2025 IB DP Geography 模擬試題連答案詳解

Steep slopes allow water to flow rapidly over the surface (surface runoff) or down tributary channels into the main river, thereby reducing the time between peak precipitation and peak discharge (lag time). Other acceptable answers include high drainage density, impermeable bedrock, or a circular drainage basin shape.

Award [1] for any valid physical characteristic that decreases lag time.
- Acceptable answers include: steep slopes / high gradient, high drainage density, impermeable geology/bedrock, thin or saturated soils, circular basin shape, lack of vegetation/bare rock.
- Do not accept human characteristics (e.g., urbanization, deforestation) as the question specifies a 'physical' characteristic.

Longshore drift (or littoral drift) is the movement of material along a coast by waves which approach at an angle to the shore but recede directly away from it.

Award [1] for 'longshore drift' or 'littoral drift'.

Permafrost is defined as ground (soil or rock, including ice or organic material) that remains at or below 0°C for at least two consecutive years.

Award [1] for 'permafrost'. Do not accept 'active layer' or 'frozen ground' without the prefix perma-.

The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale is used to measure the intensity of shaking produced by an earthquake at a specific location, based on observed effects rather than measured energy (magnitude).

Award [1] for 'Modified Mercalli Scale' or 'Mercalli Scale' or 'Mercalli'. Do not accept 'Richter Scale' or 'Moment Magnitude Scale' as these measure magnitude, not intensity.

The stage that immediately follows consolidation in the Butler model is stagnation. During this stage, peak tourist numbers are reached, capacity levels are exceeded, and environmental, social, or economic problems start to emerge.

Award [1] for 'stagnation' or 'stagnation stage'.

The double burden of malnutrition refers to the coexistence of undernutrition (wasting, stunting, micronutrient deficiencies) and overnutrition (overweight, obesity) within the same individual, household, or population.

Award [1] for 'double burden of malnutrition' or 'double burden' or 'nutritional transition'.

Urbanization replaces natural vegetation and permeable soils with impermeable surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, and roofing. This significantly reduces infiltration and increases rapid overland flow. Additionally, engineered storm drains and gutters transport water directly to river channels with minimal resistance. Together, these changes cause the lag time (the time delay between peak rainfall and peak river discharge) to become much shorter, leading to steeper, flashier hydrographs.

Award 1 mark for stating that the lag time decreases (becomes shorter/faster). Award 1 mark for explaining the underlying mechanism (e.g., increased impermeable surfaces causing rapid surface runoff, or artificial drainage systems accelerating water delivery to the channel).

To manage physical, ecological, or psychological carrying capacity, site managers can implement administrative controls like daily visitor limits or a mandatory advance-reservation system. By capping the maximum number of visitors allowed on-site at any given time, the physical degradation of vulnerable paths is reduced, ecological habitats are protected from excessive disturbance, and the quality of the visitor experience (preventing crowding) is maintained.

Award 1 mark for identifying a valid management strategy (e.g., daily visitor caps, timed-entry slots, spatial zoning, or increased entry pricing during peak hours). Award 1 mark for explaining how this strategy prevents carrying capacity from being exceeded (e.g., reducing soil erosion, protecting fragile ecosystems, or avoiding crowd congestion).

In high-latitude tundra and sub-arctic environments, many structures are built on permanently frozen ground (permafrost). Rising temperatures cause this ice-rich soil to thaw, leading to thermokarst subsidence where the ground unevenly settles or collapses. Buildings, highways, and industrial pipelines built on top of this unstable ground lose their support, resulting in severe structural buckling, fracturing, or complete collapse.

Award 1 mark for outlining the physical process occurring in the ground (e.g., permafrost thaw, ground instability, or uneven thermokarst subsidence). Award 1 mark for connecting this process directly to a specific infrastructural hazard (e.g., cracking of building foundations, warping of roads, or rupture of oil and gas pipelines).

Urbanisation leads to the construction of roads, buildings, and pavements, which are impermeable surfaces. This prevents precipitation from infiltrating into the soil, thereby increasing the volume and speed of overland flow (surface runoff). Consequently, water reaches the river channel much faster than it would in a natural environment. This changes the storm hydrograph by creating a steeper rising limb, a shorter lag time (the time between peak rainfall and peak discharge), and a higher peak discharge.

Award [1 mark] for identifying a valid change or cause linked to urbanisation (e.g., creation of impermeable surfaces or shorter lag time). Award [1 mark] for explaining the physical process (e.g., reduced infiltration and increased surface runoff). Award [1 mark] for linking this process to the specific hydrograph characteristics (e.g., steeper rising limb, higher peak discharge).

