LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
WATERBERG DISTRICT
NASIONAL
SENIOR SERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
GEOGRAPHY PAPER 1
AUGUST 2011
MARKS: 200
TIME: 2 HOURS
This paper consists of 12 pages
2
INSTRUCTIONS
1.
This paper consists of THREE questions printed on 12 pages.
2.
Answer ALL THREE questions:
3.
Number all your answers in the centre of the line.
4.
Leave a line between subsections answered.
5.
Start each question at the top of a page.
6.
Number your answers exactly as the questions have been numbered.
7.
Write clearly and legibly.
8.
Where possible, illustrate your answers with labelled diagrams.
3
QUESTION 1
1.1
Various possible answers are provided for each question. Write the letter only of the
correct answer next to the corresponding number.
1.1.1
A sea breeze moves from a …
A
B
C
D
1.1.2
A change in stream load
A change in climate
River capture
A drop in sea level
Heat
Heat
Heat
Heat
released by furnaces of heavy industries.
radiated from high buildings
released from bakery ovens
reflected from concrete, brick and tar.
Select the correct combination.
A
(ii), (iii) and (iv)
B
(i), (ii) and (iii)
C
(i), (ii) and (iv)
D (i), (iii) and (iv)
Gradient
Flow
Load
Stream channel characteristics
Select the correct option.
A
(i) and (ii)
B
(iii) and (iv)
C
(i) and (iv)
D (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Rain which falls from mid-latitude cyclones in South Africa usually occurs during …
A
B
C
D
1.1.6
(2)
The main factors determining to which extent a river is able to deepen its course is:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
1.1.5
(2)
The temperature of a city is the highest over the central business district as a result
of certain factors:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
1.1.4
(2)
Which factor will not affect the balance between erosion and deposition in a river with a
graded profile?
A
B
C
D
1.1.3
low pressure area over the sea to a high pressure over the land.
low pressure over the land to a low pressure over the sea.
high pressure over the sea to a high pressure over the land
high pressure over the sea to a low pressure over the land.
summer and winter.
winter in the South Western Cape.
summer in the interior.
summer in the Cape.
(2)
(2)
An antecedent river valley …
A
B
C
D
is older than the geological structure through which it carves it’s route.
has a superimposed drainage system.
had to carve into the underlying structure because the river valley was too deeply
carved.
stretches across a resistant rock layer which is older than the river valley itself.
(2)
4
1.1.7
During the night the sea is … than the land surface.
A
B
C
D
1.1.8
1.1.9
Which two processes are predominant at the crest of a slope?
A
Soil-creep and rock-falls
B
Weathering and soil-creep
C
Weathering and landslides
D Rock-falls and weathering
(2)
(2)
The Kalahari High Pressure causes …
A
B
C
D
1.1.10
warmer
heated less
heated more
colder
warm and dry conditions in the interior in summer.
cool and wet conditions in the interior in winter.
cool and dry conditions in the interior in winter.
