Cambridge IGCSE · Thinka-original Practice Paper

2024 Cambridge IGCSE Geography (0460) Practice Paper with Answers

Thinka Nov 2024 (V2) Cambridge International A Level-Style Mock — Geography (0460)

195 marks285 mins2024
AnalysisSample paper
An original Thinka practice paper modelled on the structure and difficulty of the Nov 2024 (V2) Cambridge International A Level Geography (0460) paper. Not affiliated with or reproduced from Cambridge.

Paper 1 Section A: Population and Settlement

Answer one question from this section. Questions consist of structured sub-parts (a)(i-iv), (b)(i-ii), and a high-tariff case study (c) worth 7 marks.
2 Question · 25 marks
Question 1 · Structured Data Response
18 marks
Table 1 shows information about the settlement hierarchy in Kettle Valley, a hypothetical region.

Table 1: Settlement Hierarchy in Kettle Valley
- City: 1 settlement | Average Population: 150,000 | Services: University, Specialist Hospital, Department Store
- Town: 4 settlements | Average Population: 22,000 | Services: Secondary School, Supermarket, Bank
- Village: 18 settlements | Average Population: 1,200 | Services: Primary School, Post Office, General Store
- Hamlet: 55 settlements | Average Population: 80 | Services: Post box, Bus shelter

(a)(i) Identify the relationship between the size of a settlement type and the number of settlements of that type shown in Table 1. [1 mark]
(a)(ii) Define the term 'sphere of influence'. [2 marks]
(a)(iii) Using evidence from Table 1, explain the relationship between the average population of a settlement and the services it provides. [3 marks]
(b)(i) Describe the difference between 'threshold population' and 'range' of a service. [2 marks]
(b)(ii) Explain how urban growth or decline can change the services available in a settlement over time. [3 marks]
(c) For a named country or region you have studied, describe and explain the settlement hierarchy and service provision. [7 marks]
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

(a)(i) There is an inverse relationship between settlement size and number of settlements: as the settlement size/population increases, the number of settlements decreases (or vice-versa).
(a)(ii) The sphere of influence is the geographical area served by a settlement, from which it attracts people/customers to use its services and facilities.
(a)(iii) Settlements with larger average populations (such as cities with 150,000 people) provide high-order, specialist services (such as universities and specialist hospitals) because they have a large enough population to meet the high threshold needed to make these services viable. Settlements with smaller populations (such as hamlets with 80 people) can only support low-order, basic services (such as post boxes or bus shelters) which require a low threshold population but are used frequently by local residents.
(b)(i) Threshold population is the minimum number of people/customers required to support a service and make it profitable, whereas range is the maximum distance people are willing to travel to obtain or use that service.
(b)(ii) Services change because:
1. Population growth can increase the local population beyond the threshold level required for new high-order services, leading to the introduction of supermarkets or banks.
2. Economic or urban decline can cause depopulation, meaning existing services (e.g., local primary schools or post offices) lose their threshold population and are forced to close.
3. Technological changes, such as the rise of online banking and e-commerce, decrease the physical range of traditional retail services, leading to closures of physical bank branches and shops.
(c) Example Case Study: East Anglia, UK.
The settlement hierarchy in East Anglia consists of a major regional city (Norwich), surrounded by medium-sized market towns (e.g., Diss, Thetford), villages (e.g., Banham), and small hamlets. Norwich has a population of over 140,000, allowing it to support high-order services like the University of East Anglia, large department stores (e.g., John Lewis), and a major specialist hospital (Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital). This gives Norwich a vast sphere of influence spanning the entire county of Norfolk. Market towns like Diss (population approx. 7,500) provide middle-order services like secondary schools, banks, and supermarkets, serving local rural hinterlands. Small villages like Banham have low-order services (primary school, small convenience shop) with small spheres of influence, while nearby hamlets have no services at all, meaning residents must travel to Diss or Norwich for most needs.

Marking scheme

(a)(i) [1 mark]
1 mark for stating that there is an inverse relationship / as population size increases, number of settlements decreases (or vice-versa).

(a)(ii) [2 marks]
- 1 mark for the concept of 'area served/influenced by a settlement'.
- 1 mark for referencing 'from which people/customers travel to use services'.

(a)(iii) [3 marks]
- 1 mark for explaining that larger settlements/populations can support high-order/specialist services (or vice-versa for small settlements).
- 1 mark for referencing specific service examples from Table 1 (e.g., university/specialist hospital for City OR post box/bus shelter for Hamlet).
- 1 mark for explaining the concept of threshold population/frequency of use (e.g., high-order services need a large customer base to survive, while low-order services have a low threshold and are used daily).

(b)(i) [2 marks]
- 1 mark for defining threshold population (minimum number of people needed to support a service / make it viable).
- 1 mark for defining range (maximum distance people are willing to travel to use a service).

(b)(ii) [3 marks]
3 marks for 3 separate developed points:
- Urban growth increases population, meeting threshold limits for new high-order services (1 mark).
- Urban decline/depopulation means services lose their threshold customer base and close down (1 mark).
- Improvements in transport/increased car ownership allow people to travel further, bypassing local services and causing rural/village shop closures (1 mark).
- Shift to online services reduces the demand for physical high-street shops/banks (1 mark).

(c) [7 marks]
Level 1 (1-3 marks): Simple statements describing the hierarchy or services of a region, with little explanation of the relationships (e.g., 'There are big cities with large hospitals, and villages have local shops.'). Max 3 marks if no named region is used.
Level 2 (4-6 marks): Explains the settlement hierarchy and service provision with reference to a named region/area. Clear distinction is made between high-order and low-order services with some geographic terminology (threshold, range, sphere of influence) used. Max 5 marks if no named examples of settlements within the region are given.
Level 3 (7 marks): Detailed, comprehensive case study of a named region, explaining the hierarchy with specific population data and named settlements at different levels (city, town, village). Concepts of range, threshold, and sphere of influence are accurately applied to explain the spatial pattern of service provision.
Question 2 · Extended Case Study
7 marks
For a named city or country you have studied, explain the push and pull factors that lead to high rates of rural-to-urban migration.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Case Study: Mumbai, India. Rural Push Factors: 1. Extreme rural poverty and low wages in agricultural states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and the dry Marathwada region of Maharashtra. 2. High vulnerability to environmental disasters, where erratic monsoons and prolonged droughts ruin crops and leave subsistence farmers with massive debts. 3. Lack of basic services, including poor healthcare, high infant mortality, and lack of secondary schools in rural villages. Urban Pull Factors: 1. Diverse employment opportunities, ranging from high-paying formal service sectors (IT, finance) to a thriving informal economy in areas like Dharavi (leather goods, pottery, and recycling) where low-skilled workers can earn a living. 2. Far superior social infrastructure, including access to major tertiary hospitals (like King Edward Memorial Hospital) and higher education institutions. 3. The 'bright lights' effect, where migrants perceive the city as offering modern infrastructure, entertainment, and a higher overall standard of living.

Marking scheme

Level 1 (1 to 3 marks): Simple statements identifying push and pull factors (e.g., no jobs in the countryside, better schools in cities, bad healthcare). Max 3 marks. Level 2 (4 to 6 marks): Developed explanations of push and/or pull factors (e.g., crop failure due to drought in rural Maharashtra leaves farmers in debt, pushing them to migrate; they are pulled to Mumbai by the large informal sector in Dharavi which offers easy-access jobs in recycling). Needs named case study for 5 or 6 marks. Level 3 (7 marks): Fully developed explanations of both push and pull factors, with precise, accurate place-specific details for a named city or country.

