A Level H2 Geography Physical Geography Quiz

Answer Key - A-Level Geography H2 Quiz (Physical Geography)

1. [4 marks]

• Identification: Af (Tropical Rainforest) [1]
• Evidence: Mean temperature >18°C (27°C) [1], Annual precipitation high (2,500mm) [1], No dry season/all months >60mm [1].

2. [3 marks]

• Structure: Emergent, Canopy, Understory, Forest Floor [1]
• Emergent layer: Tallest trees, poke through the main canopy, receive maximum sunlight [2].

3. [2 marks]

• Value: 150 [1]
• Unit: tonnes per hectare [1].

4. [5 marks]

• ITCZ is a low-pressure belt where trade winds converge [1].
• Migration of ITCZ creates seasonal shifts [1].
• When ITCZ is overhead: High convectional rainfall (Wet season) [2].
• When ITCZ moves away: Subsiding air/high pressure (Dry season) [2].

5. [3 marks]

• Light: Very low light penetration due to dense canopy [1].
• Adaptations: Large leaves to capture sunlight, shade-tolerant species [2].

6. [5 marks]

• High temp increases rate of chemical weathering/decomposition [1].
• Microorganisms break down organic matter rapidly [2].
• Nutrients are released quickly and immediately reabsorbed by plants [2].

7. [5 marks]

• Af: Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year; no distinct dry season [2].
• Am: High annual totals but has a short, distinct dry season [2].
• Comparison: Both have high totals, but Am has higher seasonality [1].

8. [2 marks]

• Rockfall [2].

9. [2 marks]

• Mudflow/Debris flow [2].

10. [5 marks]

• Rainwater absorbs CO2 to form weak carbonic acid [2].
• Acid reacts with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in limestone [1].
• This creates calcium bicarbonate, which is soluble in water [2].

11. [4 marks]

• Infiltration: Water entering the soil/rock surface via pores/joints [2].
• Percolation: Downward movement of water through the rock layers [2].

12. [5 marks]

• Subsurface erosion creates a large cavity/cave [2].
• Over time, the roof of the cave thins due to dissolution from above [1].
• Roof loses structural integrity and collapses under its own weight [2].

13. [6 marks]

• Joints/bedding planes provide pathways for water [2].
• Water concentrates in these weaknesses, accelerating dissolution [2].
• Widening of joints leads to interconnected conduits and underground rivers [2].

14. [5 marks]

• High intensity rainfall saturates the soil quickly [2].
• Increases pore-water pressure, reducing friction between soil particles [2].
• Overcomes shear strength of the slope, triggering rapid flow [1].

15. [4 marks]

• Process: Heavy rain washes soluble nutrients (cations) deep into the soil [2].
• Impact: Leaves soil acidic and nutrient-poor (latosols) [2].

16. [5 marks]

• Reduced evapotranspiration (fewer trees to release water vapor) [2].
• Reduced cloud formation and localized rainfall [2].
• Increased surface runoff and lower infiltration [1].

17. [6 marks]

• Loss of emergent/canopy layers reduces total biomass per hectare [2].
• Shift from complex vertical structure to simplified, low-biomass scrub/grassland [2].
• Loss of carbon sinks, increasing atmospheric CO2 [2].

18. [6 marks]

• Warming leads to drying of peatlands [2].
• Dry peat becomes susceptible to fire/oxidation [2].
• Release of stored carbon (CO2/CH4) further accelerates global warming [2].

19. [10 marks]

• Agreement: Protected areas, community-based forestry, ecotourism provide economic incentives for preservation [4].
• Counter-argument: Illegal logging, pressure from agriculture (palm oil), lack of enforcement in LDCs [4].
• Synthesis: Effectiveness depends on governance and balancing economic needs with ecology [2].

20. [10 marks]

• Agreement (Climate): High temp/rainfall accelerate chemical weathering (carbonation) [4].
• Disagreement (Lithology): Must be soluble carbonate rock (limestone/dolomite) for karst to form; purity of limestone affects rate [4].
• Conclusion: Both are essential; lithology provides the "canvas," climate provides the "engine" [2].