warm and wet conditions in the interior in summer.
(2)
Features that can form as a result of rejuvenation are …
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
incised meanders.
valleys within valleys.
knick-point waterfall.
river terraces.
Select the correct combination
A
(i), (ii) and (iv)
B
(ii), (iii) and (iv)
C
(i), (ii) (iii) and (iv)
D (i), (ii) and (iii)
(2)
(10x2) [20]
5
1.2
Carefully study the newspaper article, the map and the sketch as well as the Fact File
before answering the questions below.
Satellite footage shows Katrina about 440 km south-southeast of the Mississippi delta
1.4m flee from hurricane city
BY FRANCIS HARRIS
NEW Orleans ordered an
emergency evacuation of up to 1.4
million residents on Sunday night
as Hurricane Katrina roared
towards the city carrying winds of
more than 280 km/hr.
The mayor, Ray Nagin, ordered
police and firemen to fan out
across the city and surrounding
areas, instructing residents to
leave immediately.
“This is a once in a lifetime
event. The city of New Orleans
has never seen a hurricane of this
magnitude hit it directly. I wish I
had better news for you, but we
are facing a storm that most of us
have feared.”
The message was amplified by
President George W Bush who, in
a rare intervention, urged residents
to head for high ground
immediately.
“We cannot stress enough the
dangers this hurricane poses to
Gulf Coast communities,” he said.
“I ask citizens to put their safety
and the safety of their families first
by moving to safe ground.”
Katrina was upgraded to the
maximum strength category five
storm as it headed landward from
the Gulf of Mexico. Experts said
that it would make landfall at
around midday on Monday and
that New Orleans was directly in
its path.
Large parts of the French Quarter
were boarded up and sandbagged.
But despite the warnings to get out,
some bars stayed open for
hurricane parties.
Many of those stranded are
tourists, including Britons. The
Association of British Travel
Agents estimated that up to 1,000
Britons were visiting the city.
The authorities said they would
be accommodated in 10
emergency centres, including the
New Orleans Saints football
team’s Superdome. They were
advised to bring food and water
for up to five days.
As 4,000 National Guardsmen
were placed on alert to police the
city, its motorways became
congested one-way streets as up to
eight lanes of traffic crawled
northwards away from the storm.
Authorities issued decrees
allowing the commandeering of
private buildings and vehicles.
Much of New Orleans lies 2
metres below sea level, but some
areas are 6 metres below.
The storm was of a far lesser
magnitude when it struck Florida
last week. Even so it killed at least
seven people and cut power to
more than a million homes.
Source: Weekly Telegraph - Issue No. 736, 2005
6
Map showing path of Hurricane Katrina:
© 2005 by RAY STERNER & STEVE BABIN, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED
PHYSICS LABORATORY
Note: 50 miles = 80 km
Sketch of disaster area (not drawn to scale):
7
Fact File: Hurricane Katrina: named on 25 August 2005 as it formed over the Bahamas. It struck
New Orleans on 29 August.

