AQA A-Level GEOGRAPHY Paper 1 Physical Geography MS 2021

AQA A-Level GEOGRAPHY Paper 1 Physical Geography MS 2021 Outline the relationship between the water cycle and the carbon cycle in the atmosphere. Point marked Allow 1 mark per valid point with extra mark(s) for developed points (d). For example: Notes for answers • Increasing concentrations of carbon (and Methane) in the atmosphere has a warming effect on the planet and leads to increased evaporation (1). This can increase rates of precipitation or equally higher rates of evaporation can further exacerbate aridity (1) (d). • Volcanic eruptions release both carbon dioxide and water vapour into the atmosphere (1). • Photosynthesis requires both precipitation and carbon dioxide (1). • Decomposition releases carbon dioxide and requires the presence of water (1). Some may link this to the melting of permafrost, which is a significant contributor to CO2 release (1) (d). • Some may consider the acid rain as an outcome of the relationship between water and carbon on the atmosphere (1). This may be further linked to ocean acidification (1) (d). The notes for answers are not exhaustive. Credit any valid points. 4 AO1=4 01 2 Analyse the data shown in Figure 1. AO3 – There should be clear analysis of the relationships evident in the resource. Analysis should consider the relationship between forest cover, land surface temperature and latitude. Mark scheme Level 2 (4–6 marks) AO3 – Clear analysis of the quantitative evidence provided, which makes appropriate use of data in support. Clear connection(s) between different aspects of the data and evidence. Level 1 (1–3 marks) AO3 – Basic analysis of the quantitative evidence provided, which makes limited use of data and evidence in support. Basic connection(s) between different aspects of the data and evidence. 6 AO3=6 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – 7037/1 – JUNE 2021 5 Notes for answers AO3 • Afforestation is more likely to lead to a reduction in land surface temperature. The most extreme temperature decreases can be seen where temperatures fall by up to 1.7oC at latitudes -25oS and a reduction in 50–70% surface cover. • Some obvious anomalies exist eg at 5oS, 10%–30% afforestation appears to lead to a small temperature increase. Similarly at around 40os, up to 50% afforestation leads to temperature decrease but at 60% afforestation, temperatures appear to increase. The highest latitudes also tend to see temperature increases with afforestation, more so in the northern hemisphere, though here data extends to 75oN, compared to only 55oS. • The pattern is arguably less predictable for deforestation. As a generalisation increasing deforestation leads to higher land surface temperatures with figures up to 1.7oC noted between 15oN and 15oS. • Between 55 and 75oN, almost any deforestation leads to temperature decrease and at around 45oN, with 70% decrease in forest, there is a significant drop in land surface temperature. • Some may note the lack of data particularly between 25oN and 15oS. This does make it more difficult to identify patterns within the data at these latitudes and also makes it more difficult to compare latitudes. • Some may consider deforestation in isolation and look for variation in patterns here. This is creditworthy at Level 1. Credit any other valid analysis. 01 3 Using Figure 2 and your own knowledge, assess the implications of the data for attempts to manage carbon transfers. AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of the carbon cycle. AO2 – Application of knowledge to show how effective understanding and managing carbon transfers can impact upon carbon storage. Mark scheme Level 2 (4–6 marks) AO1 – Demonstrates clear knowledge and understanding of concepts, processes, interactions and change. AO2 – Applies knowledge and understanding to the novel situation offering clear evaluation and analysis drawn appropriately from the context provided. Connections and relationships between different aspects of study are evident with clear relevance. Level 1 (1–3 marks) AO1 – Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of concepts, processes, interactions, change. 6 AO1=2 AO2=4 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – 7037/1 – JUNE 2021 6 AO2 – Applies limited knowledge and understanding to the novel situation offering only basic evaluation and analysis drawn from the context provided. Connections and relationships between different aspects of study are basic with limited relevance. Notes for answers AO1 • Global distribution, and size of major stores of carbon – lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, atmosphere. • Factors driving change in the magnitude of these stores over time and space, including flows and transfers at plant, sere and continental scales. Photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, carbon sequestration in oceans and sediments, weathering. Changes in the carbon cycle over time, to include natural variation (including wild fires, volcanic activity) and human impact (including hydrocarbon fuel extraction and burning, farming practices, deforestation, land use changes). • The carbon budget and the impact of the carbon cycle upon land, ocean and atmosphere, including global climate. • Human interventions in the carbon cycle designed to influence carbon transfers and mitigate the impacts of climate change. AO2 • Responses should note that any management should seek to control the release of carbon from forests into the atmosphere as well as increase the uptake of carbon by expanding forests and increasing rates of photosynthesis. • The data suggests that European forests absorb more carbon than is released. It also suggests that more could be done to help with the absorption of carbon especially considering the amount that is released through burning fossil fuels. Fires release 7 TgC. A strategy to reduce wildfire could help reduce the amount released by uncontrolled burning or wildfire. • Similarly better use of waste from wood products could reduce decomposition and the burning of this could reduce fossil fuel use. In this sense some may argue that burning wood as a fuel source is carbon neutral as only a small amount is stored following decomposition. The wood burning for fuel could reduce emissions from burning fossil fuels ie an indirect benefit. • Some may suggest that afforestation schemes may reduce the rainsplash impact and soil erosion. This could reduce the 15 TgC lost in river carbon flow.