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Date November 2020 Marks available 1 Reference code 20N.1.bp.7
Level SL and HL Paper 1 Time zone
Command term Determine Question number 7 Adapted from N/A

Question

The map shows Snæfellsjökull in Iceland. The scale of the map is 1:100 000 and the contour interval is 20 metres.

 

[Source: Based on data from National Land Survey of Iceland.]

Determine the difference in height between the spot heights at A and B.

[1]
a.i.

Estimate the distance in kilometres between A and B on the map.

[1]
a.ii.

Outline how one piece of map evidence indicates that this is a volcanic area.

[2]
b.

Explain how volcanic hazard vulnerability in an area such as this could be reduced using GPS crater monitoring.

[3]
c.i.

Explain how volcanic hazard vulnerability in an area such as this could be reduced using lava diversions.

[3]
c.ii.

Markscheme

1446–125 = 1321 m (units not required)

a.i.

9.1 km (accept 8.5–9.5). (unit not required)

a.ii.

Award [1] for relevant evidence and [1] for development linked to volcanic activity. There should be some specific reference to an area/place on the map to gain [1].

For example: Snaefellsjokull [1] is a large dome/cone-shaped volcano as seen from circular contour lines [1].

Other possibilities include:

b.

Allow [1] for demonstrating an understanding of the term and [1] for each further development point explaining how vulnerability is reduced, up to a maximum of [3].

For example: GPS monitoring means that transmitters/receivers are placed around the volcano [1] allowing scientists to monitor and record data about the volcano's activity and changes [1] thus allowing for a timely evacuation of the populations affected by potential volcanic eruptions [1].

c.i.

Allow [1] for demonstrating an understanding of the term and [1] for each further development point explaining how vulnerability is reduced, up to a maximum of [3].

For example: Lava diversions can be building walls or incorporating lava tubes [1] as is used for volcanic eruptions on Mount Etna [1] which have helped divert the lava from the more populous areas and so saving lives and property [1].

c.ii.

Examiners report

Most had no difficulty here although there were some very unrealistic distances given.

a.i.

Most had no difficulty here although there were some very unrealistic distances given.

a.ii.

Many could identify a sign of volcanic activity but failed to give map evidence for location and to justify the volcanic activity

b.

Responses were generally okay although at times a little superficial and candidates needed to explain how vulnerability could be reduced in a way more clearly linked to the term.

c.i.

Responses were generally okay although at times a little superficial and candidates needed to explain how vulnerability could be reduced in a way more clearly linked to the term.

c.ii.

Syllabus sections

Option D: Geophysical hazards » D.1. Geophysical systems
Option D: Geophysical hazards

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