O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2015 · Q625 Marks

Study Fig. 9, which shows information about the causes of atmospheric pollution. [Figure 9]

(a)(i)What is meant by atmospheric pollution?[1]
(a)(ii)Describe two ways in which agriculture can cause atmospheric pollution.[2]
(a)(iii)Explain how atmospheric pollution can cause an increase in global temperatures.[3]
(a)(iv)Explain why many people are concerned about increases in global temperatures.[4]
(b)(i)Using Fig. 10, identify three different sources of water pollution.[3]
(b)(ii)Suggest reasons why it is important to reduce levels of water pollution in the area shown in Fig. 10.[5]
(c)For a named area you have studied, describe attempts to maintain, conserve or improve the natural environment. Name of area ..........................................................................................................[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 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a) (i) When the air is made unclean/when chemicals make the air impure/ harmful substances in the air/air is made dirty 1 mark
[2] (ii) Ideas such as: chemical sprays/fertilizer sprays/insecticide sprays; fumes from agricultural machinery or tractors/tractors burn fossil fuels; methane from cattle/gas from cows; smells from manure/silage; burning stubble/burning vegetation for farmland 2 @ 1 mark
[3] (iii) emissions of carbon dioxide/named gas e.g. methane, CFCs, nitrous oxide; greenhouse gas; build up in atmosphere; and trap the heat/act like a blanket/trap the sun's rays 3 @ 1 mark
[4] (iv) Ideas such as: melting of ice caps; sea level rises; loss of habitats; threat to/extinction of species/examples of animals threatened; impact on food chains; flooding of coastal lowlands/islands; some area will become drier/drought; and crop production will be reduced/famine caused; more incidence of weather related hazards/(e.g. floods/storms) tropical insects/mosquitos may spread to other areas; people die in excessive heat; negative impact on alpine tourism/skiing resorts etc. 4 @ 1 mark
[3] (b) (i) oil and gas fields extraction/transport/oil tanker; radioactive waste site; untreated sewage; industrial waste etc. Candidates can use wording from the key or use their own wording e.g. waste from nuclear power plants. 3 @ 1 mark
[5] (ii) Ideas such as: there is a large environmentally sensitive area nearby; preservation of habitats; less species will be killed/animals killed/fish die; fewer impacts on food chains/ecosystems; there is an area of tourism close by; more tourists will be attracted if pollution is reduced; there are fishing grounds nearby; fish stock will increase if there is less water pollution; so local fisherman will make more money; contaminated fish won't be consumed by humans; to reduce water borne disease; no mutations due to radiation in water; increased oxygen in water etc.; NB: accept vice versa answer. Can develop one idea up to a max. of 4. 5 @ 1 mark or development
[7] (c) Levels marking
Level 1 (1–3 marks): Statements including limited detail which describe attempts to maintain, conserve or improve the natural environment.
Level 2 (4–6 marks): Uses named example. More developed statements which describe attempts to maintain, conserve or improve the natural environment (NB max. 5 if no named or inappropriate example)
Level 3 (7 marks): Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements which describe attempts to maintain, conserve or improve the natural environment including some place specific reference.
Content Guide: Answers are likely to include reference to: Legislation, National Parks, Nature reserves, Specific measures (e.g. tree planting) etc.
NB: not a country. Development is of the description. An urban area is an inappropriate example so max. of 5.