GCSE Geography Instant Revision

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The key takeaways are that this book provides revision material for GCSE Geography exams, covering all topics and skills required while explaining exam techniques.

The purpose of this book is to provide students with all the important information they need to know for their GCSE Geography exam in a clear, concise format to aid revision.

This book covers all the topics set by the different exam boards for GCSE Geography, including Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Rocks and Landforms, Rivers, Glaciation, Coasts, Weather and Climate, The Ecosystem Concept, Population Distribution, Migration, Settlement Patterns, Urban Settlement, Agriculture, Industry, Tourism, Managing Natural Resources, Contrasts in Development, Trade and Aid, and Geographical Skills.

GCSE Geography

Nicholas Rowles
Series Editor: Jayne de Courcy

PerfectBound An e-book from HarperCollins Publishers 7785 Fulham Palace Road Hammersmith, London W6 8JB First published 2001 HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd, 2001 Nicholas Rowles asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work Acrobat eBook Reader edition v 1. April 2001 ISBN: 0-00-712985-8 All rights reserved. You have been granted a non-exclusive, nontransferable licence to access and read the text of this e-book onscreen. Unless expressly authorised no part of this text may reproduced, stored in an information retrieval system, or transmitted, down-loaded, de-compiled or reverse engineered in any form or by any means now known or hereinafter invented without the express prior permission of the publishers. Design by Gecko Limited www.fireandwater.com/ebooks
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Contents
Get the most out of your Instant Revision e-book ______iii Earthquakes and Volcanoes ________________________1 Rocks and Landforms ____________________________7 Rivers ________________________________________13 Glaciation ____________________________________19 Coasts________________________________________25 Weather and Climate ____________________________31 The Ecosystem Concept __________________________37 Population Distribution __________________________43 Migration ____________________________________49 Settlement Patterns ____________________________55 Urban Settlement ______________________________61 Agriculture ____________________________________67 Industry ______________________________________73 Tourism ______________________________________79 Managing Natural Resources ______________________85 Contrasts in Development ________________________91 Trade and Aid __________________________________97 Geographical Skills ____________________________103 Reading OS Maps ______________________________111 Examination Techniques ________________________115 Acknowledgements ____________________________123

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Get the most out of your

Instant Revision e-Book


1
Learn and remember what you need to know. This book contains all the really important things you need to know for your exam. All the information is set out clearly and concisely, making it easy for you to revise. Find out what you dont know. The Check yourself questions and Score chart help you to see quickly and easily the topics youre good at and those youre not so good at. Print out the Score charts from the separate printable e-book and keep a record of your progress.

Whats in this book? 1


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The facts just what you need to know


There are sections covering all the Geography topics set by all the Exam Boards. The information is laid out in short blocks so that it is easy to read and remember. Key maps and diagrams are included. This book helps you revise the important geographical skills you will need to use in your GCSE exam. This book explains the different types of questions that Exam Boards set. Youll know what to expect in your exams!

Topics

Skills
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Exam techniques
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Check yourself questions find out how much you know and boost your grade
Each Check yourself is linked to one or more facts page. The numbers after the topic heading in the Check yourself tell you which facts page the Check yourself is linked to. The questions ask you to demonstrate the types of skills you will need to use in the exams. They will show you what you are good at and what you need to improve on. The reverse side of each Check yourself gives you the answers plus tutorial help and guidance to boost your exam grade. There are points for each question. The total number of points for each Check yourself is always 20. When you check your answers, fill in the score box alongside each answer with the number of points you feel you scored.

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The Score chart an instant picture of your strengths and weaknesses


Score chart (1) lists all the Check yourself pages. As you complete each Check yourself, record your points on the Score chart. This will show you instantly which areas you need to spend more time on. Score chart (2) is a graph which lets you plot your points against GCSE grades. This will give you a rough idea of how you are doing in each area. Of course, this is only a rough idea because the questions arent real exam questions!

Use this Instant Revision e-book on your own or revise with a friend or relative. See who can get the highest score!
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EARTHQUAKES
Earthquakes
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VOLCANOES (1)

Both earthquakes and volcanoes can be explained by the theory of plate tectonics. The earths crust consists of a series of plates. There are seven main plates and many smaller ones. Some plates consist of continental crust others are made of largely oceanic crust. Convectional activity causes the plates to move. The edges of plates are called plate margins. There are three types of plate margins. At a destructive boundary the plates move together, but at a constructive boundary the plates move apart. At a conservative boundary the plates move side by side.

EURASIAN PLATE NORTH AMERICAN PLATE

EURASIAN PLATE

GORDA PLATE ARABIAN PLATE PHILIPPINE PLATE Tropic of Cancer COCOS PLATE

PACIFIC PLATE Equator AFRICAN PLATE INDO-AUSTRALIAN PLATE

AFRICAN PLATE CARIBBEAN PLATE NAZCA PLATE SOUTH AMERICAN PLATE

Tropic of Capricorn

SCOTIA PLATE

Direction of plate movement

Volcanoes

Earthquakes

Major lithospheric plates and distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes


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At a constructive boundary molten rock or magma rises to the surface forming new crust. This forces the existing crust apart causing sea floor spreading. This causes continental drift. At destructive margins one plate is forced under another into the subduction zone.

EARTHQUAKES
Mid-ocean ridge Sea floor spreading Sea level

AND

VOLCANOES (2)
Sea level Ocean trench Crust

Central rift valley

Lithosphere Mantle Mantle Rising magma from mantle Crust Lithosphere Melt from subducted oceanic crust (subduction zone) Volcanoes (or island arcs) form where magma rises to surface

Constructive plate margin (mid-ocean ridge)


G

Destructive plate margin (subduction zone)

Seismic waves, as a result of plate movement, cause earthquakes. The focus of an earthquake is a fault deep in the earths crust. The shock waves move out from the focus and reach the earths surface at the epicentre. Most earthquakes occur along plate margins. The effect of an earthquake can be measured on the Richter or Mercalli scales. The Richter scale measures the strength on a scale of 110. An earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale is 100 times stronger than one measuring 5. The Mercalli scale measures the physical effects of an earthquake on a scale of 112. LEDCs suffer the greatest loss of life from earthquakes. This is because buildings are not as strong and emergency services are not as efficient. The economic cost of earthquakes can be greater in MEDCs as the economic life of a MEDC suffers greater disruption. There have been many attempts to reduce the effects of earthquakes. More accurate forecasting of earthquakes allows earlier evacuation. Use of cross bracing and installing rubber shock absorbers in foundations make buildings more resistant to shock.

EARTHQUAKES
Volcanoes
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VOLCANOES (3)

Volcanoes occur where there is a weakness in the earths crust. This allows magma to move to the surface where it forms lava. An active volcano is one that has erupted in living memory. A dormant volcano is one that last erupted in historical times. It can never be assumed that a volcano is extinct. Mount Pinatubo in the Phillipines erupted violently in 1991 having been dormant for 600 years. Magma can also bubble up to the earths surface through fissures or cracks, which eventually forms lava plateaux.
Continental-oceanic Flood basalts plate margins. Magma reaches Here the oceanic plate surface through great is subducted beneath cracks or fissures in the thicker continental crust (caused by plate. As it melts some tension) allowing vast of the lighter oceanic amounts of magma plate magma forces to reach the surface. its way to the surface, These eruptions forming volcanoes, build-up great e.g. Andean volcanoes. thicknesses of lava, known as flood basalts.