Paper 1 Section B: The Natural Environment

Answer one question from this section. Focuses on physical processes (coasts, rivers, weather, climate) with structured sub-parts and a 7-mark case study.
2 Question · 25 marks
Question 1 · Structured Physical Explanation
18 marks
Study the processes and landforms associated with river systems.

(a) (i) Identify one process of river erosion. [1]
(ii) Describe how a river transports its load by traction and saltation. [3]
(iii) Explain how an oxbow lake is formed. You may use a diagram or sequence of diagrams to support your answer. [4]

(b) (i) Describe three physical opportunities that a river and its valley can provide for people. [3]
(ii) For a named river you have studied, explain the physical and human causes of flooding. [7]
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

(a) (i)
- Hydraulic action
- Abrasion (or corrasion)
- Attrition
- Solution (or corrosion)
(Any 1 point for 1 mark)

(a) (ii)
- Traction: Larger, heavier rocks, pebbles, or boulders are rolled or slid along the river bed by the force of the water (1 mark).
- Saltation: Smaller pebbles, gravel, or coarse sand grains are bounced or hopped along the river bed in a leap-frog motion (1 mark).
- Comparison/Energy context: Traction requires much higher velocity/energy than saltation, and occurs in contact with the bed, whereas saltation temporarily lifts particles into the flow (1 mark).

(a) (iii)
- Lateral erosion (by hydraulic action and abrasion) occurs on the outer banks of a meander where velocity is highest (1 mark).
- Deposition occurs on the inner banks where velocity is lowest (1 mark).
- This continuous process narrows the neck of the meander loop over time (1 mark).
- During a period of high discharge or flood, the river cuts through the neck to take the shortest, straightest route (1 mark).
- Deposition subsequently seals off the ends of the old meander loop, leaving behind a crescent-shaped oxbow lake (1 mark).
(Maximum 4 marks)

(b) (i)
- Flat land on the floodplain/valley floor makes it easy to build settlements, roads, and railways (1 mark).
- Fertile alluvial soils deposited by floods provide highly productive land for agriculture (1 mark).
- Rivers provide a reliable source of fresh water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural (irrigation) use (1 mark).
- Steep gradients in the upper course offer opportunities for generating hydroelectric power (HEP) (1 mark).
- Rivers can be used for transport, shipping, and trade routes (1 mark).
- Scenic beauty and river environments support tourism and recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating (1 mark).
(Any 3 points for 3 marks)

(b) (ii)
- Physical causes: Prolonged or heavy rainfall saturates the soil; rapid snowmelt increases discharge; steep slopes speed up surface runoff; impermeable geology/clay soils prevent infiltration.
- Human causes: Deforestation reduces interception and transpiration; urbanization (concrete surfaces) increases impermeable areas and surface runoff; poorly managed artificial levees or channelization downstream can worsen flooding upstream; climate change driven by greenhouse emissions leading to more extreme weather events.
- Place-specific details: Named tributaries, specific rainfall amounts, dates of major flood events, specific cities or regions affected (e.g., Bangladesh, Tewkesbury on the River Severn).

Marking scheme

Part (a) (i) [1 mark]
- Award 1 mark for any valid process of river erosion (Hydraulic action, Abrasion/Corrasion, Attrition, Solution/Corrosion).
- Reject: Weathering processes (e.g., freeze-thaw).

Part (a) (ii) [3 marks]
- Award 1 mark for a clear description of traction (rolling/sliding of heavy load along bed).
- Award 1 mark for a clear description of saltation (bouncing/hopping of lighter bedload).
- Award 1 mark for a further comparative detail (e.g., relative particle sizes, energy requirement differences, or continuous vs. temporary bed contact).

Part (a) (iii) [4 marks]
- Award 1 mark for identifying erosion on the outer bend and/or deposition on the inner bend.
- Award 1 mark for explaining the narrowing of the meander neck.
- Award 1 mark for explaining how high flow/flooding causes the river to cut straight through the neck.
- Award 1 mark for explaining how deposition seals the ends of the abandoned loop to form the oxbow lake.
- Note: Credit may be awarded for clear, correctly labeled diagrams.

Part (b) (i) [3 marks]
- Award 1 mark per valid physical opportunity described (e.g., fertile soils, flat land, water supply, HEP potential, transport, recreation).
- Must describe the opportunity, not just state 'water' or 'soil'. E.g., 'flat land on valley floors makes building houses easier' (1 mark).

Part (b) (ii) [7 marks]
- Level 1 (1-3 marks): Simple statements explaining causes of flooding (e.g., 'it rains a lot', 'people cut down trees', 'there are concrete roads'). No specific details or location context.
- Level 2 (4-6 marks): Developed explanations of physical and/or human causes of flooding. Some specific details/place-specific reference (e.g., named tributaries, specific dates, or specific human activities in the basin).
- 4 marks: One developed explanation.
- 5 marks: Two developed explanations.
- 6 marks: Three or more developed explanations.
- Level 3 (7 marks): Comprehensive, well-developed explanation of both physical and human causes of flooding, with excellent place-specific detail for a named river basin.
Question 2 · Case Study
7 marks
For a named coastal area you have studied, describe and explain the strategies used to manage the threats of erosion and/or flooding. You should evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Example answer based on the Holderness Coast, Yorkshire, UK: The Holderness Coast is one of Europe's fastest-eroding coastlines, made of soft boulder clay. To manage this threat, several hard engineering strategies have been implemented. At Hornsea, a 1.86 km concrete sea wall was built to reflect wave energy, alongside timber groynes to trap sediment and build a wide protective beach. This has successfully protected the town and tourism infrastructure. At Mappleton, which was threatened by rapid cliff recession, a 2 million GBP scheme in 1991 installed two massive granite groynes and a rock revetment. This successfully trapped beach material, halting cliff retreat and protecting the vital B1242 road. However, these strategies have created negative downdrift impacts. The groynes at Mappleton starved areas further south of sediment. At Great Cowden, beach starvation led to increased erosion rates (rising to over 3 meters per year), causing the loss of agricultural land and caravan sites. Therefore, while highly effective at protecting specific high-value settlements, these strategies have simply relocated the erosion problem further down the coast.

Marking scheme

Level 1 (1-3 marks): Simple statements describing coastal management strategies, such as the use of sea walls, groynes, or rock armor, without specific locational detail or evaluation. (e.g., They built groynes to trap sand and sea walls to stop waves.) Level 2 (4-6 marks): Specific, detailed description and explanation of coastal management strategies in a named and located coastal area. Refers to specific locations within the study area and explains how the management works. (e.g., At Mappleton, rock groynes were built to trap sediment via longshore drift, creating a wide beach to protect the B1242 road.) Level 3 (7 marks): Comprehensive description and explanation of strategies in a fully named and located coastal area, including a clear, balanced evaluation of their effectiveness (including successes and negative knock-on effects like terminal groyne syndrome at Great Cowden).

Paper 1 Section C: Economic Development

Answer one question from this section. Covers industry, food production, development, resources, with structured data prompts and a 7-mark case study.
2 Question · 25 marks
Question 1 · Structured Economic Analysis
18 marks

Paper 1 Section C: Economic Development

Study the information below, which describes the inputs, processes, and outputs of a semiconductor manufacturing plant in East Asia.

  • Inputs: Silicon wafers, ultra-pure water, automated machinery, highly-skilled research scientists, electricity.
  • Processes: Circuit design, silicon wafer etching, chemical vapor deposition, assembly and testing.
  • Outputs: Microprocessors (chips), toxic chemical waste, clean room packaging.

