now test yourself: answersresources.hoddereducation.co.uk/files/he/geography... · 2 outline the...

My Revision Notes: OCR GCSE (9–1) Geography A © Hodder Education 2018

Now Test Yourself: Answers Part 1: Living in the UK today Theme 1: Landscapes of the UK Page 9 Describe the formation and landscape characteristics of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Igneous rocks form from the cooling of molten magma. They are tough and resistant to erosion Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and compaction of sediments. Some rocks are resistant, such as limestone, whereas others are weak, such as clay. Metamorphic rocks have undergone a change due to extreme heat and/or pressure. They are usually tough and resistant to erosion. 0 1 What is the difference between mechanical and chemical weathering? Mechanical weathering involves rock disintegration without any chemical alteration, whereas chemical weathering involves chemical change. 2 Outline the process of freeze–thaw weathering. Water soaks into cracks in a rock. It freezes to form ice and expands creating stresses within the rock. Through repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, the rock becomes weakened further and fragments break away. 3 How does the action of plant roots cause weathering to rocks? As plant roots grow within rocks they prise open cracks causing rock fragments to break away. Page 11 Use Figure 4 to describe the causes and characteristics of slumping. Slumping is usually caused when weak rocks become saturated with water following heavy rainfall. These rocks can be made more unstable by undercutting and freeze-thaw weathering. The increased mass (water) and its lubricating effect leads to the cliff slumping. This often results in a series of curved slip planes with displaced sections of the cliff forming steps down to the beach. Page 14 Draw a sketch cross profile from X to Y on Figure 4 and explain the formation of the features of erosion and deposition.

The line of fastest flow (velocity) is largely responsible for the features of erosion and deposition. At the outside bend, the faster flow erodes the river bank to form a river cliff. The slower rate of flow on the inside bend results in deposition and the formation of a slip-off slope.


Page 15 Describe the formation of an ox-bow lake. Having formed an elaborate looping meander, during a period of high flow (flood) the river breaks through the meander neck, cutting off the meander. The river now adopts the shorter (steeper) course and deposition at the sides of the river starts to infill the old meander. It is the old cut-off meander that forms an oxbow lake. Use a series of simple diagrams to explain the formation of a levee. Use diagrams similar to Figure 7 with explanation. When a river overtops its banks, sediment is deposited on the banks. Over time and repeated flooding, the banks become raised to form levees. Page 18 Explain the formation of an arch. An arch is formed when two caves are eroded back to back at a coastal headland. When the sea erodes through the backs of the caves, they form an arch. Suggest reasons why some stretches of coastline have sandy beaches. Sandy beaches are formed in sheltered bays and are usually associated with low-energy waves (high-energy waves usually remove the sand). Constructive waves are responsible for building up extensive sandy beaches. 4 1 Outline the impacts of geology on the geomorphic processes operating on the North Norfolk coast. The chalk in the cliffs to the north are exposed and subject to weathering. Otherwise they are quite resistant to erosion. Elsewhere, the weaker glacial deposits are easily eroded by the sea and subject to significant mass movement (slumping). 2 Use Figure 4 to identify the factors responsible for shaping these cliffs on the North Norfolk coast. Despite the weak geology, glacial till forms cliffs along the coast. The narrow beach means that the cliffs are exposed to powerful waves from the north-east (maximum fetch). The waves undercut the cliffs and erode the sediment which is transported southwards by longshore drift.

Theme 2: People of the UK Page 26 1 Define the following terms: trade, imports, exports and trade deficit.

• Trade – buying and selling of goods and services between countries.

• Imports – purchase of goods from other countries.

• Exports – selling of goods to other countries.

• Trade deficit – where the value of exports exceeds the value of imports. 2 Germany is the UK’s most important trading partner. True or false? Germany is the main trading partner for imports but not exports (the USA). 3 Why has trade with China increased in recent years? Imports have increased from China due to cheaper products; exports are increasing due to the very large market. 4 Why is petroleum an important import into the UK? Petroleum is an important import because of its uses as a fuel and a raw material for the chemical industry. Page 28 1 State one reason for more women being in work. Flexible hours and child care, for example.


