O-LevelPakistan StudiesThe environment of PakistanMay/June 2023 · Q225 Marks

Study Fig. 2.1, a climate graph showing rainfall and temperature for a region of Pakistan.

(a)(i)Complete Fig. 2.1 for July using the information below. temperature (°C) 36 rainfall (mm) 5[2]
(a)(ii)Using Fig. 2.1 only, describe the climate shown in the graph.[3]
(a)(iii)What type of climate region does the graph show? Circle the correct answer. arid highland humid[1]
(b)(i)Describe the climate characteristics (rainfall and temperature) of the semi-arid region of Pakistan.[4]
(b)(ii)Explain two benefits of the climate for people living in mountain areas in Pakistan. You should develop your answer.[4]
(c)(i)What is hydel power? Tick (✔) one box below. Hydel power is electricity generated using energy from: tick (✔) fast flowing water the sun's rays tides and waves wind[1]
(c)(ii)Hydel power stations can be found in mountainous areas of Pakistan. Describe how electricity can be generated from hydel power.[4]
(d)Power sources are vital for economic development in Pakistan. To what extent can hydel power be relied upon for the future economic development of Pakistan? Give reasons to support your judgement and refer to examples you have studied. You should consider different points of view in your answer.[6]

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 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] accurate plotting of dot at 36 °C and the line joined up
[1] accurate completion of bar at 5 mm (no need for bar to be shaded)
[1] Temperature: high temperatures/hot during summer; mild temperatures/cool during winter; highest temperature in July; highest temperature is 36 °C; lowest temperature in Jan; lowest temperature is 12 °C
[1] Rainfall: arid/dry climate/(very)low/little rainfall; 39 mm rainfall; May/June/Sept/Oct/Nov have no rainfall; most rain falls from December/Jan-April; highest rainfall is in Jan; highest rainfall is 11 mm
[1] arid
[1] Temperature: warm(er)/hot(ter)/high(er) temperatures in summer/May-Sept; in summer/May-Sept 20–40 °C; cool(er)/mild/moderate winter/Nov-March OR cold(er) in winter/Nov-March; in winter/Nov-Mar –5–25 °C
[1] Rainfall: low/sparse/scanty/unreliable rainfall; monsoon rainfall in summer/June–September; (western) depression rainfall in winter/December-March; (total) 250-600 mm of rainfall; E of the region has higher rainfall/W of region is drier; there is likely to be more evaporation than precipitation
[2] cool(er) temperatures in summer are more bearable; meaning workers do not suffer heat strokes (dev)
[2] allows more diversity of crops to grow (dev)
[2] attracts seasonal tourism providing employment (dev)
[2] cool(er) climate allows nuts/fruits (such as apricots) to be grown; which can be sold for income/exported improving the balance of trade (dev)
[2] warmer temperatures in spring melt glaciers which feeds the streams and rivers providing people vital water supplies; which are essential in cottage industries (dev)
[2] (relief) rainfall provides water supply to houses; for domestic uses/for livestock (dev)
[2] rainfall promotes agriculture in valleys/on terraced slopes; food supplies can be produced locally/reduces need to transport food to area (dev)
[2] cool temperatures/snow in the mountains attracts trekkers/climbers so providing locals employment opportunities; offering accommodation in guesthouses/hotels (dev)
[2] ice and snow add to the scenic beauty of the area generating tourism; locals can earn income as mountain guides/working in shops etc. (dev)
[2] ice and snow-capped northern mountains provide a natural border between neighbouring countries; traversing them is difficult so protects locals from possible conflicts (dev)
[2] Below the snowline alpine/coniferous forests grow providing (fuel)wood; reducing the need to import other fuel supplies (dev)
[2] providing a supply of timber for building (dev)
[2] Mountainous areas have strong winds allowing wind power generation; this provides electricity for local industries/homes (dev)
[1] fast flowing water
[1] (the force of) fast flowing water is used/water goes through penstock/sluice for faster flow
[1] water spins/turns/drives the turbine
[1] a shaft goes into a generator
[1] the shaft spins rapidly (inside a magnetic field in the generator)
[1] the generator produces electricity
[1] the electric current is regulated by a transformer/electricity goes through a transformer
[1] electricity is sent through transmission/power lines (at the required voltage to where it is needed)
[6] Content Guide: Hydel power can be relied upon because: • hydel power is a renewable source of energy and is sustainable • Pakistan has many mountainous regions with plenty of rainfall and glaciers which can provide adequate supply of water to generate electricity (for industries) • once the reservoirs, hydel power station and power lines have been constructed there are low maintenance costs • can provide a cheaper alternative to fossil fuels • Pakistan needs to continue to invest in renewable sources of energy as fossil fuels are running out/remaining reserves are expensive to mine • fossil fuels cost a lot to import Hydel power cannot be relied upon because: • hydel is reliant on rainfall/fast flowing rivers so when reservoirs or rainfall is low not enough power can be generated for continuous supply • there will be reduced rainfall due to climate change/rainfall cannot be relied upon so need a back-up of fossil fuels to ensure there are no power shortages (in cities) • it is expensive to provide/build the infrastructure for producing hydel power, such as dams and power lines • there is a mismatch between where the hydel power can be produced and where it is needed/transmission lines have to cover long distances • other named power sources would be more cost effective/reliable because e.g. nuclear power provides a continuous supply Examples: could include named dam/hydel plant/region/river/ WAPDA/project in construction etc.