Examine the relationship between plate margin type and the character of volcanic activity.

Examine how geophysical factors were responsible for the differing impacts of two earthquake hazard events.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

Most volcanic activity occurs along plate margins, although some is related to hotspots (e.g. Hawaii). Volcanoes occur along both destructive (convergent) and constructive (divergent) boundaries but are generally absent along strike-slip boundaries such as the San Andreas Fault. There is a relationship between the type of plate margin and the character of volcanic activity and resultant landforms.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• Most volcanic activity occurs along plate margins, and there is a close relationship between the type of plate margin and character of activity.
• Destructive (convergent) plate margins are associated with violent, explosive, andesitic eruptions, formed in relation to subduction processes. These form large strato-volcanoes, ash cones, ash falls, pyroclastic flows and lahars.
• Constructive plate margins are associated with less violent basaltic eruptions, forming large shield volcanoes, fissure vents, and basaltic lava plains. They often form on the ocean floors and mid-oceanic ridges, such as Iceland.
• Volcanic eruptions also occur away from plate margins, such as on “hot-spots” like Hawaii.
• Passive, strike-slip plate margins, such as the San Andreas Fault are not normally associated with volcanic activity.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that shows understanding of the complex relationship between volcanic activity and processes operating at different types of plate margin. The relationship is sometimes complicated because in some places volcanic activity occurs away from plate margins. There may also be temporal change with changing characteristics at the same plate margin. Another approach might be to look at the varying scale of volcanic activity.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of one or more plate margin types and the characteristics of volcanic activity.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of the relationship(s) between two types of plate margin and varying characteristics of volcanic activity
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 1 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).

The focus of the question is on the relationship between geophysical factors and their differing impacts. Earthquake hazard events are associated with the impact of ground shaking and rupture, landslides, tsunamis, and liquefaction. The geophysical characteristics of an area will have a major influence on the severity of impacts of an earthquake event. The impacts may be physical, human, or a combination of the two.

Possible applied themes (AO2) demonstrating knowledge and understanding (AO1):

• The type of plate boundary affects the impact of earthquakes: convergent/destructive boundaries often produce stronger (higher magnitude) earthquakes than divergent (constructive) plate margins.
• The severity of the impact will vary with the intensity and depth of the earthquake event, and the nature/frequency of aftershocks. Shallow focus earthquakes have greater impact than deep earthquakes.
• Type of plate movement is important – vertical movement between plates (as on a convergent plate boundary) may cause more impact than horizontal (strike-slip) movement (as on a destructive plate margin).
• Other geophysical factors may include geology/rock type/sediments – which influence intensity of shaking, and possible liquefaction.
• Relief/slope steepness, and coastal topography may affect the incidence of landslides, and coastal flooding due to tsunamis.
• Time of day may also be considered as a geophysical factor.
• Impacts of earthquakes include ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides and tsunamis, as well as coastal flooding, collapsed buildings and damage to infrastructure.

Good answers may be well-structured (AO4) and may additionally offer a critical evaluation (AO3) of the statement in a way that shows understanding of the complex relationship between the nature of earthquake activity and resultant impacts. Good answers will have a wider variety of physical factors and associated processes. Another approach is to look at the interactions between physical factors and systems. There may be a clear contrast in the power and scale of examples used.

For 5–6 marks, expect some weakly evidenced outlining of geophysical factors affecting one or more earthquake hazard events/impacts.

For 7–8 marks, expect a structured account that includes:

• either an evidenced explanation of how geophysical factors led to differing impacts for two earthquake hazard events (do not expect balance)
• or a discursive conclusion (or ongoing evaluation) grounded in geographical concepts and/or perspectives.

For 9–10 marks, expect both of these traits.

There were some very good responses which linked the types of plate margin, processes, and the character of volcanic activity — these were detailed and well exemplified. On the other hand, there were many descriptive responses which ignored the presence of hot-spots and/or used examples that were not contemporary.

Some struggled to understand the meaning of geophysical factors (depth of focus, location of epicentre and wave types), and how this affects earthquake impacts, preferring to describe socio-economic factors or everything they knew about their case studies whether it was relevant or not. However, there were some very detailed and appropriate responses that provided clear evidence and perspectives.