(a) (i) Identify one human input from the semiconductor manufacturing plant described above. [1 mark]

(a) (ii) State two characteristics of high-tech industries. [2 marks]

(a) (iii) Using the examples above and your own knowledge, explain how the output of 'toxic chemical waste' can cause environmental problems. [3 marks]

(a) (iv) Explain why high-tech industries, such as semiconductor manufacturing, are often footloose. [5 marks]

(b) For a named country or area you have studied, describe and explain the factors which have attracted high-tech industries to locate there. (Case Study) [7 marks]

Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

(a) (i) Highly-skilled research scientists (accept 'research scientists' or 'scientists').

(a) (ii) Two characteristics include: 1) High expenditure on research and development (R&D). 2) A large percentage of highly qualified/skilled workers (e.g., engineers and scientists). 3) High value but lightweight finished products. (Accept any two correct characteristics).

(a) (iii) Toxic chemical waste can cause environmental damage if it is improperly disposed of or leaks. It can seep into local groundwater reservoirs or run off into river systems, contaminating freshwater sources. This leads to the poisoning of aquatic life and can bioaccumulate up the food chain, eventually affecting birds, land animals, and human populations who consume the water or fish. It can also degrade soil quality, preventing plant growth.

(a) (iv) High-tech industries are often footloose because: 1) Their raw materials (like silicon wafers or software scripts) are lightweight and cheap to transport. 2) The finished products (like microchips) are also small, light, and of extremely high unit value, meaning transport costs represent an insignificant proportion of total production costs. 3) They are not tied to specific natural resource sites like coalfields or iron ore mines. 4) Their primary locational requirements are high-speed digital connectivity and reliable grid electricity, which are widely available. 5) They are more reliant on proximity to universities, skilled labor, and pleasant living environments (to attract talent) rather than heavy bulk transport links like canals or freight rail.

(b) Case Study Solution (Example: Silicon Valley, USA): Silicon Valley in northern California, USA, has successfully attracted a major cluster of high-tech companies due to several physical and human factors. A key human factor is its proximity to world-class educational institutions like Stanford University and UC Berkeley, which provide a steady stream of highly-skilled software engineers and researchers. The region also features an established network of venture capital firms (especially along Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park) that provide the essential start-up funding required for technological innovation. Excellent transport links, such as San Francisco International Airport and Interstate 101, facilitate easy national and global corporate travel. Physically, the region offers an attractive Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny weather and a high quality of life (including proximity to scenic coasts and mountains), which acts as a major pull factor for highly paid, specialized professionals. This concentration has created an agglomeration effect, where firms like Apple and Google benefit from shared knowledge, specialized suppliers, and a highly competitive local labor market.

Marking scheme

(a) (i) 1 mark for identifying: Highly-skilled research scientists. (Reject physical inputs like silicon wafers or electricity). [1 mark]

(a) (ii) 1 mark for each valid characteristic stated, up to 2 marks. Examples include: High R&D spending; High ratio of skilled/professional workers to manual workers; Footloose nature; Small, high-value products; Clean working environment. [2 marks]

(a) (iii) 1 mark for each explained point, up to 3 marks:
- Contamination of rivers/lakes/groundwater (1)
- Toxicity to aquatic ecosystems/fish kills (1)
- Bioaccumulation/poisoning entering the food chain (1)
- Degradation of soil fertility (1). [3 marks]

(a) (iv) 1 mark for each explained reason, up to 5 marks:
- Raw materials/components are highly lightweight/low bulk (1)
- Finished products are lightweight and high-value, making transport costs negligible (1)
- Not reliant on locating near bulky raw materials (like coal/iron) (1)
- Power and telecommunications infrastructure are ubiquitous/easily accessed (1)
- Access to a highly skilled, mobile labor pool is the primary constraint (1)
- Living environment and proximity to research centers (universities) are more important than heavy infrastructure (1). [5 marks]

(b) Case Study Marking Criteria:
Level 1 (1-3 marks): Simple statements which outline factors without development. (e.g., 'There are universities nearby. The weather is nice. There is a highway nearby.')
Level 2 (4-6 marks): Developed statements which explain the attraction of specific factors. (e.g., 'The proximity to Stanford University provides a highly skilled pool of computer science graduates. The pleasant Mediterranean climate and high quality of life help attract and retain specialized professionals.')
Level 3 (7 marks): Comprehensive and extremely well-explained case study with place-specific details and named examples of locations/firms. (e.g., 'Silicon Valley, California, utilizing Stanford graduates, venture capital from Menlo Park, and hosting headquarters for firms like Apple in Cupertino and Google in Mountain View.') [7 marks]

Question 2 · case_study
7 marks
For a named country or area you have studied, explain the causes of food shortages.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

### Model Answer (Case Study: South Sudan)

South Sudan has suffered from severe food shortages due to a combination of physical, economic, and political factors.

**Physical Causes:**
* **Extreme Weather Events:** In recent years, South Sudan has experienced severe seasonal flooding, particularly around the Sudd wetland and the Nile basin (e.g., Jonglei state). This drowned millions of hectares of crops and killed livestock. Conversely, areas like Eastern Equatoria have suffered from prolonged dry spells, preventing the growth of subsistence crops like sorghum.
* **Pests and Diseases:** Outbreaks of desert locusts destroyed crops in northern and eastern regions, while livestock diseases like East Coast Fever decimated cattle herds, which are vital for pastoralist food security.

**Human and Political Causes:**
* **Civil Conflict:** Ongoing civil conflict since 2013 has displaced over 2 million people. Farmers fled their ancestral lands, leaving fields uncultivated during the planting seasons. Conflict also led to the looting of granaries and the slaughter of livestock.
* **Poor Infrastructure:** South Sudan has less than 200 km of paved roads. During the rainy season, dirt tracks turn to mud, preventing food aid and commercial food supplies from reaching remote markets in states like Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
* **Economic Instability:** High levels of inflation (exceeding 100% at various points) have made imported food, seeds, and fertilizers unaffordable for the average family.

Marking scheme

**Level 1 (1 to 3 marks):**
* Simple statements describing or listing causes of food shortages.
* *Example:* There is not enough rain so crops die. Wars stop people from farming. Roads are bad so food cannot be transported.

**Level 2 (4 to 6 marks):**
* Developed statements explaining how physical and/or human factors lead to food shortages.
* *Example:* Prolonged droughts mean that soil moisture is depleted, causing subsistence crops like millet to wither and fail before harvest. Additionally, civil war displaces farming communities, forcing them to flee to protection camps where they cannot plant crops, leading to a reliance on food aid.
* *Note:* Maximum 5 marks if no named case study or inappropriate case study is used.

**Level 3 (7 marks):**
* Fully developed explanations showing a comprehensive understanding of the causes.
* Must refer to a specific, relevant named country or area with accurate, place-specific details (e.g., naming specific regions, states, rivers, or local statistics like 'Jonglei state', 'less than 200km of paved roads', etc.).

Paper 2: Geographical Skills

Answer all six questions. Question 1 is a major mapwork skill task (20 marks); Questions 2 to 6 are structured interpretation questions worth 8 marks each.
6 Question · 60 marks
Question 1 · Topographical Mapwork Application
20 marks
Study the simulated 1:50 000 topographical map extract of the **Dunsmore Valley**.

### Map Extract Information:
* **Scale:** 1:50 000 (2 cm on the map represents 1 km on the ground).
* **Grid Interval:** 1 km (grid lines are spaced 2 cm apart; Eastings run from 20 to 30; Northings run from 50 to 60).

