Cambridge International AS & A Level: Geography 9696/33
Cambridge International AS & A Level: Geography 9696/33
Cambridge International AS & A Level: Geography 9696/33
GEOGRAPHY 9696/33
Paper 3 Advanced Physical Geography Options May/June 2023
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 60
Published
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level and Cambridge Pre-U components, and some
Cambridge O Level components.
These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers.
They should be applied alongside the specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptors
for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit
is given for valid answers which go beyond the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme,
referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
marks are not deducted for errors
marks are not deducted for omissions
answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these
features are specifically assessed by the question as indicated by the mark scheme. The
meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed
instructions or in the application of generic level descriptors.
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question
(however; the use of the full mark range may be limited according to the quality of the candidate
responses seen).
Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should
not be awarded with grade thresholds or grade descriptors in mind.
Item level Short statement to justify the level given Levels-marked questions only:
comment for an essay, using wording from the Essay questions
mark scheme
2. Additional page has been checked 2. All blank pages in the provided generic
answer booklet and/or extension answer
booklet(s).
Tropical environments
1(a) Fig. 1.1 shows mean precipitation data for two tropical locations. 4
1(b) Suggest why the precipitation patterns for Location A and Location B 6
in Fig. 1.1 are different.
Level 3 (5–6)
Response clearly explains the differences in precipitation patterns.
Response is well founded in detailed knowledge and strong conceptual
understanding of the topic. Examples used are appropriate and integrated
effectively into the response.
Level 2 (3–4)
Response explains the differences in precipitation patterns. Response
develops on a largely secure base of knowledge and understanding.
Examples may lack detail or development.
Level 1 (1–2)
Response describes aspects of the precipitation patterns. Knowledge is
basic and understanding may be inaccurate. Examples are in name only or
lacking entirely.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.
Candidates are free to develop their own approach to the question and
responses will vary depending on the example(s) chosen. Whichever
approach is chosen, essays which address the question and support their
argument with relevant examples will be credited. The direction of the
response and evaluation made will depend on the approach chosen, and
any evaluation is therefore valid if argued and based on evidence.
Award marks based on the quality of the response using the marking levels
below.
Level 4 (16–20)
Response thoroughly discusses the view that climate is the most important
factor influencing the vegetation characteristics of seasonally humid tropical
(savanna) ecosystems. An effective and sustained evaluation with a sound
conclusion. Response is well founded in detailed exemplar knowledge and
strong conceptual understanding of the topic. Examples used are
appropriate and integrated effectively into the response.
Level 3 (11–15)
Response discusses the view that climate is the most important factor
influencing the vegetation characteristics of seasonally humid tropical
(savanna) ecosystems. Response is broadly evaluative in character,
comprising some explanatory or narrative content and a conclusion.
Response develops on a largely secure base of knowledge and
understanding with the use of example(s).
Level 2 (6–10)
Response demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of the
influence of climate on the vegetation characteristics of seasonally humid
tropical (savanna) ecosystems. Response is mainly descriptive or
explanatory in approach and contains a brief or thinly supported evaluation.
Responses without the use of example(s) to support the response will not
get above the middle of Level 2 (8 marks).
2 Level 1 (1–5)
Response makes a few general points about climate/and or vegetation of
seasonally humid tropical (savanna) ecosystems. A descriptive response
comprising a few simple points. Knowledge is basic and understanding may
be poor and lack relevance to the question set.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.
Candidates are free to develop their own approach to the question and
responses will vary depending on the example(s) chosen. Whichever
approach is chosen, essays which address the question and support their
argument with relevant examples will be credited. The direction of the
response and evaluation made will depend on the approach chosen, and
any evaluation is therefore valid if argued and based on evidence.
Problems include:
Illegal logging
Commercial agriculture, including monoculture, ranching, plantations
Population pressures
Climate change
Fire
Capital requirements
Solutions include:
National Parks/nature reserves
Socially responsible logging
Sustainable tourism/ecotourism
Quotas
Afforestation/reforestation schemes
Education
Award marks based on the quality of the response using the marking levels
below.
Level 4 (16–20)
Response thoroughly discusses a wide range of solutions to the problems of
sustainable management within a tropical environment ecosystem and
explicitly links them to the problems. An effective and sustained evaluation
with a sound conclusion. Response is well founded in detailed exemplar
knowledge and strong conceptual understanding of the topic. Examples
used are appropriate and integrated effectively into the response.
