(a) Study Fig. 6.1 (Insert), which shows information about threats to the natural environment in the Caspian Sea. [Figure 6.1 (Insert) is a map showing the Caspian Sea and its surrounding areas. It indicates major urban areas (e.g., Atyrau, Bautino), major rivers flowing into the sea (e.g., Volga, Ural), oil and gas fields, and areas of pollution. A key specifies various sources of pollution.] (b) Study Figs. 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 (Insert), which are photographs of economic activities which increase greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. [Figure 6.2 (Insert) is a photograph of a power station, likely coal-fired, with smoke stacks emitting plumes. Figure 6.3 (Insert) is a photograph showing grazing cattle in a field. Figure 6.4 (Insert) is a photograph of an area undergoing deforestation or showing logged trees.]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] Oil
2. [2] Major urban area = Atyrau, Bautino River = Volga, Ural
3. [3] Impacts such as: Damage to wetlands/river delta/or examples such as kills species in wetlands/river deltas/impacts food chains in wetlands/river deltas; Seals/sturgeon/fish killed/numbers decrease/abnormalities; Sturgeon/fish unable to spawn/spawning grounds destroyed ; (Caspian)Seal habitat destroyed.
4. [4] Ideas such as: There are many activities/things which create pollution or there are many industries/lots of/large oil and gas/oil and gas are very important; Large area to clean/large area has been polluted; Ongoing problem/industries still polluting; They are important to the economy/source of income/earn lots of money/economic asset (and so cannot be stopped); The sea is very large/only small parts can be protected; It is enclosed which prevents pollutants escaping; Rivers will add pollution to the sea/polluted rivers flow into the sea; There is more than one country which borders it/need to make international agreements; Floods/flood risk zone could pollute/continue to pollute; Abandoned wells/workings could still (continue) to pollute/have polluted.
5. [3] Fig. 6B (Power station) gives off/emits/produces carbon dioxide; Fig. 6C (Grazing cattle) gives off/emits/produces methane; Fig. 6D (Deforestation) results in less carbon dioxide being absorbed/removed/ converted to oxygen or (vehicles) give off/emit/produces carbon dioxide/carbon monoxide/sulphur dioxide/nitrogen/nitrous oxides.
6. [5] Ideas such as: Greenhouse gases form a layer/blanket; Sun's rays pass through the atmosphere/enter; Short wave energy comes in; Rays/heat bounce off/radiate from the surface of the earth; Rays/heat trapped/can't escape; Long wave/infrared energy (doesn't leave); Temperatures increase/heat builds up. Greenhouse gases increase/build up^
7. [7] Level 1 (1-3 marks) Statements including limited detail which describe the threats caused by global warming. E.g. flooding = L1 Level 2 (4–6 marks) More developed statements which describe the threats caused by global warming. E.g. flooding of low lying/coastal land = L2 E.g. ice melts and sea level increases = L2 Note: MAX 5 if no place references, MAX 6 if one place reference Level 3 (7 marks) Comprehensive and accurate statements which describe the threats caused global warming, including some place references. Must refer to two place references Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Changing rainfall patterns/drought/desertification; Difficulty producing food; Lack of water supplies; Melting of ice caps/glaciers; Impacts on species/biodiversity/food chains; Flooding of coastal lowlands; Spread of tropical diseases to other areas; Loss of habitat; Heat stroke; etc.