Island arcs Mid-oceanic ridges Hot spot volcanoes (e.g. Aleutian Islands) (e.g. Iceland) Rising plumes of Where two oceanic Tension in the crust magma reach the plates converge (e.g. leads to deep rifts. surface in the centres western Pacific). One Magma rises up to of plates, e.g. Hawaii. plate is pushed the ocean floor along downwards these rifts, forming (subducted) into the new crust. The ridges mantle. As the form a continuous subducted plate melts, line of submarine magma rises to the volcanoes. In places surface forming the volcanoes rise numerous volcanoes above sea level. or island arcs.

Hot spot

Island arc

Oceanic crust Trench


zo ne

Mid-oceanic ridge Sea level Trench

Continental crust Flood basalt

Lithosphere
Su bd

uc

tio

Su bd uc tio nz

Lithosphere

Mantle

on e

Mantle

EARTHQUAKES
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VOLCANOES (4)

The build up of material from a series of eruptions forms a volcanic cone. The shape of the cone depends on the type of material and the chemical composition of the lava. Viscous lava forms a steep sided cone. Thin, non-viscous lava produces a low-angle, shield volcano. Many cones are composite as they consist of layers of ash and lava.
Steam Ash

Crater Parasitic cone Volcanic bombs Pipe

Lava flow

Sill

Layers of ash and lava

Dyke

Dyke

Magma chamber
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Other volcanic hazards include nues ardents, which are superheated clouds of gas and dust, lahars, which are mudflows, as well as ash, pumice and toxic gas. Despite the danger people still live close to volcanoes. Volcanic soils are very fertile. Tourists like to see volcanic hot springs, geysers and boiling mud. Geothermal energy produces electricity. Precious stones and minerals are often found in extinct volcanoes.

Check yourself
Earthquakes and volcanoes (14)
1 What causes the plates on the earths surface to move? (1) 2 Which way do plates move at a constructive plate margin? (1) 3 At what kind of boundary is a subduction zone found? (1)

4 What point on the earths surface is likely to suffer the greatest damage from an earthquake? (1) 5 How many times more powerful is an earthquake measuring 6 on the Richter scale compared to one that measures 4? (1) 6 What part of a volcanic cone does the lava come out from? (1) 7 Name an example of a shield volcano. (1) 8 What are nues ardents? (1) 9 Why do 20% of Sicilians live on the side of the active volcano Mount Etna? (1) 10 Name an area which uses geothermal power as a source of energy. (1) 11 Why is there a series of volcanic islands down the centre of the Atlantic Ocean? (3) 12 Why are LEDCs likely to suffer a greater loss of life than MEDCs if an earthquake hits? (2) 13 What is the difference between lava and magma? (2) 14 Explain why there is a Pacific Ring of Fire. (3)

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 Convectional activity. (1) This is caused by magma moving through the mantle. 2 Apart. (1) As the plates move apart magma can reach the earths surface, cool and form new land. 3 Destructive plate margin. (1) This is where one plate is being destroyed as it is forced beneath a neighbouring plate. 4 Epicentre. (1) This is the closest point on the earths surface to the seismic focus of the earthquake. 5 100. (1) Remember that a rise of one point on the Richter Scale means the earthquake is ten times more powerful. 6 Crater. (1) Remember technical terms. 7 Mouna Loa, Hawaii. (1) 8 Superheated clouds of gas and dust. (1) 9 The soils there are very fertile. (1) Lava breaks down very readily into a workable soil. The soil is very rich in minerals. 10 Iceland. (1) 11 Sea floor spreading. (1) The Eurasian and the North American plates are moving apart. (1) This allows magma to reach the surface. (1) This question refers to a specific place so you need to state the names of the plates. 12 Buildings in LEDCs are less earthquake proof and so collapse more easily. (1) Emergency aid systems are not as efficient. (1) In a MEDC the value of the damage to the infrastructure will be much higher than in a LEDC. 13 Magma is molten rock beneath the earths surface. (1) Lava is solidified magma on the earths surface. (1) Magma can solidify before it reaches the earths surface to form dykes and sills. These can be found in a composite volcano. 14 There are volcanoes dotted all around the Pacific Ocean. (1) The Pacific plate is being subducted beneath the neighbouring plates. (1) Magma is forced to the surface to form volcanoes. (1)

TOTAL 6

ROCKS
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LANDFORMS (1)

Types of rocks
Rocks can be divided into three main groups: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Igneous rocks are formed as molten magma deep in the earths crust. They cool slowly and solidify underground. They are very resistant to erosion. Most sedimentary rocks consist of mineral particles formed by the breakdown of older rocks. Limestone, chalk and coal are sedimentary rocks formed from the fossilised remains of animals and plants. Metamorphic rocks have been changed as the result of heat, pressure or chemical reactions.
erosion and/or weathering IGNEOUS heat and pressure erosion and/or weathering METAMORPHIC SEDIMENTARY heat and pressure

Relationship between rock types


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Rocks can be changed from one group to another by heat, pressure, erosion or weathering. Granite and basalt are examples of igneous rocks. Chalk, limestone and clay are sedimentary rocks. Marble and slate are metamorphic rocks.

N Highland zone

Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic Tees Exe line.

100 km

Distribution of major rock groups in the British Isles

Tee s Exe line

Lowland zone

ROCKS
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LANDFORMS (2)

Igneous and metamorphic rocks are found largely in the north and west of the British Isles to the north and west of the TeesExe line. Most of the south and east of the Isles is made up of sedimentary rocks.

Weathering
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Erosion and weathering both result in the breakdown of rocks. Erosion involves movement whereas weathering takes place in situ. The material that has been broken down by weathering and erosion is removed by mass movement. This reveals a fresh rock face to attack from the elements. Weathered and eroded material will form scree at the bottom of a slope. There are two main types of weathering: physical and chemical. In high mountains and high latitudes most physical weathering is by freezethaw. When the temperature drops below 0C water freezes inside cracks in the rocks. The ice can split the rocks. In deserts the large daily range in temperature produces insolation weathering of rocks. Minerals in the rocks expand and contract at different rates setting up internal stresses. The outer rock layers flake off; socalled exfoliation or onion peeling. Scree is the accumulation of small rock fragments at the bottom of a slope. On flatter surfaces, especially where rock joints are widely spaced, freezethaw breaks up the rocks into massive boulders to form boulder fields. Chemical weathering is most effective in hot, wet climates. The most common forms of chemical weathering are solution weathering where rock minerals dissolve in rainwater; oxidation where minerals react with oxygen; and hydration where minerals absorb water. Carbonation causes weathering in carboniferous limestone areas.

ROCKS
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LANDFORMS (3)

Folding and faulting


Distinctive landscapes develop because of the underlying rock type and as a result of folding and faulting. Massive tectonic movements cause folding and faulting. Folding occurs where rocks bend as a result of pressure. This produces upfolds called anticlines and downfolds called synclines. The Rockies and the Alps are huge, fold mountains. Rigid or brittle rocks fault when under pressure. Rift valleys and fault scarps form as a result of normal and reverse faulting.
A normal fault Tension Fault line A reverse fault Compression Fault line A tear fault Shearing Fault line
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Fault scarp

Fault scarp

Types of fault

Landforms
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Igneous rocks develop underground as a result of interior or intrusive vulcanicity. Magma solidifies to form distinctive shapes known as batholiths, dykes and sills. Dartmoor is an example of a batholith. The granite upland is part of a much larger batholith beneath the earths surface. Granite forms rugged uplands, which are poorly drained with large expanses of moorland. Dominant features are tors. Dykes run across rock strata whereas sills run parallel to them. Sills often form steep valleys.

