State the six-figure grid reference of the Dawlish Warren railway station.

Estimate the distance, in km, between X and Y on the map.

Outline two physical reasons why urban development has not occurred in area A.

Explain two ways in which vegetation contributes to the development of sand dunes in coastal areas such as this.

979787 (allow 978 / 786 or 788)

1.5 (allow 1.4 to 1.6)

In each case, award [1] for a valid physical reason and [1] for further development using applied knowledge of coastal margins.

For example: This may be an area of sand / spit [1] as the sand is too unstable to support buildings / long shore drift processes make it too mobile [1].

Other possible physical reasons include:

• Possible flood risk, as the land is very low-lying [1] and subject to storm surges / at risk of sea level changes [1].
• recognition of Nature Reserve [1]; building not permitted as it would destroy the landscape/biodiversity in the area [1].

In each case, award [1] for a valid way and [1] for further development.

For example: Vegetation traps sand blown by the wind [1] because it reduces wind speed (and therefore the ability to transport sediment) [1].

Other possible ways include:

• Vegetation decay and humus development [1], which is a source of nutrients for further plant growth on sand dunes [1].
• Root systems stabilize the dune system [1] and allow embryo dunes to develop into fore dunes [1].
• Alteration of the environment by pioneer/early stage species [1], allowing colonization by further species further fixing the dunes [1].
• Vegetation protects sand dunes from rainfall during tropical storms [1] as vegetation intercepts rainfall protecting the dune from erosion [1].