O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2016 · Q325 Marks

Study Photograph D (Insert), which shows a small weather station that uses automatic digital instruments. [Photograph D]

(a)(i)What is measured by the instrument labelled X on Photograph D?[1]
(a)(ii)Explain why: - there is a fence around the weather station; - the weather station is sited on grass not concrete.[2]
(a)(iii)Describe the cloud type and cover on the day Photograph D was taken.[3]
(a)(iv)To what extent do you think the weather station is located in a good position? Give reasons for your answer.[4]
(b)(i)Compare the weather at Reigate on 14 and 30 December.[3]
(b)(ii)The data in Fig. 5 was collected using traditional instruments. Explain how the data about precipitation and temperature would have been obtained. Precipitation Temperature[5]
(c)For a named river you have studied, explain why flooding occurs. 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 2016). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] Wind speed.
[2] Fence - to keep people out/animals/stealing of equipment; Grass - to prevent splash back from concrete/to prevent increased heat from concrete etc.
[3] Ideas such as: Cumulus/alto cumulus/stratus/cirrus; Fluffy/white/grey/flat bottomed/low and high/feathery/wispy; Sky is almost clear/not much cloud/scattered cloud; 1-3 oktas;
[4] Ideas such as: It is not covered by buildings; It is on grass; Open space/open fields/open area; Not many people living close by; Gently sloping/flat land; Disadvantage: Trees on one side etc.; Note: Max 3 marks on positive or negative factors
[3] More rainfall on 30th December/or stats; higher maximum on 14th December; lower minimum on 14th December; higher temperature range on 14th December etc. Note: Candidates could use comparative statistics as an alternative approach to answering the question. Note: No need for units
[5] Ideas such as: Use of rain gauge for precipitation; Use of max/min/Six's thermometer for temperature; Taking of precipitation/temperature reading every 24 hours/same Time of day/daily/every day NB Credit once only; Details of using rain gauge to MAX 2 e.g. pour water into measuring cylinder, take measurement from measuring cylinder, pour water away etc. Details of using MAX/MIN thermometer to MAX 2 e.g. both are used to read from base of small markers, reset indicators etc
[7] Levels marking Level 1 (1–3 marks) Statements including limited detail which explain why flooding occurs. Level 2 (4–6 marks) Uses named example. More developed statements which explain why flooding occurs. (Note: Max 5 if no named or inappropriate example) Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements including some place specific reference. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Precipitation, Snow melt, Removal of vegetation, Rock type, Impact of roads, buildings and drains, Tides/surges, Global warming, Tsunamis etc. Lack of regular cleaning of river/disposal of trash etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details; Details of amounts of precipitation, Named settlements along river, Time/date etc.