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Edexcel GCSE Geography A-Unit 2 Section A — Topic 4: Tectonic Landscapes
Some questions will be from 4.1 and some from 4.2.
4.1 Location and characteristics of tectonic activity.
(I) World distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes
To be able to describe the distribution of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on a global scale
(II) The reasons why earthquakes and volcanoes occur where they do, through an explanation
of plate tectonics and hotspots.
 To understand the processes that cause plate movement in relation to earthquakes and
volcanoes. To understand how hotspots form.
(III) The characteristic features of convergent, divergent and conservative plate boundaries.
 To be able to draw cross-section diagrams annotated with the features of each plate
boundary.
(IV) The measurement of earthquake magnitude (the Mercalli and Richter scales). Diagrams
showing the characteristics of focus and epicentre.
 To be able to recognise and know the difference between the Mercalli and Richter scales,
and the characteristics of the epicentre and focus of earthquakes.
Questions from sample and past papers
(i) Describe the landforms A and B shown on Figure 4a. (4)
A = Ocean trench (1), deep (1), narrow (1).
B= Subduction zone (1), area of crustal melting (1),
Correct identification 1 mark for each. 1 mark for any relevant descriptive point.
(ii) Landform C shown on Figure 4a is an area of fold mountains. Explain how they are formed. You
may use a diagram to help your answer. (4)
Explanation to include four points given from:
Formation when plates collide (1), buckling of continental plate (1), leading to long band (1), of
highly crumpled crust (1).
(b) The plate boundary illustrated in Figure 4a is a destructive one. Some plate boundaries are
known as constructive.
(i) Explain the processes that take place at constructive plate boundaries. (4)
Explanation to include four points given from:
Convection currents in the mantle (1), cause magma to rise (1), spreading out and moving crust
apart (1),forming volcanoes (1), mid-ocean ridges (1), earthquakes result (1).
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(ii) Study Figure 4b .
It is a map showing the global distribution of volcanoes.
Explain why the distribution of volcanoes is very uneven. (3)
Uneven because they occur at plate boundaries (1), plate boundaries are linear hence lines of
volcanoes (1), plate boundaries often close to continental margins (1), destructive margins (1),
constructive margins in mid-ocean (1).
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(i) Name the tectonic plate on which Australia is located on Figure 4b. (1)
Indo-Australian plate
ii) Describe the distribution of active volcanoes on Figure 4b. (3)
Mark all descriptive points at one mark each. Any valid point acceptable:
• in a ring around the Pacific
• on plate boundaries
• odd ones not on plate boundary
• clusters on the margins of continents
• none in Australia
(iii) Volcanic activity is happening at point A. Explain why. (4)
Explanation of hotspots. Max 2 marks for descriptive points. Credit explanations at 1 mark each. Max
of 3 marks without a mention of process.
Full marks can only be achieved if there is a clear sequence of events.
Island chains such as Hawaii are known as hotspots, (1) where magma from the mantle (1) erupts
through the crust. (1) This creates volcanoes (1) that often
rise above the ocean surface to form islands. (1) The Hawaiian chain formed as the Pacific crustal
plate moved over the stationary source of magma or hotspot. (1)
(i) What is the epicentre of an earthquake? (1)
The point on the surface above the focus.
(iii) The area in Figure 4b is near the epicentre. What is the epicentre? (1)
The point on the surface, above the focus where most damage occurs (1) Point where the
earthquake first strikes the surface(1)
(i) Which type of plate boundary is shown in Figure 4a? (1)
Convergent (accept destructive)
(ii) Draw arrows on Figure 4a to show the direction of plate movement. (1)
Arrows should reflect plate movements towards each other Must show two arrows for mark
(iii) Name the type of plate shown at A on Figure 4a. (1)
Continental
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(iv) Explain how volcanoes form at this plate boundary. You may use a diagram in your answer. (4)
Melting of oceanic plate produces magma (1). Collection of magma in magma chamber. This rises
under pressure/less dense than surrounding rock (1)Through cracks and joints (1) Gas/Water Vapour
is added to melt (1) Magma only erupts under great pressure therefore eruptions explosive (1)
Max 2 for descriptive points, explanations credited at 1 mark each. Full sequence required for full
marks.
