With reference to processes occurring within the atmospheric system identify two transformations of matter.

With reference to processes occurring within the atmospheric system identify two transfers of energy.

Explain how regional differences in the hydrological cycle influence the formation of different biomes.

Climate can both influence, and be influenced by, terrestrial food production systems.

To what extent can terrestrial food production strategies contribute to a sustainable equilibrium in this relationship?

condensation; evaporation; freezing; melting;

O₃ → O₂ + O; Cl + O₃ → ClO + O₂; SO₃ + H₂O → H₂SO₄; NOx + H₂O → HNO₃;

Accept other reasonable responses.

Accept any valid chemical changes identified by formulae or words (eg decomposition of ozone).

[2 max]

radiation of sunlight/solar energy/heat/light toward earth;
radiation of heat/IR away from earth;
reflection of light/heat toward space from earth/clouds;
scattering of light/heat from particulate matter;
movement of (sensible) heat pole-wards by wind currents/tricellular winds/Hadley Cell/hurricanes/tropical cyclones;
movement of latent heat in water vapour by winds;

[2 max]

in certain tropical regions there is high transpiration/precipitation;
…allowing for high productivity/tropical rainforests;
in other tropical regions evaporation exceeds precipitation;
…so, water is limiting for growth leading to vegetation of desert biomes;
in polar regions large proportion of water is frozen/stored as ice/glaciers;
…so unavailable to plants resulting in limited vegetation of tundra;
in mid-latitudes there is moderate transpiration/precipitation;
…allowing for moderate plant growth of temperate grasslands/forests;
in regions where water inputs exceed outputs/surface topography promotes rise of water table;
...water accumulates above the soil to form an aquatic system/wetland;
mountainous regions cause variations in precipitation on leeward/windward sides;
...may cause forest growth on windward side/drier desert-like communities on leeward;

Credit can be given for responses that identify features of hydrological cycle characteristic of a given region OR how such a characteristic gives rise to a given biome.

Award [3 max] if the characteristics are not directly linked to given biomes.

[7 max]

The following guide for using the markbands suggests certain features that may be offered in responses. The five headings coincide with the criteria given in each of the markbands (although “ESS terminology” has been conflated with “Understanding concepts”). This guide simply provides some possible inclusions and should not be seen as requisite or comprehensive. It outlines the kind of elements to look for when deciding on the appropriate markband and the specific mark within that band.

Answers may include:

• understanding concepts and terminology of equilibria, sustainability, natural capital/income, climatic factors (temp/precipitation/seasonality), greenhouse gases, climate change, biome shifts, water conservation, irrigation, desertification, vegetarian vs meat-rich diets, mitigation, adaptation, commercial vs artisanal, intensive vs extensive, food miles, selective breeding/genetic engineering, etc;
• breadth in addressing and linking influences of climate on food production eg water scarcity, shifting biomes, mean temperatures / precipitation, desertification, wind / rain / erosion, etc and influences of food production on climate eg methane production, deforestation, use of fossil fuels, global transport, etc and ways in which production strategies may adapt to, or mitigate climate change;
• examples of food production strategies that adapt to climate change eg water conservation, drip irrigation, terracing, drought/temperature resistant crops, aquaponics, greenhouses, etc and strategies that mitigate climate change eg switching from meat-rich diets, localising food production, employing artisanal/low-energy farming strategies, etc;
• balanced analysis of the extent to which production strategies from a range of contexts may contribute to, or mitigate against, an equilibrium between food production and the climate etc;
• a conclusion that is consistent with, and supported by, analysis and examples given eg “although there are many production strategies that mitigate or adapt to climate change, the relationship has already shifted so far away from a sustainable equilibrium, and with growing populations, it seems unlikely that their contribution will be sufficient to avoid a tipping point in the future”;

[9]

Refer to paper 2 markbands, available under the "your tests" tab > supplemental materials.

Most candidates were able to identify two transformations of matter.

Few candidates were able to identify transfers of energy in the atmosphere …often referring instead to energy transfers in food chains or transfers of matter.

Most candidates were able to gain three or four marks through addressing precipitation in rainforests and deserts, but few went further than this.

Responses often addressed either impact of climate on agriculture or vice versa, limiting range and balance of argument. A good number also addressed sustainable agricultural practices quite unrelated to climate.