2 State one reason why there has been an increase in self-employment. People seeking better work–life balance, for example. 3 How has mobile-phone technology led to flexible working? Mobiles enable people to work on the move (with internet access). 4 Using Figure 2, give three locations where over 90% of the workforce is employed in services. Greater London, west coast of Wales (Aberystwyth), north Wales (Snowdonia). Page 29 1 Study Figure 3. (a) Which region has the lowest life expectancy? Scotland. (b) Does the East Midlands or West Midlands have the longer life expectancy? East Midlands. (c) Which region has the highest life expectancy? South East England. (d) Calculate the difference in life expectancy between the highest and the lowest region. 82.4 – 79.1 = 3.3 years. 2 How do lifestyle choices affect life expectancy? Poor diet and smoking can reduce life expectancy. 0 Study Figure 4. (a) Which two regions show the lowest number of foreign-born residents? Wales and the North East. (b) What is unusual about the numbers of foreign-born residents in the West Midlands compared with other regions in England and Wales? UK passport holder numbers exceed foreign passport holders. (c) Approximately how many UK-passport-holder foreign-born residents are there in the South East? There are 3.4 million (3.3–3.5 million will be accepted). Page 32 Study Figure 1 and 2. Consider whether the following statements are true or false. (a) London has the highest percentage of households with total wealth greater than £967,000. False. (b) In Wales, 7.1–9.0 per cent of households have total wealth greater than £967,000. True. (c) The North East has the highest rate of coronary heart disease. False. (d) The rate for coronary heart disease in the South West is higher than in the South East but lower than in London. True.


(e) The rate of coronary heart disease for London is 3.64 per cent higher than for the East of England. False. 1 Give one reason why: (a) London is the centre of economic activity in the UK London is the UK’s hub for business, finance and media. (b) economic growth has extended beyond London in to the surrounding regions There is a large commuter population in the South East, extending economic growth. (c) London and the South East have benefited from proximity (closeness) to Europe. London benefits from trade with Europe due to excellent communications (Eurostar, airports, etc.). 2 Identify four facts about London’s Crossrail project.

• It is one of the largest construction projects in Europe.

• It will cost £15 billion.

• It will carry 200 million passengers a year.

• It will support regeneration projects. Page 34 1 What is the ‘Northern Powerhouse’? It is a cluster of modern manufacturing industries specialising in science and technology in the north. 2 Give one example of government policy that has promoted economic growth in London. Crossrail is one example. 3 Outline one transport project that is intended to boost economic development in the north of England. HS2, a £50 billion rail project to link London with Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester, is due for completion in 2033. Page 36 1 (a) In which city is Salford Quays located? Manchester. (b) What canal linked Salford Quays to the Mersey and the Irish Sea? The Manchester Ship Canal. (c) Why did the docks decline in the mid-twentieth century? Larger container ships could not navigate the Manchester Ship Canal. 2 (a) What is the Lowry Building? It is a theatre with galleries, bars and cafes. It is home for the paintings of JS Lowry. (b) Name three other developments at Salford Quays. Media City, Lowry Outlet (retail), the Imperial War Museum. 3 Why was it important to link Salford Quays to the Manchester LRT tram system? This ensures a connection with central Manchester (commuting, leisure) and the wider region by rail. Page 37 In 2011, the total population of the UK was 63.2 million. Calculate the number of people living in England and Wales as a percentage of the UK’s total population. 53/63.2 × 100 = 83.9 per cent.


Page 38 Study Figure 3. List three changes in the UK’s population pyramid between 2001 and 2011.

• In 2001 there were higher numbers of 30–40 year olds, while in 2011 there were higher numbers of 40–50 year olds.

• In 2011 the number of people living to old age was increasing.

• In 2011 there was a slight increase in the birth rate.

Page 40 Give reasons for the two main trends in the UK’s population structure from 1900: (a) decrease in the proportion of young people (aged 0–14) There was a fall in infant mortality rates due to improved health care; an increasing number of women were following a career and deciding to have smaller families and having children later. (b) increase in the proportion of older people (aged 65+). Improvements in health care enable people to live longer; people are also enjoying improved lifestyles (exercise, diets, no smoking). Page 42 Study Figure 6, which shows the Demographic Transition Model. (a) Describe the birth rate and death rate in Stage 1. Both are high and fluctuating. (b) Why does the total population increase in Stage 2? In Stage 2, the birth rate is still high but the death rate drops, so the natural increase (the difference between birth rate and death rate) increases, as does the population overall. (c) What date did Stage 2 end and Stage 3 begin? About 1870. (d) Why does the total population start to level off in Stage 4? Birth rate and death rate are both low in Stage 4 – they cancel each other out so the population levels off. (e) What happens in Stage 5? Death rate exceeds birth rate. Page 44 1 What is the difference between immigration and emigration? Immigration is people moving into a country while emigration is people moving out of a country. 2 Suggest why people have migrated to the UK from: (a) India and Pakistan Joining families already in the UK. (b) Romania and Bulgaria Seeking work – they get higher salaries than in their home countries. (c) Syria. Fleeing war. Page 47 1 What encouraged the movement of people into the suburbs of cities? Public transport and increased car ownership in the mid to late twentieth century meant that commuters could live further away from their place of work in the city. There was also a move to home ownership and people started to buy properties in housing estates on the edges of cities.


