AS Geography: Managing physical environments

Exemplar short structured questions

River environments (always question 1
Examination matters !"#Rom (mar$ scheme on the % drive
Identify and describe the main fluvial features shown in Figure 2.1 (a photo of a
river in a valley). &'(
Explain the processes responsible for the formation of the features identified in (a).
&)(
sing the evidence of Figure 2.2 (an !" map extract)# show how river landscapes
provide opportunities for a range of human activities. &)(
$ith reference to named examples# explain why some river basins are more
naturally vulnerable to flooding than others. &*(
Raw (+1 and ,
Figure 1 (a hydrograph before and after dam construction) shows the effects of dam
construction on the %rinity &iver.
'escribe the main features of flow on the %rinity &iver before and after the
construction of the dam. &'(
Explain how dam construction might alter the fluvial processes operating in a river
system. &)(
In what ways can rivers provide opportunities for a number of human activities(
&)(
$ith reference to one or more examples# explain why some river basins are more
vulnerable to flooding than others. &*(
'escribe the main fluvial features of the river channel and valley shown in Figure 2
(a photo). &'(
Explain the processes responsible for the formation of the features identified in
Figure 2. &)(
"how how development can ma)e rivers increasingly vulnerable to flooding.
&)(
$ith reference to one or more named examples# explain how different land uses
can lead to conflict in river basins. &*(
Specimen paper
Identify and describe the features shown on -ig. /. &'(
*ompare the processes which affect the shape of the river channel with those that
operate on the river valley slopes. &)(
"how how two factors influence the use of land along river ban)s( &)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# explain how the human
development of river basins can increase the ris) of flooding. &*(
0anuary /11*
"tudy Fig. 1# a photograph of part of the +lyde &iver# "outh ,frica
Identify the 2our features of river erosion# A3 43 ! and "3 shown in Fig. 1. &'(
Explain how channel processes have influenced one of these features. &)(
"how how two factors influence river deposition. &)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# explain how river basins can
provide opportunities for human activities. &*(
May /11*
"tudy Fig. 1# a map showing the flood management scheme at +landford Farm# 'orset.
'escribe the ways in which the flooding ris) is being managed in the area shown in
Fig. 1. &'(
Explain two different ways in which development in a river basin such as this may
increase the ris) of flooding. &)(
"how how two physical factors influence river erosion. &)(
Explain the possible conflicts that may result from the variety of human activities
found in one located river basin. &*(
0anuary /111
"tudy Fig. 1# an !" map extract showing a stretch of the &iver -ersey# .iverpool.
Identify the 2our different types of human activity ta)ing place at locations A to " on
Fig. 1. &'(
For any two of these activities# suggest why each one is ta)ing place at that
location. &)(
"tate and explain two reasons why some river basins are vulnerable to flooding.
&)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# explain how roc) type and
structure influence the development of landforms of river erosion. &*(
May /111
"tudy Fig. 1# a graph showing the estimated average monthly sediment load for a point on
the &iver $ye.
'escribe the pattern of average monthly sediment load show in Fig. 1. &'(
Explain two possible reasons for this pattern. &)(
"how how human activities within river basics can increase the ris) of flooding.
&)(
$ith reference to one or more located river basins# explain why differing land uses
may conflict. &*(
0anuary /111
"tudy Fig. 1# a photograph showing the East .yn &iver# 'evon.
'escribe the main features of the river and its valley shown in Fig. 1. &'(
"uggest how two natural processes are shaping this valley. &)(
"tate and explain two environmental impacts of flooding. &)(
$ith reference to a located example# describe and explain how a river environment
provides opportunities for human activities. &*(
May /111
"tudy Fig. 1# a photograph of part of the valley of the &iver &hine in /ermany.
Identify 2our different types of human activities shown in Fig. 1. &'(
"uggest two reasons why there is such a range of human activities in this area.
&)(
!utline two effects of sea0level change on the development of fluvial landforms.
