A Level H2 Geography Practice Paper 3

Answer Key & Marking Scheme - Geography H2 Practice Paper (Version 3)

Section A: Physical Geography

Question 1 (a) Vegetation Structure & Biomass [3]

• 1 mark: Identification of vertical layers (Emergent, Canopy, Understory, Ground).
• 1 mark: Description of density/height (e.g., continuous canopy, sparse understory).
• 1 mark: Reference to mean biomass value from Resource 1 (e.g., X tonnes/ha).

(b) Nutrient Cycling [7]

• 2 marks: High temp/humidity $\rightarrow$ rapid decomposition by fungi/bacteria.
• 2 marks: Thin humus layer $\rightarrow$ rapid uptake by shallow root systems (mycorrhizae).
• 2 marks: Closed nutrient loop; nutrients recycled before leaching occurs.
• 1 mark: Link to high productivity despite oxisols/latosols.

(c) Canopy Removal & Soil Degradation [10]

• 4 marks (Agreement): Loss of interception $\rightarrow$ increased splash erosion $\rightarrow$ surface crusting $\rightarrow$ reduced infiltration $\rightarrow$ increased runoff.
• 4 marks (Nuance): Nutrients are stored in biomass, not soil; once canopy is gone, rapid leaching of remaining minerals occurs.
• 2 marks (Evaluation): Extent depends on slope and rainfall intensity; some recovery possible if reforestation is immediate.

Question 2 (a) Karst Features [2]

• 1 mark each for: Sinkholes (dolines), limestone pavements, uvalas, or caves.

(b) Karst Processes [8]

• 3 marks: Carbonation process (Rainwater + $\text{CO}_2 \rightarrow$ Carbonic acid $\rightarrow$ dissolves $\text{CaCO}_3$).
• 3 marks: Physical movement (Infiltration/percolation through joints and bedding planes).
• 2 marks: Cavity formation $\rightarrow$ roof collapse $\rightarrow$ surface sinkholes.

---

Section B: Human Geography

Question 3 (a) Comparison of Sustainability [5]

• 2 marks: Comparative language (e.g., "Singapore's score is significantly higher than Jakarta's").
• 2 marks: Analysis of Environmental Quality (highest vs lowest).
• 1 mark: Analysis of Social Equity (pattern across the four cities).

(b) Green Infrastructure Evaluation [7]

• 3 marks: Benefits (UHI reduction, biodiversity, stormwater management).
• 3 marks: Limitations (High cost, land scarcity in dense cities like Jakarta/Bangkok).
• 1 mark: Concluding judgment on effectiveness.

Question 4 (a) Waste Composition [4]

• 2 marks: Identification of dominant waste types (e.g., organic waste 60%, plastics 15%).
• 2 marks: Accurate data extraction from Resource 4.

(b) Environmental/Social Challenges [6]

• 3 marks: High organic content $\rightarrow$ anaerobic decomposition $\rightarrow$ methane/leachate $\rightarrow$ water pollution.
• 3 marks: High plastic content $\rightarrow$ clogging drains $\rightarrow$ urban flooding $\rightarrow$ health hazards for waste-pickers in Resource 5.

(c) Slum Development [10]

• 4 marks (Planning): Lack of affordable housing, weak land tenure, zoning failures.
• 4 marks (Migration): Push/pull factors, rapid population growth outpacing infrastructure.
• 2 marks (Synthesis): Interaction between both; migration provides the population, but planning failure provides the "slum" condition.

Question 5 (a) UHI Effect [6]

• 3 marks: High thermal mass of concrete/asphalt $\rightarrow$ absorption of short-wave radiation.
• 3 marks: Release of long-wave radiation at night $\rightarrow$ slower cooling compared to rural areas.

(b) Mitigation [4]

• 2 marks: Strategy 1 (e.g., Green roofs/walls) + Justification (evapotranspiration).
• 2 marks: Strategy 2 (e.g., Cool pavements/reflective paint) + Justification (increased albedo).

---

Section C: Integrated Essay

Question 6: Resource Curse [30]

• Knowledge (10): Definition of Resource Curse/Dutch Disease.
• Analysis (10):
  • Blessing: Export revenue, infrastructure (e.g., Botswana).
  • Curse: Volatility, corruption, conflict (e.g., DRC, Nigeria).
• Evaluation (10): Role of governance and institutional strength as the mediating factor.

Question 7: Foreign Aid & Urban Sustainability [30]

• Knowledge (10): Definition of sustainable urban development and types of aid.
• Analysis (10):
  • Agreement: Financial gaps, technology transfer, capacity building.
  • Disagreement: Domestic resource mobilization, aid dependency, successful self-reliant models (e.g., Vietnam).
• Evaluation (10): Nuanced conclusion—aid is a catalyst but not a sufficient condition; governance is key.