O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2023 · Q425 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 4.1, a map showing two hot deserts in Mexico.

(a)(i)Tick (✔) one statement which best describes an area of hot desert. strong winds always cause sandstorms the annual rainfall is less than 250 mm the climate is the same all year round the landscape consists only of sand dunes tick[1]
(a)(ii)State one difference and one similarity between the locations of the Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert. difference similarity[2]
(a)(iii)Explain why there is a big difference in temperatures between day and night in deserts such as the Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert.[3]
(a)(iv)Using evidence from Fig. 4.1, explain why the Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert do not receive much rainfall.[4]
(b)Study Fig. 4.2 (Insert), a photograph of vegetation growing in an area of hot desert.
(b)(i)Using Fig. 4.2, identify three features of the vegetation shown which help it to survive in areas of low rainfall.[3]
(b)(ii)Describe other methods which vegetation uses to survive in a hot desert.[5]
(c)For a named area you have studied, describe and explain the characteristics of an equatorial climate. 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 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] The annual rainfall is less than 250mm.
1 mark
[2] Difference: Sonoran Desert is on the coast Chihuahuan Desert is inland/Sonoran is closer to the sea/Pacific Ocean; Sonoran Desert is west of Chihuahuan Desert/Chihuahuan Desert is east of Sonoran Desert; Sonoran Desert extends further south/north than Chihuahuan Desert etc
Similarity: Both are north of/close to Tropic of Cancer/the same latitude; Both are west of the Gulf of Mexico/both are east of Pacific Ocean; Both in northern Mexico; Both border the USA/are south of the USA border; Etc.
Note: 1 mark for each of similarities and differences.
2 @ 1 mark
[3] Ideas such as:
Days are (very) hot and nights are cold;
There is no cloud;
Sun's rays not blocked/direct/overhead sun during daytime;
Heat escapes at night;
3 @ 1 mark
[4] Ideas such as:
Close to Tropic of Cancer;
High atmospheric pressure;
Descending air;
No condensation/cooling of water vapour;
Cold current offshore/nearby;
Condensation occurs (offshore);
(Prevailing) winds blow across land/(prevailing) winds are dry/have lost their moisture by the time they reach the desert;
Etc.
4 @ 1 mark
[3] Ideas such as:
Prickles/thorns/spikes;
Low height;
Waxy/tough/leathery/shiny;
Thick/fleshy/wide.
3 @ 1 mark
[5] Ideas such as:
Deep roots/long roots/tap roots/roots which reach down to water table/underground water;
Shallow roots/wide roots/roots spread out (near surface);
Some seeds/plants remain dormant until rain falls;
Some only flower when rain falls;
Lack of stomata/smaller stomata/sunken stomata/stomata only open at night;
Fine hairs on stem (are able to capture fog/water droplets/dew);
Wide spaces between plants;
Establish themselves near rivers/on dried up river beds/in oases;
Poisonous;
Light colours;
Etc.
5 @ 1 mark or development
[7] Levels marking
Level 1 (1-3 marks): Statements including limited detail which describe and/or explain characteristics of equatorial climate.
Level 2 (4-6 marks): Uses named example. More developed explanation or linked statements which describe and/or explain characteristics of equatorial climate. (Note: Max 5 if no named or inappropriate example.)
Level 3 (7 marks): Uses named example. Comprehensive and accurate statements which describe and explain characteristics of equatorial climate, including place specific information.
Content Guide: Answers are likely to refer to: Temperature; Precipitation; Lack of seasons; Latitude; Atmospheric pressure; Evaporation/transpiration; Condensation/saturation; Build-up of cloud; Etc.
Place specific reference is likely to consist of: Locational details, Named places within equatorial area, Climatic statistics etc.