O-LevelPakistan StudiesThe environment of Pakistan2059/20 · Oct/Nov 2012 · Q225 Marks

Study Fig. 3 which shows the climate of Karachi. [Figure 3.0]

(a)(i)By how much does the temperature rise from January to May?[1]
(a)(ii)Describe the pattern of rainfall during the winter season from October to March.[2]
(a)(iii)With reference to Fig. 3 only, describe the climate of the months from June to September.[4]
(b)Explain the causes of the monsoon at Karachi.[4]
(c)(i)Name the violent storms that form over the sea and that may affect Karachi.[1]
(c)(ii)In which months may these occur?[1]
(c)(iii)Explain how storms such as these may affect industry and communications in urban areas.[6]
(d)Read the article below. The continuing power cuts and load shedding in the expanding commercial city of Karachi must be addressed. The port city lies on the shores of the Arabian Sea, and has a windy and sunny climate. The huge population and many industries generate a huge amount of waste that needs to be disposed of. Assess the possibilities and problems for electricity generation other than by fossil fuels at Karachi.[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 (Oct/Nov 2012). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[1] 12°C
[2] Increases; Steady / constant / regular; 1-12mm / by 2mm per month
[4] Temperature; High / warm hot; 29-31°C / average 30°C; Highest in June; Little change in temperature; Rainfall; High (accept July-September); 20-85mm; Large increase in July / July max; Decreasing after July; Total 170-185 mms; Allow a mark for 'temperature drops (in July) when rainfall increases’
[4] Low pressure develops over land mass / air rises over land; Draws in wind from high pressure area; From the Arabian Sea; Moisture-bearing /wet winds /carrying rain / humid; Rise over land; Cools; Moisture condenses / clouds form
[1] Cyclones / Typhoons / Hurricanes
[1] April / May / June / Sept / Oct / November
[6] NB. Answer must refer to storms in urban areas, therefore no ref. to farming or its products; No reserves; Flooding / heavy rain / high waves/ high tides}; Strong winds}; Lightning strike} Weather associated with the storm}; Damage or closure of buildings / roads / bridges / airports; Lack of deliveries port activity; Loss of production / work stops; Lack of labour / cannot get to work; Lack of experts / investors linked to airports being closed; Lack of (tele)communication; Loss of power - electricity
[6] The article refers to waves/tidal, wind, sun and waste, but there may be reference to others eg nuclear power. The answer should make reference to the suitability of Karachi as a coastal location / just north of the Tropic of Cancer; Possibilities (Res 2); Arabian Sea - so wave and tidal power; Windy coast - so wind turbines, windmills; Sunny weather - so solar; Waste - so possibilities of burning waste; Port / industrial so nuclear ie.there is a port for importing uranium, water for cooling, there already is a nuclear power station in the area; Geothermal Energy; Pakistan is near a plate boundary, active geological zone; Problems (Res 2); Arabian Sea is in the extreme south / away from other large towns; (res. 2) Wind turbines may obstruct shipping / fishing; Winds do not blow all the line / with a regular speed; Sun does not shine at night / can be covered by clouds; Burning waste causes air pollution; Problems of nuclear power (Sethi page 127); Low output from these generators (except nuclear); Modern technology needed for geothermal energy; Problems must concern people and environment of Karachi.