death toll 1 277; 3 200 people missing (death toll could reach 10 000);
100 000 people displaced; 1,4 million people evacuated

cost of losses: US$100 billion

strongest winds: 280 km/h Category 5 hurricane

pressure: 920 mb

rainfall: 25 mm per h

storm surge 3 to 4 m

80% of city of New Orleans flooded (6 m under water). 70% of New Orleans lies
below sea level
area the size of Great Britain declared a disaster zone; Louisiana, Mississippi and
Alabama suffer worst damage

1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4
1.2.5
1.2.6
1.2.7

looting, violence and crime follow after hurricane struck

oil industry disrupted by 1,4 million barrels per day
Explain why Hurricane Katrina formed over the Bahamas.
Explain why Hurricane Katrina formed in late August.
How many tropical cyclones (hurricanes) had occurred over the Atlantic by 25 August?
Draw and label a section through a mature tropical cyclone (hurricane) from A to B on
the photograph. Indicate all climatological factors plus associated weather activity.
Explain why Hurricane Katrina did not severely affect states north of Louisiana,
Mississippi and Alabama.
Using a mind map (spray diagram) demonstrate the impact Hurricane Katrina had on
people and the environment. Your central ‘bubble’ should read: Impact of Hurricane
Katrina on people and environment. Include at least five factors radiating out from this
central point.
In a box 15 cm by 15 cm, design an advertisement advising residents what precautions
they need to take when another tropical cyclone (hurricane) strikes. Include at least
three points.
1.3
Study the following longitudinal river profile along the Congo River in Africa.
1.3.1
Copy the river profile onto your answer book and on it indicate:
a)
b)
c)
one temporary base level
one knick point
permanent base level
(3x2) (6)
(1x2) (2)
(1x2) (2)
(10x1) (10)
(2x2) (4)
(5x2) (10)
(3x2) (6)
[40]
(1x2) (2)
(1x2) (2)
(1x2) (2)
8
1.3.2
Copy and complete the following table:
Fluvial characteristics
Point X
Point Y
Stream width
Stream load
Stream volume
Stream velocity
Type of stream flow
(10x1) (10)
1.3.3
1.3.4
Does the longitudinal river profile of the Congo River show a graded river profile?
Support your answer with evidence from the longitudinal river profile.
(3x2) (6)
River braiding occurs at point Z. Using an annotated sketch (drawing with labels),
demonstrate how such features form.
(4x2) (8)
Total for Question 1:
[90]
9
QUESTION 2
2.1
Carefully study this synoptic weather map for 2006-02-04.
10
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6
Identify the climatic features labelled A, B and C.
Is the pressure high or low at D?
Provide a full account (description) of the weather at the station marked E (SE of
Tshwane (Pretoria)).
List TWO facts from the synoptic chart that account for (explain) the location of tropical
cyclone Boloetse (labelled F).
State if the following statements are true or false, giving a reason for each decision.
a) Durban is experiencing berg winds.
b) Cape Town will experience showers in the next 24 hours.
c) The LP cells over the interior are causing clear, stable weather.
Copy and complete this table.
Note:
all three weather systems are present on the synoptic weather map.
Weather system
ONE positive impact on
human activities
(3x2) (6)
(1x2) (2)
(6x1) (6)
(2x2) (4)
(3x2) (6)
ONE negative impact on
human activities
a) Mid-latitude cyclones
b) Tropical cyclones
c) Subtropical anticyclones
2.1.7
Predict the impact of weather system F on tourism along Madagascar’s S.W. coast.
2.2
Carefully study the following map of southern Africa showing the main drainage basins in
the sub-continent.
2.2.1
Provide geographical definitions of these terms:
a) drainage basin
b) watershed
c) episodic river
d) perennial river
(6x2) (12)
(2x2) (4)
[40]
(4x2) (8)
11
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
Explain why drainage density is higher in the northern and eastern regions of Southern
Africa, and lower in the western/central regions.
Name the dominant drainage pattern in southern Africa.
Name the river with the largest drainage basin.
Which ocean will receive most of southern Africa’s topsoil? Give a reason for your
answer.
