| Date | May 2018 | Marks available | 4 | Reference code | 18M.2.bp.7 |
| Level | SL and HL | Paper | 2 | Time zone | |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | 7 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The map shows Marrakech and the surrounding area. The scale of the map is 1:160 000 and the contour interval is 40 metres.
[Source: Marrakech topographical map. Reproduced with permission of EWP]
Marrakech is located in a semi-arid agricultural area, with an average rainfall of 281 mm/year, mainly falling between October and May. The area is prone to droughts, which have become more frequent in recent years.
State the height in metres of the highest point north of the Oued Tensift river.
State the four-figure grid reference for this point.
Briefly describe the distribution of fruit farming areas shown on the map.
Explain two possible human impacts that could occur as a result of a long-term drought in the area shown on the map.
Suggest one short-term strategy that the local community could use to help overcome the problem of drought in the area shown on the map.
Examine the reasons why people continue to live in areas affected by frequent earthquake or volcanic activity.
Markscheme
884 (metres) [1]
2012 [1]
If an incorrect height is identified, but the GR is correct for that height, award [1].
Award [1] for any of the following points, up to a maximum of [2]:
- mainly located in the west [1]
- mainly close to Marrakech [1]
- south of the Oued Tensift river [1]
- located on lowland areas [1]
- mainly below 500 metres [1].
Award [1] for each possible human impact, and [1] for explanation.
Relevant human impacts will reflect that the term “drought” implies a lack of water, not high temperatures.
Possibilities in this area include:
- irrigation systems are under strain [1] due to drying up of seasonal rivers/decreased river flow [1]
- decline in yield of food/income [1] leads to out-migration from affected areas [1] to Marrakech
- possible famine leading to increased death rates.
Award [1] for the strategy and a further [1] for development.
Possible strategies include:
- reducing water consumption by people in Marrakech, lowering the demand for water
- adopting “dry farming” techniques, ensuring that crops are more resilient to the impact of drought.
Do not credit long term infrastructure projects, eg reservoir construction.
Allow answers that consider both earthquake and volcanic activity.
Possible reasons might include:
- lack of knowledge/awareness of previous tectonic activity
- benefits of continuing to reside in the area outweigh possible impacts, for example fertile soils/tourism in volcanic areas
- lack of economic options: poverty/inertia/fatalism
- good preparation for possible impacts of hazard event, such as earthquake-resilient buildings
- planning and early-warning systems give sense of security
- insurance against damage caused by tectonic activity.
Good answers may examine in a structured way how reasons may vary according to the type of geographical area (level of development; proximity to areas of tectonic activity); the frequency and magnitude of past events, and the decisions made by individuals and communities.
For band D, expect some description of some reasons why people continue to live in areas prone to volcanic or earthquake activity.
For band E, expect either a more detailed explanation of why people choose to remain in a particular area prone to earthquakes/volcanoes, or a structured examination of different kinds of hazards (eg at different levels of economic/social development).
For band F, expect both.
Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 2 HL and SL markbands.