ROCKS
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LANDFORMS (4)

Limestone and chalk are both calcium carbonate. Limestone is permeable but chalk is porous. Acidic rainwater chemically weathers calcium carbonate by carbonation. Karst scenery develops on carboniferous limestone in areas such as the Mendips. The main features of karst scenery are limestone pavements, swallow holes or sinks, caves, stalactites and stalagmites. There is a lack of surface drainage because of the large number of underground streams and rivers. Escarpments with a steep scarp slope and a gentle dip slope are characteristic of chalk scenery. There is a lack of surface water with a complex system of dry valleys.
Shake holes

Scar Scree Limestone pavement Dry valley and gorge

Other rocks (impermeable) Limestone

Swallow hole Spring Clay Cave/cavern containing stalagmites and stalactites

Formation of karst scenery


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Clay is found over extensive areas of lowlands and produces soils that are sticky and heavy when wet. Clay is impermeable, so there are many surface rivers.

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Check yourself
Rocks and landforms(1 4)
1 Which of the following is the odd one out:

Chalk, clay, granite, sandstone, coal , mudstone, shale? (1)


2 What is oxidation? (1) 3 Why is chemical weathering uncommon in deserts? (1) 4 How can granite appear on the earths surface even though

it is formed underground from the solidification of magma? (1)


5 Name an example of an area of chalk scenery. (1) 6 Why does karst scenery develop on carboniferous limestone and not on chalk when they are both calcium carbonate? (1) 7 Why are villages common at the base of a chalk scarp slope? (1) 8 What caused the valleys in chalk to become dry? (1) 9 Why is the top of an anticline more likely to erode than the bottom of a syncline? (1) 10 What landform does the following diagram show? (1)

11 What is the difference between a porous and a permeable rock? (2) 12 How can the features of granite scenery be explained in terms of the rocks hardness, its impermeability and its many joints? (3) 13 Explain how karst scenery develops. (3) 14 How can the human use of granite and limestone areas threaten the beauty of the landscape? (2)

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ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 Granite. (1) It is the only igneous rock. 2 The chemical reaction between minerals in rocks and oxygen. (1) Remember it is the minerals that are oxidised. 3 Because of the lack of moisture. (1) Water is required for chemical weathering to take place. 4 Less resistant rocks on top of the granite are eroded. (1) Remember the difference between lava and magma. 5 The South Downs. (1) 6 Carboniferous limestone has a well developed system of joints and bedding planes. (1) The acid solution formed between rainwater and limestone widens these gaps. 7 Springs form there. (1) 8 The increase in temperatures at the end of the Ice Age. (1) During the Ice Age the chalk was impermeable because ice blocked its pores. 9 The rock is stretched and therefore weaker. (1) The Weald formed this way. 10 Rift valley. (1) There is one in East Africa. 11 Permeable rock allows water to move through its joints and bedding planes. (1) Porous rock acts like a sponge retaining water in its pores. (1) Try to use the correct technical terms. 12 The rocks are hard and not easily eroded. Granite uplands therefore rise up above the surrounding countryside. (1) The rock is impermeable so surface water forms marsh and bog. (1) Chemical weathering along the joints produces tors. (1) Refer to all three features in your answer. 13 Rainwater and limestone form a weak solution of carbonic acid. This moves underground through joints and bedding planes. (1) The limestone reacts with the acid water to form calcium bicarbonate which is soluble in water. This leads to the formation of caves. (1) Evaporation leaves calcium carbonate deposits, i.e. stalactites and stalagmites. (1) 14 Quarrying for building stone is common in granite and limestone areas. (1) Both areas attract tourists who may erode footpaths, cause traffic congestion and drop litter. (1)

TOTAL 12

RIVERS (1)
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Water constantly cycles between the atmosphere and the earths surface, through a series of flows and stores. The main flows are evaporation, precipitation and rivers. Examples of stores are the sea, glaciers and lakes. When precipitation reaches the ground it gets into rivers in three ways: direct flow straight from the atmosphere; surface flow; and flow through permeable rocks and the soil. The area drained by a river and its tributaries is called a drainage basin or catchment. The boundaries of the river basin or watersheds separate one basin from another. A river develops distinctive landforms as a result of erosion, transportation, and deposition. The processes of river erosion are corrosion, corrasion, hydraulic action and attrition. A rivers load is transported by solution, suspension, saltation and traction depending on the size of material.
Suspension Some carried in solution Saltation

Traction

Transportation of a rivers load


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A rivers long profile or talweg and its cross section change from the rivers source to its mouth. Moving downstream there is a decrease in the rivers gradient, an increase in water volume and an increase in the amount of sediment carried by the river. These result in different processes and landforms developing in the rivers upper, middle and lower courses. Landforms in the upper course form by erosion mainly. Potholing results in a V-shaped cross section. Waterfalls retreat upstream leaving a gorge as the result of headward erosion. The river is small and inefficient so it is easily deflected by obstacles in its path. This forms interlocking spurs.

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RIVERS (2)

Gorge Waterfall

Resistant rock

Formation of a waterfall and gorge

In the middle course the river begins to erode sideways or laterally. Meanders begin to form. The faster currents on the outside of river bends undercut the bank forming river cliffs. Deposition takes place on slip-off slopes found on the inside of meanders where the current is slower. The cross section becomes asymmetrical.
levee ox - bow lake meander

bluff alluvium

flood plain delta

Main features of a rivers middle course


G

The main features of the lower course are a broad, shallow flood plain, with ox-bow lakes and leves. The river enters the sea through an estuary or a delta. Deltas occur where a river splits into a series of distributaries. This happens if the river flows into a sea where there are no strong tides or currents, or if the river is carrying large amounts of sediment.

14

RIVERS (3)
Flooding
G

Rivers flood when their discharge or flow is greater than the channel can cope with. This often occurs when there is a large increase in precipitation or during a spring snow melt. The river regime shows the seasonal variations in a rivers flow. The link between precipitation and discharge is shown in a flood hydrograph.
Discharge (cumecs) Peak discharge Maximum precipitation

normal discharge

Time (hours)

Flood hydrograph
G

Flooding is more likely when precipitation is heavy and intense. If the soil is saturated water will run off quickly into rivers. Flooding is less likely if the main rock types are porous or permeable. Human actions can increase flood danger. Flood plains have dense populations because the fertile alluvial soils are good for farming and the river can be used for irrigation. The flat land encourages industry and settlement. The building of roads and houses increases surface run-off. Deforestation also increases surface run-off. The impact of floods can be reduced by flood preventative measures. These minimise run-off and use reservoirs to store excess water. Flood water can be confined to rivers by embankments and relief channels. Excess water can be removed by increasing the flow rate. For example by widening, deepening and straightening the river channel.

Precipitation (mm)

15

RIVERS (4)
Afforestation of headwaters

Reservoir Dam Flood relief channel

Limit of flooding Floodwater storage areas Embankments

Limit of flooding Mainly permanent pasture land

Diversion of floodwaters into nearby river

Tidal barrage

Flood control and prevention

Human activities
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The most effective management of rivers is by a whole-basin approach. In addition to flood control measures, irrigation and navigation can be improved. Dams and reservoirs can be used to generate hydroelectricity as well as providing opportunities for recreation and leisure. The upper parts of a river basin are used for sheep farming, quarrying and water storage. High precipitation and narrow valleys are suitable for dam and reservoir construction. The slopes of the valleys can be forested. There are greater opportunities for agriculture and industry further downstream. Estuaries are favourable sites for industry as they allow import and export facilities and the flat land is suitable for building. Often there are large areas of mud that can be reclaimed and used for large industrial sites.

