O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2023 · Q325 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 3.1, a map of the drainage basin of the Kalinadi River in India.

(a)(i)In what general direction does the river flow between X and Y?[1]
(a)(ii)Mark the following on Fig. 3.1: – an M on the mouth of the Kalinadi River – a C on a confluence.[2]
(a)(iii)Suggest three likely differences between the river valleys at X and Y.[3]
(a)(iv)One benefit of living in the drainage basin of the Kalinadi River is that hydroelectric power (HEP) can be generated. Suggest reasons why hydroelectric power can be generated at the sites shown in Fig. 3.1.[4]
(b)Study Fig. 3.2 (Insert), a photograph of a waterfall.
(b)(i)Describe the features of the waterfall shown in Fig. 3.2.[3]
(b)(ii)Suggest how the waterfall shown in Fig. 3.2 was formed.[5]
(c)Describe the main features of an oxbow lake and explain its formation. You may use a labelled diagram or diagrams.[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 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] South-west (SW)/(North-east) to South-west
1 mark
[2] Labelled on Fig. 3.1 letters M and C on or very close to the relevant features.
2 @ 1 mark
[3] Ideas such as:
X narrower/Y wider;
X steeper (sides/slopes)/deeper (valley)/Y more gently sloping (sides)/flatter;
X steeper long profile/more irregular long profile;
X more V shaped;
Y more likely to have a flood plain;
Etc.
3 @ 1 mark
[4] Ideas such as:
Rivers will be large/high river discharge/volume/lots of tributaries;
Rivers will be fast flowing/have strong flow/be powerful/have lots of energy;
High rainfall/constant river flow/constant supply of water;
Ease of damming the river/water can be easily retained in the valley;
Impermeable rocks;
Large areas of land in valley (which can be flooded)/lack of settlement;
Etc.
4 @ 1 mark
[3] Ideas such as:
Fast flowing/white water/turbulent/spray;
Steep/vertical;
Bare rock/rocky/lots of rocks;
Layers of rock;
Loose/large boulder;
Two 'steps'/falls/stepped;
Divided/split in two (by rock in centre);
Etc.
3 @ 1 mark
[5] Ideas such as:
Hydraulic action/abrasion;
Hard rock overlies soft;
Hard rock resists erosion/soft rock worn away
Undercutting (of hard rock)/forms overhang;
Collapse of overhang;
Formation of plunge pool;
Formation of gorge/retreat of waterfall;
Etc.
5 @ 1 mark or development
[7] Levels marking
Level 1 (1-3 marks): Statements including limited detail which describe the features of an oxbow lake and/or explain how it is formed.
Level 2 (4-6 marks): More developed or linked statements which describe the features of an oxbow lake and/or explain how it is formed.
Level 3 (7 marks): Comprehensive and accurate answer using appropriate terminology, which describe the features of an oxbow lake and explain how it is formed.
Content Guide: Description is likely to include reference to: Curved shape; Separated from river; Stagnant water; Etc.
Explanation: Erosion/hydraulic action/abrasion on outer bends of meander; Deposition on inner bends; Neck narrows
Neck eroded/cut through;
New straighter course of river/meander separated from river;
Sealed by deposition;
Colonisation by vegetation;
Etc.
Note: 1 Only credit hydraulic action/abrasion if the terms are used as part of a valid explanation. However, the terms can be credited as part of L3 as appropriate terminology. 2 Only credit ideas on diagram if labelled.