Using the two maps, describe the population density in hot, arid areas.

Explain how and why the following factors may influence population density in hot, arid areas:

• human discomfort,
• inaccessibility.

Using examples, examine how extreme environments offer both challenges and opportunities for mineral extraction.

Generally hot, arid areas have a low population density [1 mark]. The lowest population densities are found in the largest hot, arid areas such as central Sahara and central Australia [1 mark]. The highest population densities in hot, arid regions are found in coastal regions [1 mark] or in close proximity to major rivers [1 mark].

Human discomfort: This could be related to a number of possibilities including lack of water (for drinking, washing and production of food), extreme temperatures, wind, exposure [3 marks].

Inaccessibility: Difficulty to access services such as medical and educational facilities, transport and communications. Hard to import and export goods resulting in low employment opportunities [3 marks].

Other relevant reasons should also be credited.

There are a wide variety of answers possible, depending on the mineral resources examined. The opportunities and resulting benefits may be at a local, national or international scale. There may be economic, social and political benefits to mineral extraction. The opportunities and challenges may be influenced by market forces, demand, competition, existing technology and probable future innovations. Challenges include overcoming inaccessibility, environmental restrictions, the investment required, human discomfort, fluctuations in economic and political conditions.

The breadth or depth of treatment of challenges and opportunities need not be equal. Examples are a specific requirement of the question and are required to access band D and above.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.