(a) Study Figure 4a. It shows the magnitude of earthquakes on 23rd August 2009.
(i) Which area had the largest earthquake on the 23rd August 2009? (1)
Alaska. Accept North West North America
(ii) Describe the distribution of earthquakes shown on Figure 4a. Use evidence from Figure 4a in
your answer. (4)
Max 3 without evidence which can data, places eg west of USA, or size of earthquake.
1 mark for evidence or data
Linear (1) Near coast (1) At the plate boundaries (1) Clustered (1) Mainly in western USA and Alaska
(1)
(iii) Outline a difference between the focus and epicentre of an earthquake. (2)
Focus – origin of earthquake (1) Epicentre – point on surface directly above focus
with greatest effects (1)
Difference can be implied with use of terms ‘whereas’ or ‘however’.
(iii) The island of Lanzarote has been formed over a hotspot. Explain how volcanoes form over
hotspots. Use an annotated diagram or diagrams in your answer. (4)
Explanation of hotspots. Max 2 marks for descriptive points. Max of 3 marks without a mention of
process. Max of three without annotated diagram
Magma rises as mantle plumes towards the surface (1) At the surface the magma erupts through the
crust.(1) This creates volcanoes(1) that often rise above the ocean surface to form islands.(1) The
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Canary Islands formed as the crustal plate moved over the stationary source hotspot. (1)
(i) Which point V, W, X or Y on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge has the most movement
per year? (1) Y
(ii) Describe the movements shown along this plate boundary. (3)
Point mark.
Plates are moving apart (1)Use of data (1) Different rates of movement (1) Faster at Y (1)
(iii) On Figure 4a there are four red spots marked 1 to 4. Which red spot shows the location of a
volcano? (1) 1
(iv) Explain how volcanoes occur at divergent plate boundaries. (4)
Maximum 2 marks for description. Explanations credited at 1 mark each.
Max 3 marks without a process or full sequence. E.g. - Formation of volcanoes at DPB: Magma rises
due to convection currents, leading to pressure and doming of the crust (oceanic). Magma rises
through the weaknesses in the crust. Eventually (low viscosity) magma erupts onto the surface. The
continued movement of plates pulls the plates apart leading to more effusive eruptions.
(v) Compare the characteristic features of convergent plate boundaries and
conservative plate boundaries. (4)
Max three without comparative statements. Max 2 if only reference to one of the required
elements. Convergent characteristic features to include fold mountains, subduction zones, trenches,
volcanoes (explosive) and earthquake activity. Conservative creates rifts or faults leading to lateral
movement of the ground and earthquakes.
E.g. At a convergent plate boundary plates subduction can lead to earthquake formation (1) due to
pressure build up between two plates (1). Earthquakes also occur at conservative plate boundaries
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on fault lines (1), but due to tension (1). Subduction of the oceanic plate leads to magma formation
and explosive volcanic eruptions (1). No magma is created at conservative plate boundaries (1)
therefore there are no volcanic eruptions (1).
(i) The dates of seven volcanic eruptions are shown on Figure 4a. Which one occurred before
1950? (1) Krakatoa
(ii) Describe the distribution of volcanoes shown in Figure 4a. Use evidence from Figure 4a in your
answer. (4)
Point mark. Max 3 without map evidence.
E.g. In chains/lines (1) along the coast (1) Clustered together (1)Along plate boundaries (1)
Some found in centre of ocean (1) Example of place (1)
Map evidence includes place names, dates, plate (boundary) names.
(iii) The volcano Kilauea shown on Figure 4a is found in the middle of a plate. What type of
volcano is this? (1) Hotspot
(iv) Explain the formation of volcanoes at convergent plate boundaries. You may use a diagram(s)
in your answer. (4)
Maximum 2 marks for description. Explanations credited at 1 mark each. Max 3 marks without a
process or full sequence.
E.g. Movement of plate towards each other leads to subduction of the denser oceanic plate. High
temperatures and friction lead to the melting of the leading edge of the plate. Less dense melt rises
through the mantle wedge, and pressurises the continental crust. Cracking of the continental crust
due to collision provides a path for rising magma. Rising magma contains gas and is highly
pressurised leading to explosive eruptions. Explanation can be achieved through reference to
subduction, melting, low density rising magma, and build up of pressure.
