Edexcel A-level Geography – Glaciated Landscapes and Change
Explain the different factors that influence the rate of glacial movement. [8 marks]
HOW TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
This 8-mark 'explain the different factors' question rewards a clear structure covering a range of
factors, each explained fully — plan one paragraph per factor before you write:
• 1. Use the key terminology linked to glacial movement: terms such as mass balance,
accumulation and ablation, pressure melting point, internal deformation and basal sliding
show the examiner precise geographical knowledge — an answer without these reads as
general description and drops out of the top band.
• 2. Give a very clear structure with all the key points included: deal with one factor per
paragraph (e.g. altitude, mass, ice temperature) and explain the full chain from factor to
movement — for example, how warm-based ice at the pressure melting point produces basal
meltwater, which lubricates the bed and enables rapid basal sliding, in contrast to cold-based
polar glaciers frozen to the bedrock. Linking factors together (e.g. altitude driving precipitation,
which adds mass) shows the connected reasoning Edexcel Level 3 (6–8 marks) requires.
Examiner tip: a short conclusion identifying the most significant factor is a nice way to finish, but
the marks come from the depth and connectedness of each factor's explanation.
The full model answer follows on the next page.
Explain the different factors that influence the rate of glacial movement. [8 marks]
HOW TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
This 8-mark 'explain the different factors' question rewards a clear structure covering a range of
factors, each explained fully — plan one paragraph per factor before you write:
• 1. Use the key terminology linked to glacial movement: terms such as mass balance,
accumulation and ablation, pressure melting point, internal deformation and basal sliding
show the examiner precise geographical knowledge — an answer without these reads as
general description and drops out of the top band.
• 2. Give a very clear structure with all the key points included: deal with one factor per
paragraph (e.g. altitude, mass, ice temperature) and explain the full chain from factor to
movement — for example, how warm-based ice at the pressure melting point produces basal
meltwater, which lubricates the bed and enables rapid basal sliding, in contrast to cold-based
polar glaciers frozen to the bedrock. Linking factors together (e.g. altitude driving precipitation,
which adds mass) shows the connected reasoning Edexcel Level 3 (6–8 marks) requires.
Examiner tip: a short conclusion identifying the most significant factor is a nice way to finish, but
the marks come from the depth and connectedness of each factor's explanation.
The full model answer follows on the next page.