&)(
$ith reference to one or more river basins# examine the economic impacts of
flooding. &*(
0anuary /11/
"tudy Fig. 1 (a line graph)# which shows downstream changes in average sediment si1e
for the -ississippi &iver.
'escribe the changes shown in Fig. 1. &'(
!utline two ways by which rivers transport sediment. &)(
Explain two ways in which river basins are managed to resolve possible land0use
conflicts. &)(
$ith reference to one or more located river basins# explain how human activities
can increase flood ris). &*(
May /11/
"tudy Fig. 1 (a simple map with shaded altitude 1ones and assorted annotations as clues)#
which shows the factors influencing flooding of the &iver !use# 2or)shire.
!utline two physical factors that influence flooding of the &iver !use. &'(
"uggest how two of the human factors shown in Fig. 1 can influence flooding.
&)(
!utline two conflicts that can arise from having different land uses in river basins.
&)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# describe and explain how river
basins are managed to resolve flood ris) issues. &*(
0anuary /11,
"tudy Fig. 1# which shows the erosion index (134502667) along the .ower "an ,ntonio
&iver# %exas# ", (via a line graph).
sing Fig.1# describe how the erosion index varies with distance downstream.
&'(
"uggest and explain two factors influencing these variations. &)(
!utline two slope processes typical of river environments. &)(
$ith reference to one or more river basins# describe and explain the growth and
development of two different human activities. &*(
May /11,5
!oastal environments (always question /
Examination matters !"#Rom (mar$ scheme on the % drive
'escribe the main physical features of the coastline in Figure 2.4 (an !" map of a
coastline). &'(
Explain the formation of the physical features described in (a). &)(
sing Figure 2.7 (a photo of a protected coastline)# explain how coastal protection
can ta)e a variety of different forms. &)(
$ith reference to one or more named examples# explain why coastal management
increasingly favours soft engineering and managed retreat. &*(
Raw (+1 and ,
Identify and describe the main coastal landforms shown in Figure 1 (an !.". map
extract). &'(
Explain the formation of the coastal landforms identified in (a). &)(
!utline the evidence in Figure 1 that shows that coastal environments have a
variety of human uses. &)(
$ith reference to one or more examples# explain how stretches of coastline can be
protected from coastal erosion and flooding. &*(
'escribe the main features of the coastline in Figure 2 (a photo). &'(
Explain how erosion and sub0aerial processes are responsible for the formation of
the features described in (a). &)(
Explain why some stretches of coastline need protection against the effects of
natural processes. &)(
$ith reference to one or more named examples# explain how coastlines are
valuable economic and environmental resources. &*(
Specimen paper
Identify and describe the features shown on -ig. 1. &'(
*ompare the processes which affect the shoreline and the cliff face.&)(
"how how two factors influence the use of land in coastal areas( &)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# explain how management
schemes in coastal areas can provide protection from coastal processes. &*(
0anuary /11*
"tudy Fig. 2# a photograph of 'unmore 8ead# 'ingle 9eninsula# western Ireland.
Identify the 2our landforms of coastal erosion# A3 43 ! and "3 shown in Fig. 2.
&'(
Explain how wave action has influenced one of these landforms. &)(
"how how two factors influence coastal deposition. &)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# explain how coastal areas can
provide opportunities for human activities. &*(
May /11*
"tudy Fig. 2# a photograph of a stretch of coastline at %eignmouth# 'evon.
'escribe the ways in which the coastal area shown in Fig. 2 is being protected from
physical processes. &'(
Explain how two of these ways provide protection from wave action. &)(
"how how two physical factors influence coastal erosion. &)(
Explain the possible conflicts that may result from the variety of human activities
found in one located coastal area. &*(
0anuary /111
"tudy Fig. 2# an !.". map extract showing a stretch of the 'orset coastline near 9oole.
Identify the 2our different types of human activity ta)ing place at locations A to " on
Fig. 2. &'(
For any two of these activities# suggest why each one is ta)ing place at that
location. &)(
"tate and explain two reasons why some coastal areas need to be protected from
the effects of natural processes. &)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# explain how roc) type and
structure influence the development of landforms of coastal erosion. &*(
May /111
"tudy Fig. 2# a graph showing variations in mean pebble si1e with distance from a cliff
along a beach at .a -albaie# :uebec# *anada.