2 What are the push and pull factors involved in counter-urbanisation? Push factors (from the city):

• Traffic congestion.

• Higher cost of living.

• Perception of high crime.

• Poor air quality.

• Dream of the rural idyll. Pull factors (into the countryside):

• Good air quality.

• Less traffic.

• Low crime rates.

• More space, including bigger gardens.

• Better education facilities.

• Slower pace of life.

3 Why are cities experiencing re-urbanisation? Government initiatives are encouraging people and businesses back into the city. Grants have been provided to retailers to take on derelict buildings. Young people are moving to the city for university and to find work and they need housing close to amenities. Gentrification has also helped to revive inner-city areas, where housing offers easy access to work and entertainment in the city. Older people sometimes move back into the city to be able to access better health care.

Theme 3: UK environmental challenges Page 51 1 What is the difference between weather and climate? Weather refers to the day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere (e.g. temperature, rainfall, cloud cover), while climate is the average ‘weather’, usually recorded over a five-year period. 2 Which air masses are responsible for the following weather conditions in the UK: (a) hot and sunny weather in the summer Tropical Continental. (b) cold and wet weather, with some snow Arctic Maritime. (c) warm and moist weather, with cloud and rain? Tropical Maritime. 3 What weather conditions area associated with the Polar Maritime Air Mass? Polar Maritime brings wet and cold air with showery conditions. Page 54 How did the following factors increase the risk of flooding in the Somerset Levels? (a) prolonged period of heavy rain The heavy rain saturated the soils so they were unable to absorb more water. This meant that additional rainwater flowed quickly over the surface, contributing to the flood. (b) storm surges Tidal surge pushes seawater up the rivers, preventing fresh water from exiting into the sea. This caused flooding inland.


(c) lack of river dredging Rivers choked with sediment have a reduced capacity to hold water, making flooding more likely. Page 56 How can the following modify environments and ecosystems? (a) Removal of hedges to make fields larger Destroys habitats and removes wildlife corridors and (wind) shelter belts. (b) Use of artificial chemicals in farming Chemicals can lead to water pollution (rivers and aquifers). (c) Construction of onshore wind farms The farms can be unsightly, ruining ‘natural’ views in the countryside. (d) Construction of offshore wind farms These may interfere with bird migration and construction may harm marine ecosystems. Page 57 What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy? Give one example of each. Renewable energy can be used over and over and does not run out, e.g. wind/water. Non-renewable energy uses finite energy resources, e.g. natural gas and coal. Page 58 How is energy obtained from the following renewable sources? (a) Hydro-electricity (HEP) Water stored in a reservoir turns turbines in a dam to generate electricity. (b) Geothermal Heat from the ground heats water to create steam – this drives turbines to generate electricity. (c) Biomass Heat produced by burning organic matter can be used to create steam to turn turbines. Page 59 Why is nuclear power a non-renewable type of energy but not a fossil fuel? Nuclear is non-renewable because it uses uranium (a finite resource) as its raw material. It is not a fossil fuel as it does not use fossilised organic matter (e.g. coal). Page 60 Study Figure 1. 1 What was the production of coal in 1960? About 150 million tonnes oil equivalent. 2 What date was there a sudden fall in coal production? About 1985. 3 Describe the changes in hydro and nuclear production. Hydro and nuclear have grown steadily from zero in the early 1950s to about 30 million tonnes oil equivalent in 1996. 4 In 1996, what was the most important primary fuel? Oil.