### Key Map Features:
* **River Avon:** Flows from the northeast (entering the map at grid reference 295595) to the southwest (exiting at grid reference 205510).
* **Relief:**
* The northwestern area (north of Northing 56 and west of Easting 25) contains high, steep land rising to a peak at a spot height of 245m at grid reference 215585. Contours are spaced closely together with a 10m vertical interval.
* The River Avon valley floor consists of low-lying, flat land below 50m altitude.
* **Settlements & Industry:**
* *Dunsmore* is a nucleated settlement centered in grid square 2852.
* Isolated farmsteads and linear settlement patterns extend along the major roads.
* An *Industrial Zone* (comprising manufacturing units) is located at grid reference 265555.
* **Transport Links:**
* A primary red 'A-road' runs west-to-east across the center of the map along the Northing 55 line.
* A single-track railway runs parallel to the River Avon on its southern bank, crossing the entire map from northeast (295575) to southwest (205505).
* **Vegetation:**
* A dense coniferous forest covers the steep slopes of the northwestern hills in grid squares 2258 and 2358.

---

### Questions:

**(a) Map Feature Identification**
(i) State the general compass direction in which the River Avon flows. [1]
(ii) Identify the land-use feature located at the 6-figure grid reference 265555. [1]
(iii) What is the vertical contour interval of this map? [1]
(iv) State the height of the summit peak located in grid square 2158. [1]
(v) Identify the transport feature that runs parallel to the River Avon along its southern bank. [1]

**(b) Distance and Bearing Calculations**
(i) Calculate the straight-line distance, in kilometers, between the spot height at 215585 and the industrial zone at 265555. Show your calculations. [2]
(ii) State the 3-figure compass bearing from the spot height at 215585 to the center of the industrial zone at 265555. [2]

**(c) Relief and Physical Landscape Description**
Describe the relief of the northwestern area of the map extract (north of grid line 56 and west of grid line 25). [5]

**(d) Settlement and Economic Activity Analysis**
(i) Describe the distribution and patterns of settlement in the southeastern quadrant of the map (east of grid line 25 and south of grid line 55). [4]
(ii) Suggest two human or physical reasons that explain the location of the industrial zone at 265555. [2]
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

### Part (a)
* **(i)** The river enters at 295595 (NE) and exits at 205510 (SW), meaning it flows in a **Southwest (SW)** or **West-Southwest (WSW)** direction.
* **(ii)** The feature at 265555 is explicitly described as the **Industrial Zone** (or factory/industry).
* **(iii)** The vertical contour interval is **10 metres**.
* **(iv)** The summit spot height in grid square 2158 is **245 metres**.
* **(v)** The transport feature on the southern bank of the River Avon is the **single-track railway**.

### Part (b)
* **(i)**
* Easting of Point A (215585) = 21.5; Northing = 58.5.
* Easting of Point B (265555) = 26.5; Northing = 55.5.
* Change in Easting (\(\Delta x\)) = \(26.5 - 21.5 = 5.0\) grid units (5.0 km).
* Change in Northing (\(\Delta y\)) = \(58.5 - 55.5 = 3.0\) grid units (3.0 km).
* Using Pythagoras' theorem: \(\text{Distance} = \sqrt{5.0^2 + 3.0^2} = \sqrt{25 + 9} =
\sqrt{34} \approx 5.83\) km.
* **Acceptable range:** 5.7 km to 5.9 km.
* **(ii)**
* Direction is southwards and eastwards.
* Angle with East = \(\arctan(3.0 / 5.0) = 31^\circ\) South of East.
* 3-figure Bearing = \(90^\circ + 31^\circ = 121^\circ\).
* **Acceptable range:** 119° to 123°.

### Part (c)
* High-altitude land (reaches a maximum peak of 245m at the spot height).
* Steep gradients / steep slopes indicated by very closely-spaced contour lines.
* The slopes generally face southwards or southeastwards down towards the River Avon.
* The presence of V-shaped contour lines indicates spurs and small tributary valleys incised into the hills.
* The lowest ground in this sector is near Northing 56, where heights decrease towards 100m.

### Part (d)
* **(i)**
* **Nucleated pattern:** Dunsmore forms a concentrated cluster of buildings around grid square 2852.
* **Linear pattern:** Houses are situated along the primary A-road.
* **Dispersed pattern:** Scattered, isolated farmsteads are located across the rural open fields.
* **Relief Influence:** Settlement is concentrated on flatter, low-lying ground (below 50m) but situated slightly above the immediate active floodplain of the River Avon to avoid flooding.
* **(ii)**
* **Flat terrain:** Located on the flat valley floor, which reduces excavation and construction costs for large factory units.
* **Transport accessibility:** Immediately adjacent to the primary A-road and the railway line, enabling rapid transport of raw materials and finished goods.
* **Water resource:** Proximity to the River Avon provides an abundant supply of water for cooling or industrial processing.

Marking scheme

**Part (a) [Total: 5 marks]**
* (i) Southwest / SW / West-Southwest / WSW [1] *(Reject: West, South)*
* (ii) Industrial Zone / Industrial area / factory [1]
* (iii) 10 metres / 10m [1]
* (iv) 245 metres / 245m [1]
* (v) Single-track railway / railway line / railroad [1]

**Part (b) [Total: 4 marks]**
* (i)
* 1 mark for correct distance: **5.8 km** (Accept 5.7 to 5.9 km).
* 1 mark for showing valid working, e.g., using Pythagoras' Theorem: \(\sqrt{5^2 + 3^2}\) or calculating grid differences of 5 km and 3 km.
* (ii)
* 1 mark for correct bearing: **121°** (Accept 119° to 123°).
* 1 mark for demonstrating correct quadrant/method (e.g., showing a bearing between 90° and 180°, or an angle of 31° south of east).

**Part (c) [Total: 5 marks]**
Award 1 mark for each valid descriptive point up to a maximum of 5:
* High ground / land rises to 245m [1]
* Steep slopes / steep gradient [1]
* Closely spaced contours [1]
* Slopes face south / southeast [1]
* Valleys / spurs present [1]
* Lower land in the south of this area / drops to ~100m [1]

**Part (d) [Total: 6 marks]**
* **(i) Settlement Distribution [Max 4 marks]:**
* Nucleated settlement / node of buildings at Dunsmore / grid square 2852 [1]
* Linear settlement alongside roads [1]
* Dispersed / scattered farmsteads in open fields [1]
* Settlement built on lower/flat ground [1]
* Avoids the very steep slopes of the northwest [1]
* Avoids the lowest marshy ground / immediate floodplain of the River Avon [1]
* **(ii) Industrial Location Factors [Max 2 marks]:**
* Flat land (easy/cheap to construct large factories) [1]
* Proximity to transport infrastructure / railway line / primary route (A-road) for shipping goods [1]
* Water supply from the nearby River Avon [1]
* Separation from main residential settlement (Dunsmore) to minimize noise/air pollution impacts [1]
Question 2 · Resource Data Skills
8 marks
Study the table below, which shows rainfall and river discharge data recorded at a gauging station along the River Alun following a heavy storm event.

| Hour | Rainfall (mm) | River Discharge (m³/s) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 12 | 2.0 |
| 1 | 25 | 2.2 |
| 2 | 8 | 3.5 |
| 3 | 0 | 6.8 |
| 4 | 0 | 9.5 |
| 5 | 0 | 7.2 |
| 6 | 0 | 4.8 |

(a) Identify the peak rainfall amount and the hour in which it occurred. [2]

(b) State the peak discharge and calculate the lag time (in hours) between peak rainfall and peak discharge. Show your working. [3]

(c) Suggest how a future increase in urbanisation within the River Alun drainage basin would affect both the lag time and the peak discharge. [3]
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Part (a):
- Look at the 'Rainfall' column to find the highest value: 25 mm.
- This occurred at Hour 1.