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4.2 Management of the effects of tectonic activity.
(I) The reasons why people continue to live in areas of volcanic and earthquake activity.
 To understand the economic, social and environmental reasons why people continue to live in
areas of volcanic and earthquake activity.
(II) The causes and effects of a volcano eruption on people and the environment, in a named
location.
 To be able to describe and explain the causes and effects of a volcanic eruption on the people
and the environment, e.g. in Montserrat.
(iii) Prediction and prevention of the effects of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes by forecasting,
the design of buildings and defences, planning and education.
To understand how the effects of both volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are reduced through
planning before the event, using a range of examples.
Questions from sample and past papers
(c) Study Photograph F in the Resource Booklet. It shows an area that has been affected by
volcanic eruption in an low-income country (LIC).
Explain the effects of volcanic eruptions such as this on the economy of a low income
country. (4)
Loss of farmland (1) leading to reduced output and GDP (1), destruction of infrastructure, eg roads,
hotels, power stations (1) results in drain on resources during rebuild (1), loss of opportunities, eg
tourism, export of raw materials (1), positive impact through increase in tourist trade (1) as visitors
come to see volcanic activity (1).
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(i) What is the epicentre of an earthquake? (1)
The point on the surface above the focus.
(ii) Do you think this earthquake happened in a LIC or a HIC? Give reasons for your answer. (3)
A LIC (1) marks for the reasons will be for a large loss of life (20 000) and destruction of most houses.
One point expanded is worth two marks eg most houses destroyed because poor construction in LIC.
(III) Prediction and prevention of the effects of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes by forecasting,
the design of buildings and defences, planning and education.
 To understand how the effects of both volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are reduced through
planning before the event, using a range of examples.
Questions from sample and past papers
*(d) Study Photograph G in the Resource Booklet. It shows a disaster survival kit.
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Explain the methods used both before and after a natural disaster to limit its effects. (6)
(iii) It is not possible to predict earthquakes. Justify this statement. (3)
Justification can be positive or negative or a combination. Marks are only for the justification.
Negative
A variety of methods are being used by scientists to predict earthquakes but they are not completely
accurate. (1) Despite sophisticated monitoring equipment it still remains very difficult to pinpoint
exactly when an earthquake will happen. (1)
Positive
A variety of instruments can be used. A seismometer is an instrument that measures
ground vibrations caused by earthquakes. (1) Seismometers record ground movements which are
converted to radio signals. (1) These signals are
transmitted to computers that record the earthquakes 24 hours a day. (1)
Tiltmetres measure tiny changes in the slope angle or "tilt" of the ground.(1)
(c) Explain the economic reasons why many people continue to live in areas that suffer from
earthquakes and volcanic activity. Use examples in your answer. (4)
Max 3 marks for 1 example. Unspecific, descriptive points max 2. Wide range of acceptable answers,
much overlapping between volcanoes and earthquakes.
Volcanic soils are especially fertile. (1) The region around Naples, Italy, is a huge wine growing area.
(1) Farmers make a good living from this. (1) Minerals such as tin, silver, gold, copper and diamonds
can be found in volcanic rocks. (1) The
money that can be made by mining these precious minerals often outweighs the risk of volcanic
activity. (1) Hazards do not happen very often. (1)
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(d) Choose either an earthquake or a volcanic eruption that you have studied.
Explain the causes. (6)
(b) Study Figure 4b (photograph) in the Resource Booklet. It shows an area of Kobe
affected by an earthquake.
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(i) State the main effect shown in Figure 4b? (1)
Collapsed Highway/Bridge/Road
(ii) Explain why some buildings are still standing in Figure 4b. (3)
Some buildings are earthquake resistant (1) development of this theme – example of how uildings
are earthquake resistant (1). The Japan is a HIC therefore can afford to protect (1) Country is aware
of risks posed by earthquakes through scientific research (1) Modern buildings(1) Some explanation
required for full marks
(iii) The area in Figure 4b is near the epicentre. What is the epicentre? (1)
The point on the surface, above the focus where most damage occurs (1) Point where the
earthquake first strikes the surface(1)
(iv) Outline the differences between the Mercalli and the Richter scales. (3)
Mercalli measures damage (1) Richter measures strength/magnitude (1) Main difference – one is
descriptive the other is quantitative, difference in scales (1)
One mark for each definition. Difference must be explicit for full marks.
