Cambridge International AS & A Level Cambridge International AS & A Level
GEOGRAPHY 9696/13
GEOGRAPHY 9696/13
Paper 1 Core Physical Geography May/June 2026
Paper 1 Core Physical Geography May/June 2026
MARK SCHEME
1 hour 30 minutes
Maximum Mark: 60
You must answer on the enclosed answer booklet.
*
You will need: Answer booklet (enclosed)
Insert (enclosed) Published
INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer four questions in total:
Section A: answer all questions. This mark scheme contains the instructions and marking guidance that our examiners used to mark
Section B: answer one question. candidate responses for this component.
*
● Follow the instructions on the front cover of the answer booklet. If you need additional answer paper,
Before they start marking, examiners complete a standardisation process. They review a range of candidate
ask the invigilator for a continuation booklet. responses and discuss the mark scheme in detail to agree which answers can and cannot be accepted.
● Sketch maps and diagrams should be drawn whenever they serve to illustrate an answer. Examiners award marks where it is clear that candidate responses have met the requirements of the mark
scheme. These requirements may vary between different components or different versions of the same
component, depending on the exact requirements of the question and the candidate responses seen during
INFORMATION the standardisation process.
● The total mark for this paper is 60.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ]. Sometimes, our mark schemes may allow marks to be awarded to responses which contain elements that
are factually incorrect or for content not covered by the syllabus. We do this in response to the demands of a
● The insert contains all the resources referred to in the questions.
specific question to support candidates and make sure that our assessments are fair. However, these
allowances should not be used as a guide for teaching and learning.
We cannot discuss the mark scheme with schools, and we recommend that schools read the mark scheme
together with the assessment material and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers.
This document has 4 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.
DC (SL) 371633 This document consists of 18 printed pages.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over
, 9696/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2026
2 PUBLISHED
Section A General marking principles
Answer all questions in this section. All questions are worth 10 marks. All examiners must apply these marking principles when marking candidate responses.
Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology 1 Examiners must award marks for each response in line with:
1 Figure 1.1 shows part of the drainage basin system. • the specific content defined in the mark scheme
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the level descriptions
(a) Using Figure 1.1:
• the standard of response required as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
(i) state flow A [1] 2 Examiners must award whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
(ii) name one output from the drainage basin system. [1] 3 Examiners must award marks positively. This means that:
• marks are not deducted for errors or omissions
(b) Using Figure 1.1, explain two types of water flow below the ground. [4] • marks are awarded for correct/valid answers as defined in the mark scheme and also for
other valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme
referring to your team leader as appropriate
Explain why the rate of overland flow in a drainage basin may change over time. [4] • the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar are judged only when the mark scheme
indicates that these features are specifically assessed in the question. However, the
meaning of all responses must be unambiguous.
Atmosphere and weather 4 Examiners must consistently apply the requirements of the mark scheme and any rules for
what to do when candidates have not followed instructions correctly.
2 Figure 2.1 shows selected impacts of global warming in Africa.
5 Examiners must use the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme, unless limited by
(a) Describe the pattern of impacts of global warming in Africa shown in Figure 2.1. [3] the quality of the candidate responses seen.
6 Examiners must award marks according to the mark scheme and must not award marks with
(b) Suggest reasons for the impacts of global warming shown in Figure 2.1. [3] grade thresholds or grade descriptions in mind.
Explain how two types of evidence indicate global warming. [4]
Rocks and weathering
3 Figure 3.1 shows the velocity of some mass movements.
(a) Using Figure 3.1:
(i) state the name of the mass movement that has a velocity of 1 mm / day [1]
(ii) state the maximum velocity of mud and debris flows. [1]
(b) Contrast the rate of the mass movement of creep and solifluction. Use information
from Figure 3.1. [3]
Explain the role of water in mass movement. [5]
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 9696/13/M/J/26
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 Page 2 of 18
, 9696/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2026
3 PUBLISHED
Section B Annotations guidance for centres
Answer one question from this section. All questions are worth 30 marks. Examiners use a system of annotations as a shorthand for communicating their marking decisions to
one another. Examiners are trained during the standardisation process on how and when to use
Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology annotations. The purpose of annotations is to inform the standardisation and monitoring processes
and guide the supervising examiners when they are checking the work of examiners within their team.
4 (a) (i) Define the fluvial terms ‘hydraulic action’ and ‘helicoidal flow’. [4] The meaning of annotations and how they are used is specific to each component and is understood
by all examiners who mark the component.
