O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2021 · Q425 Marks

Study Figs. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 (Insert), which are photographs taken in the Borders region of Scotland. This is an area where coastal erosion is taking place.

(a)(i)What is meant by the term coastal erosion?[1]
(a)(ii)Use the following descriptions to identify the correct photograph from Figs. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4. - a cliff coastline with a stack, stumps and one large wave-cut platform Fig. .......... - a sandy bay with separate small areas of wave-cut platform exposed at low tide. Fig. ..........[2]
(a)(iii)The coastline shown in Figs. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 has been eroded by corrasion (abrasion), corrosion and hydraulic action. Define these terms. corrasion (abrasion) corrosion hydraulic action[3]
(a)(iv)Suggest reasons why people live along the coastline shown in Figs. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4.[4]
(b)(i)Describe how the Godavari sand spit changed between 1889 and 2015.[3]
(b)(ii)Suggest how coastal processes changed the Godavari sand spit between 1889 and 2015.[5]
(c)For a named area of coastline you have studied, explain how coastal erosion is managed. Name of area[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 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] Wearing away/washing/taking away (of the coast/sand/materials/soil/cliffs) by the sea/waves 1 mark
[2] Fig. 4.1 = an area of cliffs with a stack, stump and large wave-cut platform Fig. 4.3 = a sandy bay with separate, small areas of wave cut platform exposed at low tide 2 @ 1 mark
[3] Corrasion(abrasion) = pebbles/rocks/load in waves/water thrown at/hits cliff/land Corrosion = (minerals in) rocks dissolved by seawater/acids/chemicals; materials removed in solution Hydraulic action = weight/power/force/pressure of waves/water (destroying cliffs)/waves expanding air in cracks etc. 3 @ 1 mark
[4] Ideas such as: fishing; work in port/harbour/trade/exports/imports/port industry; scenic beauty; fresh air/cooler temperatures; quiet/peaceful; work/income from tourist industry/hotels etc. agriculture or example etc. 4 @ 1 mark
[3] Changes such as: Spit has become longer/extended/increased from 7–10 to 15-20 km/by 5–13 km/gets closer to Kakinada; (Extended) to north/NW; Gap in spit has been filled/it is now continuous/joined to land; (End has) curved/has hooked/encircles bay; gaps have opened near river mouth etc. 3 @ 1 mark
[5] Ideas such as: Longshore drift; Prevailing/main winds from south; Winds approach at angle; Swash/waves approach at angle/same angle as wind/from SE; Backwash at right angles; Zigzag movement; Beach materials move from south to north; Winds/waves from east/wave refraction recurves spit at end etc. 5 @ 1 mark or development
[7] Levels marking Level 1(1–3 marks) Statements including limited detail which describe/explain how coastal erosion is managed. Level 2(4–6 marks) Uses named example Developed or linked statements which explain how coastal erosion is managed. (Note: Max 5 if no named or inappropriate example). Level 3(7 marks) Comprehensive and accurate statements which explain how coastal erosion is managed including some place specific reference. Content Guide: Answers are likely to include the following ideas: (Sea) walls Groynes Beach replenishment Gabions Revetments Mangroves Planting vegetation on cliffs Managed retreat etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details Specific details of schemes – cost/size etc. Note: Example used must be smaller scale than a country (e.g. Mauritius = Max 5). It could be a specific settlement. In order to achieve L2 candidates need to explain rather than give developed description.