O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2020 · Q425 Marks

Study Fig. 4.1, which is a cross section through a volcano. [Figure 4.1]

(a)(i)What type of plate boundary is shown in Fig. 4.1?[1]
(a)(ii)Choose the correct labels for features X and Y shown in Fig. 4.1. Choose from the list below: convection currents direction of plate movement lava escaping from the volcano new crust created subduction. X Y[2]
(a)(iii)Using Fig. 4.1, identify three different hazards caused by a volcanic eruption which may cause injuries, deaths and damage.[3]
(a)(iv)Describe the benefits of living near volcanoes.[4]
(b)(i)Study Fig. 4.2, which shows information about two earthquakes, one which occurred in an MEDC and one in an LEDC. [Figure 4.2] Describe the differences in the impacts of the earthquakes at Kobe and Port-au-Prince.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain why earthquakes of the same magnitude may have different impacts.[5]
(c)For a named example you have studied, explain the causes of an earthquake. Name of example[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 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] Constructive/divergent
[2] X = convection currents
Y = direction of plate movement
2 @ 1 mark
[3] Hazards such as: lava; ash; volcanic bombs; (poisonous) fumes/gases
Note: Answers must be taken from Fig. 4.1
3 @ 1 mark
[4] Ideas such as: Money from/work in tourist industry (or example); Fertile soils/high yields of crops/good for farming; Scenic beauty; To study volcanoes; Geothermal power/renewable energy/hot water; Quarrying/mining/ extraction of minerals (or example – sulphur/diamonds, building materials), etc.
4 @ 1 mark
[3] Ideas such as the earthquake at Kobe: Kobe EQ killed fewer people/Port au Prince killed more people; Kobe EQ injured fewer people/Port au Prince injured more people; Kobe EQ made fewer people homeless/Port au Prince made more people homeless; Kobe EQ caused more (financial) damage/Port au Prince EQ caused less (financial) damage
Do not accept comparative statistics without description, however 'only' is acceptable. e.g. XXX killed in Port au Prince but only YYY in Kobe.
3 @ 1 mark
Note: Reference must be made to Kobe and/or Port au Prince (not MEDC/LEDC or 1st one and 2nd one)
[5] Ideas such as: Variation in quality/cost of buildings/poorer quality buildings in LEDCs; Variation in emergency services/rescue teams/health care/will be better in MEDCS; depth of focus/shallow depth of focus more destructive; time of day/if people are at work/in schools there is likely to be less deaths; Variation in population density/if high there will be more impact; Variation in amount of education/awareness about earthquake survival/evacuation plans/First Aid kits; Variation in access to area/roads (for rescue services); Variation in availability of international aid; Variation in access to food/water; Variation in ability to monitor/study Faultline movements Impacts will depends on physical characteristics of location or e.g. impacts will be worse if settlements are built on former lake beds/sediment/on a steep slope; There may be more impacts if an earthquake causes a tsunami/availability of tsunami warning/tsunami defences, etc.
Note: must either directly refer to or imply variation
5@1 mark or development
[7] Levels marking
Level 1 (1-3 marks): Statements including limited detail which explain how an earthquake was caused. Triggered by volcanic eruption = L1 Plates move towards each other/past each other = L1 Subduction = L1
Level 2 (4-6 marks): Uses named example. More developed statements which explain how an earthquake was caused. Destructive/transform plate margin = L2 (Do not credit constructive boundary as L2 but credit 'boundary' idea as L1 if not credited elsewhere)
(Note: Max 5 if no named or inappropriate example Country = 0 unless very small)
Level 3 (7 marks): Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements which explain how an earthquake was caused, including place specific information.
Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Location on plate boundary (do not accept constructive margin) Plate movement, Friction, Build up of pressure, Pressure release/jolting, Shockwaves/vibrations, etc.
Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details/dates/times, Names of plates, etc.