(i) Define the term aridity.

(ii) Define the term infertility.

Explain three factors, other than aridity and infertility, that affect the sustainability of human activities in extreme environments.

“Periglacial areas offer more opportunities for human activities than hot, arid areas.” Discuss this statement.

(i) Aridity refers to a lack of moisture [1 mark]. Award a further [1 mark] for quantification (precipitation less than 250 mm), or a link with evapo-transpiration rates.

(ii) Infertility refers to the lack of nutrients/bases in soils [1 mark]. Award a further [1 mark] for recognition of lack of biomass; or low weathering rates/inputs of nutrients; partial decomposition; insufficient to supply plant-based agriculture/crops.

The factors may either promote or reduce sustainability. Possible factors include population density (possibly leading to usage exceeding carrying capacity), changes to natural vegetation/habitat (likely to decrease carrying capacity), overuse (whether for agriculture, grazing, mining, tourism), the implementation of conservation measures, provision of irrigation (provided source of water is sustainable), etc. Award [1 mark] for identifying/describing each valid factor and a further [1 mark] for development or exemplification.

Opportunities in both cases are widespread and include farming/cattle herding, mineral extraction, and tourism. Problems are likely to include climate, remoteness, and inaccessibility – as well as low temperatures in periglacial areas, as opposed to a lack of water in hot desert areas.

Opportunities could be for a range of players/stakeholders, including local people, TNCs/energy companies, tourists.

Answers should cover opportunities in both periglacial areas and hot, arid areas.

The use of only one extreme environment which includes a range of opportunities is unlikely to progress beyond the D/E border.

To access band E both environments should be considered.

At band F expect detailed examples of opportunities in both environments and a clear conclusion.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.