Part (b):
- Look at the 'River Discharge' column to find the highest value: 9.5 m³/s.
- Peak rainfall occurred at Hour 1; peak discharge occurred at Hour 4.
- Calculation: \(4 - 1 = 3\) hours.

Part (c):
- Urbanisation covers soil with tarmac/concrete (impermeable surfaces), which prevents infiltration.
- More water flows rapidly as surface runoff (overland flow) into drains and the river channel.
- This reduces the lag time (water reaches the river much faster) and increases the peak discharge (more water enters the river at once, raising the flood peak).

Marking scheme

Part (a) [2 marks total]:
- 1 mark for identifying 25 mm.
- 1 mark for identifying Hour 1.

Part (b) [3 marks total]:
- 1 mark for identifying peak discharge of 9.5 m³/s.
- 1 mark for correct calculation working (Hour 4 minus Hour 1).
- 1 mark for correct lag time of 3 hours.

Part (c) [3 marks total]:
- 1 mark for stating that lag time decreases / becomes shorter.
- 1 mark for stating that peak discharge increases / becomes higher.
- 1 mark for geographical explanation: e.g., urban concrete is impermeable, reducing infiltration and increasing surface runoff / rapid flow through drains.
Question 3 · Resource Data Skills
8 marks
Study the table below, which displays wave characteristics recorded at two different beaches (Beach X and Beach Y) on the same day.

| Characteristic | Beach X | Beach Y |
|---|---|---|
| Wave Frequency (waves per minute) | 6 | 15 |
| Average Wave Height (m) | 0.5 | 2.1 |
| Movement of Water on Beach | Strong swash, weak backwash | Weak swash, strong backwash |

(a) Identify which beach is dominated by constructive waves. Justify your choice with two pieces of evidence from the table. [3]

(b) Describe how the profile (slope and material size) of Beach X is likely to differ from Beach Y due to these wave actions. [2]

(c) Name and briefly describe three processes of marine erosion that would be highly active at Beach Y. [3]
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Part (a):
- Constructive waves have low frequency, low energy/height, and a strong swash that exceeds the backwash.
- Beach X matches all these criteria: frequency is 6/min (under 10), height is 0.5m, and has strong swash/weak backwash.

Part (b):
- Beach X (constructive waves) deposits sediment, leading to a gentle gradient and a wide, sandy beach profile.
- Beach Y (destructive waves) erodes sediment due to a strong backwash, resulting in a steeper shingle profile or storm beach berms.

Part (c):
- Identify 3 clear coastal erosion processes: Hydraulic action, Abrasion (corrasion), Attrition, or Corrosion (solution).
- Define them: Hydraulic action is air compression in cracks; Abrasion is rock particles scraping cliffs; Attrition is pebbles smashing into each other.

Marking scheme

Part (a) [3 marks total]:
- 1 mark for identifying Beach X.
- 2 marks for justifications using data: lower wave frequency / 6 waves per minute (1 mark); strong swash and weak backwash (1 mark); or lower wave height / 0.5m (1 mark).

Part (b) [2 marks total]:
- 1 mark for Beach X having a gentle/flat slope (or sandy material).
- 1 mark for Beach Y having a steep slope (or pebble/shingle material due to destructive wave action).

Part (c) [3 marks total]:
- 3 marks for naming and describing any three active processes:
- Hydraulic Action: waves trap and compress air in cliff cracks, fracturing rock (1 mark).
- Abrasion: waves fling loose rocks/sand against the cliff face, wearing it away (1 mark).
- Attrition: loose pebbles carried by waves collide with each other, breaking down and becoming smaller/rounder (1 mark).
- Corrosion/Solution: chemical action of seawater dissolving soluble minerals in the rock (1 mark).
Question 4 · Resource Data Skills
8 marks
Study the details below for two contrasting agricultural holdings, Farm A and Farm B.

**Farm A:**
- Total land size: 380 hectares
- Labour force: 3 permanent workers (highly mechanised, using tractors and combined harvesters)
- Inputs: Large amounts of chemical fertilisers and high-yielding genetically modified seed varieties
- Output: Wheat, sold entirely to national milling companies
- Average yield: 7.8 tonnes per hectare

**Farm B:**
- Total land size: 1.5 hectares
- Labour force: 6 family members (using manual hand tools, hoes, and draft animals)
- Inputs: Animal manure, saved seeds from previous harvests
- Output: Maize and vegetables, grown primarily to feed the family, with small surpluses sold at a local market
- Average yield: 1.9 tonnes per hectare

(a) Classify Farm A and Farm B as either commercial or subsistence farming systems. Justify your answer for each using evidence from the text. [4]

(b) Explain how differences in capital investment and technology lead to higher yields on Farm A compared to Farm B. [4]
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Part (a):
- Commercial farming is geared toward selling products for profit. Farm A is commercial because the wheat is sold entirely to national milling companies.
- Subsistence farming focuses on feeding the farmer and their family. Farm B is subsistence because outputs are grown primarily to feed the family.

Part (b):
- Farm A’s higher capital allows for high-tech inputs like machinery (tractors, harvesters) that complete tasks rapidly and precisely.
- Chemical fertilisers and genetically engineered seeds on Farm A boost biological yield potential and protect crops from pests/diseases.
- Farm B uses low-technology inputs (hand tools, animal manure) and lacks capital for irrigation, hybrid seeds, or heavy machinery, resulting in lower yield per hectare.

Marking scheme

Part (a) [4 marks total]:
- 1 mark for classifying Farm A as commercial.
- 1 mark for justification of Farm A (e.g., sold entirely to national milling companies / profit-driven).
- 1 mark for classifying Farm B as subsistence.
- 1 mark for justification of Farm B (e.g., grown primarily to feed the family).

Part (b) [4 marks total]:
- Max 2 marks for Farm A points: high investment allows for chemical fertilisers to replenish nutrients quickly (1 mark); use of advanced machinery reduces human error and speeds up harvesting (1 mark); GM seeds are engineered for high yields (1 mark).
- Max 2 marks for Farm B contrast points: low capital limits tools to manual hoes/animals which are slower and less efficient (1 mark); organic manure has lower, less concentrated nutrient content than commercial fertilisers (1 mark); saved seeds have lower yield potential than hybrid/GM seeds (1 mark).
Question 5 · Resource Data Skills
8 marks
Study the table below, which shows the urban population percentage and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita (USD) for five countries in 2023.

| Country | Urban Population (%) | GDP per Capita (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Country A | 84 | 52,000 |
| Country B | 36 | 2,400 |
| Country C | 55 | 11,800 |
| Country D | 18 | 950 |
| Country E | 71 | 28,500 |

(a) Describe the relationship shown in the table between the level of urbanisation and wealth (GDP per capita). [2]

(b) Calculate the range in the urban population percentage among these five countries. Show your working. [2]

(c) For low-income countries such as Country D, explain how push factors from rural areas lead to rapid urbanisation. [4]
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Part (a):
- Look at the columns: Country D (lowest GDP: $950) has the lowest urban percentage (18%). Country A (highest GDP: $52,000) has the highest urban percentage (84%).
- Therefore, there is a positive correlation/relationship: richer countries tend to have higher levels of urbanisation.

