O-LevelGeographyEconomic development2217/12 · May/June 2012 · Q625 Marks

(a) Study Fig. 8, which shows information about rivers in Guinea, an LEDC in West Africa. Much of the water used in Guinea is obtained from the rivers shown on Fig. 8. [Figure 8]

(a)(i)Name a river which has its source in Guinea but flows to the sea through Sierra Leone.[1]
(a)(ii)Suggest two reasons why conflicts may occur when a river flows through more than one country.[2]
(a)(iii)Explain how improving the water supply in LEDCs, such as Guinea, is likely to improve the quality of life.[3]
(b)Study Figs 9A and 9B, which show information about the River Ebro in Spain (an MEDC in Europe). [Figure 9A], [Figure 9B]
(b)(i)Explain why the Ebro River Project was planned.[3]
(b)(ii)Describe other methods which can be used to supply more water to areas which need it.[4]
(b)(iii)Explain how water can be used in a sustainable way.[5]
(c)For a named country or area which you have studied, describe one way in which energy is produced. Name of area or country ..........................................[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 (May/June 2012). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] (a) (i) Rokei/Moa
[2] (a) (ii) Ideas such as: fights/disputes/arguments over the use of its water; people in one country using more than their fair share of water; country upstream may pollute it and make it useless for country downstream; damming of river upstream reduces downstream supply; using water for irrigation in one country reduces availability of it in another; building a dam in one country reduces deposition of sediment downstream; access along the river is reduced.
[3] (a) (iii) Ideas such as: there is more clean/drinking water/the body needs water/cannot function without water/prevent dehydration; reduction of diseases/cholera, typhoid/hygiene is improved etc.; more water for irrigation for use in agriculture/increases yields of crops; people more able to work/able to produce food/earn money; people do not have to spend so much time collecting water/do not have to walk as far etc.
[3] (b) (i) Ideas such as: to move/transfer water; uneven distribution of rain in Spain/wetter in north than south/dry in south; so there is enough water in areas with high demand or example (e.g. tourist areas)
[4] (b) (ii) Ideas such as: desalination/taking salt from sea water; using the underground water/aquifer/wells; building reservoirs; cloud seeding; importing water supplies; use of tankers etc.
[5] (b) (iii) Ideas such as: treatment of waste water; regulations on/prevention of pollution of rivers; and strict enforcement; use water more carefully/people should not waste water; hosepipe bans; use of water meters; as paying for water makes people more careful; use showers not baths; put brick in toilet cistern; turn off taps when not in use; roof top tanks/water butts etc.; mend leaking pipes; more careful use of irrigation or example; educate/make people aware of water conservation
[7] (c) Level 3 (7 marks) Uses named example (e.g. UK). Comprehensive and accurate statements describing one way in which energy is produced including some place specific reference. (Place specific information could include named locations or statistical details)