Draw a longitudinal river profile for the Great Fish River (marked X on the map).
On your drawing, label the source, mouth, ultimate base level, one knick point and a
temporary base level.
(2x2) (4)
(1x2) (2)
(1x2) (2)
(2x2) (4)
(5x2) (10)
[30]
[70]
Total for Question 2:
QUESTION 3
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.1.5
Refer to the diagram below showing river capture on a tributary of the Tugela River and answer the
following questions.
Account for the fast rate of erosion by the river labelled R on the diagram.
Name the process taking place at the escarpment edge at P. Explain the process.
‘River S has been captured by River R’. Name THREE features that would be found in
the vicinity of W on the diagram that proves the above statement.
Give the characteristics of river S after capture.
What features would you expect to find in the Tugela River valley resulting from river
capture in this area.
(2x2) (4)
(2x2) (4)
(3x2) (6)
(2x1) (2)
(2x2) (4)
12
Refer to the diagram of a cuesta landscape below and answer the following questions.
3.1.6
3.1.7
3.1.8
3.1.9
Explain the nature of the sedimentary rock structure.
Provide labels for slopes A and B.
Which slope would favour settlement and agriculture? Give TWO reasons for your
answer.
What type of stream pattern will occur on this landscape? Give TWO reasons for your
answer.
(2x2) (4)
(2x2) (4)
(3x2) (6)
2+(2x2) (6)
[40]
TOTAL FOR QUESTION 3 - 40 marks
[TOTAL: 200 marks]
13
Grade 12
GEOGRAPHY
August 2011
Exam - Suggested Solution
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1.1
1.1.2
1.1.3
1.1.4
1.1.5
1.1.6
1.1.7
1.1.8
1.1.9
1.1.10
D 
B 
A 
D 
B 
A 
A 
B 
C 
C 
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
[20]
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4
The Bahamas are found in the tropics (20° to 25° North)  (warm seas plus Coriolis
Force) , in the warm Atlantic/Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico (sea temperatures over 27°C)
 these conditions favour the formation of tropical cyclones.
Late August is late summer/early autumn in the northern hemisphere this is when sea
temperatures will be warmest. 
Hurricane Katrina was the 11th hurricane of the season (K is the 11th letter of the
alphabet). 
Section drawing from A to B through a mature tropical cyclone.
(3x2) (6)
(1x2) (2)
(1x2) (2)
(10x1) (10)
1.2.5
Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama were affected by the tropical cyclone as they are on
the coast of the Gulf of Mexico where Katrina struck. States north of these states were
not severely affected as Hurricane Katrina started to ‘die out’ as she moved into the
interior.
Why? Because Katrina lost impetus and energy (cut off from the energy source which
was evaporation from the warm tropical seas). 
Also, there is more friction over land than sea, which contributes to the hurricane ‘dying
out’ as it moves over land. 
(2x2) (4)
14
1.2.6
Impact of Hurricane Katrina: (any five of the following):
 Environment: flooding destroyed land, flora and fauna; mud and silt deposited;
trees uprooted; coastline damaged; rivers burst banks ()
 Infrastructure: roads, railway lines, electricity, gas, water, telephone lines, bridges,
sewage pipes – all either damaged or destroyed ()
 People: thousands killed, left homeless, injured, emotional trauma and suffering,
families split, children orphaned; over 1 million evacuated; homelessness; loss of
belongings ()
 Economy: imports and exports negatively affected; oil industry disrupted;
services/shops/businesses etc. affected ()
 Tourism: New Orleans is famous tourist destination – tourists would stop arriving –
bad for local economy ()
 Insurance industry: very badly affected by increased claims and payouts ()
 Crime: looting, theft, violence, even murder and rape; police services unable to work
effectively ()
 Health: injuries, hospitals over – crowded, shortage of medical supplies; spread of
diseases in over crowded camps, dirty water and waste lying about – spread of
diseases. ()
 Any other relevant points acceptable ()
1.2.7
(5x2) (10)
Advertisement: Warning to residents: what precautions should be taken when a
hurricane strikes.
Any three relevant points. Could include:








