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Date November 2015 Marks available 6 Reference code 15N.2.hl.8
Level HL only Paper 2 Time zone
Command term Explain Question number 8 Adapted from N/A

Question

Referring to either earthquakes or volcanoes, briefly outline:

(i) one scale used to measure the magnitude of the hazard event; 

(ii) why some hazard events are categorized as disasters.

[4]
a.

Referring to either earthquakes or volcanoes, briefly explain their occurrence:

(i) at a destructive (convergent) plate margin; 

(ii) in areas other than along a plate margin.

[6]
b.

Discuss why some hazard events are easier to predict than others.

[10]
c.

Markscheme

(i) 

Example: (earthquakes) The Richter scale [1] gives values for magnitude on a logarithmic scale [1].

Accept other valid details about the scale.

(ii) 

a.

(i) Earthquakes:

Volcanoes:

(ii) Earthquakes:

Volcanoes:

b.

The most likely framework will be to explain, in turn, some combination of different types of hazard events: hurricanes, tectonic hazards, droughts and human-induced (technological) hazards. Two named types must be discussed in some depth for the award of full marks.

Credit should be given for the use of an alternative conceptual framework, for instance looking at the probability of high-impact/high-magnitude events as opposed to low-impact events with different recurrence intervals. Another approach is to look at spatial and temporal probabilities. We may predict where, but not when (San Andreas fault); or we may predict when, but not where (next year’s hurricane season).

Good answers might critically discuss:

Only credit answers that refer to one or more of the four types of hazard included in the syllabus.

At band D, expect answers which describe some basic reasons for differences in our ability to predict where/when different hazards may strike.

At band E, expect either more detailed explanation of our varying ability to predict where/when different types of hazard will strike or some critical discussion of the statement

At band F, expect both.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.

c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Optional themes » Option D: Hazards and disasters—risk assessment and response » Characteristics of hazards » Characteristics
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