O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2017 · Q425 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 6, which shows three areas of natural vegetation in Bangladesh (an LEDC in Asia). [Figure 6]

(a)(i)Tick the one latitude and longitude in the table below which shows the location of an area of mangrove swamp. | | Tick (✓) | |---|---| | 21°N 89°E | | | 22°N 90°E | | | 23°N 91°E | |[1]
(a)(ii)Using Fig. 6 only, describe the distribution of the areas of mangrove swamp.[2]
(a)(iii)Describe the main features of a mangrove swamp.[3]
(a)(iv)Coral reefs are located along many coastlines in tropical areas. Describe four conditions which are needed for the development of a coral reef. 1 ................................................................................................................................. 2 ................................................................................................................................. 3 ................................................................................................................................. 4 .................................................................................................................................[4]
(b)Study Photographs B and C (Insert), which were taken on a stretch of coastline in the UK.
(b)(i)Suggest three reasons why the cliffs shown in Photographs B and C are eroding rapidly.[3]
(b)(ii)The following methods are being considered to manage the coastal erosion shown in the area where the photographs were taken. A Build an offshore breakwater 100 metres out to sea using old car tyres. B Build groynes every 50 metres along the beach. C Build a long concrete sea wall along the most rapidly eroding parts of the coastline. Which method do you think should be used to manage the erosion on this coastline? Give reasons why you have chosen this method. Method chosen ........................................................................................................[5]
(c)Explain why people live along a named area of coastline you have studied. Name of area of coastline ....................................................................................[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] 22N 90E
[2] Ideas such as: In/on/near coast/next to Bay of Bengal/by the sea; In south/south west; Where rivers reach sea/around inlets/on delta; Stretches approx. 50 km (any figure 20–100 km inland; Between 21-23 N; Between 89–91 E;
[3] Ideas such as mangroves: Grow between high and low water mark; Evergreen trees Salt tolerant/live in salty water/are halophytes; Aerial roots; Salt filtering roots; Salt excreting leaves; Prop roots; etc.
[4] Ideas such as: Warm water/temperatures between 18–27degrees C (accept figure within range); Shallow water/not more than 60 metres deep; Water free from sediment/clear/clean/not polluted/sunlight able to penetrate the water; Plentiful supply of oxygen in water; Plentiful supply of plankton; In areas of gentle waves/currents/calm/slow moving water; Neutral/high pH/alkaline water; Salty water etc.
[3] Ideas such as: Soft/unconsolidated rock/clay; Saturated rock/soil/clay/heavy rainfall weakens cliff/slumping; There are no protective measures for the cliffs/no groynes/lack of beach; Large/strong/destructive waves/storms; Long fetch Lack of vegetation; etc.
[5] Candidates can choose any of the three methods and justify them. Marks to be awarded for reasons why they have chosen the method and/or why they have rejected the other two but NOT disadvantages of their chosen method. If no scheme chosen, no marks are awarded, unless the scheme is indicated in their answer. E.g. Build an offshore breakwater Quick; reduces wave strength; Reduces wave erosion (as waves break further out); Reduces longshore drift; Cheap; Tyres don't need to be dumped elsewhere/burnt; Creates a new marine environment; Breakwaters/tyres may be removed by heavy storms; Technically difficult to install; Car tyres may pollute the sea; Visually unattractive etc. E.g. Build groynes every 50 metres Cheap; Ecofriendly; This will build up a larger beach; And also reduce the power of the waves; They will not put off tourists; Longshore drift will be prevented; Other areas further down coast will become more vulnerable May rot away; Cliffs will still be unprotected/likely to slump etc. E.g. Build a long concrete sea wall Harder to break/strong; Lasts long time/many years; Offers highest protection to property/farmland/roads; Reduces wave energy; High maintenance costs; Waves reflecting off the wall can scour the beach; A concrete sea wall would be very expensive; And destroy habitats; Such as nesting sites for sea birds etc. Works best ^ Stop erosion ^ Stop erosion more effectively than other methods ^ Note: Do not double credit direct opposites. If more than one scheme chosen, take the highest mark for one of them.
[1-3] Statements including limited detail which explain why people live along an area of coastline.
[4-6] More developed statements which explain why people live along an area of coastline. (Note: Max 5 if no named or inappropriate example. Example to be smaller in size than a country.)
[7] Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements including some place specific reference. Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Industry Ports Fishing Leisure activities/for surfers etc. Fresh air/sea breeze/specified climate points; Peaceful Retirement Tourism if linked with employment Scenic beauty Farming etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details, Named places along coast Specific details of employment opportunities Statistics etc.