5 What date did natural gas become the second most important primary fuel in the UK? About 1990/91. Page 62 Explain how the following factors have led to a reduction in energy demand: (a) loft insulation Loft insulation reduces the loss of heat through roofs. (b) Energy Performance Certification Certification encourages home owners to be more energy efficient. (c) EU energy labels. EU energy labels encourage and enable consumers to make a difference by deciding to buy energy-efficient appliances. Page 64 1 Suggest three advantages of sustainable energy solutions. Advantages include the creation of jobs in the renewable sector; local communities will be able to generate their own electricity; grants are available for loft insulation to increase energy conservation. 2 Outline how carbon capture and storage can reduce carbon emissions. Carbon is stored underground rather than being released into the atmosphere. 3 How can anaerobic digestion generate electricity (Figure 3)? Anaerobic bacteria breaks down organic farm waste, creating methane, which can be burned to produce heat and generate electricity. Page 65 Suggest two arguments in favour and against the development of wind farms.

• In favour: as a type of renewable energy (wind), it can be used over and over again; it does not emit carbon.

• Against: there is some operating noise and visual pollution. Page 66 Give two reasons why natural gas is likely to continue to play an important part in the UK’s energy supply in the future. Natural gas is relatively clean compared with oil and coal; it is readily available and easily transported by pipeline. Page 67 1 What is the name of the new nuclear power station in Somerset? Hinkley Point C. 2 Which country is contributing a third of the cost? China. 3 How many jobs will be created? 25,000. 4 The new power station will supply electricity to 1 million homes. True or false? False – it will supply electricity to 5 million homes.


Part 2: The world around us Theme 4: Ecosystems of the planet Page 69 1 Explain how plants are dependent on the soil. Plants take up nutrients from the soil. 2 Explain how animals are dependent on the climate. Reptiles need warmth to survive. 3 Explain how the climate is dependent on plants. Plants give out oxygen. Page 73 1 Give five examples of how plants and animals from any biome have adapted to survive in their environment. Example: Desert:

• Most plants are xerophytic, which means they have adapted to the lack of water – for example, cacti.

• Plants such as yuccas have roots near the surface of the ground to absorb any water that falls.

• Camels have humps to store water and fat and eyelashes to keep out the sand.

• Meerkats are immune to scorpions and eat them as part of their diet.

• Sidewinder snakes do not keep all of their body in contact with the sand to avoid the heat. 2 Describe how temperature and rainfall varies between each of the biomes. It is hot and wet in the tropical rainforest near to the Equator where there are no seasons and high monthly temperatures of between 26¦°C and 28¦°C and the highest rainfall of any of the biomes at more than 2000 mm per year. The desert has higher daytime temperatures of 36¦°C, but it can fall to below freezing during the night. Rainfall is considerably lower at around 40 mm. The temperate forests have four distinct seasons, with warm summers and mild winters and rainfall that ranges from 750 mm to 1500 mm. 3 How does the position of the ITCZ affect patterns of rainfall in tropical grasslands? Tropical grasslands experience wet and dry seasons. The ITCZ brings the wet season, in which 80% of the rain falls in just 4–5 months of the year. 4 State two places in which you would find: (a) hot deserts The Sahara in northern Africa and the Mojave in North America. (b) tropical rainforests. The Amazon River Basin in South America and SE Asia and Queensland, Australia 5 Why is there such a large range of temperatures across 24 hours in the hot desert? There is a lack of insulating cloud cover during the night, allowing the heat from the day to escape into the atmosphere. Also, the ground absorbs a lot of heat during the day and cools at night. Page 75 Study Figure 2. 1 What are the three nutrient stores in order of size (largest to smallest)? Biomass, soil, litter. 2 Explain the relative size of the litter store. It is very small – due to low inputs of nutrients from trees and rapid decomposition (also high loss due to runoff). This means that nutrients are stored for only very short periods of time.