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Check yourself
Rivers (1 4)
2 How does river water corrade? (1) 3 Which form of river transport is most important in eroding the landscape? (1)

1 Why is the movement of water between the atmosphere and the earths surface called a cycle? (1)

4 Why are waterfalls only temporary features on a rivers course? (1) 5 Why is the American term cut off appropriate for an ox-bow lake? (1) 6 Which part of a rivers course has the following cross section? (1)
river cliff slip - off slope

7 Why is there a time lag between the time of maximum precipitation and the peak discharge of a river? (1) 8 What is the difference between a tributary and a distributary? (1) 9 Why do deltas form in the Mediterranean Sea? (1) 10 How may the straightening of a rivers course reduce the danger of flooding? (1) 11 Why do rivers erode most when they are in flood? (3) 12 Explain the features shown on the following cross section of Niagara Falls. (3)
limestone shales sandstone shales level of water in gorge plunge pool

13 How can deforestation increase the danger of flooding? (2) 14 Why can water control measures in a river basin be considered multipurpose? (2)

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ANSWERS & TUTORIALS


1 There is continuous movement of water to the earths surface (precipitation), across the land (river flow) and back to the atmosphere (evaporation). (1). This can be shown in a diagram. 2 By the abrasive actions of sediments carried by the river on its bed. (1) Remember that abrasion and corrasion both contain a, while corrosion and solution dont. 3 Traction. (1) The largest materials erode as they roll along the rivers bed. 4 Waterfalls erode backwards as the river smoothes out its profile. (1) 5 The river cuts off the neck of the meander to leave the rest stranded as an ox-bow lake. (1) 6 Middle course. (1) This is where the river starts to erode laterally. 7 Peak discharge includes water falling directly into the river as well as surface run-off and through flow. (1) Surface runoff and through flow take longer to reach the river. 8 A tributary takes water to the main river, whereas a distributary takes water away. (1) Distributaries are found in deltas. 9 The sea is tideless and there are no strong currents. (1) 10 It increases the speed of flow. (1) This reduces the danger of the river breaking its banks. 11 They have a greater amount of water and carry a greater load. (1) They flow faster. (1) Relatively, there is less frictional loss so the river is more efficient. (1) 12 The softer sands and shales are eroded more easily and undercut the more resistant limestone. The overlying limestone eventually collapses. (1) The Falls erode backwards leaving a gorge. (1) The river hits the bottom of the Falls to form a plunge pool. (1) This leads to the eventual removal of the waterfall. 13 It increases the rate of surface run-off and decreases the risk of infiltration. (1) This increases the peak discharge. (1) The steeper the limbs of the hydrograph the greater the flood danger. 14 The measures are used for more than one purpose. (1) Dams store water and regulate the flow, but can also be used to generate HEP . (1)

SCORE

TOTAL 18

GLACIATION (1)
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There are two main forms of glaciation. Highland or valley glaciation is where ice forms glaciers which flow along valleys. In lowland or continental glaciation an ice sheet covers a whole area. Highland glaciation is taking place still in mountainous areas such as the Alps and the Rockies. Antarctica is an area of continental glaciation. The Ice Age ended 10,000 years ago. The Lake District and the Scottish Highlands show the effects of highland glaciation. East Anglias landscape is dominated by lowland glaciation features. Glacial erosion is the result of a combination of two processes: frost shattering and abrasion. Water freezes in cracks in the rocks, expands and shatters the rock. Rock fragments stick to the underside of the ice by plucking. As the ice moves it acts like a giant file.

Glacial landforms
G

A corrie is an armchair shaped circular depression with steep walls on three sides. At the front a rock lip can dam water to form a tarn lake. Semi-rotational movement of the ice has enlarged and deepened an existing depression in the mountain. Artes and pyramidal peaks develop where several corries occur back to back.
Pyramidal peak Freeze-thaw weathering

Crevasses Headwall Corrie glacier Arte Corrie lake Sliding Quarrying/plucking Present Day Abrasion Lip During Ice Age

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GLACIATION (2)
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Glaciers are ice flows which start in corries and move down existing river valleys. This creates a U-shaped glacial trough with truncated spurs. The U-shaped valley is straighter and deeper. Ribbon or finger lakes form in a glacial trough either by a glacier overdeepening part of the valley floor or by moraine blocking the end of a valley.

Pyramidal peaks

Corries Truncated spur Hanging valley U-shaped valleys

Glaciated highland
G

Glaciated highlands have a variety of uses. Their spectacular scenery attracts tourists in both summer and winter. U-shaped and hanging valleys are ideal for HEP stations. Ribbon lakes are natural reservoirs. Artificial reservoirs are built by damming the valleys. Sheep farming is the main type of agriculture. In some areas there is conflict between the various landuses which can cause environmental damage.

20

GLACIATION (3)
Glacial deposits
G

Glacial deposition forms moraines. Unlike river deposits they are unsorted. A moraine will have a mixture of deposits ranging in size from large boulders to the finest rock flour. Terminal (end), lateral and medial moraines are named after the positions they are found in.
Glacie r

Glacie r

lateral moraine

lateral moraine medial moraine

end moraine

lateral moraine

Types of moraine
G

Material carried underneath the ice is left as ground moraine. The weight of the ice crushes the material to form boulder clay. This is deposited as a continuous till plain or as a series of egg shaped drumlins. Erratics are rocks that have been transported by ice and deposited in an area of very different geology. Roches mountonnes have a gentle up-valley slope formed by abrasion. Plucking causes the down-valley side to be steeper. A crag and tail forms when a resistant plug, e.g. a volcanic cone, protects the material being eroded behind by the ice. In this case the gentler slope is on the down-valley side. Meltwater streams flow within, below and in front of the ice. These transport material and deposit them as fluvialglacial deposits. These form kames, kame terraces, eskers and outwash plains.

21

GLACIATION (4)
Kame terrace: sediments deposited between the edge of a glacier and valley side. Esker: long, winding ridges of meltwater sediment.

Kame: small, isolated mound formed from meltwater sediments.

Collapsed lake sediments

Meltwater deposits
G

The effects of lowland glaciation are seen in the three physical divisions of Denmark.
Western Jutland, sand dune coast Central Jutland, low morainic hills N Eastern Jutland and the Islands, chalky boulder clay

DENMARK

0 km 100

Physical geography of Denmark


G

Boulder clay or till plains in Denmark and East Anglia are important arable farming areas. The glacial deposits are not too sticky when wet and are good for growing crops. Other moraines do not produce particularly fertile conditions because of their unsorted nature.

