O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2017 · Q325 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 4 (Insert), a map showing the location of recorded earthquakes which have occurred in New Zealand.

(a)(i)What is meant by the focus of an earthquake?[1]
(a)(ii)Identify the depth of the focus and the strength (on the Richter scale) of the earthquake which occurred at 40°S 178°E. Depth of focus ..................................................................... km Strength .......................................................................................[2]
(a)(iii)Using Fig. 4 only, compare the similarities and differences of the earthquakes which have occurred on North Island and South Island of New Zealand.[3]
(a)(iv)Using Fig. 4, explain why New Zealand experiences earthquakes.[4]
(b)Study Fig. 5, which shows information about major earthquakes which have occurred in the world between 1970 and 2014. [Figure 5]
(b)(i)Many people think that the number of earthquakes is increasing. To what extent is this true? Use evidence from Fig. 5 to support your answer.[3]
(b)(ii)Suggest why people live in areas which experience earthquakes and volcanoes.[5]
(c)Describe the hazards created by a named volcanic eruption you have studied. Name of volcano ....................................................................[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 2017). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] The point beneath the earth's surface/underground/below the epicentre where rock breaks/the plates shift/the earthquake originates/takes place/starts/occurs. Note: link between both ideas needed.
[1] Focus = 34–50
[1] Intensity = 6.0–6.9
[3] Ideas such as: North Island has had more earthquakes/South Island has less; North Island earthquakes have deeper focus/use of data in key to show this; Earthquakes were mainly in east of/all over/ North Island but on west/coast of South Island/more even on North Island; Closer to plate boundaries on South Island/further away on North; Similar strength on both islands/ use of data in key to show this e.g. both mainly less than 7 or both 8-8.9;
[4] Ideas such as: On/close to plate boundaries/lines of weakness/where plates meet; Where plates move (in relation to each other)/one under another/subduction/slide past; Friction/plates stick; Pressure build up/tension; Energy released/plates jerk apart etc. Note: Allow either destructive or conservative plate boundary.
[3] Ideas such as: It is true/partially true/true to some extent/there has been an increase over the time period; Fluctuating/the increase has not been consistent/have been increases and decreases/more in some years; The biggest increase is in earthquakes 6.0 to 6.9/earthquakes over 7.0 have not increased/have not increased as much; 1 mark MAX for use of relevant statistics to illustrate strength from two years to back up any of above (statistics must illustrate change). No reserve mark for statistics.
[5] Ideas such as: Employment in tourist industry; e.g. tourist guides; Fertile soils; High yield/income from crops; Quarries/mines/minerals extracted; Such as sulphur deposits/gold/diamonds; They have lived there all their lives/birthplace//sentimental/tradition/religious ideas; Friends and family live in the areas; Geothermal power/renewable energy; Scenic beauty; To study the volcano; Pressure on land; Confidence in protection methods/prediction; Don't think it will happen;
[1-3] Statements including limited detail which describe either the natural hazard OR its impact on people/the natural environment. E.g. lava flows (L1) breathing difficulties/kills animals (L1)
[4-6] More developed statements which links the hazard with the impacts on people. E.g. lava flows kill people L2; Only credit one L2 for each hazard e.g. ash/lava etc. (Note: Max 5 if no named or inappropriate example. Credit country names to max.5)
[7] Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements including some place specific reference. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Hazards such as: Lava (accept magma) Volcanic bombs Poisonous gases Mud flows/Lahars Pyroclastic flows Volcanic Blast Ash Impacts such as Deaths Injuries Destruction of homes Loss of workplaces Fires Damage to infrastructure Disruption of transport network, Loss to economy etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details/named areas within/around the volcano, Specific details of eruption/date/time/magnitude Statistical information e.g. number of deaths