Examine why some hurricanes could have a greater impact than others on coastal margin landscapes.

Examine why conflicting land-use pressures on coastlines can be difficult to resolve.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Hurricanes are tropical cyclones in the NE Pacific and N Atlantic with sustained strong winds. High winds, heavy rainfall and a storm surge associated with low atmospheric pressure and wind direction combine to produce physical impacts on the coastline. Characteristics of the storm, such as strength and direction of wind, amount of rainfall, height of storm surge and speed of movement, will interreact with characteristics of the coastal landscape, such as relief, vegetation, surface cover and constructions, to produce differing impacts.

Candidates will have studied the impact of one hurricane in detail but should additionally have a broader understanding of the formation, distribution and physical impacts of hurricanes on coastal margins, including storm surges. They should also have studied the impact of waves on a variety of coastal landforms.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Hurricanes have varied characteristics relating to wind speed, speed of movement, amount of precipitation, height of storm surge.
• Heavy rain leads to flooding of low-lying rural and urban areas.
• Plantation crops can be destroyed.
• Strong winds damage coastal property and infrastructure.
• Storm surge floods coastal areas with salt water.
• Increased wave action can change beach profile, erode beaches, destroy bars and spits and wetlands.
• Impacts can be both short and long term.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) which examines the statement in a way that considers different types of place (context), or the relative impact of different physical processes. Another approach would be to examine the possibility that human preparation and prevention may mitigate the impact of similar storms.

For 5–6 marks, expect some outlining of the impact of one or more named hurricanes, or hurricanes in general, on coastal margin landscapes and/or people. The response is partial, narrow or lacks supporting evidence.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account that includes:

• either a well-evidenced explanation of the impact of hurricanes (or one named hurricane) on coastal margin landscapes
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Refer to Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Land-use pressures on coastlines include commercial land uses (tourism, industry and housing) and conservation measures. The varying interests of different stakeholders may be difficult to reconcile; environmental and economic aims may not be easy to meet jointly. The power of different stakeholders will influence the outcome and determine the resolution of the conflict.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• The variety of land uses in coastal areas, including residential, industrial, tourist-related, agricultural, etc. Do not credit ocean uses, eg fishing or marine management strategies such as the SMMA.
• Details of how they may conflict with each other, or conflict with wider conservation of the coastline.
• Decision making and planning structure will vary from place to place, which can influence outcomes and any resolution.

Good answers may be well structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) which examines the statement in a way that considers different types of place (context), or the relative power of different stakeholders. Another approach might be to examine the possibility of resolution of the conflict or its continuation, or a partial resolution that is considered a good outcome for some of the stakeholders.

For 5–6 marks, expect some outlining of conflicting land-use pressures on one or more coastlines. The response is partial, narrow or lacks supporting evidence.

For 7–8 marks, expect a well-structured account that includes:

• either a well-evidenced explanation of the conflicting land-use pressures and their possible resolution(s)
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

There was some sound knowledge of hurricane formation and processes, and of relevant examples, with Katrina being a popular choice. However, many responses ignored the focus on coastal margin landscapes, dealing instead with impacts on people, possible mitigation schemes and post-hazard management strategies.

This was a less popular question and was generally poorly answered. Conflicting land-use pressures might include tourism, industry, housing and conservation, and the interests and power of different stakeholders might be difficult to reconcile. Many candidates used an inappropriate case study, focusing on fishing and marine management, such as the SMMA and South China Sea. The difficulty of resolving issues was often ignored.