O-LevelGeographyThe natural environment2217/12 · Oct/Nov 2024 · Q325 Marks

Study Fig. 3.1, showing information about an area where the coastline has been protected from coastal erosion. Content removed due to copyright restrictions. [Figure 3.1]

(a)(i)Using Fig. 3.1, identify the most likely reason for the sea wall being built. Tick (✔) the correct answer from the choices provided. to attract more industry to the area to create more employment for local people to improve the scenery of the area to protect buildings on the top of the cliff[1]
(a)(ii)Suggest two reasons why rapid coastal erosion was taking place before the sea wall was built in the area shown in Fig. 3.1.[2]
(a)(iii)Describe and explain the impact of building a sea wall on the beach in the area shown in Fig. 3.1.[3]
(a)(iv)Explain how the following two methods would help to reduce coastal erosion in the area shown in Fig. 3.1. build groynes along the beach put a line of large boulders at the base of the sea wall[4]
(b)(i)Study Figs. 3.2 and 3.3 (Insert), photographs of two bays. Describe three differences between the bays shown in Figs. 3.2 and 3.3.[3]
(b)(ii)Explain why bays and headlands develop along some areas of coastline.[5]
(c)Explain the formation of an arch and a stack at the coast. You should include a labelled diagram.[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 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a)(i) To protect buildings on top of the cliff
[2] (a)(ii) Ideas such as: Soft/unconsolidated/weak rock/clay; Large/destructive (backwash stronger than swash)/strong waves/large amount of backwash; Unvegetated cliff etc.; Lack of protection measures;
[3] (a)(iii) Ideas such as: Beach became smaller/narrower; No supply of pebbles/rocks etc. from cliff erosion; Scouring of beach as a result of waves reflecting from sea wall; Amount of longshore drift material reduced; Etc.
[4] (a)(iv) Build groynes along the beach: E.g. 1 Longshore drift is prevented/beach material is trapped (1) ... so the width/height of the beach increases/protects the cliffs (2); E.g. 2 the width of the beach increases (1) ... so the cliffs are protected (2); put a line of boulders at the base of the sea wall: e.g. 1 Adds protection to the sea wall/strengthens the wall/prevents wall collapsing (1) ... so the waves break on the boulders rather than the wall (2); e.g. 2 the power of the waves is reduced (1) ... so less erosion at the base of the sea wall (2); NOTE Max 2 marks for each method. 1 mark for a simple idea with a 2nd mark for development of it.
[3] (b)(i) Differences such as: 3.2 has a pebble/stones/rock beach, 3.3 is sand; 3.2 has a more (steeply) sloping beach/3.2 is sloping but 3.3 is flat; 3.3 has some areas of wave cut platform/rock outcrops on beach but 3.2 does not/3.2 has an isolated rock but 3.3 has several large rock outcrops across the beach; 3.3 goes further inland/longer than 3.2; 3.2 is wider/has headlands which are further apart etc. NOTE Answer must be comparative
[5] (b)(ii) Ideas such as: Differential erosion/rocks along the coast erode at different rates; Different rock types outcrop along the coast/discordant coast; Headland likely to be a harder rock or e.g.; It will not erode as rapidly/more resistant to erosion; Such as hydraulic action/abrasion (dev); Bays likely to be softer/unconsolidated rock/clay; Which erode rapidly/less resistant to erosion; Etc.
[7] (c) Levels marking Level 1 (1–3 marks) Statements including limited detail which explain the formation of an arch and/or a stack at the coast. Level 2 (4–6 marks) More developed or linked statements which explain the formation of an arch and/or a stack at the coast. (NOTE Max 5 if no labelled diagram) Level 3 (7 marks) Comprehensive and accurate answer, including a labelled diagram, which explains the formation of an arch and a stack at the coast. Content Guide: Processes of erosion such as hydraulic action, abrasion and corrosion Widening of crack/line of weakness in cliff Formation of cave(s) Increase in size of caves Erosion of back-to-back caves Collapse of roof of arch Etc.