Unit One: Dynamic Planet.
Past questions and model answers.
Topic 1: The Restless Earth
Describe one way a region affected by earthquakes can prepare for this hazard. (2
marks)
Build earthquake proof buildings that have flexible foundations (1) to prevent structures
collapsing during an earthquake (1).
OR train your emergency services, practice earthquake drills.
Using an example(s), describe the effects of earthquakes on people and property. (4
marks)
Earthquakes can cause buildings and infrastructure to be damaged or even collapse (1).
This can cause death or injury (1), breaking gas pipes can lead to fires (1) and roads and
bridges can be damaged which affects emergency supplies (1).
Describe how hazard resistant design can help reduce the impact of earthquakes (4)
Cross bracing in buildings (1) can stop floors collapsing in tall buildings (1) Deep
foundations (1) can stop a building from collapsing on itself (1) A damper in the roof (1)
acts like a pendulum and stops the building from swaying (1)
Explain how building design can help reduce the impact of earthquakes (4)
See above
Suggest one reason why the number of deaths varies between earthquakes. (2 marks)
Some countries may be better prepared and have good emergency procedures with better
equipment (1) which means that they can victims can be helped quicker. Some countries
may have better planning laws which leads to stronger buildings (1) and they are
therefore less likely to collapse.
Give two reasons why developing countries are very vulnerable to earthquake damage
(2 marks)
Developing countries often cannot afford to build earthquake proof buildings, which
means people are more vulnerable to collapsing buildings (1) Developing countries are
also less likely to have trained emergency services that have the resources to rescue
people after an earthquake (1)
For either an earthquake or a volcanic eruption you have studied, describe the
immediate responses (straight after the earthquake) in managing its impact. (4 marks)
Named Example: San Francisco, 1989
For example in San Francisco emergency services were sent out quickly (1) in order to
search for survivors (1). Roads were cleared (1), to ensure emergency services can get
through (1).
Describe two hazards volcanic eruptions can create for people (4 marks)
Erupting volcanoes can release ash clouds (1) that can be dangerous to aeroplanes and
stop them from flying, leaving people stranded on holiday (1). Volcanoes can erupt rivers
of lava (1) that can destroy people homes, leaving them homeless (1)
Explain how volcanoes are formed on either constructive or destructive plate
boundaries. (4 marks).
Note: An annotated diagram can also receive full marks. NO marks for what volcanoes
look like, you need to say how they are formed.
At constructive boundaries convection current pull the plates apart (1) causing hot
magma to rise up through the gap (1). If under the sea this lava cools and solidifies
almost instantly (1), if on land the runny lava travels long distances before it solidifies
(1).
At destructive boundaries heavy oceanic crust is pushed down under lighter continental
crust (1). As the crust sinks it melts (1).The melted crust rises up through cracks in the
crust forming a volcano (1) which builds up through layers of lava over time (1).
Explain how shield volcanoes are formed. (4 marks)
Note: An annotated diagram can also receive full marks
They form on constructive plate boundaries (1). Basalt lava from deep in the mantle rises
up through the crack made by the plates moving apart (1). This lava is very runny (1)
which means it travels a long way before it solidifies forming a wide volcano with gentle
slopes (1).
Describe the features of a shield volcano (2 marks)
Shield volcanoes are not very steep and have quite low angled sides to them (1) Shield
volcanoes also erupt very runny (non-viscous) lava (1)
Draw an accurate labelled diagram of a destructive plate margin (4)
Outline one difference between oceanic and continental crust (2)
Oceanic crust is made from basalt and is denser (1) than continental crust which is made
from granite (1)
Describe two differences between oceanic and continental crusts (4)
Oceanic crust is made from basalt and is denser (1) than continental crust which is made
from granite (1)
Continental crust is thicker than oceanic crust at between 30-50km thick whereas oceanic
crust is only 6 – 8 km thick
Examine why the characteristics of volcanoes vary (6)
The main reason volcanoes vary is because of lava type (1) Shield volcanoes have gentle
slopes and cover large areas because the lava they are made from is non-viscous (runny)
(1) and flows a long way before it solidifies (1) They are not explosive because because
the lava is non viscous, so it does not get stuck in the vent and pressure does not build up
(1) They also have non viscous lava because it is made from basalt, which has a low
silica content (1)
Composite volcanoes however have steep slopes because they are made from viscous
lava that does not flow very far (1) this causes the steep sides to build up (1) They also
produce powerful eruptions because pressure builds up in the vent where the lava gets
stuck (1) Because the lava is viscous it flows very slowly (1)
For a named volcanic event, compare the primary and secondary impacts (6)
Primary impacts:
Nuée ardente (hot ash and gas) destroyed forests and logging camps. (1)
63 people were killed, mainly by poisonous gases. (1)
Lahars (mudflows of ash and water) covered an extensive area surrounding the volcano.