Part (b):
- Identify maximum urban population: 84% (Country A).
- Identify minimum urban population: 18% (Country D).
- Subtract: \(84 - 18 = 66\)%.

Part (c):
- Focus on 'push' factors (negative aspects of the countryside that drive people away).
- Examples include: lack of arable land or soil exhaustion leading to low agricultural yields; poverty and lack of formal employment; inadequate healthcare, sanitation, and educational facilities; impacts of climate change or droughts/floods destroying rural livelihoods.

Marking scheme

Part (a) [2 marks total]:
- 1 mark for stating there is a positive relationship/correlation.
- 1 mark for supporting this relationship with comparative data from the table (e.g., Country A has the highest GDP of $52,000 and highest urban pop of 84%, while Country D has the lowest GDP of $950 and lowest urban pop of 18%).

Part (b) [2 marks total]:
- 1 mark for correct working shown (\(84 - 18\) or identifying the max and min values).
- 1 mark for correct answer: 66% (units must be included).

Part (c) [4 marks total]:
- 4 marks for explaining push factors (1 mark per distinct developed point):
- Lack of employment opportunities / low pay in agricultural sectors forces people to leave (1 mark).
- Extreme weather/droughts causing crop failure and famine risk (1 mark).
- Poor access to basic services like primary schools, clean water, and hospitals (1 mark).
- Land pressure/subdivision of small plots among growing families, making farming unsustainable (1 mark).
Question 6 · Resource Data Skills
8 marks
Study the table below, which shows weather data collected at a school weather station over a five-day period.

| Day | Max Temperature (°C) | Min Temperature (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Wind Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 21 | 11 | 0.0 | South-West (SW) |
| Day 2 | 19 | 13 | 3.5 | South-West (SW) |
| Day 3 | 14 | 8 | 16.0 | North-West (NW) |
| Day 4 | 11 | 4 | 1.0 | North (N) |
| Day 5 | 12 | 3 | 0.0 | North (N) |

(a) Calculate the diurnal (daily) temperature range for Day 1. [1]

(b) Describe how the weather changed from Day 1 to Day 5 in terms of temperature, rainfall, and wind direction. [3]

(c) State the name of the instrument used to measure wind direction. Describe two precautions that must be taken when siting this instrument to ensure accurate data. [3]

(d) Which instrument is used to measure rainfall? [1]
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Part (a):
- Calculation: \(\text{Max Temp} - \text{Min Temp} = 21 - 11 = 10\)°C.

Part (b):
- Temperature: Overall decline. Max fell from 21°C to 12°C, Min fell from 11°C to 3°C.
- Rainfall: Started dry, peaked heavily on Day 3 with 16mm, then decreased to dry on Day 5.
- Wind Direction: Shifted from South-West (Days 1-2) to North-West (Day 3) and then North (Days 4-5).

Part (c):
- The instrument is a wind vane.
- To get accurate readings, it must be placed in an open area away from tall obstacles (trees, walls, buildings) that cause wind turbulence or block wind. It should also be raised on a high mast/pole.

Part (d):
- Rain gauge is used to collect and measure precipitation.

Marking scheme

Part (a) [1 mark total]:
- 1 mark for 10°C.

Part (b) [3 marks total]:
- 1 mark for describing temperature change (e.g., both maximum and minimum temperatures fell/got colder over the 5 days).
- 1 mark for describing rainfall change (e.g., peaked on Day 3 with 16mm, dry at the start and end of the period).
- 1 mark for describing wind direction shift (e.g., veered/changed from SW to NW to N).

Part (c) [3 marks total]:
- 1 mark for naming the Wind Vane.
- 2 marks for siting precautions (1 mark per distinct point):
- Must be placed high up / on a pole / on a roof to catch unimpeded wind (1 mark).
- Must be clear of tall obstructions (trees/buildings) which can block wind or create turbulent eddies (1 mark).

Part (d) [1 mark total]:
- 1 mark for naming the rain gauge.

Paper 4: Alternative to Coursework

Answer all questions. Typically contains two major fieldwork investigations (30 marks each) evaluating hypotheses, data methods, graph plotting, and analytical conclusions.
2 Question · 60 marks
Question 1 · Fieldwork Investigation
30 marks
Students from a school in Hartfield investigated changes in urban characteristics along a transect from the Central Business District (CBD) to the rural-urban fringe. They selected five sites at 500-metre intervals.

They investigated two hypotheses:
Hypothesis 1: Pedestrian flow decreases with distance from the CBD.
Hypothesis 2: Environmental quality improves with distance from the CBD.

Table 1 shows the pedestrian count results (counted over 5 minutes) at three times of day:

Table 1:
- Site 1 | Distance: 0m (CBD) | 08:30: 135 | 12:30: 162 | 17:30: 129 | Mean: 142
- Site 2 | Distance: 500m (Inner City) | 08:30: 94 | 12:30: 82 | 17:30: 88 | Mean: 88
- Site 3 | Distance: 1000m (Transition Zone) | 08:30: 52 | 12:30: 63 | 17:30: 50 | Mean: [X]
- Site 4 | Distance: 1500m (Suburbs) | 08:30: 18 | 12:30: 32 | 17:30: 22 | Mean: 24
- Site 5 | Distance: 2000m (Rural-Urban Fringe) | 08:30: 8 | 12:30: 16 | 17:30: 12 | Mean: 12

Table 2 shows the scores from the Environmental Quality Survey (EQS) conducted at each site, where each category is scored from -2 (very poor) to +2 (very good):

Table 2:
- Site 1 | Litter: -1 | Noise: -2 | Traffic: -2 | Green Space: -1 | Total EQI Score: -6
- Site 2 | Litter: -1 | Noise: -1 | Traffic: -1 | Green Space: 0 | Total EQI Score: -3
- Site 3 | Litter: 0 | Noise: 0 | Traffic: 1 | Green Space: 1 | Total EQI Score: +2
- Site 4 | Litter: 1 | Noise: 1 | Traffic: 1 | Green Space: 2 | Total EQI Score: +5
- Site 5 | Litter: 2 | Noise: 2 | Traffic: 2 | Green Space: 2 | Total EQI Score: +8

(a) (i) Explain why the students counted pedestrians at three different times of the day. [2]
(ii) Describe how the students could make their pedestrian count reliable and safe. [2]
(iii) Describe how the students would use an Environmental Quality Survey (EQS) sheet at each site to record environmental scores. [2]

(b) (i) Look at Table 1. Calculate the mean pedestrian count for Site 3 (labeled [X]). Show your calculation. [2]
(ii) Describe how the students would plot the relationship between distance from the CBD and mean pedestrian count on a scatter graph, and state the pattern they would expect to see. [3]
(iii) Describe the general trend in the Environmental Quality Index (EQI) scores from Site 1 to Site 5 shown in Table 2. Use data from specific sites to support your answer. [2]
(iv) Suggest three reasons why the environmental quality improves as distance from the CBD increases. [3]

(c) (i) To what extent is Hypothesis 1 ('Pedestrian flow decreases with distance from the CBD') correct? Support your conclusion with data from at least three different sites along the transect. [4]
(ii) To what extent is Hypothesis 2 ('Environmental quality improves with distance from the CBD') correct? Use data from Table 2 to justify your decision. [4]
(iii) State one limitation of choosing only one transect line for this urban investigation and suggest how it could be improved. [2]

(d) The students wanted to extend their fieldwork to investigate how the types of shops and services change with distance from the CBD. Suggest a method they could use to collect this primary data. [4]
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

(a) (i) To get a representative average of pedestrian density throughout the day; to avoid bias caused by rush hours or quiet times.
(ii) Reliability: Use tally clickers, ensure all groups count for exactly 5 minutes, and have multiple students count simultaneously to check for agreement. Safety: Stand on wide pavements out of the pedestrian flow, work in groups, and cross roads only at designated pedestrian crossings.
(iii) Students observe the surrounding area at the site, discuss and agree on a score from -2 to +2 for each environmental category (e.g., noise, litter), and record the number in the appropriate column on their pre-prepared EQS sheet.