Level 3 (11–15)
Response discusses a range of solutions and makes links to the problems
of sustainable management within a tropical environment ecosystem, albeit
implicitly. Response is broadly evaluative in character, comprising some
explanatory or narrative content and a conclusion. Response develops on a
largely secure base of knowledge and understanding with the use of
example(s).
3 Level 2 (6–10)
Response demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of solutions to
the problems of sustainable management within a tropical environment
ecosystem, but there is limited linkage to the problems. Response is mainly
descriptive or explanatory in approach and contains a brief or thinly
supported evaluation. Responses without the use of example(s) to support
the response will not get above the middle of Level 2 (8 marks).
Level 1 (1–5)
Response makes a few general points about solutions without the
necessary focus on their impact on the problems. A descriptive response
comprising a few simple points. Knowledge is basic and understanding may
be poor and lack relevance to the question set.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.
Coastal environments
4(a) Fig. 4.1 shows a model of how waves change as they move towards 4
the shore.
Describe the changes in waves shown in Fig. 4.1 as they move towards
the shore.
As waves more towards the shore they enter shallower water. This subjects
the orbiting molecules at the wave base to friction and their speed of
movement is slowed. This causes waves to bunch up and reduces their
wavelength. The faster moving water near the sea surface piles up,
increasing wave height. Eventually, the crest of the advancing wave starts to
spill over the lower part and eventually the wave breaks. The key, therefore,
is the effect of friction on the molecules at the base.
Level 3 (5–6)
Response clearly explains the changes to the waves. Response is well
founded in detailed knowledge and strong conceptual understanding of the
topic. Examples used are appropriate and integrated effectively into the
response.
Level 2 (3–4)
Response explains the changes to the waves. Response develops on a
largely secure base of knowledge and understanding. Examples may lack
detail or development.
Level 1 (1–2)
Response describes the changes to the waves. Knowledge is basic and
understanding may be inaccurate. Examples are in name only or lacking
entirely.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.
Candidates are free to develop their own approach to the question and
responses will vary depending on the example(s) chosen. Whichever
approach is chosen, essays which address the question and support their
argument with relevant examples will be credited. The direction of the
response and evaluation made will depend on the approach chosen, and
any evaluation is therefore valid if argued and based on evidence.
Candidates may argue that whilst sea level is influential in the formation of
the landforms listed above, it has little or no influence on the formation of
many others.
Award marks based on the quality of the response using the marking levels
below.
Level 4 (16–20)
Response thoroughly discusses the role of sea level change in the formation
of coastal landforms. An effective and sustained evaluation with a sound
conclusion. Response is well founded in detailed exemplar knowledge and
strong conceptual understanding of the topic. Examples used are
appropriate and integrated effectively into the response.
Level 3 (11–15)
Response discusses the role of sea level change in the formation of coastal
landforms. Response is broadly evaluative in character, comprising some
explanatory or narrative content and a conclusion. Response develops on a
largely secure base of knowledge and understanding with the use of
example(s).
Level 2 (6–10)
Response demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of the role of
sea level change in the formation of coastal landforms. Response is mainly
descriptive or explanatory in approach and contains a brief or thinly
supported evaluation. Responses without the use of example(s) to support
the response will not get above the middle of Level 2 (8 marks).
5 Level 1 (1–5)
Response makes a few general points about the role of sea level change in
the formation of coastal landforms. A descriptive response comprising a few
simple points. Knowledge is basic and understanding may be poor and lack
relevance to the question set.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.
Candidates are free to develop their own approach to the question and
responses will vary depending on the example(s) chosen. Whichever
approach is chosen, essays which address the question and support their
argument with relevant examples will be credited. The direction of the
response and evaluation made will depend on the approach chosen, and
any evaluation is therefore valid if argued and based on evidence.
Award marks based on the quality of the response using the marking levels
below.
Level 4 (16–20)
Response thoroughly discusses the extent to which threats to coral reefs
can be successfully managed. An effective and sustained evaluation with a
sound conclusion. Response is well founded in detailed exemplar
knowledge and strong conceptual understanding of the topic. Examples
used are appropriate and integrated effectively into the response.
Level 3 (11–15)
Response discusses the extent to which threats to coral reefs can be
successfully managed. Response is broadly evaluative in character,
comprising some explanatory or narrative content and a conclusion.
Response develops on a largely secure base of knowledge and
understanding with the use of example(s).
