| Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 6 | Reference code | 20N.1.bp.5 |
| Level | SL and HL | Paper | 1 | Time zone | |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | 5 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
The radial diagram shows the facing direction for a sample of cirques/corries in a glaciated mountainous area.
[Source: Courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey.]
State the difference in mean altitude, in metres, for south-facing and north-facing corries.
Estimate the percentage of cirques/corries facing east.
Outline one erosional process responsible for the formation of cirques/corries.
Explain two consequences of a warming climate on ice distribution in a glaciated mountainous area such as this.
Markscheme
2200 – 1500 = 700 m (units not required)
15 % (accept 14–16) (% not required)
Award [1] for the named process and [1] for explanatory development.
For example: Plucking [1] is where ice tears rock away due to it thawing and(re)freezing [1].
Other erosional processes include:
- Abrasion
- Freeze thaw
In each case, award [1] for the consequence and up to [2] for further development.
For example: Ice disappears/shrinks overall [1] because of higher rates of melting [1] and possibly less snowfall [1].
Other consequences include:
- Ice remains at higher altitude
- Aspect – ice remains on north-facing slopes (hemisphere dependent) due to aspect and less sunshine on that slope
- Ice coverage could increase if the system changes in ways that foster this (far more snow; relatively small temperature increase).
Examiners report
Both posed no problems.
Both posed no problems.
Generally the process was named but the development was incorrect.
There were some reasonable answers, but often candidates struggled to find a second consequence. Many unfortunately ignored the 'ice distribution' part of the question and talked about water supply and permafrost melting.