(b) (i) Formula: \((52 + 63 + 50) / 3\). Calculation: \(165 / 3 = 55\). Mean count for Site 3 is 55.
(ii) Plot distance from CBD (in metres) on the horizontal (X) axis, and mean pedestrian count on the vertical (Y) axis. Mark each of the 5 sites as a point/cross on the graph. The expected pattern is a negative correlation (points sloping downwards from top-left to bottom-right).
(iii) The EQI score increases (improves) with distance from the CBD. At Site 1 (0m), the score is negative (-6), whereas at Site 5 (2000m), it rises to a high positive score of +8.
(iv) 1. Less heavy traffic congestion towards the rural-urban fringe, reducing noise and air pollution.
2. More open space, parks, and natural vegetation further from the city centre.
3. Lower building density and newer development in the suburbs, leading to cleaner, better-maintained environments.

(c) (i) Hypothesis 1 is completely correct. Pedestrian density decreases continuously with distance from the CBD. For example, at Site 1 (0m), the mean pedestrian count is 142. This drops to 55 at Site 3 (1000m), and decreases further to only 12 at Site 5 (2000m).
(ii) Hypothesis 2 is completely correct. The overall Environmental Quality Index score increases steadily from -6 at Site 1 (0m), to +2 at Site 3 (1000m), and peaks at +8 at Site 5 (2000m). Individual categories like litter also improve from -1 (Site 1) to +2 (Site 5).
(iii) Limitation: One transect line might not be representative of the entire city (e.g., it might pass through an unusually wealthy or poor sector). Improvement: Conduct multiple transects in different directions (e.g., North, South, East, West) from the CBD and average the results.

(d) Method for mapping retail changes:
1. Walk along the transect and record the name and function of every shop/service on a street map.
2. Classify shops into categories: high-order/comparison (e.g., jewelers, electronics) versus low-order/convenience (e.g., newsagents, grocery stores).
3. Use a tally chart to record the frequency of each shop type at each site.
4. Create a land-use map using color-coding to show the distribution of retail functions.

Marking scheme

Part (a) [6 marks total]
- (i) [2 marks] Max 2 marks: 1 mark for identifying diurnal variation/different flows at different times; 1 mark for explaining that it ensures a more representative/reliable average.
- (ii) [2 marks] 1 mark for reliability (e.g., use tally clickers, repeat counts, multiple counters); 1 mark for safety (e.g., staying on pavements, high-visibility clothing, working in groups).
- (iii) [2 marks] 1 mark for scoring each criteria on a scale (e.g., -2 to +2); 1 mark for group consensus/recording on an organized grid sheet.

Part (b) [10 marks total]
- (i) [2 marks] 1 mark for correct working: \((52 + 63 + 50) / 3\); 1 mark for correct calculation: 55.
- (ii) [3 marks] 1 mark for naming X-axis as distance and Y-axis as pedestrian count; 1 mark for plotting coordinates/points; 1 mark for describing the negative correlation/downward trend.
- (iii) [2 marks] 1 mark for stating the general positive trend (increase/improvement with distance); 1 mark for using contrasting data (e.g., Site 1 is -6, Site 5 is +8).
- (iv) [3 marks] 1 mark per valid reason for environmental improvement (e.g., less traffic/emissions away from centre, more residential/green space, less high-density commercial activity).

Part (c) [10 marks total]
- (i) [4 marks] 1 mark for concluding the hypothesis is correct/true; 3 marks for supporting data showing a downward trend (must mention at least 3 sites with correct distances and mean counts, e.g., Site 1 at 0m has 142, Site 3 at 1000m has 55, Site 5 at 2000m has 12).
- (ii) [4 marks] 1 mark for concluding the hypothesis is correct/true; 3 marks for supporting data showing an upward trend (must quote at least 3 sites with distance/site number and correct total EQI score, e.g., Site 1 = -6, Site 3 = +2, Site 5 = +8).
- (iii) [2 marks] 1 mark for limitation (e.g., transect may be biased/anomaly/not representative of the whole city); 1 mark for improvement (e.g., do multiple transects in different directions/cardinal points).

Part (d) [4 marks total]
- [4 marks] Max 4 marks for a logical methodology: 1 mark for walk-by survey/observational mapping; 1 mark for classifying shops into categories (e.g., high/low order, convenience/comparison); 1 mark for recording on a base map/tally sheet; 1 mark for presenting data via land-use mapping/color coding.
Question 2 · Structured
30 marks
A class of geography students from Devon investigated wave characteristics, beach profiles, and sediment transport at two contrasting local beaches: Cove Beach (an unmanaged shingle beach) and Bay Beach (a sandy beach managed with groynes).

They set up the following two hypotheses for their physical geography fieldwork:

* **Hypothesis 1**: *Sediment size decreases and roundness increases with distance from the cliff face towards the low-water mark at Cove Beach.*
* **Hypothesis 2**: *The average beach gradient is steeper on beaches experiencing a higher frequency of destructive waves.*

**(a)** Before starting the fieldwork, the teacher highlighted several safety hazards. Identify **two** potential physical hazards of collecting data on a beach and explain how the risk from each hazard could be minimised by the students. [4 marks]

**(b) (i)** Describe how the students would use a clinometer, two ranging poles, and a tape measure to measure the profile and gradient of Cove Beach. [4 marks]

**(b) (ii)** The students wanted to measure pebble sizes at 5-metre intervals along a transect line from the cliff face to the low-water mark. Explain how they would select pebbles at each interval to avoid bias, and how they would measure the size and shape of each selected pebble. [4 marks]

**(c) (i)** The students recorded the sediment characteristics at five points along a transect at Cove Beach, summarized in Table 1 below.

### Table 1: Sediment Data at Cove Beach
| Distance from Cliff Face (m) | Average Long Axis of Pebble (mm) | Average Roundness Score (Cailleux scale: 1 = angular, 6 = well-rounded) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 85 | 1.8 |
| 5 | 62 | 2.4 |
| 10 | 44 | 3.2 |
| 15 | 28 | 4.1 |
| 20 | 12 | 5.1 |

State the relationship shown in Table 1 between distance from the cliff face, average pebble size (long axis), and the average roundness score. Support your answer with specific numerical evidence from the table. [3 marks]

**(c) (ii)** Calculate the percentage decrease in the average long axis of the pebbles between 0m and 20m along the transect at Cove Beach. Show your calculations. [2 marks]

**(d) (i)** Refer to the data in Table 1. To what extent does this data support **Hypothesis 1**: *Sediment size decreases and roundness increases with distance from the cliff face towards the low-water mark at Cove Beach*? Justify your conclusion. [5 marks]

**(d) (ii)** At Bay Beach, the wave frequency was measured at 6 waves per minute, and the average beach gradient was found to be 4 degrees. At Cove Beach, the wave frequency was measured at 13 waves per minute, and the average beach gradient was found to be 11 degrees.

