Geography

1. 1.

   Explain how hydraulic action and abrasion can erode a cliff. Distinguish the two processes.

   [3 marks] · no calculator

   Answer explanation

   Draft walkthroughs are based on marking guidance, not independently verified derivations.

   1. Focus on the agent doing the erosion. In hydraulic action, wave force and pressure exploit weaknesses in rock.
   2. In abrasion, sand and pebbles act as tools carried by the water. The material is not necessarily dissolved.
   3. Both can work together, and susceptibility depends on rock structure and wave conditions.

   Marking points

   • Hydraulic action involves wave impact and pressure, including compression of air or water in cracks.
   • Abrasion occurs when material carried by waves scrapes or strikes the cliff.
   • Repeated action weakens/removes rock; the distinction is water/pressure action versus the action of transported material.

   Examiner tip: Do not confuse abrasion of the cliff with attrition between transported particles.

2. 2.

   A town proposes groynes to retain beach sediment. Evaluate one local benefit and one possible consequence for a settlement down-drift, then suggest how these could be assessed.

   [4 marks] · no calculator

   Answer explanation

   Draft walkthroughs are based on marking guidance, not independently verified derivations.

   1. A local gain may come from trapping material that would otherwise move along the coast.
   2. The coast is connected, so evaluate neighbouring impacts instead of treating the town's beach as an isolated system.
   3. Monitoring and modelling help test the risk, but effects also depend on sediment sources, storms and design; erosion is not inevitable everywhere.

   Marking points

   • Groynes can interrupt longshore transport and accumulate sediment locally.
   • A wider beach may dissipate wave energy and support recreation.
   • Reduced sediment supply down-drift can increase erosion risk there.
   • Assess sediment budgets and monitor profiles before and after intervention across the sediment cell.

   Examiner tip: Link a management benefit to a process and consider impacts beyond the protected site.

3. 3.

   A city introduces a congestion charge and expands public transport. Evaluate how far this combination can improve urban sustainability, considering environmental effects and unequal impacts on residents.

   [5 marks] · no calculator

   Answer explanation

   Draft walkthroughs are based on marking guidance, not independently verified derivations.

   1. The combined policy is stronger than a charge alone if alternatives are reliable and accessible when the charge starts.
   2. Environmental averages can conceal unequal burdens. Examine who pays and who gains faster, cheaper journeys.
   3. Compare before/after evidence with wider trends and neighbouring areas. A balanced conclusion conditions success on service quality, equity and measurable changes.

   Marking points

   • Charges can discourage some car journeys while transport expansion offers alternatives.
   • Reduced traffic may lower local emissions and congestion; outcomes depend on actual travel changes.
   • Assess affordability, accessibility and effects on low-income or poorly served residents.
   • Consider displacement of traffic, implementation costs and use of revenues.
   • Give a conditional judgement supported by measures such as modal share, air quality and access to jobs/services.

   Examiner tip: Sustainability includes social and economic consequences, not just a lower vehicle count.

Original, unofficial practice questions from SubjectScout — not official past-paper questions.