(c) Suggest reasons why people continue to live in areas affected by volcanic eruptions. (4)
Point mark. Reasons to include:
Fertile soils (1) Extraction of minerals/metals/crystals (1) Tourism (1) Geothermal Energy (1)
Family(1) Perceived risk = low (1)
Explosive volcanic eruptions give large amounts of ash (1) this material weathers to form fertile soils
(1). The increased fertility leads to high crop yields for local farmers (1) leading to increased incomes
for local farmers (1).
(d) Choose a volcanic eruption or an earthquake you have studied. Explain the effects of the
volcanic eruption or the earthquake on the people and the environment. (6)
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(b) Study Figure 4c (satellite image) in the Resource Booklet.
It shows Arrecife on the volcanic island of Lanzarote.
(i) What is the main human activity shown at P on Figure 4c? (1)
Any plausible human activity. Tourism, trade, fishing, leisure activities. (1)
(ii) Outline why people continue to live on volcanic islands such as Lanzarote. (3)
Descriptive points to a max. Credit explanation if given.
Income/profitability from tourism (1) Attractive environment (near beach) (1)
Inability to afford the move away from the island (1) Fertile soils allow good agricultural yields (1) Do
not accept good soils.
Mining of metals e.g. copper and tin which are common in igneous rocks
(c) Explain how the effects of an earthquake can be reduced. (4)
Max 2 without explanation.
Forecasting: strange animal behaviour (1), monitoring electrical discharge (1), minor tremors (1)
earthquake clouds (1)
Planning and education: How locals should react in an earthquake (1), preparation of emergency
hazard kit (1), Building design e.g. flexible frames, shatterproof glass, rubberised foundations (1)
planning regulations (1)
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(d) Choose a volcanic eruption or an earthquake you have studied. Explain the causes of the
volcanic eruption or earthquake. (6)
(b) Why do people continue to live in areas affected by earthquakes? (3)
Point mark. Max 2 without explanation.
Areas may be popular for tourism e.g. Turkey (1) Earthquakes could cause landslides which expose
mineral resources which can be mined (1) Areas may have and emergency plans (1) therefore
residents perceive safety (1) People feel it may not happen to them (1) Buildings are made to a
resistant level therefore perception of safety (1) Family and friends (1) Jobs / work (1)
(c) Study Figure 4b (photograph) in the Resource Booklet. It shows an area affected by the Haiti
earthquake in 2010.
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(i) Describe how planning before the event could have reduced the effects of this earthquake. (3)
Point mark. Allow extra credit for development. Land use planning (1) Building design (1)
Evacuation (1) Food and medical (1)
(ii) Explain the effects of a volcanic eruption or an earthquake. (6)
(i) What is the difference between the number of earthquakes in 2009 and 2010 shown on Figure
4b? (1) 9
(ii) In how many years are there more than 10 earthquakes shown on Figure 4b? (1) 5
(iii) Outline ways in which earthquakes can be measured. (3)
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Point mark. No credit for names of scales. 1 mark for list. Max 2 for reference to one type of
measurement.
Mercalli – measures the damage of earthquakes (1) through observations by people (1)
Richter – measures the magnitude of the earthquake (1) through use of seismometers (1)
(iv) Suggest reasons why people continue to live in areas affected by earthquakes. (4)
Max 3 for a series of descriptive reasons.
E.g. Earthquake proofing of buildings (1) for example cross bracing/shock absorbers on
foundations (1); lack of perceived threat (1) therefore people continue to live in the area
unaware of the hazard (1), lack of economic means to move (1); family/emotional connection (1);
highly paid job (1).
(c) Explain how the effects of volcanic eruptions are reduced through prediction and prevention.
Use examples in your answer. (6)