'escribe the variations in mean pebble si1e with distance from the cliff in Fig. 2.
&'(
Explain two possible reasons for these variations. &)(
"how how hard engineering methods can protect coastlines from natural
processes. &)(
$ith reference to one or more located coastal areas# explain why conflicts may
result from the growth and development of human activities. &*(
0anuary /111
"tudy Fig. 2# a photograph showing the coastline near .ynmouth# 'evon.
'escribe the main features of the coastline shown in Fig. 2. &'(
"uggest how two natural processes are shaping this coastline. &)(
"how how two methods of soft engineering can protect coastlines from natural
processes. &)(
$ith reference to a located example# describe and explain how a coastal
environment provides opportunities for human activities. &*(
May /111
"tudy Fig. 2# a photograph showing the coastline at +udleigh "alterton# 'evon.
Identify 2our different types of human activities shown in Fig. 2. &'(
"uggest two reasons why there is such a range of human activities in this area.
&)(
!utline two effects of sea0level change on the development of coastal landforms.
&)(
$ith reference to one or more coastal areas# examine the need for protection from
natural processes. &*(
0anuary /11/
"tudy Fig. 2 (scatter graph)# which shows the relationship between wave energy and angle
of beach profile for a sample of 12 beaches.
'escribe the relationship shown in Fig. 2. &'(
!utline two ways by which waves transport sediment. &)(
Explain two ways in which coastal areas are managed to resolve possible conflicts.
&)(
$ith reference to one or more located areas# explain how the coast is being
protected from the effects of natural processes. &*(
May /11/
"tudy Fig. 2 (a simple map showing geology# coastal features and land uses with assorted
annotations as clues)# which shows reasons why coastal protection may be needed in part
of western France.
!utline two physical reasons why protection may be needed on this coastline.
&'(
"uggest how two of the human activities shown in Fig. 2 may lead to a need for
coastal protection. &)(
!utline two conflicts that can arise between different human activities in coastal
areas. &)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# describe and explain how coastal
areas are managed to resolve issues resulting from their development. &*(
0anuary /11,
"tudy Fig. 2# which shows mean erosion rates (13;102661) along a coastline in 2or)shire
(simple bar chart).
sing Fig.2# describe how mean erosion rates vary along this coastline. &'(
"uggest and explain two factors influencing these variations. &)(
!utline two sub0aerial processes typical of coastal environments. &)(
$ith reference to one or more coastal areas# describe and explain the growth and
development of two different human activities. &*(
May /11,5
!old environments (always question ,
Remem6er that you must only do the short3 structured questions 2or this unit7
Examination matters !"#Rom (mar$ scheme on the % drive
sing Figure 2.; (a s)etch of a valley glacier< 1ones of accumulation and ablation)#
describe the main features of the mass balance of a glacier. &'(
Explain how changes in mass balance can affect the behaviour of glaciers. &)(
Explain the formation of the variety of morainic features that occur in glaciated
lowland regions. &)(
$ith reference to Figure 2.= (9ermafrost temperatures in East %eshe)pu)# ,las)a 0
three lines for 1353# 133; and 2661)# and one or more named examples# comment
on the problems associated with development in cold environments. &*(
Raw (+1 and ,
se Figure 1 (a climate graph of Fairban)s# ,las)a) to describe the main features of
the climate at Fairban)s. &'(
Explain the weathering processes that operate in cold environments. &)(
Explain the formation of one named landform found in cold environments. &)(
$ith reference to one or more named examples# outline the opportunities for# and
the problems caused by# resource exploitation. &*(
se Figure 2 (a map of the distribution of permafrost) to describe the distribution of
permafrost in cold environments. &'(
Explain the weathering processes operating in permafrost areas in cold
environments. &)(
Explain the impact of climate on vegetation in cold environments. &)(
$ith reference to one or more named examples# explain how human activity in cold
environments can destroy the fine balance of natural ecosystems and result in
ecological change. &*(
Specimen paper
se -ig. , to describe the main features of the climate at Frobisher +ay. &'(
,ccount for two weathering processes that are li)ely to occur in cold environments.
