Mercator chart
1(a)(i) State the six-figure grid reference of the trigonometrical station
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1(a)(ii) In which compass direction is the oilfield from the trigonometrical station?
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1(b) Name TWO types of natural vegetation found along Easting 63
Forest
Scrub / grassland
1(c) What is the bearing of the hospital from the dam?
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1(d) Calculate the distance along the first class road from the junction at 220643 to the bridge at 212655
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1(e) Describe in one word the gradient of the land between
Close lines = steep
Wide lines = gentle
Middle spacing = moderate
1(f) State the main settlement type in each of the following grid squares
Linear
Houses/buildings in a line, usually along a road, river, or railway.
Nucleated
Houses/buildings closely grouped together in one area or cluster.
Dispersed
Houses/buildings spread far apart from each other.
Ribbon
Houses/buildings stretched in a long narrow line, usually along a road.
Scattered
A few houses/buildings irregularly spread over an area.
Clustered
Houses/buildings grouped in small bunches close to each other.
1(g) Describe FOUR characteristics of the drainage north of Northing 25
The drainage pattern is dendritic. Several tributaries join the main stream. Confluences are present. Streams flow from higher land to lower land.
1(h) Explain THREE factors which may influence rice cultivation in the area shown on the map extract
Flat lowland allows fields to be flooded easily and makes planting, irrigation, and harvesting easier. Adequate water supply from rainfall, rivers, canals, or swampy land supports rice because rice needs large amounts of water to grow well. Fertile alluvial or clayey soils help rice production because they hold water and contain nutrients needed for growth.
2(a)(i) Name the plate boundaries marked A and C
A is a divergent or constructive plate boundary. C is a convergent or destructive plate boundary.
2(a)(ii) Name the type of mountain represented at B
Fold mountain.
2(a)(iii) Name ONE landform found at A
Mid-ocean ridge.
2(a)(iv) Name ONE active volcano in the Caribbean
Soufrière Hills, Montserrat.
La Soufrière, St Vincent.
2(b)(i) Explain how sills and dykes are formed
A sill is formed when magma rises and is forced between horizontal rock layers. The magma spreads sideways, cools, and solidifies parallel to the rock layers. A dyke is formed when magma rises through cracks cutting across rock layers. The magma cools and hardens in a vertical or steeply sloping position.
2(b)(ii) Describe what happens when a continental plate meets an oceanic plate
The denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the lighter continental plate in a process called subduction. A deep ocean trench is formed. Heat and pressure cause part of the descending plate to melt and produce magma. The magma rises through cracks to form volcanoes. Pressure and movement at the boundary also cause earthquakes.
2(c) Explain why basic lava cones differ in shape from acidic lava cones
Basic lava is thin and runny because it has low silica content. It flows quickly and spreads over a wide area before cooling. This forms a broad, low volcano with gentle slopes called a shield cone. Acidic lava is thick and sticky because it has high silica content. It flows slowly and solidifies close to the vent. This causes the lava to pile up and form a steep-sided cone. Acidic eruptions are also more explosive because gases are trapped more easily.
2(d) Explain how earthquakes are caused at convergent and transform plate boundaries
At convergent boundaries, plates move toward each other and pressure builds where they lock together. One plate may be forced beneath the other or both may crumple. When the built-up pressure is suddenly released, energy travels through the crust as seismic waves and causes an earthquake. At transform boundaries, plates slide past each other but friction causes them to stick. Stress builds over time. When the rocks finally slip, the stored energy is released suddenly and an earthquake occurs.
3(a)(i) State the range of the age groups shown on the graph
5 years.
3(a)(ii) State the age group with the greatest number of males
30–34 years.
3(a)(iii) State the female age group or groups with a population of over 48 000
30–34 years.
55–59 years.
3(a)(iv) State the age group with the least number of people below age 25 years
20–24 years.
3(a)(v) State the age group with the largest number of people over age 45 years
55–59 years.
3(b)(i) What is meant by primary economic activities?
Primary economic activities are jobs which involve extracting or obtaining raw materials directly from the earth, sea, or forest, for example farming, fishing, mining, and logging.
3(b)(ii) Explain factors which have influenced out-migration from the Caribbean since the 1990s under the headings economic, social and political.
Economic factors include unemployment, low wages, and limited job opportunities in Caribbean countries. People move to countries where jobs are more available and wages are higher so they can improve their standard of living and support relatives through remittances. Social factors include the search for better education, healthcare, housing, and living conditions. Some people also migrate to join relatives overseas or to give their children better opportunities and a safer environment. Political factors include political instability, poor governance, civil unrest, and high crime levels. People may leave because they feel unsafe or believe their rights and future are better protected elsewhere.
3(c) Compare large-scale commercial farming with small-scale farming under the headings size of farms, farming practices, labour supply and technology.
Large-scale commercial farming is carried out on very large areas of land, while small-scale farming is done on small plots. Large-scale farming is mainly commercial and often involves monoculture, while small-scale farming is usually mixed or subsistence farming. Large-scale farms depend more on machinery and less on manual labour, while small-scale farms depend heavily on family labour and hand work. Large-scale farming uses advanced technology such as tractors, irrigation systems, harvesters, chemicals, and improved seeds, while small-scale farming uses simpler tools with limited access to machinery and modern technology.
4(a)(i) State the percentage contribution of transport to air pollution shown on the chart
27%.
4(a)(ii) State the percentage contribution of industry to air pollution shown on the chart
52%.
4(a)(iii) Identify the sector with the lowest contribution to air pollution
Commercial and residential heating.
4(a)(iv) State ONE conclusion which can be drawn from the chart
Industry is the largest source of air pollution, while commercial and residential heating contributes the least.
4(b)(i) State TWO conditions necessary for the growth of coral reefs
Coral reefs need warm tropical water because coral polyps grow best in warm conditions. They also need clear, shallow, sunlit water because the algae living in corals need sunlight for photosynthesis.
4(b)(ii) Explain TWO ways in which coral reefs protect the coast
Coral reefs act as natural barriers that break the force of incoming waves before they reach the shore. This reduces wave energy and helps protect beaches and coastal land from erosion. Coral reefs also reduce damage from storm waves and coastal flooding, helping to protect settlements, roads, and other coastal infrastructure.
4(c) Explain TWO ways in which agricultural activities may degrade coral reefs
Fertilizers from farms can be washed by rain into rivers and then into the sea. This causes algal blooms which block sunlight, reduce oxygen, and make it difficult for corals to survive. Soil erosion from farming and land clearing causes sediment to be carried into coastal waters. The sediment settles on coral reefs, smothers coral polyps, and blocks sunlight needed by the algae living in the coral.
4(d) Explain TWO national measures which may be used to ensure the sustainability of coral reefs
Governments can create marine protected areas and restrict harmful activities such as overfishing, coral mining, and destructive fishing methods. These protected areas allow coral ecosystems to recover and maintain biodiversity. Governments can also pass and enforce laws to reduce pollution from sewage, industry, and farming. Better waste disposal, sewage treatment, and control of agricultural runoff help keep coastal water clear and healthy, improving coral survival.