Constructive waves are low-frequency, low-energy waves that typically occur on low-angle beaches. They are characterized by having a swash (the water moving up the beach) that is much stronger than their backwash (the water returning to the sea). Because the swash has high energy, it transports sand and shingle up the shore. As the water percolates into the porous beach sediment or loses energy, the subsequent backwash lacks the force to transport this material back down into the sea, resulting in net deposition and the gradual accumulation of beach material.

Award [1 mark] for identifying the key wave characteristic (strong swash and weak backwash). Award [1 mark] for explaining the mechanism of sediment transport or percolation up the beach. Award [1 mark] for explaining why the weak backwash fails to remove the sediment, leading to accumulation.

During periods of relative warmth or daytime, liquid water collects in joints, cracks, and bedding planes within the rock. As temperatures drop below \(0^\circ\text{C}\) (freezing point), the water freezes and expands in volume by approximately \(9\%\). This expansion exerts immense internal pressure on the surrounding rock walls. Over time, repeated diurnal or seasonal cycles of freezing and thawing weaken the structure of the rock, eventually causing it to fracture and shatter into angular fragments.

Award [1 mark] for describing water entering rock cracks or joints during warmer periods. Award [1 mark] for explaining the expansion of water upon freezing (ideally referencing the \(9\%\) volume increase) and the pressure exerted. Award [1 mark] for explaining how repeated cycles of this process lead to mechanical fracturing/shattering.

A key human factor is high population density on fertile volcanic slopes, often driven by agricultural dependency. When people settle in close proximity to an active volcano, they are directly exposed to hazards such as pyroclastic flows and lahars. If this is coupled with poor transportation infrastructure or a lack of emergency planning, evacuating large numbers of people quickly becomes impossible. Consequently, the population is highly vulnerable because they cannot receive warnings in time or physically escape the danger zone, leading to higher risk of casualties.

Award [1 mark] for identifying a valid human factor (e.g., population density, poverty, lack of warning systems, or poor infrastructure). Award [1 mark] for explaining how this factor manifests or why people live in the danger zone. Award [1 mark] for linking this factor directly to increased vulnerability (e.g., inability to evacuate or lack of preparation leading to higher potential loss of life).

Hosting a major international sporting event brings a significant influx of foreign tourists, athletes, and media personnel. This results in direct, substantial spending on hospitality, transport, retail, and local services. This injection of external capital stimulates the local economy through the multiplier effect, as local businesses earn more revenue and can hire additional staff. Additionally, the host country often benefits from upgraded infrastructure (such as stadiums and public transit) that remains useful for economic activity long after the event.

Award [1 mark] for identifying a valid economic benefit (e.g., tourism spending, infrastructural upgrades, or job creation). Award [1 mark] for explaining the mechanism behind this benefit (e.g., direct spending by visitors or investment in construction). Award [1 mark] for linking this to wider or long-term economic development (e.g., multiplier effect or permanent infrastructure legacy).

Malaria is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito. High temperatures (typically between \(20^\circ\text{C}\) and \(30^\circ\text{C}\)) and high humidity levels provide optimal environmental conditions for these mosquitoes to survive, breed, and thrive. Warm temperatures also accelerate the incubation rate of the malaria parasite (Plasmodium) within the vector, making transmission more rapid. When global temperatures rise or regional climates become wetter, these favorable conditions expand into higher altitudes or higher latitudes, allowing both the vector and the disease to spread to populations that previously had no immunity.

Award [1 mark] for connecting climate conditions to the survival, breeding, or activity of the mosquito vector. Award [1 mark] for explaining the biological process (e.g., accelerated development of the Plasmodium parasite or shorter mosquito life cycle). Award [1 mark] for linking these factors to the geographic expansion or transmission of the disease (e.g., spread to higher altitudes/latitudes).

An outstanding essay will structure arguments around both physical and political factors. Physical factors include uneven distribution, seasonal flow variability, and the impacts of climate change, which reduce overall water availability. Political factors include upstream/downstream power dynamics (hegemony), historical colonial-era treaties, domestic political pressure, and broader regional geopolitical alliances. Case studies should be utilized effectively. For instance, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile showcases how Ethiopia's rising economic/political power challenges Egypt's historical water hegemony established by colonial-era treaties, despite actual physical water challenges. Another example is the Jordan River basin, where water access is deeply entangled with geopolitical conflict and military control. A strong conclusion should weigh these elements, suggesting that physical scarcity acts as a catalyst, but political structures determine whether the outcome is cooperative management or conflict.