(ii) Briefly explain how the shape of a storm hydrograph is affected by the drainage density
of a drainage basin. [3] We publish annotations in our mark schemes to help centres understand the annotations they may
see on copies of scripts. Note that there may not be a direct correlation between the number of
annotations on a script and the mark awarded. Similarly, the use of an annotation may not be an
(b) Explain how hard engineering could prevent river flooding. [8] indication of the quality of the response.
The annotations listed below were available to examiners marking this component in this series.
‘The impact of the flood was greater on people than on the environment.’
Annotations
With the aid of a case study of a recent river flood event, how far do you agree with
this statement? [15] Annotation Meaning Use
Correct point Point-marked questions only:
Section A, Section B part (a)
Atmosphere and weather
Incorrect Point-marked questions only:
5 (a) (i) Define the atmospheric terms ‘sensible heat transfer’ and ‘albedo’. [4] Section A, Section B part (a)
(ii) Describe the urban heat island effect. [3] Level 4 Levels-marked questions only:
Section B part
Level 3 Levels-marked questions only:
(b) Explain the different types of precipitation. [8] Section B parts (b) and
Level 2 Levels-marked questions only:
‘The greatest influence on the seasonal variation of temperature is the land/sea distribution.’ Section B parts (b) and
With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement? [15] Level 1 Levels-marked questions only:
Section B parts (b) and
Level 0 – No creditable response Levels-marked questions only:
Rocks and weathering Section B parts (b) and
6 (a) (i) Describe how afforestation may reduce mass movement. [3] Highlighter Creditworthy part of an extended Levels-marked questions only:
response Section B parts (b) and
(ii) Explain two small-scale movements of sediment on slopes. [4]
Evaluative point Levels-marked questions only:
Section B part
(b) Explain the processes and landforms that occur at divergent (constructive)
Omission or further development/ All questions
plate boundaries. [8]
detail needed to gain credit
Unclear or validity is doubted All questions
With the aid of examples, assess the extent to which rock type is more significant than
climate in affecting the type of weathering in an area. [15]
Developed point All questions
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 9696/13/M/J/26
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 Page 3 of 18
GEOGRAPHY 9696/13
GEOGRAPHY 9696/13
Paper 1 Core Physical Geography May/June 2026
Paper 1 Core Physical Geography May/June 2026
MARK SCHEME
1 hour 30 minutes
Maximum Mark: 60
You must answer on the enclosed answer booklet.
*
You will need: Answer booklet (enclosed)
Insert (enclosed) Published
INSTRUCTIONS
● Answer four questions in total:
Section A: answer all questions. This mark scheme contains the instructions and marking guidance that our examiners used to mark
Section B: answer one question. candidate responses for this component.
*
● Follow the instructions on the front cover of the answer booklet. If you need additional answer paper,
Before they start marking, examiners complete a standardisation process. They review a range of candidate
ask the invigilator for a continuation booklet. responses and discuss the mark scheme in detail to agree which answers can and cannot be accepted.
● Sketch maps and diagrams should be drawn whenever they serve to illustrate an answer. Examiners award marks where it is clear that candidate responses have met the requirements of the mark
scheme. These requirements may vary between different components or different versions of the same
component, depending on the exact requirements of the question and the candidate responses seen during
INFORMATION the standardisation process.
● The total mark for this paper is 60.
● The number of marks for each question or part question is shown in brackets [ ]. Sometimes, our mark schemes may allow marks to be awarded to responses which contain elements that
are factually incorrect or for content not covered by the syllabus. We do this in response to the demands of a
● The insert contains all the resources referred to in the questions.
specific question to support candidates and make sure that our assessments are fair. However, these
allowances should not be used as a guide for teaching and learning.
We cannot discuss the mark scheme with schools, and we recommend that schools read the mark scheme
together with the assessment material and the Principal Examiner Report for Teachers.
This document has 4 pages. Any blank pages are indicated.
DC (SL) 371633 This document consists of 18 printed pages.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 [Turn over
, 9696/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2026
2 PUBLISHED
Section A General marking principles
Answer all questions in this section. All questions are worth 10 marks. All examiners must apply these marking principles when marking candidate responses.
Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology 1 Examiners must award marks for each response in line with:
1 Figure 1.1 shows part of the drainage basin system. • the specific content defined in the mark scheme
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the level descriptions
(a) Using Figure 1.1:
• the standard of response required as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
(i) state flow A [1] 2 Examiners must award whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
(ii) name one output from the drainage basin system. [1] 3 Examiners must award marks positively. This means that:
• marks are not deducted for errors or omissions
(b) Using Figure 1.1, explain two types of water flow below the ground. [4] • marks are awarded for correct/valid answers as defined in the mark scheme and also for
other valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme
referring to your team leader as appropriate
Explain why the rate of overland flow in a drainage basin may change over time. [4] • the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar are judged only when the mark scheme
indicates that these features are specifically assessed in the question. However, the
meaning of all responses must be unambiguous.
Atmosphere and weather 4 Examiners must consistently apply the requirements of the mark scheme and any rules for
what to do when candidates have not followed instructions correctly.
2 Figure 2.1 shows selected impacts of global warming in Africa.
5 Examiners must use the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme, unless limited by
(a) Describe the pattern of impacts of global warming in Africa shown in Figure 2.1. [3] the quality of the candidate responses seen.
6 Examiners must award marks according to the mark scheme and must not award marks with
(b) Suggest reasons for the impacts of global warming shown in Figure 2.1. [3] grade thresholds or grade descriptions in mind.
Explain how two types of evidence indicate global warming. [4]
Rocks and weathering
3 Figure 3.1 shows the velocity of some mass movements.
(a) Using Figure 3.1:
(i) state the name of the mass movement that has a velocity of 1 mm / day [1]
(ii) state the maximum velocity of mud and debris flows. [1]
(b) Contrast the rate of the mass movement of creep and solifluction. Use information
from Figure 3.1. [3]
Explain the role of water in mass movement. [5]
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 9696/13/M/J/26
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 Page 2 of 18
, 9696/13 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2026
3 PUBLISHED
Section B Annotations guidance for centres
Answer one question from this section. All questions are worth 30 marks. Examiners use a system of annotations as a shorthand for communicating their marking decisions to
one another. Examiners are trained during the standardisation process on how and when to use
Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology annotations. The purpose of annotations is to inform the standardisation and monitoring processes
and guide the supervising examiners when they are checking the work of examiners within their team.
4 (a) (i) Define the fluvial terms ‘hydraulic action’ and ‘helicoidal flow’. [4] The meaning of annotations and how they are used is specific to each component and is understood
by all examiners who mark the component.
(ii) Briefly explain how the shape of a storm hydrograph is affected by the drainage density
of a drainage basin. [3] We publish annotations in our mark schemes to help centres understand the annotations they may
see on copies of scripts. Note that there may not be a direct correlation between the number of
annotations on a script and the mark awarded. Similarly, the use of an annotation may not be an
(b) Explain how hard engineering could prevent river flooding. [8] indication of the quality of the response.
The annotations listed below were available to examiners marking this component in this series.
‘The impact of the flood was greater on people than on the environment.’
Annotations
With the aid of a case study of a recent river flood event, how far do you agree with
this statement? [15] Annotation Meaning Use
Correct point Point-marked questions only:
Section A, Section B part (a)
Atmosphere and weather
Incorrect Point-marked questions only:
5 (a) (i) Define the atmospheric terms ‘sensible heat transfer’ and ‘albedo’. [4] Section A, Section B part (a)
(ii) Describe the urban heat island effect. [3] Level 4 Levels-marked questions only:
Section B part
Level 3 Levels-marked questions only:
(b) Explain the different types of precipitation. [8] Section B parts (b) and
Level 2 Levels-marked questions only:
‘The greatest influence on the seasonal variation of temperature is the land/sea distribution.’ Section B parts (b) and
With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement? [15] Level 1 Levels-marked questions only:
Section B parts (b) and
Level 0 – No creditable response Levels-marked questions only:
Rocks and weathering Section B parts (b) and
6 (a) (i) Describe how afforestation may reduce mass movement. [3] Highlighter Creditworthy part of an extended Levels-marked questions only:
response Section B parts (b) and
(ii) Explain two small-scale movements of sediment on slopes. [4]
Evaluative point Levels-marked questions only:
Section B part
(b) Explain the processes and landforms that occur at divergent (constructive)
Omission or further development/ All questions
plate boundaries. [8]
detail needed to gain credit
Unclear or validity is doubted All questions
With the aid of examples, assess the extent to which rock type is more significant than
climate in affecting the type of weathering in an area. [15]
Developed point All questions
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 9696/13/M/J/26
Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2026 Page 3 of 18