22

Check yourself
Glaciation (1 4)
3 How could you tell if material had been deposited by water or by ice? (1)

1 Why is a glacier able to move despite being made of solid ice? (1) 2 What is the main difference between a tarn and a ribbon lake? (1)

4 What glacial feature can be described as a narrow steep-sided ridge? (1) 5 Name an example of a pyramidal peak. (1) 6 What landform marks the furthest point reached by the ice? (1) 7 How did the hanging valley get its name? (1) 8 What are hanging valleys suitable for the production of HEP? (1) 9 Why does the relief of boulder clay or till plain favour the growth of cereals? (1) 10 Why is frost shattering an important process in glacial erosion? (2) 11 Why is there meltwater underneath a glacier or ice sheet? (1) What is the importance of this meltwater? (1) 12 What evidence is there in the landscape to show the direction of ice movement? (4) 13 Explain the following features in the cross section of a glacial trough. (3)
a

b c

23

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 Individual ice crystals within the ice slide across one another. (1) Different parts of the glacier move at different speeds producing tunnels within the ice and crevasses on the surface. 2 Their shape. (1) A tarn adopts the circular shape of a corrie. A ribbon lake is long and thin. 3 Glacial deposits or moraines are unsorted. (1) 4 An arrte. (1) For example, Striding Edge in the Lake District. 5 The Matterhorn on the SwissItalian border. (1) Horn is an alternative name for a pyramidal peak. 6 Terminal or end moraine. (1) 7 The floor of the hanging valley hangs above the floor of the main valley. (1) The hanging valley is cut by a smaller tributary glacier. 8 They produce a high head of water. (1) This can turn electricity turbines. 9 It is flat and suited to the use of machinery. (1) This makes arable agriculture capital intensive. 10 The rocks broken up by frost shattering are plucked by the ice. (1) The rock fragments in the ice are abrasive against the underlying rocks. (1) This question is asking how ice erodes rather than asking for the results of ice erosion. 11 Friction between the moving ice and rock causes heat to melt the ice. (1) The meltwater lubricates the ice helping it to slide. (1) As the ice moves away from the frictional zone it freezes again, expands and shatters more rock. 12 The way drumlins are positioned. (1) Erratics can show the origin of the ice flow. (1) The gentle side of a roche mountonne faces the direction that the ice has come from. (1) The tail of a crag and tail points in the direction that the ice moving. (1) 13 a The shoulders are the remnants of the former river valley. (1) b The truncated spurs result in steep sides. They are the remains of interlocking spurs. (1) c The U-shaped cross section reflects the shape of the glacier. (1)

TOTAL 24

COASTS (1)
Wave action
G

The sea erodes, transports and deposits by wave action. Waves are formed by the wind. When waves reach shallower water, friction with the sea bed slows down the bottom of the waves. The wave increases in height until it breaks or plunges. The water runs up the beach to form the swash. The backwash is the water that runs back down the beach. There is less frictional loss of energy where the offshore gradient is steep.
Wavelength decreases as wave height increases Breaking wave

Movement of water particles

Shallowing water causes waves to slow down

Swash and back wash

Waves in shallow water


G

Constructive waves have a strong swash and a weaker backwash. These are more likely to deposit material on the coast. The backwash of a destructive wave is stronger than its swash. Destructive waves erode material from the coast. The most powerful waves are caused by strong winds which blow continuously over a long fetch. Erosion by the sea is the result of a number of processes: abrasion or corrasion; corrosion or solution hydraulic action and attrition. These are most effective where the coast is made up of less resistant rock, such as sands and clays.

25

COASTS (2)
Processes of wave erosion
Abrasion/corrasion Hydraulic action Sand and shingle carried by waves scour and grind the rocks along the coastline. The pounding effect of water on the coastline during storms. Even the hardest rocks can break up as they are loosened along joints and bedding planes. The dissolving of rocks by sea water. The wearing away and rounding of sediments (to form sand and shingle) by abrasion and by rubbing against each other.

Corrosion/solution Attrition

Coastal features
G

On an accordant coast the strata of the rocks lie parallel to the coast giving it a very smooth outline. On a discordant coast the rock strata are at right angles to the coast allowing differential erosion to occur. This results in the formation of a series of headlands and bays. Headlands are left when wave action forms bays in areas of less resistant rock. Wave action erodes weaker parts of headlands too. This can result in the formation of caves, arches and stacks. Wave action forms a notch at the base of a cliff. This undercutting causes the cliff to collapse. As this cycle repeats over time the cliffs retreat inland. The cliffs get higher and steeper. A wave-cut platform forms at the base of the cliff. This is covered with beach deposits which are transported from the cliff face and eventually deposited in the sea.
Line of former cliffs Natural arch Stack Stump High tide level Low tide level

Wave-cut (shore) platform

Formation of wave-cut (shore) platforms

26

COASTS (3)
G

Beaches are accumulations of wave deposits. Some of this material comes from cliff erosion. The rest is transported by rivers or along the coast by wave action. Material is transported along the coast in a zig-zag movement called longshore drift. The swash runs up the beach at an angle but the backwash runs straight back down the beach.
Swash Backwash Cliffs Beach Longshore current Angle of wave approach Movement of sand

Longshore drift
G

There are several types of wave depositional features. There are spits, tombolos, barrier beaches and bay head beaches. Spits are ridges of sand or shingle that are joined to the mainland at one end. Waves cannot reach the water behind the spit. This allows tidal currents to deposit material which form mud flats and salt marshes. A barrier beach or bar is joined at both ends. A tombolo joins an island to the mainland.
Exmouth Barrier beach: Slapton Sands Tombolo: Chesil beach West Bay 0 1 km Slapton Slapton Ley (freshwater lagoon) 1 km Torcross Low-water mark Salt marsh Mud flats Sands Land 0100m Lyme Bay
Ri ver

Spit: Dawlish Warren

Slap

w Da

ton

lis

San

ar W

re

Portland Abbotsbury Harbour Fleet Ch es il B ea ch Portland Portland Bill

ds

e Ex

Start Bay

0 km

10

27

COASTS (4)
G

Coastal areas are affected by changes in sea level. If the sea rises or falls the effects are felt worldwide. If land moves then the effects are more localised. If sea level rises, the coast is submerged and rias, estuaries or fjords can form. A fall in sea level forms an emergent coastline with a series of raised beaches above the new sea level.

Coastal management
G

Coastal areas need to be managed because both physical and human factors affect them. Coastal erosion can have disastrous effects on people living close to the sea. Sea walls, gabions, revetments and groynes defend the coast from wave attack. Global warming is likely to increase the rate of coastal erosion. Some argue that it will become too expensive to defend the coast.
Groyne Wooden or steel piling Concrete Steel pile Armour blocks

Recurved sea wall Concrete

Wooden revetment

Boulders dumped on beach Steel mesh cage containing rocks

Open structure absorbs wave energy

Gabion

Methods of coastal protection


G

Tourism is very important in coastal areas. Trampling over sand dunes destroys vegetation and exposes the dunes to wind erosion. Sun-tan lotion and boat oil can cause pollution. Careful planning is required to protect the environment.

28

Check yourself
Coasts (1 4)
1 What is the fetch of a wave? (1) 2 Why is the east coast of Australia good for surfing? (2)

3 Air is compressed back into cracks in the rock by water. As the waves retreat, the pressure is released. Air implodes into the vacuum left bringing fragments of rock out with it. What process of wave erosion is being described? (1) 4 Name an example of a stack. (1) 5 What is wave refraction? (1) 6 Why may the building of a groyne increase the danger of coastal erosion further down the coast? (2) 7 Why is global warming likely to increase the rate of coastal erosion? (1) 8 Why are ports more often sited on rias than fjords? (2) 9 Study the diagram. Match the letters with the following words or phrases: direction of swash; prevailing wind; direction of backwash; direction of longshore drift. (4)
N Lymington

Milford on Sea A C 0 D B km 20

Hurst Castle Spit

S The

t olen

Isle of Wight

10 Why has Hurst Castle spit developed at this particular point on the coast? (1) 11 What determines the direction of the backwash? (1) 12 Suggest three ways that could be used to reduce damage to a coastal environment by tourists. (3)