(1)
Secondary impacts:
Ash blocked rivers destroying popular fishing sites and causing flooding. This in turn
destroyed crops and cattle. (1)
Flooding destroyed communications such as road and railway bridges. (1)
Sediment carried downstream ruined barge transport on the Columbia River. (1)
Topic 2: Climate and Change
Outline one reason why sea level is expected to rise in the future (2)
As the Arctic and Greenland ice sheets melt water will flow into the sea (1) causing the
sea level to rise (1)
Describe two impact of melting ice sheets on the environment (2)
Melting ice sheets can cause sea levels to rise (1) which can cause flooding along the
coast (1)
Describe one impact of a short term past climate change on
(4)
A: People
People suffered during the Little Ice Age as colder temperatures made it harder for
farmers to grow food in many parts of Europe (1) This pushed up the price of food and
caused starvation for many people (1)
B; the environment
During the Little Ice Age many rivers would regularly freeze over (1) for example the
Thames froze for two during the winter of 1683 – 84
Describe how colder periods, such as the Little Ice Age, affected farming. (2 marks)
Cold temperatures would mean less crops (1) will grow which means they have less to
sell (1). The amount of sheep and cattle will also decrease (1) as they can’t survive in the
cold weather (1).
State two impacts of colder periods such as the Little Ice Age (2)
A colder climate meant farmers found it harder to grow crops (1) which meant people did
not have as much food (1) A colder climate also made it harder for people to live in
mountain regions (1) meaning people had to migrate to warmer areas (1)
Describe how climate change in the past, such as the Little Ice Age, affected people
and ecosystems. (4marks).
NOTE: you have to fully describe one impact on people & ecosystems.
Colder temperatures led to lower output of crops (1) which led to food shortages and
famine (1). Lower temperatures would also affect food chains (1) because plant growth
slowed down and so animals had less to eat (1).
Explain how natural events can cause climate change. (4 marks)
or
Describe two natural cause of climate change. (4 marks)
Volcanic eruptions can eject large amounts of ash into the atmosphere (1) which block
out sunlight therefore lowering temperatures (1).
Over a long period of time a large number of volcanic eruptions can lead to a higher level
of C02 (1) in the atmosphere which can lead to a warmer climate (1).
Sun spots (1) are areas of high solar energy which cause more of the suns energy to reach
the earth and therefore a warmer climate (1).
Changes in the orbit of the earth around the sun from a circular to an oval orbit (1) can
affect the amount of sunlight the earth receives therefore affecting climate (1).
NOTE: cows do not count as a natural cause as they are bred by people.
Describe how one human activity can contribute to climate change. (2 marks)
or
Describe how two human activities can contribute to climate change. (2 marks)
Driving cars (1) releases carbon dioxide (1).
Power stations (1) burning fossil fuels to release carbon dioxide (1).
Deforestation (1) prevents the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (1).
Give two reasons why developing countries often produce less carbon dioxide than
developed countries (2)
People in developing countries have less money and therefore do not drive as many cars,
so produce less carbon dioxide (1) People in developing countries fly less, so create less
carbon dioxide (1) People in developing countries have less appliances such as mobile
phones, that require energy which produces carbon dioxide (1)
State two possible impacts of climate change in the UK (2)
Named Country: UK (developed country)
Climate change can cause sea level rise, which will could cause flooding along the coast
(1) Higher temperatures could cause droughts (water shortages), especially in south east
England (1)
For a named developing country, explain how climate change is likely to have a large
impact on its economy. (6 marks)
Named Example: Egypt
Reduced annual rainfall leads to less crops being grown (1) and this could affect the
money farmers can make (1) It could also affect Egypt’s ability to be able to export food
and make money from other countries (1) Warmer temperatures can lead to an increase in
tropical diseases (1) for example Malaria which will make many people ill and stop them
from working and earning a living (1) Egypt will also have to spend more on healthcare
(1) The city of Alexandria on the Nile Delta will also be flooded (1) meaning lots of
money will have to be spent re-locating people (1) Lots of money will have to be spent
on flood defences (1)
Explain the possible economic (to do with money) impacts of climate change on a
named country. (4 marks)
Named Country: UK (developed country)
In the UK increased sea level (1) would lead to an increase in expensive sea defences (1).