1.3.1
evacuate (leave!) ()
secure homes (e.g. board up windows) ()
sand bags and drainage if in low-lying area ()
have emergency supplies of water, food etc. on hand ()
have emergency medical kits ()
have emergency power/lighting (e.g. gas, battery, torch, candles) ()
safety measures for pets and animals ()
map of safe emergency routes out of town ()
(3x2) (6)
[40]
Longitudinal river profile
 one temporary base level 
(1x2) (2)
 one knick point 
(1x2) (2)
 permanent base level 
(1x2) (2)
15
1.3.2
Fluvial characteristics
Point X
Point Y
Stream width
Narrow, ‘V’ shape, steep
sides 
More open ‘U’ shape, gentle
sides 
Stream load
Large boulders, stones,
large-grained sand, mixed 
Fine silt (dissolved and in
suspension) 
Stream volume
Less water 
Far greater discharge 
Stream velocity
Quite fast 
Greatest velocity 
Type of stream flow
Predominantly turbulent 
Mainly laminar 
(10x1) (10)
1.3.3
1.3.4
No, profile is ungraded  – there are several ‘obstructions’ in the profile (e.g. Lake
Mweru, Lake Bangwuelu, Stanley Pool) ,  knickpoints present (just below Lake
Mweru). A graded profile is perfectly smooth and concave. 
(3x2) (6)
River braiding
(4x2) (8)
[90]
QUESTION 2
2.1.1
A: South Atlantic high pressure cell/anticyclone 
B: Cold front 
C: Occluded front 
2.1.2
low pressure 
2.1.3
 100% cloud cover 
 Wind direction is NW 
 Wind speed 5 knots 
 Air temperature is 22°C 
 Dew point temperature is 14°C 
 Thunderstorm activity 
2.1.4
Tropical cyclone Boloetse is located at 25°S (i.e. in the tropics), () over the warm
Indian Ocean (Mozambique Channel), () away from the equator (for Coriolis Force),
() on the east coast of southern Africa () all are locational requirements for the
formation of a tropical cyclone – accept any two
(3x2) (6)
(1x2) (2)
(6x1) (6)
(2x2) (4)
16
2.1.5
2.1.6
a) False  – the winds are on-shore (blowing from the sea). 
b) True  – a cold front is approaching that will bring showers. 
c) False  – the LP cells are associated with unstable atmospheric conditions, cloud,
rain and thunderstorm activity 
Weather
system
One positive impact on
human activities
One negative impact on
human activities
a) Mid-latitude
cyclones
Rain good for farmers, dams
filled, good for indigenous
vegetation, cooler
temperatures sometimes
necessary for certain plant
types 
Flooding, bad for tourism, rough
seas, flights and ships delayed,
storms affecting people 
b) Tropical
cyclones
None! (could mention rainfall
‘good’ for farmers) 
Flooding, damage to property and
farmlands, infrastructure, bad for
tourism, bad for fishing, diseases,
death, homelessness 
c) Subtropical
anticyclones
Pleasant weather clear, dry,
blue skies in winter on
highveld 
Dry, arid conditions, assist in
‘trapping’ pollution over cities like
Johannesburg; respiratory
ailments and allergies 
(3x2) (6)
(6x2) (12)
2.1.7
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
Any two of the following:
 Negative impact on tourism ()
 Strong winds and high seas keep people away ()
 Damage to beaches, hotels, airport, infrastructure, etc. ()
 People could be killed, injured, stranded, etc. ()
a) Drainage basin: area drained by a steam network  
b) Watershed: high ground separating one drainage basin from another (also called a
divide or interfluve)  
c) Episodic river: a river that flows only after a period of heavy rain  
d) Perennial river: a river that flow throughout the year  
There is higher drainage density in the eastern and northern regions as these areas
receive higher rainfall (could suggest rocks are non-permeable/non-porous) 
In the western and central areas there is less precipitation (arid / semi-arid areas) 
Dendritic 
Zambezi River 
Indian Ocean  the vast majority of southern Africa’s rivers drain eastwards into the
Indian Ocean 
(2x2) (4)
[40]
(4x2) (8)
(2x2) (4)
(1x2) (2)
(1x2) (2)
(2x2) (4)
17
2.2.6
Longitudinal profile of Great Fish River
(6x2) (12)
[30]
TOTAL FOR QUESTION 2 - 70 marks
QUESTION 3
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.1.5
3.1.6
3.1.7
3.1.8
3.1.9
Gradient of the slope is very steep  therefore more energised 
Headward erosion 
 The river is cutting back at its source ()
 River is lengthening ()
Any three of the following:
 Elbow of capture ()
 Wind gap ()
 River gravels ()
 Misfit stream ()
 Misfit stream 
 Very little water left flowing in the river 
Any two of the following:
 Renewed erosion = rejuvenation ()
 Vertical erosion ()
 Deep incised valleys ()
 Terraces ()
 The sedimentary rock has been folded or inclined ()
 Alternate layers of hard and soft rock have been exposed ()
 Steep slopes are formed by the hard rock and gentle by the soft rock ()
A: scarp slope 
B: dip slope 





(2x2) (4)
(2x2) (4)
(3x2) (6)
(2x1) (2)
(2x2) (4)
(2x2) (4)
(2x2) (4)
Slope B dip slope 
Gentle slope better for settlement and farming 
More fertile soil to be found on the gentle slope good for agriculture 
Trellis 
Rock has been inclined 
Water flows down steep slopes into valleys joining at a 90º angle 
[TOTAL FOR PAPER: 200]
(3x2) (6)
2 + (2x2) (6)
[40]