O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2016 · Q425 Marks

Study Fig. 6, a map of hot deserts. [Figure 6.0]

(a)(i)Tick the statement which best describes the climate of a hot desert. Climate annual average rainfall is 250 mm or less temperatures are always above 30°C temperatures never change during the year it never rains Tick (✔)[1]
(a)(ii)Name the desert which is located: - across northern Africa; - along the western coast of South America.[2]
(a)(iii)Explain why deserts have a high diurnal (daily) range of temperature.[3]
(a)(iv)Explain how vegetation is adapted to survive in a hot desert.[4]
(b)(i)Suggest reasons why temperatures are high, especially in December and January, in the deserts shown in Fig. 7.[3]
(b)(ii)Using evidence from Fig. 7, explain why the deserts shown do not receive much rainfall.[5]
(c)Describe the impacts of deforestation of tropical rainforests on the global natural environment. You should refer to named areas affected.[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] Annual average rainfall is 250mm or less
[2] Sahara Atacama
[3] Ideas such as: High daytime but cold night temperatures; High insolation/sun shines during the day due to clear skies/no clouds; Heat escapes at night because of no clouds/clear clouds;
[4] Seeds/plants remain dormant; Only flower for a short period of time after rain; Waxy leaves; Narrow/spiky/small leaves/thorns; Tap roots/long roots Wide spreading roots; Store water/fleshy stems; Light colours to reflect sunlight; Sunken stomata etc.
[3] Ideas such as: In Southern hemisphere/it's their Summer Low latitude; On/close to Tropic of Capricorn; Overhead/high angle of sun/direct sunlight; Away from areas of sea/ocean/inland;
[5] Ideas such as: High air pressure; Descending air; No evaporation; Wind direction over large areas of land/winds are dry by time reaches desert; Rain shadow effect/wind or rain blocked by mountains;
[7] Levels marking Level 1 (1-3 marks) Statements including limited detail which describe the impacts of deforestation on the global natural environment. Level 2 (4–6 marks) More developed statements which describe the impacts of deforestation on the global natural environment. Note: MAX 5 if no place references, MAX 6 if one place reference Level 3 (7 marks) Comprehensive and accurate statements, including two or more place references. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Changing rainfall patterns, Global warming/greenhouse gases, Carbon dioxide/oxygen balance, Melting of ice caps/glaciers, Global impacts on species/biodiversity/food chains etc Rising sea levels Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Place references for where impacts occur