This could also lead to higher insurance costs (1) for people in low lying areas (1)
because of the greater risk of flooding.
OR Named Country: Egypt (developing country)
Egyptian farmers rely on the annual flooding of the River Nile for their crops (1). If this
fails because of climate change they lose income from selling their crops (1). Their water
supply would also reduce (1) which would increase the price of available water (1)
meaning that poorer families would suffer (1).
For a named developing country, explain why climate change is likely to have a large
impact on its people. (6 marks)
Named Example: Egypt
Reduced annual rainfall (1) leads to less crops being grown (1). Warmer temperatures can
lead to an increase in tropical diseases (1) for example Malaria which will kill many
people (1). Rising sea levels means that the Nile Delta will be permanently flooded which
means food can no longer be grown there. (1) The city of Alexandria on the Nile Delta
will also be flooded (1) meaning many people could be made homeless and lots of money
will have to be spent on flood defences (1)
For a named country, suggest one possible impact of higher global temperatures.
(2 marks)
See examples of the UK and Egypt
Describe two possible changes to the future climate of the UK (4)
Rainfall patterns will change (1) for example it is expected the UK will get wetter winters
and heavier rainstorms in the summer (1) It is expected that there could be hotter weather
and droughts (1) particularly in the South East of England (1) It is likely the UK will
experience more extreme weather such as storms (1) Many of these will affect the South
West of England as depressions (wet weather) blows in from the Atlantic (1)
Explain how the future climate of the UK is likely to be affected by global climate
change (6)
Climate change will make the Atlantic Ocean warmer which will bring more extreme
weather to the UK (1) for example more storms will affect the South West of England
though out the autumn and winter (1)
Increases in temperature, particularly in the South East (1) of the UK could bring prolonged heat-waves throughout the summer (1) Meltwater flowing into the Atlantic could
disrupt the North Atlantic current (1) which would stop warm water from reaching the
UK, making it much colder (1) (a bit like in The Day After Tomorrow, but less extreme)
Topic 3: Battle for the Biosphere
Most of our examples for this section were to do with the Amazon
Rainforest.
Describe the distribution of tropical rainforests (2)
Tropical rainforests are found in a band around the equator, mainly in South East Asia,
Central Africa and Central South America (1) Countries include Brazil, the Congo and
Indonesia (1)
Explain how temperature and precipitation affect the distribution of global biomes. (4
marks)
Note: The question is asking you about temperature AND precipitation so you will need
to talk about both. The command word is EXPLAIN so you need to clearly say HOW they
affect biome distribution.
The temperature across the world depends on the latitude (1). The sun’s energy is more
concentrated near the equator and more spread out at the poles, meaning a longer
growing season closer to the equator (1). Vegetation grows better in areas with higher
rainfall (1). Areas nearer to the coast tend to have higher rainfall due to the winds which
have blown over the sea, carrying moisture (1).
Outline how altitude affects biome location (2)
The higher above sea level the land is the colder it gets and this means plants have to
adapt to colder temperatures and less can grow (1) for example mountain vegetation such
as coniferous forest mainly grows at high altitude (1)
Using examples, describe how the biosphere provides people with a range of goods and
services. (4 marks)
Or
Describe two ways in which the biosphere acts as a life support system (4)
.





Goods
Food crops e.g. rice
Animal products e.g. leather
Wood for furniture
Natural products e.g. rubber
Medicines / leukaemia from Rosie
Periwinkle plant
Life support system



Takes in carbon dioxide which
reduces global warming.
Provides oxygen from plants so we
can breath
Medicines / leukaemia from Rosie
Periwinkle plant
“The destruction of some forests has made us more aware of the benefits they can
provide.” Explain the value of a biome you have studied. (4 marks)
Rainforests can provide people with a range of goods and services. They can provide
wood for construction (1). Local tribes can then use the wood to build homes and for
cooking food (1). Rainforests can help to control global climate (1) by removing carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere, which is a greenhouse gas (1).