3 What are the two inputs to the soil store? Decomposition and weathering from rock. 4 What are the two outputs from the litter store? Runoff and decomposition. 5 Why is ‘uptake by plants’ a major transfer process? Trees and other plants thrive and grow rapidly in the warm and wet climate, hence there is a high uptake of nutrients. 6 What is leaching and why is it a significant process? Leaching is where soil nutrients are dissolved and carried away by water seeping through the soil and into the underlying bedrock. Page 77 Study Figure 1. Describe the distribution of coral reefs. Coral reefs are distributed throughout the tropics, with dense concentrations in South East Asia (Indonesia, the Philippines), the Pacific islands and Australia (the Great Barrier Reef). There are also concentrations elsewhere in the Pacific Ocean, in the Caribbean and the Red Sea. Page 79 1 Suggest how each of the following is a threat to the Peruvian Amazon rainforest: (a) logging The removal of trees for commercial timber (valuable hardwood such as mahogany) is a major cause of deforestation, much of it illegal. (b) mining Extracting gold from river alluvium can be very destructive (e.g. roads need to be constructed through the rainforest) and leads to pollution. (c) agriculture. Deforestation creates space for commercial farming, such as cattle ranching, and for crops such as soybeans. 2 What is the Purus–Manu Conservation Corridor and what is its purpose? The Purus–Manu Conservation Corridor is an area 500 km in length on the Peru/Bolivia border comprising national parks and reserves for indigenous tribes. It is the largest protected area in the Peruvian Amazon and has a sustainable management plan (2015) to restrict economic development and conserve habitats. Page 80 1 Suggest how over-fishing is a threat to the Andros Barrier Reef. Over-fishing is depleting fish stocks and this threatens to unbalance the reef ecosystem. Trawling nets, anchors and outboard motors can cause physical damage to the coral reef, killing the coral. Harvesting sponges can affect the ecosystem’s balance. 2 What causes coral bleaching and why is it a threat to the Andros Barrier Reef? Warmer water triggers stress reactions, causing coral to expel zooxanthellae, which leads to the coral becoming ‘bleached’ (turning white). If sustained, the coral will die and the reef ecosystem will be seriously affected. Page 81 Outline two sustainable management schemes aimed at conserving the Andros Barrier Reef. Two examples are:

• Andros West Side National Park offers protection for more than 50% of Andros Island, balancing commercial activities (such as sponge fishing) with conservation/tourism.


• Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park has a coral nursery, enabling species to be conserved and reintroduced to the coral reef.

Theme 5: People of the planet Page 85 1 What are the advantages of internet users as a measure of development? Internet users provide a useful measure of other infrastructural developments, such as electricity and disposable incomes. 2 What are the disadvantages of gross national income (GNI) as a measure of development? Average figures for a single country can be misleading, masking extremes of wealth and poverty within that country. The informal economy which is significant in poorer countries does not feature in official GNI figures. Data about income is sensitive and people may not always be honest when giving information. 3 The Human Development Index is a ‘composite’ index. What does this mean and why does it make the HDI one of the most widely used measures of development? The HDI reflects several development measures (income, life expectancy and education) which is why it is a composite measure. Developed by the United Nations, it is considered to be a very good overall measure of development.

Page 86 1 How can weather and climate affect economic development? Extreme weather and climate conditions, for example drought, extreme rainfall (monsoons in Asia and tropical cyclones in the Caribbean, the Philippines, etc.), can hinder economic development due to the resulting devastation and death, reducing the number of people capable of working. 2 Study Figure 1. (a) Describe the distribution of landlocked developing countries. The majority of landlocked countries are in Africa and the Central Asia. There are a few landlocked countries in South America, Europe and South East Asia. (b) Why does the lack of a coastline hinder economic development? The lack of a coastline affects the development of trading links with other countries and the establishment of ports and fishing settlements. Page 87 1 With reference to Figure 2, explain why ‘poverty leads to poverty’. Poverty often leads to inadequate diets and poor health care. Unable to work due to sickness, people’s incomes fall and they fall further into poverty hence the ‘cycle’ of poverty. 2 How has colonialism hindered economic development in many LIDCs? During the colonial era, many LIDCs were exploited for their resources with limited development taking place. On achieving independence, many of these countries have struggled to develop their economies due to poor infrastructure, and social and political instability. Page 89 Study Figure 1. 1 Name three countries that share a border with Ethiopia. For example, Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia.


2 Describe the location of Ethiopia within Africa. Ethiopia is located in central, eastern Africa. Page 90 1 Describe the landscape and climate of the Western Highlands. There is steep land up to 4500 m, one long rainy season (May–October), 1200–2000 mm annual rain and temperature averaging 25–35¦°C. 2 Describe the climate and ecosystems of the Eastern Lowlands. There are two rainy seasons but unreliable rainfall (0–300 mm), temperatures are consistently 30–40¦°C, and there are desert and semi-desert ecosystems.

Page 92 1 Study Figure 4. What are Ethiopia’s top five exports? Coffee, cut flowers, refined petroleum, gold and vegetables. 2 What are the potential problems with an overdependence on the export of agricultural products? If there is a poor harvest (due to drought or pests, for instance), or if global prices drop, income from exports will fall. 3 Why is it important for Ethiopia to have strong trading links with foreign countries? Strong trading links enable flow of goods and services which benefit the economy, enabling Ethiopia to make money from its exports and import materials needed to help the economy grow. Page 95 1 Draw a simplified version of Rostow’s model of economic development. Draw a simple diagram based on Figure 7, involving line showing positive relationship between time and development split into five stages. 2 Why is Ethiopia in Stage 2 of Rostow’s model? Ethiopia can be considered to be in stage 2 of Rostow’s model. Still largely a traditional agricultural society, there are signs of improvements in technology, education and health care. The model suggests rigidity between the stages which may not be the case in reality.

