Date | November 2015 | Marks available | 4 | Reference code | 15N.2.hl.5 |
Level | HL only | Paper | 2 | Time zone | |
Command term | Describe | Question number | 5 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The two photographs show the Qori Kalis Glacier, Quelccaya Ice Cap, Peru. Photograph A was taken in summer 1978; photograph B was taken in summer 2002.
Describe two changes in the landscape shown by the two photographs that demonstrate glacial retreat.
Explain the formation of two features resulting from the processes of glacial and/or fluvioglacial deposition.
Using examples, discuss the opportunities for agriculture in hot, arid areas.
Markscheme
In each case, award [1] for a valid change and [1] for a description that demonstrates a link with glacial retreat.
Possibilities include:
- snout of glacier has moved up the valley [1] demonstrating it has got shorter
- there is a new lake [1] which shows the glacier is melting/shrinking [1]
- land is exposed on valley sides [1] as glacier is not as deep/wide [1]
- other valid suggestions.
Possible depositional or fluvioglacial depositional features could include: tills, lateral moraine, medial moraine, terminal moraine, kame terraces, esker, drumlin, outwash plains, erratics.
In each case, award [1] for identifying a feature, [1] for description if given and up to [2] for explanation of how the feature has formed.
Credit should be given for use of an explanatory diagram.
For example: Lateral moraine [1] is the material on margin/sides of a glacier [1]. This material is deposited along the valley edge when the glacier retreats [1].
Hot, arid areas are characterized by high temperatures and low/variable annual rainfall. There are various opportunities for agriculture that can be explained:
- pastoral nomadism (the traditional way of dealing with insufficient amounts of rainfall and pasture)
- settled farming making use of/access to aquifers and artesian basins or irrigation close to rivers or oases, with increased use of drought-tolerant and/or disease-resistant species.
Good answers may critically discuss one or more factors that determine whether agricultural outcomes can be optimized/realized or not; or may discuss whether opportunities have increased or lessened over time. Themes might include unequal or improving access to technology; poverty; conflict; climate change etc.
At band D, expect answers which describe a few real or perceived opportunities that are appropriate for hot, arid areas, with few or limited examples.
At band E, expect either the well-exemplified explanation of a wider range of opportunities for recognizable arid areas, or some critical discussion of whether one or more opportunities have actually been realized.
At band F, expect both.
Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.