4. Geographical skills and investigations (3)
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1.
The following graph shows the changes in average annual rainfall in a particular region over a 30-year period. (a) Describe the pattern of rainfall shown in the graph. (b) Suggest two possible reasons for the observed pattern. (c) Explain how this rainfall pattern might affect agriculture in the region.
(Graph Data - Example):
Year | Average Rainfall (mm) |
1994 | 800 |
1995 | 900 |
1996 | 700 |
1997 | 850 |
1998 | 950 |
1999 | 750 |
2000 | 820 |
2001 | 920 |
2002 | 780 |
2003 | 880 |
2004 | 980 |
2005 | 720 |
(a) Pattern of Rainfall: The graph shows a fluctuating pattern of rainfall over the 30-year period. There are periods of high rainfall (around 900-1000 mm) interspersed with periods of lower rainfall (around 700-800 mm). The rainfall does not show a consistent increasing or decreasing trend. There appears to be a cyclical pattern, with peaks and troughs occurring at irregular intervals.
(b) Possible Reasons for Rainfall Pattern: Two possible reasons for this pattern could be:
- La Niña/El Niño events: These climate patterns can significantly affect rainfall distribution globally. La Niña often brings drier conditions to some regions, while El Niño can bring wetter conditions.
- Prevailing Wind Patterns: Changes in the prevailing wind patterns, which bring moisture to the region, can lead to variations in rainfall. Shifts in the position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) can also influence rainfall.
(c) Effect on Agriculture: This fluctuating rainfall pattern would have a significant impact on agriculture. Periods of low rainfall would lead to drought conditions, resulting in crop failure and reduced yields. Farmers would need to rely on irrigation, which can be expensive and unsustainable. Conversely, periods of high rainfall could lead to flooding, damaging crops and infrastructure. Farmers would need to adapt their farming practices, potentially choosing drought-resistant crops or implementing water conservation techniques. The uncertainty in rainfall would also make it difficult for farmers to plan their planting and harvesting schedules.
2.
Question 1
A student is planning a fieldwork investigation to examine the impact of tourism on a coastal environment. The student intends to carry out a population survey of visitors during peak and off-peak seasons, and also measure the levels of litter on the beach. State three key considerations the student should take into account when planning this fieldwork investigation.
- Ethical considerations: Obtaining necessary permissions from landowners, informing visitors about the study, and ensuring data is anonymised.
- Safety: Assessing potential hazards (e.g., tides, weather, uneven ground) and implementing safety measures. Having a risk assessment in place.
- Time constraints: Planning the fieldwork within the allocated time, considering travel time, data collection time, and analysis time. Having contingency plans for weather.
- Data Collection Methods: Ensuring the chosen methods are appropriate for the research question and can provide reliable data. Pilot testing the methods beforehand.
- Resource Availability: Ensuring access to necessary equipment (e.g., litter pickers, measuring tapes, questionnaires) and funding.
3.
Question 2
Describe how a student could plan a fieldwork investigation to investigate the relationship between altitude and temperature. Your answer should include details of the location choice, the methods they could use, and the data they would collect.
A student could plan a fieldwork investigation to investigate the relationship between altitude and temperature by choosing a location with a significant altitude difference, such as a mountain range or a series of hills. Planning would involve the following steps:
- Location Selection: Choosing a location with a clear altitudinal gradient and accessible paths. Consider safety and accessibility.
- Method Selection: The student could use a thermometer to measure air temperature at different altitudes. They could take readings at regular intervals (e.g., every 100m) along a chosen route. They could also use a compass and map to accurately record the altitude of each measurement.
- Data Collection: The student would record the altitude (using a map and compass) and the air temperature (using a thermometer) for each measurement. They would repeat the measurements at different times of day to account for variations in temperature.
- Data Recording: The student would create a table to record their data. This table would include columns for altitude, temperature, date, and time.
- Risk Assessment: The student would identify potential risks (e.g., weather, terrain) and implement safety measures.