29

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 The distance of open sea over which the wind blows. (1) This distance has a greater effect on the size of waves than the strength of the wind. 2 It faces the Pacific Ocean, the largest ocean in the world. (1) The winds blow over a fetch of more than 6,000 km. (1) 3 Hydraulic action. (1) Note the difference between this and the hydraulic action of a river. 4 The Needles. (1) Off the western edge of the Isle of Wight. 5 The bending of a wave around a headland. (1) This concentrates the erosional power of the wave on the headland. 6 Sand is the best natural form of sea defence. (1) A groyne prevents sand reaching other parts of the coast, leaving cliffs open to wave attack. (1)
CLIFFS sand direction of longshore drift no protection groyne

7 There will be a rise in sea level because of melting ice caps . (1) Low-lying coastal areas will be in increased danger of flooding. 8 Fjords are found only in sparsely populated polar latitudes. (1) Their sides are too steep and there is a lack of flat land along the side of the fjords on which to build a port. (1) Plymouth and Milford Haven are major ports built on rias in Britain. 9 A direction of swash D direction of backwash C prevailing wind B direction of longshore drift. (4) 10 There is a marked change in the direction of the coast. (1) Spits frequently form at river mouths too, e.g. Orford Ness in East Anglia. 11 Gravity. (1) The wave runs straight down the beach slope. 12 Replanting marram grass on dunes damaged by trampling. (1) Way-marking trails to keep visitors on footpaths. (1) Organised litter and warden patrols. (1) Authorities could also provide amenities for tourists away from most sensitive areas.

TOTAL 30

WEATHER
G

AND

CLIMATE (1)

Weather is the day-to-day variations of temperature, precipitation, sunshine, wind and atmospheric pressure. Climate is the seasonal average of the weather based on records kept for a minimum of 35 years. The location of a place determines its climate. Temperature generally decreases with latitude because the suns rays are concentrated in smaller areas closer to the Equator. The rays have to pass through less atmosphere too. Temperatures are also affected by variations in the length of day and night. Temperatures fall on average 6.5 C for every 1,000 m altitude. The further a place is from the sea the more extreme or continental its climate (e.g. Kiev). The location will have a greater range of temperature. This is because of the effect of the sea which warms up slowly in the summer and cools less quickly in winter. Precipitation decreases with increasing distance from the sea. An inland location is more likely to have a summer maximum of precipitation. Places near the sea have a maritime climate. Winds are air movements from high to low North pole pressure. Winds produce Polar high a global pattern of 60N Polar front (low pressure pressure and wind belts. Westerlies Some locations, e.g. the Sub tropical high British Isles, remain in the 30N North east trade winds same wind belt all year 0 Equatorial low pressure around. Mediterranean South east trade winds areas lie in a westerly 30S Sub tropical high wind belt in winter but Westerlies receive easterly, offshore 60 S Polar front (low pressure) winds in summer. This Polar high produces wet winters and South pole a period of summer drought. The great extremes of temperature Global winds

Equator

31

WEATHER

AND

CLIMATE (2)

in the centre of large landmasses cause seasonal changes in pressure. This results in a seasonal reversal of wind directions.
G

The British Isles have a cool temperate maritime climate. The western parts are wetter than the east because prevailing winds blow from the west off the Atlantic Ocean. The winds rise over the higher land in the west of Britain, then cool and condense to produce precipitation. The east is in a rain shadow. In winter the isotherms run north to south with the warmest areas being in the west. The Atlantic Ocean and the North Atlantic Drift, a warm ocean current, are responsible for this. In summer the south of Britain is warmer than the north because of the effect of latitude on isotherms.
Rainfall (mm)

N
Stornoway

Over 2000 15002000 7501500 0750 15C July isotherm

6C January isotherm

16C July isotherm

London

0 km

200

5C January isotherm

Distribution of precipitation in the British Isles

32

WEATHER
G

AND

CLIMATE (3)

Precipitation is caused by moist air rising, which makes water vapour cool and condense. Relief or orographic rainfall forms when air is forced to rise over mountains. Frontal or cyclonic rain occurs where warm air rises over cold air. High temperatures can result in convectional rainfall. Depressions are areas of low pressure which develop along the Polar Front. Winds blow anticlockwise into the centre of a depression. Fronts separate cold air from warm air. Steady rain develops at a warm front. Heavier rain, sometimes with thunder and lightening, marks the passing of a cold front.
Pressure rises Cumulonimbus Cumulus Pressure falls High cirrus cloud is first sign of approaching front

Short period of heavy rainfall A

Temperatures rise in Centre of the warm sector formed depression Clouds get lower and by tropical air. Bright thicker along line periods and scattered showers air of front Strong upward cold over convection ont rising r i a m r m fr a W War Low currents Cirrostratus cause towering Steady rain or drizzle temperatures over a long period storm clouds in polar air Movement of depression B

Fronts Warm Cold Occluded

Weather conditions in a depression


G

Anticyclones are areas of high pressure. The isobars are widely spaced so conditions are usually calm. Any winds blow in a clockwise direction. In winter anticyclones can bring foggy weather or very bright conditions with sharp frosts. In summer anticyclones bring sunny conditions with above average temperatures. Weather forecasting relies on satellite images as well as weather charts. Satellites can transmit both visible and infra-red images in black and white.

Co ld fro nt

33

WEATHER
G

AND

CLIMATE (4)

Extreme weather conditions present serious hazards to people. These may be short term or long term. Weather can cause massive damage to property, crops and livestock as well as loss of life. The impact of extreme weather conditions is greatest in poorer countries. Hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones are violent tropical storms. They are areas of extreme low pressure which develop over warm seas. Very strong winds, cloud and heavy precipitation accompanied by sea surges are features of these storms.

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN Tropic of cancer

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

Equator INDIAN OCEAN SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

Tropic of Capricorn

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

Warm ocean surface (>24.5C)

Storm paths Cold ocean currents

Regions where tropical cyclones develop


G

Droughts can be seasonal. If they develop over a long period they become significant hazards. The Sahel in West Africa, and Southern Spain have both suffered serious droughts in recent years. Droughts may be caused by physical factors but the effects are often made worse by human actions.

34

Check yourself
Weather and climate (1 4)
1 Why do climate statistics have to be based on a minimum of 35 years observations? (1)

2 Why is it sometimes said that the British Isles have no climate only weather? (1) 3 What is meant by a range of temperature? (1) 4 How does the following diagram explain why it is hotter nearer the Equator than the poles? (1)
b d a c

5 Why does temperature decrease with altitude? (1) 6 What is a maritime climate? (1) 7 What is dew point? (1) 8 What front is found where warm air is replaced by cold air? (1) 9 Why do poorer countries suffer more from climatic hazards? (2) 10 Explain how the climate of Penzance in South-west England differs from that of Norwich in East Anglia. (3) 11 Name three different types of precipitation. (3) 12 Describe the weather conditions at the following weather station. (4)

12

35

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 To work out the average conditions. (1) A shorter period could be unfairly influenced by abnormally high or low figures. 2 The day-to-day weather conditions in the British Isles vary so much that it is difficult to suggest what the average conditions are. (1) The British Isles lie on the Polar Front which separates cold polar air from warm tropical air. 3 The difference between the maximum and minimum average monthly temperatures. (1) The months of January and July are normally used. 4 The suns rays are less effective near the Poles, as they heat a larger area. (1) 5 The atmosphere gets less dense with increasing altitude, so it absorbs less radiated heat. (1) This is why snow can be found on Mount Kenya despite it being on the Equator. 6 A climate that is influenced greatly by the sea. (1) These climates tend to have a relatively low temperature range and higher precipitation. 7 The temperature at which water vapour in the air condenses to form water droplets. (1) The height at which dew point is reached marks the base of a cloud. 8 A cold front. (1) Remember that a front is named after the type of air that is replacing the existing air. 9 They usually have poorer evacuation and relief measures. (1) People are forced to live in disaster prone areas. (1) Other reasons include: more sophisticated forecasting in richer countries; and more resistant housing and infrastructure. 10 The temperature range is smaller in Penzance (1) and the total precipitation is higher. (1) Penzance has a winter maximum of rainfall compared to Norwichs slight summer maximum. (1) Norwichs climate is less influenced by the sea. 11 Relief (or orographic) (1), frontal (or cyclonic) (1) and convectional. (1) Remember that the only difference between these is what causes the air to rise in the first place. 12 There is complete (8 oktas) cloud cover. (1) The wind is south westerly at a speed of 1317 knots. (1) There have been thunderstorms. (1) The temperature was 12 C. (1)