Level 2 (6–10)
Response demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of the threats
to coral reefs and how they can be successfully managed. Response is
mainly descriptive or explanatory in approach and contains a brief or thinly
supported evaluation. Responses without the use of example(s) to support
the response will not get above the middle of Level 2 (8 marks).
6 Level 1 (1–5)
Response makes a few general points about the threats to coral reefs and
how they can be managed. A descriptive response comprising a few simple
points. Knowledge is basic and understanding may be poor and lack
relevance to the question set.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.
Hazardous environments
Four points for 4 marks. Use of evidence from the diagram for maximum.
7(b) Suggest two physical causes of the mass movement you described in 6
(a).
Level 3 (5–6)
Response suggests two valid causes of the mass movement. Response is
well founded in detailed knowledge and strong conceptual understanding of
the topic. Examples used are appropriate and integrated effectively into the
response.
Level 2 (3–4)
Response suggests at least one valid cause of the mass movement.
Response develops on a largely secure base of knowledge and
understanding. Examples may lack detail or development.
Level 1 (1–2)
Response suggests at least one valid cause of the mass movement.
Knowledge is basic and understanding may be inaccurate. Examples are in
name only or lacking entirely.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.
Candidates are free to develop their own approach to the question and
responses will vary depending on the example(s) chosen. Whichever
approach is chosen, essays which address the question and support their
argument with relevant examples will be credited. The direction of the
response and evaluation made will depend on the approach chosen, and
any evaluation is therefore valid if argued and based on evidence.
Impacts include:
On lives – death, injury, decrease in quality of life, bereavement, civil
disobedience/loss of governmental control
On property – damage, destruction, homelessness, loss of employment,
disruption to infrastructure and services
Candidates may argue that certain hazards affect lives more than property
and vice versa. They may also acknowledge that impacts vary depending
upon the level of economic development in the location. They may
distinguish between primary and secondary impacts.
Award marks based on the quality of the response using the marking levels
below.
Level 4 (16–20)
Response thoroughly discusses whether volcanic hazards have a greater
impact on lives than on property. An effective and sustained evaluation with
a sound conclusion. Response is well founded in detailed exemplar
knowledge and strong conceptual understanding of the topic. Examples
used are appropriate and integrated effectively into the response.
Level 3 (11–15)
Response discusses whether volcanic hazards have a greater impact on
lives than on property. Response is broadly evaluative in character,
comprising some explanatory or narrative content and a conclusion.
Response develops on a largely secure base of knowledge and
understanding with the use of example(s).
8 Level 2 (6–10)
Response demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of the impact
of volcanic hazards on lives and property. Response is mainly descriptive or
explanatory in approach and contains a brief or thinly supported evaluation.
Responses without the use of example(s) to support the response will not
get above the middle of Level 2 (8 marks).
Level 1 (1–5)
Response makes a few general points about the impact of volcanic hazards
on lives and/or property. A descriptive response comprising a few simple
points. Knowledge is basic and understanding may be poor and lack
relevance to the question set.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.
Candidates are free to develop their own approach to the question and
responses will vary depending on the example(s) chosen. Whichever
approach is chosen, essays which address the question and support their
argument with relevant examples will be credited. The direction of the
response and evaluation made will depend on the approach chosen, and
any evaluation is therefore valid if argued and based on evidence.
Factors which influence the global distribution of areas most at risk from
large-scale disturbances include:
Latitude: within tropical low pressure belt but away from the equator
Oceanic origin: to supply moisture
Westward movement with a polewards deflection
Ocean temperature: min. 27°C ocean temperature needed for heat
energy to a significant depth
Coriolis force: drives direction of movement westwards
Factors which influence the global distribution of areas most at risk from
small-scale disturbances include:
Interaction of contrasting wind systems
Supply of moisture
Instability and lift
Wind shear
Mesocyclone development
Large, flat expanse of land
Areas at risk are localised and largely unpredictable
Award marks based on the quality of the response using the marking levels
below.
Level 4 (16–20)
Response thoroughly discusses the extent to which latitude determines the
global distribution of areas most at risk from atmospheric disturbances.
An effective and sustained evaluation with a sound conclusion. Response is
well founded in detailed exemplar knowledge and strong conceptual
understanding of the topic. Examples used are appropriate and integrated
effectively into the response.
Level 3 (11–15)
Response discusses the extent to which latitude determines the global
distribution of areas most at risk from atmospheric disturbances. Response
is broadly evaluative in character, comprising some explanatory or narrative
content and a conclusion. Response develops on a largely secure base of
knowledge and understanding with the use of example(s).