Explain the role of human activity in the destruction of tropical rainforest (6)
Cattle ranching for beef, particularly in South America (1) has lead to the cutting down of
tropical rainforest (1) Gold mining in Brazil has lead to the cutting down of rainforest so
people can dig into the ground to get the gold (1) Chemicals from the mines often gets
into rivers harming wildlife (1) Climate change caused by people has meant warmer
temperatures and less rain (1) and this is having the impact of drying out some areas of
rainforest (1)
Suggest two reasons why many rainforest areas are being cut down (deforestation). (2)
The rainforest is being cut down in Brazil to make way for cattle ranches (1) to supply
people with beef (1). The rainforest is being cut down to make way for new roads (1)
The rainforest is being cut down for famers to grow palm oil & soya beans (1)
Describe two effects of deforestation on the environment. (4)
Cutting down trees can increase the risk of flooding (1) because there are less trees to
absorb water from the soil (1) Cutting down trees means less carbon dioxide can be
absorbed from the atmosphere (1) which increases global warming (1)
Describe two ways humans can harm (damage) the biosphere (4)
See the answer above.
Also: Drilling for oil in the sea can lead to oil spills (1) which can harm wild-life such as
fish and seabirds (1)
Explain how climate change can lead to degradation of the biosphere (4)
Climate change caused by people has meant warmer temperatures and less rain (1) and
this is having the impact of drying out some areas of rainforest (1) Where plants die the
soil often loses its nutrients and can dry out and get blown away by the wind (1) this
causes desertification as the land dries out and nothing else can grow (1)
Describe two ways of conserving (protecting) threatened environments. (4 marks)
Establish national parks (1), which prevent construction on protected land by not
allowing new buildings or roads to be built (1)
Promote eco-tourism (1), which unlike mass tourism, doesn’t threaten the environment,
because money from tourists might be put back into protecting the environment (1)
Afforestation (re-planting trees) ( (1) which promote the growth of the rainforest in future
years (1)
Describe one way of conserving threatened environments. (2 marks)
Establish national parks (1), which prevent construction on protected land (1).
Promote eco-tourism (1), which unlike mass tourism, doesn’t threaten the environment
because the money often gets put back into protecting the environment (1).
Replanting schemes (afforestation) (1) which promote the growth of the rainforest in
future years (1)
Describe one way in which people are trying to conserve the biosphere. (2 marks)
Establish national parks (1), which would prevent construction which damages the
environment (1).
Sign global treaties (1), to protect endangered species such as the tiger (1).
Nature reserves (1), which provide protection for habitats (1).
Describe one management measure that can be used to conserve the biosphere. (2
marks)
See answer above.
Using examples explain how management measures can help to conserve the biosphere
(6)Third point if question asks how succesful
CITES is (The convention on International Trade in Endangered Species is a treaty
signed by 163 countries (1) designed to stop the trade in endangered animals e.g.
Elephant Ivory and Tiger furs (1) This is very difficult to manage though as the countries
where many of these items come from are poor and do not have resources making it
difficult to police (1)
National Parks in the UK are designed to prevent over development in protected areas
(1) for example new roads and housing cannot be built in the Lake District or Peak
District in the north of England (1) These are generally very successful as strict planning
laws in the parks prevent any development (1)
Rainforest reserves in countries like Costa Rica (1) prevent the logging of trees and
hunting of wild animals (1) These are quite difficult to police as many countries that have
rainforest are poor and do not have the resources to police them (1)
Topic 4: Water World
Describe one impact of water shortages on people. (2 marks)
or
Describe two impacts of water shortages on people. (4 marks)
Unreliable rainfall can make farming difficult (1). This can lead to drought which causes
crops to fail (1).
Poor supplies of fresh water due to decreased rainfall (1). Can lead to dehydration and
even death (1).
Tensions between countries over water supply (1) can lead to conflict between the two
countries (1).
For a named vulnerable area, describe one problem caused by an unreliable or
insufficient water supply. (2 marks)
or
Outline why an unreliable water supply can cause problems for farmers (2 marks)
An unreliable water supply means farmers will find it hard to grow their crops (1) This
could lead to financial problems as they then won’t have enough produce to sell (1)
Using an example(s), explain why small scale solutions to managing water supplies are
often sustainable for people in the developing world (6 marks)
Small wells were built in Ghana. These are sustainable as they were built, and are
maintained, by local people (1). All the materials used were local and the construction
made use of local people and trained them with new skills (1). If there was a problem
with the well in the future, local people could quickly fix the well (1). The materials used
to build the wells are also cheap and easily available, for example old bits of rope and
plastic buckets (1) The wells also mean people spend less time queing for water and
instead can spend more time working (1) Children are less likely to be ill from water
borne diseases which means they can go to school (1) this will enable them to get better
jobs in the future and work their way out of poverty (1)
Using an example(s), explain why small scale solutions to managing water supplies are
often sustainable. (4 marks)
Small water pumps were built in Tanzania: these are sustainable as they were built,
and are maintained, by local people (1). All the materials used to make the pumps are
found locally and often from recycled material, such as old buckets and bike wheels (1).