TOTAL 36

THE ECOSYSTEM CONCEPT (1)


G

An ecosystem is the relationship between living and non-living things. The living parts of an ecosystem are the animals and plants. The non-living things include rocks, climate, soil and water. They are linked together by a series of energy and nutrient flows.
En erg
Vegetation

fro m th

es un

Climate

Soil

Living creatures

Ecosystems
G

Energy is transferred from animals to plants through a food chain. The chain has a number of trophic levels. Green plants or primary producers occupy trophic level one, herbivores occupy trophic level two, and carnivores tropic level three. Humans are mostly at the top of the food chain. There is a decrease in the number of individuals in each successive tropic level. Ecosystems cycle mineral nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium through a series of stages.
e rg y

Heat energy

s ola

en
r

Plants Water Gases Soil Ecosystem

Herbivores

Carnivores Water Gases

Decomposers Energy flows Rocks Nutrient cycle

Energy and nutrient flows

37

THE ECOSYSTEM CONCEPT (2)


Rainforests
G

The tropical rainforest is an important ecosystem. Rainforests occur in the Equatorial lowlands, in the Amazonian and Zaire basins, and in parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. The rainforests have enormous biomass and biodiversity. A year long growing season with a constant temperature of 2530 C and rainfall of 1,500 5,000 mm per year provide ideal growing conditions. The rainforest has a definite structure. Emergents reach 50 metres height, with the main canopy reaching about 35 metres. There is relatively little undergrowth, apart from flowering plants, grasses and ferns. Lianas and epiphytes hang from trees. There are many different species, but they do not occur in pure strands. The trees are deciduous but the forest always appears green. The rainforest is adapted to its climate. Trees have thick, leathery leaves to protect them against sunlight. The drip tips of the leaves shed water easily. The trees are tall and shallow rooted and have buttress roots for added support. Rainforests are the main source of tropical hardwoods. The forests are being cleared rapidly, causing a loss of habitat. This may contribute to global warming. Rainforests are also an important source of wealth for many LEDCs.
Metres 50 Giant trees breaking through the canopy Diminishing light and increasing humidity

35 Upper canopy level 25 Epiphytes Lower canopy level Lianas 10 Bottom level: Small trees seedlings, ferns 0

Structure of the rainforest

38

THE ECOSYSTEM CONCEPT (3)


Mediterrranean vegetation
G

Mediterranean climate is found on the western sides of continents between 30 and 40 North and South, e.g. southern Europe, central Chile, South Africa, south and west Australia, and the north island of New Zealand. Summers are hot and dry, with an average temperature of 2530 C. Winters are mild and wet with temperatures averaging 812 C. The natural forest vegetation of Mediterranean areas has been replaced by humans. The vegetation is mainly scrub called garrigue, chapparel or macquis. This consists of sweet smelling plants such as gorse, heather, rosemary and lavender. The vegetation has developed characteristics which allow it to survive the long summer drought. Long roots tap underground water, and the thick waxy leaves reduce transpiration. Bulbs and tubers flower in spring when there is still moisture. Cacti store water in the plant tissue.

Coniferous forest
G

The areas of northern Canada, Scandinavia and Russia between 50 and 66 N are covered with coniferous forest (taiga). The forest is dominated by conifers such as pine, spruce, fir and larch. They are the worlds main source of softwood. Most countries in these areas have developed a sustainable management plan for their timber resources and have an active replanting programme. The trees can survive the extreme climate. The growing season is short with six months below freezing. The total precipitation is low, mainly falling in the summer. Most of the precipitation is locked up in snow. The vegetation has adapted to this climate. Conifers keep their leaves all the year around and photosynthesise as soon as the temperature reaches 6 C. The needle shaped leaves reduce moisture loss. The cone shaped nature of the trees allows snow to slip off easily without damaging the leaves.

39

THE ECOSYSTEM CONCEPT (4)


25 15 Precipitation (mm) Temperature (C) 80 60 40 20 0 10 5 0 5 10 15 60 Precipitation (mm) 40 20 0 20 15 10 Temperature (C)

J F M A M J J A S O N D

J F MA MJ J A S O N D

Climate graph for Inari (69 N), Finland


G

Climate graph for Mallorca (39 N), Spain


Acid leaf litter

Soils under coniferous forests are shallow and acidic. The minerals are leached out by rainwater. Low temperatures mean that fallen needles do not decompose easily. The soils therefore lack humus. Soils are poor and regeneration of forests is very slow. Environmental concerns are very important in this ecosystem.

Acid humus layer Nutrients washed down by rainwater creating acid conditions Humus, iron and aluminium are washed down and deposited here Minerals from weathered parent rock Parent rock, glacial sands and gravels

30 cm

Podsol soil profile

40

Check yourself
The ecosystem concept (1 4)
1 What is an ecosystem? (1) 2 Draw a diagram to show the relationship between primary producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers and decomposers. (1) 3 What is a biome? (1) 4 What is biomass? (1) 5 Why do rainforests always appear green? (1) 6 Why is there so little undergrowth in a rainforest? (1) 7 Name a crop grown commercially in Mediterranean areas that can survive the summer drought. (1) 8 What type of vegetation would you expect at a location experiencing the following temperature and precipitation figures? (1) J F M A M J J A S O 25 24 23 2I 17 15 12 11 13 18 4 6 15 28 43 48 60 65 54 37 9 What is a podsol? (1) 10 How does the needle shape of conifer leaves help to reduce moisture loss? (1) 11 Why are there rarely more than four or five trophic levels in a food chain? (2) 12 What are the stages in a nutrient cycle? (4) 13 Why is commercial forestry often not sustainable in rainforest areas? (2) 14 Why do rainforests have such a rich biodiversity? (2) N D 21 23 19 8 C mm

41

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 The relationship between living and non-living things. (1) Primary Primary Secondary 2
producers consumers decomposers consumers

(1) 3 A natural vegetation zone at a global scale. (1) Rainforest, Mediterranean vegetation and coniferous forests are all biomes. 4 The total mass of all the organisms in a particular ecosystem. (1) Rainforest has a biomass of 11,000 tonnes/hectare. 5 The trees do not lose their leaves all at the same time. (1) Equatorial regions do not have definite seasons. 6 The dense canopy prevents a lot of light reaching the forest floor. (1) Light is important for plant growth. 7 Olives or grapes. (1) Olives have waxy leaves. Vines have long roots to tap underground water. 8 Mediterranean. (1)This is a Southern hemisphere location. The warmest and driest months are from October to March. 9 The type of soil found beneath coniferous forests. (1) 10 The smaller surface area means that there are fewer pores on the surface of the leaf through which moisture can be lost. (1) The correct name for these pores is stomata. 11 There is a reduction of energy (1) from one tropic level to the next. (1) 12 Weathering of rocks releases mineral nutrients into the soil. (1) Plants take up these minerals through their roots. (1) Herbivores eat plants and carnivores eat herbivores so that the nutrients are passed along the food chain. (1) When plants and animals die, decomposers release the nutrients back into the soil. (1) This can be shown very clearly in a diagram. 13 It represents one of the few sources of income in these areas. (1) Exploiting valuable tropical hardwoods destroys much of the forests biodiversity. (1) 14 There are great variations in different parts of the rainforest ecosystem. (1) The main parts are the emergents, the canopy and the forest floor. (1) Each part has its own microclimate.