Level 1 (1-3 marks): Identifies some basic causes of water conflict. Describes case studies superficially. Lacks a clear structure or direct engagement with the 'to what extent' prompt.
Level 2 (4-6 marks): Explains both physical scarcity and political factors with some relevant geographical concepts. Case studies are introduced but may lack detail. The structure is mostly clear but evaluation is limited.
Level 3 (7-8 marks): Provides a well-structured and balanced evaluation of both physical and political drivers. Demonstrates good knowledge of one or more detailed transboundary case studies. Directly addresses 'to what extent' with a clear argument.
Level 4 (9-10 marks): Showcases sophisticated synthesis and critical evaluation. Integrates precise case study details (e.g., GERD, Jordan Basin, Mekong). Evaluates the complex interplay where political power and treaties shape the management of physical scarcity. Formulates a nuanced conclusion.

A successful essay should define fragile environments (e.g., coral reefs, alpine ecosystems) and outline specific negative impacts of tourism (e.g., habitat destruction, pollution, footpath erosion). It should then evaluate various management strategies. Examples of strategies include: 1. Carrying capacities and visitor quotas (e.g., Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, or Bhutan's high-value, low-impact policy). 2. Zoning and protected areas (e.g., Great Barrier Reef marine parks). 3. Ecotourism and community-led initiatives. Evaluation should focus on the strengths (preservation, alternative livelihoods, environmental education) and limitations (leakage of revenue, difficulties in policing large areas, economic trade-offs where local communities rely heavily on tourist spending, risk of 'greenwashing'). A strong conclusion should synthesize these points, arguing that the success of these strategies depends heavily on local community involvement, political will, and rigorous enforcement.

Level 1 (1-3 marks): Outlines simple environmental impacts or basic tourism management ideas. Lacks specific examples or an evaluative structure.
Level 2 (4-6 marks): Describes different sustainable management strategies with some connection to coastal or mountain environments. Includes general examples. Offers a basic evaluation of success vs. failure.
Level 3 (7-8 marks): Evaluates a range of specific strategies using detailed case studies of fragile environments. Demonstrates a clear understanding of the balance between economic benefits and environmental protection. Structure is logical and evaluative.
Level 4 (9-10 marks): Provides a highly nuanced and critical evaluation. Uses precise, well-integrated case studies to contrast successful and unsuccessful strategies. Demonstrates deep understanding of systemic challenges like enforcement and economic dependency. Concludes with a well-formulated, analytical synthesis.

An excellent response will contrast the physical characteristics of geophysical events (e.g., earthquake magnitude, volcanic explosivity index, depth of focus) with socio-economic factors (e.g., level of development, building codes, population density, community preparedness, and warning systems). To illustrate this, the essay should compare contrasting case studies. A classic comparison is the 2010 Haiti earthquake (magnitude 7.0, over 220,000 deaths due to poor infrastructure, lack of building codes, extreme poverty, and weak governance) versus the 2011 Christchurch earthquake (magnitude 6.3, 185 deaths due to high building standards, rapid emergency response, and excellent hazard planning) or the 2011 Tohoku earthquake/tsunami (magnitude 9.0, high magnitude but relatively low casualties compared to what a similar event would cause in an unprepared nation, though highlighting limits of engineering). The discussion should conclude that vulnerability, shaped by socio-economic context, is the main driver of disaster risk, although extreme physical magnitudes can overwhelm even the most prepared societies.

Level 1 (1-3 marks): Mentions basic factors of disasters and some effects. Limited use of geographical terminology. Lacks a clear comparative structure.
Level 2 (4-6 marks): Explains both physical magnitude and socio-economic factors with some relevant examples. Makes a basic attempt to compare their significance, though it may remain descriptive.
Level 3 (7-8 marks): Discusses the relative importance of magnitude versus socio-economic factors using clear, contrasting case studies (e.g., LIC vs HIC comparisons). Demonstrates good understanding of vulnerability and resilience concepts.
Level 4 (9-10 marks): Offers a sophisticated, balanced, and critical discussion. Successfully integrates detailed, contrasting case studies to show how socio-economic factors modify hazard vulnerability. Acknowledges exceptions where extreme magnitude bypasses excellent preparation, leading to a highly structured and insightful conclusion.