Page 100 1 What are the two causes of rapid population growth in LIDC cities? Rural–urban migration (people moving from the countryside into the city) and internal growth (people having children within the city) 2 What are the environmental push factors from villages? Crop failure; natural disasters such as drought and flooding; lack of clean water 3 What are the economic pull factors into the cities? Greater range of employment with higher wages; more transport networks to access work; better education to access better paid work; stable government

Theme 6: Environmental threats to our planet Page 105 1 When did the Quaternary period start? The period of time that stretches from 2.6 million years ago to the present day is called the Quaternary period.


2 How has temperature changed during the Quaternary period? There has been climate change during this period. Temperatures have fluctuated wildly, but overall have gradually cooled. 3 What is different about the inter-glacial episode that we live in today compared to other inter-glacial episodes? The inter-glacial episode today has a higher average temperature than almost all of the Quaternary period. 4 How does today’s climate compare to that in the Medieval Warming Period and the Little Ice Age? In some regions during the Medieval Warming Period (950AD to 1250AD), the temperatures were equal to or higher than those today. However, overall temperatures were lower on average than they are today. During the Little Ice Age (1300 to 1870), Europe and North America experienced much colder winters than today. Rivers and seas around the UK froze. Page 106 1 List the different ways that evidence about climate change is collected. Since 1914 the Met Office has recorded reliable climate change data using weather stations, satellites, weather balloons, radar and ocean buoys. Past climate change is worked out using evidence from sea ice positions, ice cores, paintings, diaries and global temperature data from ground weather stations and satellite information. 2 How do tree rings help estimate past temperature? The width of tree rings indicates the amount of annual growth – if they are widely spaced, it suggests warm/wet conditions and if they are closely spaced, it suggests cool/dry conditions. 3 How do paintings show evidence of climate change? Several artists captured much colder winter landscapes in Europe and North America in the 17th century. Cave paintings of animals in France and Spain between 11,000 and 40,000 years ago show significant climate change. 4 Give one problem with using global temperature data as evidence for climate change. Weather stations are not evenly distributed, especially in Africa, so their reliability could be questioned. Using computer programs to produce global temperature maps does not necessarily make them reliable. Data goes back to 1880 only. Page 107 1 Identify three natural factors causing climate change. Variations in energy from the sun, changes in the Earth’s orbit and volcanic activity. 2 What is in a volcanic eruption that reduces global temperatures? Volcanic eruptions throw huge quantities of ash, gases and liquids into the atmosphere. When sulphur dioxide mixes with water vapour it becomes a volcanic aerosol. Volcanic aerosols reflect sunlight away, reducing global temperatures. 3 Why can volcanic eruptions cause lower temperatures in other regions away from the volcano? Wind carries material far beyond where it was ejected from the volcano, so the reduced temperatures are also experienced elsewhere. 4 What takes: (a) 11 years Sunspots increase from a minimum number to a maximum number in a sunspot cycle of about every 11 years. (b) 26,000 years Precession – a complete wobble cycle takes about 26,000 years.


(c) 41,000 years Over a period of 41,000 years the axial tilt of the Earth moves back and forth between two extremes: 23.5 degrees and 24.5 degrees. (d) 100,000 years? The Earth’s orbit is elliptical and it changes shape every 100,000 years. This means that as the Earth orbits closer to the Sun, the climate becomes warmer. Page 109 1 Name the greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide 77%, methane 14%, nitrous oxide 8% and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) 1%. 2 Why does the Earth need the natural greenhouse effect? The natural greenhouse effect keeps the Earth warm enough for life to exist. Without it, the Earth would be about 33¦°C colder! 3 Identify two human activities thought to be causing climate change. Activities include:

• burning fossil fuels used in transportation, building, heating homes, power stations and the manufacturing industry

