O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2022 · Q425 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 4.1 (Insert), which is a map showing the distribution of earthquake zones and volcanoes. (b) Study Fig. 4.2 (Insert), which shows information about Montserrat where the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted between 1995 and 2000.

(a)(i)Identify the compass direction in which the Nazca plate is moving.[1]
(a)(ii)Identify the type of plate boundaries at Y and Z shown in Fig. 4.1. Y Z[2]
(a)(iii)Describe the distribution of earthquake zones in Fig. 4.1.[3]
(a)(iv)Explain why earthquakes cause more deaths and injuries than volcanic eruptions.[4]
(b)(i)Using Fig. 4.2, describe the location of Montserrat. You should only refer to plates and their boundaries.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain why there was a volcanic eruption on Montserrat.[5]
(c)For a named area you have studied, explain what has been done to reduce the impacts of earthquakes. 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 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (West to) east
[1] Y = divergent/constructive/diverging.
[1] Z = convergent/destructive/converging.
[1] Linear;
[1] Clustered;
[1] On/near plate boundaries;
[1] Close to volcanoes;
[1] Max 2 marks for examples of named plates or areas e.g.: around Pacific Ocean/Pacific Ring of Fire; Centre of Atlantic Ocean/between South American and African Plate; Western N/S America/between North American and Pacific plate/between Nazca and South American Plate; Eastern/south/south-east Asia/between Pacific, Indo-Australian/Philippine plates; East Africa/between African and Arabian Plate; Southern Europe/between Eurasian and African Plates etc.
[1] More likely to have warnings from volcanoes/smoke etc.;
[1] Volcanic eruptions can be predicted but earthquakes cannot be predicted with certainty;
[1] Volcanic lava moves slowly/people have more chance of escaping from an eruption/the impact of an earthquake is more instant/causes more immediate collapse of buildings;
[1] Volcanic eruptions are likely to affect a smaller area than an earthquake;
[1] Earthquake more likely to cause a tsunami;
[1] Earthquakes are more likely to cause starvation/homelessness/spread of disease;
[1] Earthquakes are more likely to occur in more densely populated areas etc.
[1] On Caribbean Plate;
[1] West/WSW of plate boundary/eastern edge of Caribbean Plate;
[1] 280–320km from plate boundary/edge of North American Plate etc.
[1] It lies close to/on a plate boundary/where two plates meet;
[1] Plates move towards each other/convergent;
[1] Subduction occurs/one plate sinks under the other;
[1] Heating/melting of crust;
[1] Creation/build up of magma;
[1] Build up/increase of pressure;
[1] Magma rises/escapes through cracks/is pushed up to the surface/rises etc.
Level 1 (1–3 marks): Statements including limited detail which describe what has been done to reduce impacts of earthquakes.
Level 2 (4-6 marks): Uses named example. More developed statements which explain what has been done to reduce impacts of earthquakes.
Level 3 (7 marks): Comprehensive and accurate statements, including some place specific details.
Content Guide (for 4c): Answers are likely to refer to: Earthquake proofing/strengthening of buildings/or specific details –e.g., stronger foundations, cross beams, pyramid shape, shatterproof glass; counterbalances etc.; Land use zoning/use of seismic hazard maps; Education about emergency procedures; 'Earthquake day'; Emergency drills in schools; Building low rise homes; Monitoring; Evacuation planning/routes/drills; Open spaces at regular intervals between buildings; Provide earthquake kits/1st Aid kits; Rescue teams; Improved hospitals/doctors etc. Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details, named places in the area, specific details of strategies etc.