State whether **Hypothesis 2** (*The average beach gradient is steeper on beaches experiencing a higher frequency of destructive waves*) is correct, partially correct, or incorrect. Support your decision with specific numerical evidence from both beaches, and explain the physical coastal processes that account for this difference in gradients. [5 marks]

**(e)** Suggest **three** ways the students could improve the overall reliability and accuracy of their sediment and gradient findings if they were to repeat the investigation. [3 marks]
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

### Part (a)
* **Hazard 1 (Tides):** Rising tide trapping students against cliffs.
* *Minimisation:* Check tide tables beforehand; conduct fieldwork during a falling/ebb tide.
* **Hazard 2 (Slippery/Sharp Rocks):** Slipping on wet pebbles, algae, or sharp barnacles.
* *Minimisation:* Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear (hiking boots); avoid stepping on green algae-covered rocks.

### Part (b)(i)
* Identify points of slope change along the beach profile from cliff to shoreline.
* Place ranging poles vertically at these slope break points (or at systematic intervals, e.g., every 5 meters).
* Ensure ranging poles are pushed to equal depths into the beach material.
* Align the clinometer from a marked eye-level point on one ranging pole to the corresponding point on the second pole.
* Read and record the angle of slope in degrees from the clinometer scale.
* Measure the horizontal distance between the poles using the tape measure.

### Part (b)(ii)
* **Avoiding Bias:** Use a systematic sampling approach (e.g., placing a quadrat at the exact 5-meter mark and selecting the pebble closest to a specific grid intersection or using a random-number grid) rather than picking up the largest/clearest pebbles by hand.
* **Size Measurement:** Measure the longest axis (length) of each pebble in millimetres using a calliper (or ruler) to ensure precision.
* **Shape/Roundness Measurement:** Compare the visual shape of the pebble against a standard reference chart (e.g., Power's or Cailleux Scale of Roundness, scoring from 1 to 6) to assign a qualitative value.

### Part (c)(i)
* **Relationship:** As distance from the cliff face increases, the average pebble size (long axis) decreases, and the average roundness index score increases (an inverse relationship between size and roundness over distance).
* **Data Support:** At 0m (closest to the cliff), the average long axis is largest at 85 mm and the roundness is lowest at 1.8. By 20m (near the low-water mark), the average size has dropped to 12 mm, while the roundness score has risen to 5.1.

### Part (c)(ii)
* Decrease in size: \( 85\text{ mm} - 12\text{ mm} = 73\text{ mm} \)
* Percentage decrease: \( \frac{73}{85} \times 100 = 85.88\% \) (Accept 85.9% or 86%)

### Part (d)(i)
* **Conclusion:** The hypothesis is completely true/supported.
* **Evidence for Size:** Average long axis size decreases consistently at every single 5-metre intervals: 85 mm (0m) \( \rightarrow \) 62 mm (5m) \( \rightarrow \) 44 mm (10m) \( \rightarrow \) 28 mm (15m) \( \rightarrow \) 12 mm (20m).
* **Evidence for Roundness:** Roundness increases systematically from very angular (1.8 at 0m) to highly rounded (5.1 at 20m).
* **Process Explanation:** Sediment closest to the cliff represents newly collapsed cliff debris (scree) which is angular and large. Waves transport sediment up and down the beach, causing attrition (colliding pebbles break and smooth out) and sorting, leaving smaller, rounder fragments further down the beach towards the water.

### Part (d)(ii)
* **Hypothesis Decision:** Correct / fully supported.
* **Evidence:** Cove Beach has a wave frequency of 13 waves per minute (destructive waves, >10/min) and a steep gradient of 11 degrees. Bay Beach has a wave frequency of 6 waves per minute (constructive waves, <10/min) and a gentle gradient of 4 degrees.
* **Explanation:** High frequency destructive waves have a strong backwash relative to their swash, eroding material and pulling fine sediment down, but on shingle beaches, water percolates rapidly into the coarse pebbles, reducing the backwash capacity to pull large stones back, leaving a steep storm beach profile. Low frequency constructive waves have a strong swash that deposits sand gently up the beach face, forming a flatter profile.

### Part (e)
* Increase the size of the sample by measuring more pebbles at each 5-metre site (e.g., 20 pebbles instead of a smaller number).
* Carry out multiple transects along different sections of both beaches to gain an average representing the entire bay.
* Use digital calipers rather than rulers to improve precision of the long axis measurements.
* Ensure that multiple students check the roundness scale classification to reduce subjective human bias.

Marking scheme

### Part (a) [Max 4 marks]
* 1 mark per hazard identified (Max 2).
* 1 mark per matching appropriate safety precaution (Max 2).
* *Accept:* Incoming tide (check tide times), slipping on wet rocks (sturdy footwear), rockfalls (safety helmets / keep distance from cliff base), extreme weather/hypothermia (check forecast / wear waterproof clothing).

### Part (b)(i) [Max 4 marks]
* 1 mark for identifying points of slope change or fixed intervals.
* 1 mark for holding ranging poles vertically on the beach.
* 1 mark for sighting with the clinometer at the same height mark on both poles.
* 1 mark for measuring the distance between poles with the tape measure.

### Part (b)(ii) [Max 4 marks]
* 1 mark for systematic/random sampling method to prevent bias (e.g., quadrat, random number line).
* 1 mark for a specific instruction on how to avoid selection bias (e.g., choosing the pebble directly under a specific grid point of a quadrat).
* 1 mark for measuring the longest axis with a caliper or ruler in mm.
* 1 mark for using a visual comparison chart (Cailleux/Power's) to determine roundness.

### Part (c)(i) [Max 3 marks]
* 1 mark for identifying the general negative correlation between distance and pebble size.
* 1 mark for identifying the positive correlation between distance and roundness.
* 1 mark for paired numerical data showing both trends from 0m and 20m (e.g., size drops from 85mm to 12mm while roundness rises from 1.8 to 5.1).

### Part (c)(ii) [Max 2 marks]
* 1 mark for correct working shown: \( \frac{85 - 12}{85} \times 100 \).
* 1 mark for correct percentage value: 85.9% or 86%.

### Part (d)(i) [Max 5 marks]
* 1 mark for conclusion: Hypothesis is completely correct / supported.
* 1 mark for citing progressive size decrease with specific values (e.g., 85mm to 12mm).
* 1 mark for citing progressive roundness increase with specific values (e.g., 1.8 to 5.1).
* 2 marks for physical explanation of the trend (1 mark for explaining attrition/wave action smoothing pebbles, 1 mark for explaining hydraulic action/sorting of sediment away from the source cliff).

### Part (d)(ii) [Max 5 marks]
* 1 mark for conclusion: Hypothesis 2 is correct / supported.
* 2 marks for comparative numerical evidence: Cove Beach is 11 degrees with 13 waves/min vs. Bay Beach at 4 degrees with 6 waves/min.
* 2 marks for physical process explanation: High-frequency waves are destructive and backwash-dominant, building steep beach ridges on shingle because water percolates, reducing backwash energy; low-frequency waves are constructive, depositing sandy material on a flatter gradient.

### Part (e) [Max 3 marks]
* 1 mark for each valid suggestion (Max 3):
* Take measurements along multiple transect lines.
* Increase pebble sample size at each site (e.g., measure 20-30 pebbles instead of a few).
* Use digital callipers for more precise measurements.
* Have multiple observers verify the visual roundness score to reduce subjectivity.

Wondering how well you actually know this?

Thinka is an AI practice app for DSE students — unlimited questions, instant auto-marking, and detailed step-by-step solutions. 100,000+ students use it to confirm they actually know it, not just think they do.

Start Practising FreeSee pricing

Want more questions like this? Practice unlimited on Thinka — instant answers included.

Start Practising Free