If there was a problem with the well in the future, local people could quickly fix the well
(1). As these wells were built by local people and use local material they are cheap to
build and maintain. (1) extra points to make: They also reduce diseases such as cholera
by supplying people with clean water (1) Because the water pumps are small scale they
have very little impact on the environment (1)
Describe two ways in which human activities can affect water quality (4marks)
Pollution from industry (1) can lead to poisonous chemicals being released into rivers (1).
Fertiliser from farming can be washed into rivers (1) which can lead to the growth of
algae and loss of oxygen in water for river species. This is called eutrophication (1).
Deforestation can lead to siltation of water (1) which can block river channels and affect
water supply downstream (1).
Describe how one human activity can result in a decline in water quality. (2 marks)
See answer above
Give two effects of water pollution (2 marks)
Fertilizers washing into rivers from farmland cause plants in the river to grow (1) these
plants then use up all the oxygen in the water, causing the fish to die (1) This is known as
eutrophication.
Oil spills from boats and oil rigs can harm can harm seabirds by getting into their feathers
and stopping them from flying (1)
Using examples, describe how human interference can disrupt water supply. (4 marks)
In Benidorm lots of water gets used by tourists. The water is taken out of the ground and
used in swimming pools, hotels and for golf courses. Some of the golf courses use over
45,000 of litres a day and this has reduced the amount of water available to farmers.
The Aral Sea is also drying up because people have taken too much water from the rivers
feeding it, so they can grow cotton.
Using examples, examine the costs and benefits of large-scale water management
schemes. (6 marks)
Note: you must talk about the costs AND the benefits to get full marks!
The Katse Dam in Lesotho provided income for the country, as they sold the water to
South Africa (1) This was £35 million per year and is known as the ‘White Gold’ (1)
It also provided local people with 7000 jobs in construction and helped them gain new
skills (1). However a large area of land behind the dam was flooded, which meant many
people were forced out of their homes (1) and good quality farmland was lost (1) School
children also have to walk around the water to get to school making their school journey
much longer (1)
South Africa also had to take out a loan from the World Bank to pay for the dam (1) this
has out South Africa in debt, which they now have to pay back with interest (1) Water
bills also went up for many South Africans to help pay for the dam (1)
Describe the costs and benefits of a named large-scale water management project.
(4 marks)
Note: you must talk about the costs AND the benefits to get full marks!
The Katse Dam in Lesotho provided income for the country, as they sold the water to
South Africa (1). It also provided local people with jobs in construction and helped them
gain new skills (1). However a large area of land was flooded, which meant many people
were forced out of their homes (1) and good quality farmland was lost (1)
NB The two answers above you need to use either The Three Gorges Dam, China or
The Hoover Dam or a combination of both.
For a named water management project, describe ways it has benefitted local people. (2
marks)
Small wells in Ghana provided by Water Aid have meant that people have been provided
with clean water (1), which has led to a reduction in water-borne diseases such as cholera
(1).
Small wells in Ghana have allowed local people to take ownership of the wells (1) and
gain the necessary skills to maintain them (1).
State two ways of using intermediate (appropriate) technology to manage water
resources (2)
Rainwater harvesting is one method managing water. This involves collecting rainwater
that falls on the roof of a building. The water runs off the roof, into a gutter and then into
a tank where the water is stored (1)
Tube wells are another way of managing water resources. Wells are dug by hand and then
the water is collected by a bucket or pumped up to the surface (1)
Outline the process of precipitation. (2 marks)
Precipitation happens when water is evaporated into the atmosphere. The water vapour
droplets then join together until they get too heavy to be suspended and then fall back to
the ground as precipitation. This could also happen with snow and hail.
State two impacts of deforestation on the hydrological cycle. (2 marks)
Reduction in transpiration (1) and an increase in surface runoff (1)
Describe how water is transferred from the oceans to the atmosphere and back again
(4)
Water is evaporated from the oceans (1) where it condenses into clouds (1) These clouds
then cause precipitation on the land which flows into a river (1) The river then carries the
water back to the sea (1)
Explain how water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere in the hydrological
cycle. (4 marks)
Note: the Hydrological cycle is the same as the water cycle
Water from the land enters a river by overland flow or through-flow (1) The river then
carries water into the ocean (1) Water is then evaporated from the ocean (1) where it
condenses into clouds (1) These clouds then cause precipitation back onto the land (1)