Information and communications technology (ICT) networks are fundamental to global interactions, enabling the rapid flow of data, capital, and ideas. However, their development is not uniform, restricted significantly by physical and political barriers. PHYSICAL FACTORS: 1. Rugged Topography: Mountain ranges like the Himalayas and the Andes present extreme engineering obstacles for laying terrestrial fiber-optic cables and building microwave transmission towers, as line-of-sight signals are disrupted. 2. Oceanic and Tectonic Hazards: Subsea fiber-optic cables, which carry over 95 percent of international data, are vulnerable to undersea earthquakes and landslides. For example, the Hengchun earthquake in Taiwan damaged multiple subsea cables, disrupting communications across East Asia. 3. Extreme Climates and Remote Isolation: Arctic regions and isolated islands, such as small Pacific island nations, suffer from high installation costs due to immense distances and hostile environments, limiting high-speed cable access. POLITICAL FACTORS: 1. National Sovereignty and Censorship: Authoritarian governments often restrict ICT integration to control information flows. China's 'Great Firewall' and recurring internet shutdowns in countries like Myanmar or Iran demonstrate how national political borders restrict global network openness. 2. Geopolitical Tensions and Security Policies: National security concerns lead countries to ban foreign providers from constructing domestic networks, as seen in Western restrictions on Chinese 5G technologies (e.g., Huawei). Geopolitical rivalry also delays permits for trans-oceanic cables in disputed waters, such as the South China Sea. 3. Regulatory Barriers: Restrictive licensing laws, high taxation, and state-monopolized telecom markets discourage foreign direct investment (FDI) in digital infrastructure, slowing down network rollout in developing economies. In conclusion, while technological innovations like low-Earth orbit satellite networks aim to bypass physical barriers, political control and national security priorities remain powerful constraints that partition and restrict the global development of ICT networks.

LEVEL 3 (9-12 MARKS): The response demonstrates a detailed and balanced understanding of both physical and political factors restricting ICT networks. Explicit and accurate reference is made to specific ICT infrastructure (e.g., subsea fiber-optic cables, satellite networks, 5G). Well-chosen case studies or localized examples (such as geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, or China's Great Firewall) are integrated effectively. LEVEL 2 (5-8 MARKS): The response explains both physical and political factors, but may be unbalanced or lack specific technical details about ICT networks. Examples are general or lack depth. Explanations are more descriptive than analytical. LEVEL 1 (1-4 MARKS): The response shows limited understanding, focusing on general transport or communications rather than specific ICT networks. Examples are absent or irrelevant. Only one set of factors (either physical or political) is addressed. Note: A maximum of 8 marks can be awarded if only physical or only political factors are discussed.

An outstanding response should be structured as a balanced essay that addresses both sides of the argument and arrives at a clear, synthesised conclusion. Introduction: Define global networks and flows (movements of capital, people, information, ideas, and consumer culture) and cultural identity. Outline the tension between cultural homogenization (erosion) and cultural heterogenization (preservation/hybridity). Arguments supporting the view (Erosion/Homogenization): 1. Cultural Imperialism: The dominance of Western TNCs (e.g., McDonald's, Disney, Netflix) spreading consumerist values and standardising lifestyles. 2. Language loss: The dominance of global languages (particularly English) on the internet and in business, leading to the decline of indigenous languages. 3. Deterritorialization: The loosening of ties between culture and specific geographic locations, weakening community-specific traditions. Arguments challenging the view (Preservation/Hybridity/Resistance): 1. Glocalization: TNCs adapting global goods to suit local tastes and cultural expectations (e.g., McDonald's offering vegetarian options in India), which preserves local cultural traits. 2. Cultural Hybridity: The fusion of global and local cultures to create new, unique cultural forms (e.g., K-pop, Bollywood, or regional fusion cuisines). 3. Resistance and Revitalization: The use of global communication networks (social media, digital archiving) by indigenous and local communities to protect, document, and revitalize their cultures and languages. 4. Diaspora networks: Migration flows creating transnational communities that reinforce and spread local cultures globally rather than eroding them. Conclusion: Synthesize the arguments to show that the outcome is not 'inevitable'. The interaction between global networks and local communities is a complex, reciprocal process where local agency plays a crucial role in adapting, rejecting, or reshaping global influences.

Level 1 (1-4 marks): The response is descriptive and demonstrates limited understanding of global networks or cultural identity. It may list basic examples of global brands with little analysis of cultural impact. Level 2 (5-8 marks): The response is somewhat balanced but lacks depth. It describes some impacts of global flows on local cultures (e.g., Americanization) and may mention one counter-argument like glocalization. Case studies or specific geographic examples are limited. Level 3 (9-12 marks): The response provides a structured evaluation of both sides of the argument. It discusses both the erosion and preservation/hybridization of local cultures, supported by relevant and accurate geographic examples. The concept of 'inevitability' is addressed. Level 4 (13-16 marks): The response offers a highly sophisticated, well-balanced evaluation. It uses diverse, precise geographic case studies (e.g., specific indigenous groups, TNC strategies, or digital media platforms). It explicitly critiques the term 'inevitably', demonstrating a deep understanding of the global-local dialectic (glocalization, hybridity, and resistance).