• agriculture, especially cattle rearing and rice production

• deforestation

• decay of organic waste in landfill sites. 4 Name the fossil fuels. Coal, oil and gas. Page 111 1 How are the effects of climate change expected to be distributed across the globe? They are likely to be unevenly distributed across the world and will depend on the human and physical circumstances of the location. For example, low-lying coastal countries will be more vulnerable to effects such as flooding and poorer countries will be more vulnerable, having less ability to invest in prediction and protection strategies. 2 Name one social, one economic and one environmental effect of rising sea levels. Social:

• increase in environmental refugees due to flooding, e.g. Tuvalu and Vanuatu

• job loss in fishing or tourism, so people have to learn new skills

• migration and overcrowding in low-risk areas due to flooding (e.g. Asia). Economic:

• valuable agricultural land (e.g. Bangladesh, Vietnam) lost to the sea or polluted by seawater

• many world cities which are important financial centres, including New York and London, could be affected by flooding

• transport infrastructure damaged by flood water

• investment in defences required as the UK’s coastal defences come under increased pressure from sea level rise

• loss of income from tourism as beaches are eroded or flooded and hotels are forced to shut. Environmental:

• IPCC estimates up to 33% of coastal land and wetlands could be lost in the next 100 years

• biodiversity lost, damage by storms and coral bleaching in coral reefs, e.g. the Great Barrier Reef

• mangrove forests, which form natural barriers against storms, become damaged, e.g. the Pacific Islands


• fresh water sources polluted by salty seawater

• the population of Adélie penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula may decline as ice retreats. 3 Name one social, one economic and one environmental effect of extreme weather events. Social:

• an increase in drought, e.g. California in 2014 suffered its worst drought, affecting farming and water supplies

• increased risk of diseases such as skin cancers and heat stroke as temperatures rise

• winter-related deaths decrease with milder winters. Economic:

• extreme weather increases investment in prediction and protection

• flood risk increases repair and insurance costs, e.g. US$9.7 billion damage in Pakistan in 2010

• maize crop yields will decrease by up to 12% in South America, yet will increase in northern Europe but require more irrigation

• the skiing industry may decline in the Alps as there will be less snow. Environmental:

• forests experience more pests, disease and fires, e.g. South East Australia in 2009 saw the worst bushfires on record

• lower rainfall causes food shortages for orangutans in Borneo and Indonesia

• flooding in South Asia increases rice yields. 4 Give one positive and two negative effects of climate change. Positive:

• flooding in South Asia increases rice yields

• maize crop yields will increase in northern Europe

• winter-related deaths decrease with milder winters. Negative:

• lower rainfall causes food shortages for orangutans in Borneo and Indonesia

• maize crop yields will decrease by up to 12% in South America

• greater risk of diseases such as skin cancers and heat stroke as temperatures rise. Page 113 1 How is rainfall changing in the UK as a result of climate change? Summers are expected to become drier, but winters will experience an increase in rainfall. Some rivers will flood more frequently in winter. 2 How is temperature changing in the UK as a result of climate change? Temperatures are set to increase, but increases are expected to be greater in the south of the country. 3 Where are temperatures expected to increase the most in the UK? In the south of the country. 4 How are seasons in the UK changing as a result of climate change? Spring is expected to arrive earlier and autumn to start later. Precipitation is expected to become even more seasonal. 5 Is the risk of coastal flooding expected to increase or decrease as a result of climate change? The UK is expected to be at greater risk of coastal flooding due to a rise in sea level. 6 State three examples of changes in industry in the UK as a result of climate change.

• Teesside industries on coastal mudflats will be vulnerable to flooding due to sea level rise.

• Agricultural land may be lost due to managed retreat in managing sea level rise.

• The tourism industry may be adversely affected by eroded beaches.


• Summer heat may boost the tourist industry in the Lake District, generating jobs and increased revenue.

• The Cairngorms ski resorts may be forced to close, reducing revenue. 7 List two social and two environmental impacts of climate change in the UK. Social:

• Cliff collapse may increase, putting properties at risk.

• The elderly will be more vulnerable during heatwaves, but will suffer fewer cold-related deaths in winter.

• Heating costs will reduce.

• Water shortages would affect millions of people by the 2050s. Environmental:

• Bird migration patterns will shift.

• Some trees and plants will flower earlier and others later.

• Wildlife species could struggle to survive if the seasons do not match up with their food supply.

• Vegetation and ecosystems will move north. Sitka spruce yield may increase in Scotland and new crops such as peaches and oranges could be cultivated in southern England.

• Agricultural productivity may increase under warmer conditions, yet will require increased irrigation.

• Salt marshes may become flooded and eroded, but managed retreat could create new salt marsh habitats.

