| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 19M.1.bp.5 |
| Level | SL and HL | Paper | 1 | Time zone | |
| Command term | Describe | Question number | 5 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The map shows predicted permafrost conditions in Greenland and North America in 2080.
[Source: Dr. Sergey Marchenko, Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, USA]
Briefly describe the distribution of thawing permafrost in Greenland.
Outline one possible reason why some permafrost in area A has not thawed.
Suggest three possible ways in which the melting of permafrost could affect local populations in areas such as those shown on the map.
Markscheme
Award [2] for two valid descriptions, such as latitude, compass directions, or distance. Do not accept longitude.
Possibilities include:
- Thawing permafrost is found along the coastline.
- Thawing permafrost is found in the southern half of the island.
- Thawing is found south of 70 degrees north (accept 70 to 60 degrees north)
- Thawing extends further inland on the west coast.
Award [1] for stating a valid reason why permafrost has not thawed and [1] for further outlining of why this might be the case.
For example:
The climate here is unusually cold and ground remains frozen most of the year [1]. This is most likely because of high altitude [1].
Local soils or geology may be slow to warm in summer and stay frozen [1] perhaps because of their specific heat capacity [1].
In each case, award [1] for a valid effect on local populations and [1] for further development/exemplification.
For example: Land subsidence [1] may cause buildings and/or infrastructure to collapse [1].
Other ways may include:
- Potentially easier drilling/mining of gas and oil [1] resulting in increased economic prosperity for some local populations in North America [1].
- Possible extension of farming further north [1] increasing food security for local populations [1].
- Habitat changes, animals migrate [1], affecting local populations who rely on animals as a source of food [1].
Accept any other reasonable impacts.
Examiners report
This was generally well answered using two valid descriptions. Those that used latitude were often not sufficiently specific.
Many candidates were able to correctly identify altitude as a possible reason. However, there were some far-fetched responses that tried to link lack of melting to human activity.
The majority of candidates were able to identify three possible factors/ways, but often did not adequately develop these with links to the local populations. Weaker responses were repetitive.
