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Date November 2013 Marks available 4 Reference code 13N.2.sl.6
Level SL only Paper 2 Time zone
Command term Define Question number 6 Adapted from N/A

Question

(i) Define the term aridity.

(ii) Define the term infertility.

[4]
a.

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

[6]
b.

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

[10]
c.

Markscheme

(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.

a.

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.

b.

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.

c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
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b.
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c.

Syllabus sections

Optional themes » Option C: Extreme environments » Opportunities and challenges for management » Agriculture
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