Page 115 1 At which line of latitude do the Polar and Ferrel cells meet? 30°. 2 Would an air pressure of 1036 millibars be high or low pressure? High pressure. 3 Which circulatory air cell is the smallest? Polar cell. 4 Which circulatory cells meet at the Equator? The two Hadley cells. 5 Why might the climatic conditions be unsettled around 60° latitude in the northern and southern hemispheres? The relatively warm air of the Ferrel cell rises along the border of the cold air in the Polar cell. This can bring unsettled weather and regular low-pressure systems bring cloud and rain. Page 116 1 Which climate zone is found where the Hadley and Ferrel cells meet? Subtropical climate. 2 Brazil and Malaysia are examples of which climate zone? Tropical. 3 Why do deserts form at 30° north and south of the Equator? Deserts form because the air is sinking, creating high pressure on the ground beneath it. The daytime temperatures can reach 40¦°C. Page 118 1 Where is the hottest place on Earth and what temperature was measured there?


Al-Aziziyah in Libya, with a temperature of 57.8¦°C recorded in 1922. Note the fact that it is located at 32° latitude, where we know that air is sinking at the meeting of the Hadley and Ferrel cells in the sub-tropical high region. 2 Why is rainfall low in the Atacama Desert? The rainfall is as low as 15 mm per year due to the fact that the desert is in the rain shadow of the Andes mountain range. On the western side of the Andes, there is not enough warmth to pick up moisture from the ocean surface and any rain that does form falls on the west, so there is no rainfall on the east of the mountains. 3 How are the winds in Wellington, New Zealand, intensified? There are steep mountains either side of Wellington which help to funnel the winds through the city. Page 121 1 List five key features of tropical storms.

• Winds need to be travelling at the same speed in the upper and lower atmosphere (wind shear) to prevent the storm being torn apart.

• Wind speeds of 119 km per hour (75 mph).

• They occur between 5° and 15° north and south of the Equator.

• Warm water from the oceans – surface temperatures need to be more than 26.5¦°C.

• Ocean depths of 50–60 m.

• 500 km away from the Equator where the Coriolis effect can cause the weather system to rotate.

• The eye wall is 15–30 km from the centre of the storm.

• At 16 km in height, the winds are deflected outwards and the system spins with the Coriolis effect.

2 To what extent are tropical storms increasing in frequency? Tropical storms that form into hurricanes have increased in energy over the last 30 years by 70%. El Niño can change the frequency of tropical storms around the world (teleconnections), increasing their frequency in the eastern part of the South Pacific but decreasing their frequency in the Atlantic. Scientists disagree as to whether climate change has altered the frequency of tropical storms. 3 Draw a diagram to show the formation of a tropical storm. Replicate Figure 3. Page 123 1 Explain how human factors can make the effects of a drought worse.

• Excessive irrigation.

• Deforestation – reduces transpiration and therefore rain.

• Overgrazing exposes soils to wind erosion.

• Dam building deprives other areas of water.

• Intensive farming practices.

2 What is the ITCZ and how can it cause a drought? Inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is a low-pressure belt that circles the globe near to the Equator and brings rain, where the trade winds meet. The Earth is tilted in its orbit, which causes the ITCZ to move between the two tropics. Sometimes it does not move as far north or south, depriving regions of their usual rainfall, resulting in drought conditions. Page 124 1 Describe one social, one economic and one environmental consequence of drought in Australia. Social:

• The population of the cities increased as people left drought-stricken rural areas. Economic:

• Farmers had to sell their cattle.


• Food prices increased as the country became more dependent on imports.

• Water bills rose by 20% in 2008.

• 10,000 people directly employed in the cotton-growing industry were affected.

• The number of dairy farms reduced by 50%. Environmental:

• Soil erosion and loss of vegetation.

• Increase in fossil fuel use as energy from HEP was reduced.

• Toxic algal outbreaks in depleted rivers and lakes. 2 Choose two responses at different scales from Figure 3. Explain how they would help to reduce the effects of the drought. Using grey water (recycled from showers and wash basins) would help to reduce the effects by conserving and reusing water supplies within the home. This water can be used on parched gardens and in toilets and for other household needs. This reduces the reliance on water reserves from reservoirs. A new desalination plant would be very costly but would help to reduce the effects of drought by providing fresh water for struggling communities, including households and farmers.

now test yourself: answersresources.hoddereducation.co.uk/files/he/geography... · 2 outline the...

Documents