&)(
Explain the formation of either outwash plains or cir>ues. &)(
*omment on the problems associated with the sustainable management of two
contrasting cold environments. &*(
0anuary /11*
"tudy Fig. 4# a climate graph for %oms)# &ussia.
Identify the main features of the climate at %oms)# &ussia shown in Fig. 4. &'(
Explain how vegetation has adapted to such climatic conditions. &)(
"uggest two ways in which human activity ma)es cold environments ecologically
vulnerable. &)(
Explain the impact of weathering on the physical landscape of one located cold
environment. &*(
May /11*
"tudy the map extract# a 1<;6 666 !" map of part of the .a)e 'istrict.
Identify the distinctive landforms produced by ice# A3 43 ! and "# show in the map
extract. &'(
Explain how ice shaped one of these distinctive landforms. &)(
!utline two ways in which cold environments can provide economic opportunities.
&)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# explain why cold environments
can be easily damaged. &*(
0anuary /111
"tudy Fig. 4# a photograph of a cold environment in .apland# Finland.
'escribe the main characteristics of the vegetation shown in Fig. 4. &'(
"uggest how climate has influenced two of these characteristics. &)(
!utline two ways in which cold environments provide challenges for economic
development. &)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# explain how careful management
in cold environments can help to ensure sustainability. &*(
May /111
"tudy Fig. 4# a map of the present0day distribution of ice masses.
'escribe the distribution of ice masses show in Fig. 4. &'(
Explain how climatic conditions lead to the formation of ice masses. &)(
!utline two ways in which cold environments can be exploited for short0term gains.
&)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# explain how ice produces
distinctive landforms in cold environments. &*(
0anuary /111
"tudy Fig. 4# two maps showing annual days of melt on the /reenland ice sheet in 13?3
and 266?.
'escribe the pattern of change in annual days of melt shown in Fig. 4. &'(
"uggest two reasons for this pattern of change. &)(
Explain two impacts of climate on the characteristics of animals in cold
environments. &)(
$ith reference to one or more cold environments# examine how meltwater has
shaped the landscape. &*(
May /111
"tudy Fig. 4# a rose diagram showing the orientation of cir>ues in an area of the .a)e
'istrict.
'escribe the pattern of cir>ue orientation shown in Fig. 4. &'(
Explain how two natural processes influence cir>ue formation. &)(
'escribe the climatic characteristics of a cold environment. &)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# show how cold environments
provide economic opportunities. &*(
0anuary /11/
"tudy Fig. 4# a (40' s)etch) diagram of a cold (glacial eroded) environment.
'escribe two opportunities for human activities provided by this cold environment.
&'(
Explain two ways in which these activities could help the economic development of
the area. &)(
!utline the influence of two factors affecting weathering processes in cold
environments. &)(
$ith reference to one or more located cold environments# show how and why the
ecosystem has been damaged. &*(
May /11/
"tudy Fig. 4# a photograph of a cold environment in the ,lps (snow covered lower slopes
and @agged pea)s).
se Fig. 4 to outline the evidence that suggests that these are harsh conditions for
animals. &'(
Explain two ways in which animals have adapted to conditions in cold
environments. &)(
Explain how two factors affect processes of erosion by ice. &)(
$ith reference to one or more located examples# show how cold environments
provide challenges for development. &*(
0anuary /11,
"tudy Fig. 4# a summary (three short paragraphs of text) of a sustainable tourism scheme
in the "wiss ,lps.
se evidence from Fig.4 to show how socio0economic and environmental needs are
being met. &/(
In what way is this scheme sustainable( &/(
"tate and explain two ways in which plants adapt to survive in cold environments.
&)(
!utline how ecosystems in cold environments can change as a result of human
activities. &)(
'escribe and explain how ice has shaped two different landforms in cold
environments. &*(
May /11,5