Secondary 2 Geography Resources Sustainability Quiz

Secondary 2 Geography Quiz - Resources Sustainability (Answer Key)

Total Marks: 50

Section A: Map and Data Skills [12.5 marks]

1. Describe the trend in domestic water consumption shown in Figure 1. Refer to statistics in your answer. [3 marks]

Answer:

• Overall increasing trend from 2010 to 2020 (1 mark)
• Specific statistics: e.g., "increased from 140 million litres per day in 2010 to 160 million litres per day in 2020" (1 mark)
• Rate of change: e.g., "gradual increase" or "steady growth of approximately 2 million litres per year" (1 mark)

2. State the four-figure grid reference of the water treatment plant shown on the map extract. [1 mark]

Answer: Accept appropriate four-figure grid reference based on map provided (e.g., 1234) (1 mark)

3. Describe two features of this sustainable water management strategy visible in the photograph. [2 marks]

Sample answers: (a) Rooftop collection system/guttering to channel rainwater (1 mark) (b) Storage tanks/containers to store collected water (1 mark)

Alternative answers: Filtration systems, green infrastructure, permeable surfaces

4. Calculate the water consumption per capita for Country X in 2020. [2 marks]

Answer: Calculation: 580 million ÷ 5.8 million = 100 litres per person per day (1 mark for correct working) Answer: 100 litres per person per day (1 mark for correct answer with units)

5. Compare the water availability between tropical and temperate regions from 1990 to 2020. [2.5 marks]

Answer:

• Tropical regions: describe trend with statistics (1 mark)
• Temperate regions: describe trend with statistics (1 mark)
• Comparison using comparative language: "whereas," "in contrast," "both regions" (0.5 marks)

Section B: Resources and Environmental Management [17.5 marks]

6. Which location would be more suitable for collecting representative water samples? Justify your choice. [2 marks]

Answer:

• Clear choice of location (1 mark)
• Justification considering factors such as accessibility, safety, representativeness, or research objectives (1 mark)

7. Identify one sampling method and describe how it can be conducted. [2 marks]

Sample answer:

• Sampling method: Systematic sampling (1 mark)
• Description: "Collect water samples at regular intervals along the river, e.g., every 100 metres, to ensure even coverage of the study area" (1 mark)

Alternative methods: Random sampling, stratified sampling

8. Describe two characteristics of tropical rainforests that help them store large amounts of carbon. [2 marks]

Sample answers: (a) Dense vegetation/multiple forest layers store carbon in biomass (1 mark) (b) Large trees with extensive root systems store carbon underground (1 mark)

Alternative answers: Rapid growth rates, evergreen nature, high biodiversity

9. Explain how deforestation contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect. [3 marks]

Answer:

• Trees store carbon in their biomass (1 mark)
• When forests are cleared, stored carbon is released as CO₂ into the atmosphere (1 mark)
• Increased CO₂ concentrations trap more heat, enhancing the greenhouse effect (1 mark)

10. Describe the changes in mangrove coverage shown in Figure 3. [3 marks]

Answer:

• Overall trend: decreasing coverage (1 mark)
• Specific statistics with years (1 mark)
• Rate of change: e.g., "rapid decline," "accelerating loss" (1 mark)

11. Explain one environmental impact of clearing mangroves for urban development. [3 marks]

Sample answer:

• Clearing mangroves removes natural coastal protection (1 mark)
• This leads to increased coastal erosion during storms and high tides (1 mark)
• Resulting in loss of coastal land and damage to remaining ecosystems (1 mark)

Alternative impacts: Loss of biodiversity, water pollution, disrupted fish breeding

12. Describe one social and one environmental threat due to water scarcity. [2 marks]

Sample answers:

• Social threat: Limited access to clean water affects health and education (1 mark)
• Environmental threat: Over-extraction of groundwater causes land subsidence (1 mark)

13. Explain how extracting groundwater can lead to negative environmental impacts. [2.5 marks]

Answer:

• Excessive groundwater extraction lowers the water table (1 mark)
• This causes land subsidence as underground spaces collapse (1 mark)
• Leading to infrastructure damage and increased flood risk (0.5 marks)

Section C: Evaluation and Analysis [20 marks]

14. Describe and explain how Singapore's water management approach is both inclusive and sustainable. [4 marks]

Answer: Inclusive aspects:

• Affordable water pricing for all income groups (1 mark)
• Universal access to clean water supply (1 mark)

Sustainable aspects:

• Diversified water sources reduce dependence on imports (1 mark)
• Water recycling (NEWater) and conservation reduce environmental impact (1 mark)

15. Compare the effectiveness of water rationing vs. desalination technology. [4 marks]

Answer framework: Water rationing:

• Advantages: immediate water savings, low cost (1 mark)
• Disadvantages: temporary solution, social disruption (1 mark)

Desalination:

• Advantages: reliable water source, long-term solution (1 mark)
• Disadvantages: high energy costs, environmental impacts (1 mark)

16. Evaluate the effectiveness of reforestation for sustainable rainforest management. [5 marks]

Answer framework:

• Definition of reforestation and its goals (1 mark)
• Advantages: carbon storage, biodiversity restoration, soil protection (2 marks)
• Limitations: slow growth, high costs, may not restore original ecosystem (1 mark)
• Balanced conclusion with examples (1 mark)

17. "Protecting mangroves is more important than coastal development." To what extent do you agree? [5 marks]

Answer framework:

• Introduction defining key terms (1 mark)
• Arguments supporting protection: ecosystem services, climate protection (2 marks)
• Arguments supporting development: economic growth, housing needs (1 mark)
• Balanced conclusion: "To a large extent, but sustainable development can balance both needs" (1 mark)

18. Explain how urban planning can contribute to sustainable water management in cities. [2 marks]

Sample answer:

• Green infrastructure like parks and permeable surfaces reduce runoff (1 mark)
• Integrated water systems including rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling (1 mark)

19. Assess the role of technology in addressing water scarcity challenges in developing countries. [3 marks]

Answer framework:

• Positive impacts: desalination, water purification, efficient irrigation (1 mark)
• Limitations: high costs, maintenance requirements, energy needs (1 mark)
• Overall assessment: technology helps but must be appropriate and affordable (1 mark)

20. Evaluate the statement: "Individual actions are more effective than government policies in achieving water conservation." [2 marks]

Sample answer:

• Individual actions have immediate impact but limited scale (1 mark)
• Government policies provide framework and enforcement for widespread change (1 mark)

Marking notes:

• Award marks for specific examples and case studies
• Look for balanced evaluation considering multiple perspectives
• Credit use of geographical terminology
• Reward clear structure and logical argument development