9 Level 2 (6–10)
Response demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of the global
distribution of areas most at risk from atmospheric disturbances and the
influencing factors. Response is mainly descriptive or explanatory in
approach and contains a brief or thinly supported evaluation. Responses
without the use of example(s) to support the response will not get above the
middle of Level 2 (8 marks).
Level 1 (1–5)
Response makes a few general points about the global distribution of areas
most at risk from atmospheric disturbances. A descriptive response
comprising a few simple points. Knowledge is basic and understanding may
be poor and lack relevance to the question set.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.
If answering this option, answer Question 10 and either Question 11 or Question 12.
Four points for 4 marks. Use of evidence from the photograph for maximum.
10(b) Suggest how water has influenced the formation of two of the 6
landforms you described in (a).
The answer will depend upon which landforms are chosen. The emphasis
should be on the influence of water-based processes such as erosion,
transportation and deposition on the formation of the landforms. The role of
water in weathering, and mass movement, may also be considered.
Level 3 (5–6)
Response offers a valid explanation of the formation of two landforms.
Response is well founded in detailed knowledge and strong conceptual
understanding of the topic. Examples used are appropriate and integrated
effectively into the response.
Level 2 (3–4)
Response offers a valid explanation of the formation of at least one
landform. Response develops on a largely secure base of knowledge and
understanding. Examples may lack detail or development.
Level 1 (1–2)
Response offers some explanation of landform formation. Knowledge is
basic and understanding may be inaccurate. Examples are in name only or
lacking entirely.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.
Candidates are free to develop their own approach to the question and
responses will vary depending on the example(s) chosen. Whichever
approach is chosen, essays which address the question and support their
argument with relevant examples will be credited. The direction of the
response and evaluation made will depend on the approach chosen, and
any evaluation is therefore valid if argued and based on evidence.
Award marks based on the quality of the response using the marking levels
below.
Level 4 (16–20)
Response thoroughly discusses the extent to which desertification is caused
more by human factors than by natural factors. An effective and sustained
evaluation with a sound conclusion. Response is well founded in detailed
exemplar knowledge and strong conceptual understanding of the topic.
Examples used are appropriate and integrated effectively into the response.
Level 3 (11–15)
Response discusses the extent to which desertification is caused more by
human factors than by natural factors. Response is broadly evaluative in
character, comprising some explanatory or narrative content and a
conclusion. Response develops on a largely secure base of knowledge and
understanding with the use of example(s).
Level 2 (6–10)
Response demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of the extent
to which desertification is caused more by human factors than by natural
factors. Response is mainly descriptive or explanatory in approach and
contains a brief or thinly supported evaluation. Responses without the use of
example(s) to support the response will not get above the middle of Level 2
(8 marks).
11 Level 1 (1–5)
Response makes a few general points about the causes of desertification. A
descriptive response comprising a few simple points. Knowledge is basic
and understanding may be poor and lack relevance to the question set.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.
Candidates are free to develop their own approach to the question and
responses will vary depending on the example(s) chosen. Whichever
approach is chosen, essays which address the question and support their
argument with relevant examples will be credited. The direction of the
response and evaluation made will depend on the approach chosen, and
any evaluation is therefore valid if argued and based on evidence.
Award marks based on the quality of the response using the marking levels
below.
Level 4 (16–20)
Response thoroughly discusses the relative importance of the causes of
aridity. An effective and sustained evaluation with a sound conclusion.
Response is well founded in detailed exemplar knowledge and strong
conceptual understanding of the topic. Examples used are appropriate and
integrated effectively into the response.
Level 3 (11–15)
Response discusses the relative importance of the causes of aridity.
Response is broadly evaluative in character, comprising some explanatory
or narrative content and a conclusion. Response develops on a largely
secure base of knowledge and understanding with the use of example(s).
Level 2 (6–10)
Response demonstrates some knowledge and understanding of the causes
of aridity. Response is mainly descriptive or explanatory in approach and
contains a brief or thinly supported evaluation. Responses without the use of
example(s) to support the response will not get above the middle of Level 2
(8 marks).
Level 1 (1–5)
Response makes a few general points about the causes of aridity. A
descriptive response comprising a few simple points. Knowledge is basic
and understanding may be poor and lack relevance to the question set.
Level 0 (0)
No creditable response.