in LEDC than MEDCs. (e.g. in MEDCs buildings are likely to be stronger, MEDCs more likely to have finances to be able to rebuild, MEDCs have warning systems; evacuate plans etc) Level 2 (4–6 marks) Uses named example (only 1 named example) More developed statements explaining why effects of tropical storms are likely to be greater in LEDC than MEDCs. (e.g. in MEDCs buildings are likely to be made of stronger materials therefore there is likely to be less destruction, MEDCs are more likely to have finances and expertise/technology/ equipment to be able to rebuild, MEDCs have warning systems and move people to places of safety etc) NB Max 5 if no named example Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named examples (2 named examples) (e.g. Florida and Bangladesh). Must be comparative. Comprehensive and accurate statements explaining why effects of tropical storms are likely to be greater in LEDC than MEDCs,