Examples and case studies

Tropical rainforest (e.g. Amazon) Mount St Helens Mount Nyiragongo Costa RicaHoldernessSan Francisco Three Gorges Dam, China BangladeshHaiti Play pumps, South Africa UKRiver Danube AustraliaSahelLittle Ice Age

Tasks 1.Sort the exam answers into the following categories and write on each: Restless Earth Climate and Change Battle for the Biosphere Water world Coastal change and conflict Extreme environments

2. Read these questions. Write the correct question above each answer in the blanked out box. RESTLESS EARTH For either an earthquake or volcanic eruption you have studied, describe the immediate responses in managing its impact. Explain why some earthquakes are more hazardous than others For a named earthquake or volcanic eruption describe its economic impact. x2

BATTLE FOR THE BIOSPHERE Describe one challenge the UK is likely to face as a result of climate change Describe one management measure used to conserve the biosphere Describe the value of a named biosphere in providing goods and services Describe the management methods that can be used to conserve the biosphere For a named biome, describe one way it has been damaged by human activity

WATER WORLD Describe one problem cause by a named large-scale water management project For a named vulnerable area, describe one problem caused by an unreliable or insufficient water supply Why are small scale such as this one usually considered to be sustainable? Using examples, describe how human interference can disrupt water supply. For a named large-scale management project, describe one cost and one benefit

CLIMATE AND CHANGE Describe how colder periods such as the Little Ice Age affected farming For a named developing country, explain why climate change is likely to have large impact on its people. Describe one possible economic impact of future climate in the UK Describe how orbital changes and varying solar output can lead to climate change Using examples of past climate change, describe its impacts on people and the environment

EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS Explain the importance of global actions in protecting extreme environments from the threat of climate change Describe how the culture and values (ways of life) of people living in extreme climates can be considered unique. For either a named hot arid or named polar region, explain the local actions which have been taken to help achieve sustainability

COASTAL CHANGE AND CONFLICT For a named location, explain the costs and benefits of using hard engineering techniques to protect a coastline from erosion. For a named area of coast, explain how coastal retreat is being managed Describe the differences between the features of hard and soft rock coastline

Restless Earth

A full mark response. Candidate identifies several immediate response (medical teams, aid, shelter and rescue work). The importance of emergency teams clearly described - ‘can get in fast and treat the injured’.

Battle for Biosphere

This is a clear and accurate response. This is a vague statement. No specific management measure is named.

A good answer. Response includes services and goods. Most of the statements are extended.

Climate and change

The candidate scored no marks as the response appears to refer to recent rather than past climate change. Past climate change refers to pre-20th century changes, such as the ‘Little Ice Age’ or ‘Medieval Warm Period’.

The candidate describes the impact of the ‘Little Ice Age’ on a range of factors, including farming and personal health. The structure is a little confused, resulting in the candidate wasting time by making more points than necessary.

A clear and focused response. A growth in tourism was identified and the candidate linked this increase in customers to better British weather and greater spending power.

An clear and accurate response. Candidate describes how a lack of crop growth affected pastoral farming.

A well developed answer. Includes a number of explained impacts and shows good location specific knowledge.

Water World

A clear and detailed response referring to two appropriate locations. The candidate demonstrated a solid understanding of the content being tested.

This is a typical correct response.

This is an accurate and clear response.

The candidate highlighted crop failure due to a lack of water and extended the answer by describing how this would impact on local people, eg shortages and local incomes.

Option 1: Extreme environments

This is a strong Level 2 (4/6) answer, which outlines the need for global action and explains the system of carbon transfers between countries/organisations.

A super answer. Good case study knowledge and detailed description.

A well structured response focusing on sustainable actions. Good use of location specific knowledge.

Option 2: Coastal change and conflict

This is a good response. The candidate identifies features associated with both hard and soft rock coastlines and includes appropriate geographical terms. A couple of confused comments prevent full marks

A good answer - achieving level 3. Costs and benefits have been included for an appropriate case study region. Some explanation and terminology included.

Common technique errors: ● Too many candidates are still just listing for questions that require extension. ● Key vocabulary is too often ‘overlooked’ or misunderstood, eg challenge/past/large-scale. ● A sizeable number of candidates are still explaining on describe questions. ● Poor use of vocabulary is often holding down responses. ● Candidates often fail to include adequate location-specific information when responding to questions that ask for examples or a case study focus. ● SPaG marks are carelessly lost through sloppy grammar and incorrect spellings of key geographical terms..

Common content errors: ● Few candidates were able to identify a constructive plate boundary. ● Many candidates seemed to believe earthquakes can be predicted long in advance using seismographs or the Richter Scale. ● A relatively large number of candidates were unable to describe how national parks conserve the biosphere. ● Candidates frequently mixed up hard and soft rock coastal features.