TOTAL 42

POPULATION DISTRIBUTION (1)


Population density
G

Population density is the number of people per unit area. It is calculated by dividing the total population by the area. The average population density of the world is low. The global pattern of population density is very uneven. Around 20% of the worlds population lives in less than 10% of the land. Physical factors determine population distribution. Climate is an important factor. There tends to be denser population where climate favours agriculture. Very dry and cold areas can support only a sparse population. Outside the Tropics mountains are sparsely populated. Fertile soils and water encourage high population densities. Inaccessibility makes rainforests sparsely populated. Human factors can attract population to inhospitable areas such as deserts, e.g. mineral exploitation. Population is greater in highly industrialised regions. Dense population can be supported by technologically advanced societies. The regions of highest population density tend to be those which have the longest history of settlement.

Birth and death rates


G

The world population is growing at an ever increasing rate. This is likely to continue until 2050. Population change is the number of births minus the number of deaths plus or minus the number of people migrating. The difference between the crude birth rate and the crude death rate is the rate of natural increase. MEDCs have gone through four distinct stages of population change. This is called the demographic transition. It is not clear whether LEDCs will follow the same pattern. Birth rates are highest in LEDCs, averaging 28 per 1,000 compared with 12 per 1,000 in MEDCs. Death rates vary more than birth rates. In LEDCs they vary from 5 to 20 per 1,000. In MEDCs the average is about 10 per 1,000.

43

POPULATION DISTRIBUTION (2)


Increasing economic development Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

Crude birth and death rates (per thousand)

50

40

With economic Before economic Eventually birth rates In response to development, birth development living fall to the same low rising prosperity conditions and and death rates are the birth rate begins level as death rates. high. They cancel medical technology The demographic to decline. each other out and improves. But while Even so, the gap transition is complete there is little or no death rates fall,birth and population between births population growth. rates remain high. growth ends. and deaths remains large and the population continues to increase.

Birth rate

30

Death rate
20

large gap Growth rate


Time

10

The demographic transition


G

The birth rate is higher where there is a high proportion of women of reproductive age (15 49). High infant mortality rates encourage parents to have more children. The knowledge and use of contraception affects birth rate. Birth rates remain high if children are needed to work in agriculture or to look after their parents in old age. Birth control programmes can be important. Death rates increase where there is a larger proportion of older people. Poor diet, housing conditions and healthcare can increase the death rate. Constant pregnancies can increase the death rate among women. In MEDCs modern living can increase the risk of death from cancer, heart disease and traffic accidents.

44

POPULATION DISTRIBUTION (3)


Population structure
G

Population structure can be shown on an agesex pyramid. Births, deaths and migration patterns can affect the shape of the pyramid. The population pyramid for a LEDC has a broad base and steeply sloping sides. This shows the young nature of the population because of the high birth rate. The steep sides reflect the high infant mortality rate and the low life expectancy. The pyramid for a MEDC has a narrow base and straight sides. Low birth rates over a long period mean that there are relatively few young people. Death rates are high only in extreme old age.
Males Age
80+ 7579 7074 6569 6064 5559 5054 4549 4044 3539 3034 2529 2024 1519 1014 59 04 10 5 0 0 5

Females

Population pyramid for Nigeria

10

% of total population Males Age


95+ 9094 8589 8084 7579 7074 6569 6064 5559 5054 4549 4044 3539 3034 2529 2024 1519 1014 59 04 10 5 0 0 5

Females

Population pyramid for Sweden

10

% of total population

45

POPULATION DISTRIBUTION (4)


G

The structure of a countrys population has an important effect in future years. In an LEDC the youthfulness of the population means that there will be a large number of potential parents. This can keep the birth rate high. Unless the birth rate falls a decline in infant mortality will increase the width of the pyramid base. The country will then experience an ever increasing rate of population growth. Countries such as Bangladesh have set up government birth control programmes. The age of marriage has been raised and contraceptive education is more widely available. The education of women has been encouraged. The higher the level of female literacy the lower the birth rate tends to be. In MEDCs higher living standards and better healthcare have increased life expectancy. There is an increased need for state pensions and a greater pressure on medical and welfare services. This puts pressure on the working population to support the increasing proportion of older people, e.g. tax raises. In both LEDCs and MEDCs there is an increasing dependency population.
100 90 80 Population (%) 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1750 1800 1850 1900 Year 1950 1995

Age group 65+ 40 64 15 39 0 14

Swedens changing age structure

46

Check yourself
Population distribution (1 4)
1 Why is population density expressed per unit area? (1) 2 France has a population of 56,000,000 and an area of 547,026 km2. What is its population density? (1) 3 Why are some parts of the desert in the Middle East densely populated? (1) 4 The crude birth rate in Australia is 19/1000. The crude death rate is 8/1000. What is Australias rate of natural increase? (1) 5 Why may this figure not give a true picture of the population change in Australia? (1) 6 What stage of the demographic transition do many of the LEDCs appear to be passing through? (1)

7 Why is the rate of natural increase greater in LEDCs than it ever was in the MEDCs? (1) 8 What is meant by the greying of the population? (1) 9 Why are government sponsored birth control programmes not always successful? (2) 10 Why is most of Western Europe densely populated? (3) 11 State two features of the growth in world population. (2) 12 Why does there appear to be a link between the level of female literacy and the birth rate? (2) 13 State three reasons why a country may have the following shape to its population pyramid. (3)
F e m a l e s b

c a

M a l e s

47

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 In order to compare countries/areas of different sizes. (1) Population density is usually expressed per square kilometre. 2 102 persons per km2. (1) Remember to give the units. 3 They are important oil producing regions. (1) The money from oil allows the lack of water to be overcome. 4 11/1000. (1) Remember that birth rates and death rates are expressed as a rate per 1,000. 5 It does not include the figure for migration. (1) 6 Stage 2 (1). The stage of high birth rate and declining death rate. 7 The death rate in LEDCs is declining at a much greater rate than it did at the time of the greatest population increase in MEDCs. (1) This is because LEDCs have much better healthcare compared to say England in the nineteenth century. 8 The ageing of the population. (1) 9 Low levels of literacy mean that family planning education may not be understood. (1) There may be social or religious objections to contraception. (1) High infant mortality is also significant. 10 The climate is generally moderate allowing efficient agriculture. (1) Industry has developed because of the availability of raw materials and technological know-how. (1) The area has a long history of settlement. (1) 11 It is growing (1) at an ever increasing rate. (1) 12 Educated females understand birth control methods better. (1) Females have greater career hopes. (1) The low status of women in many LEDCs is a very significant contribution to high population growth rate. 13 a) A reduced birth rate. (1) b) Relatively large proportion of older people. (1) c) The out migration of young males. (1)

TOTAL 48

M I G RAT I O N ( 1 )
G

Migration is a movement of people which involves a permanent or semi-permanent change of residence. Emigrants leave a country. Immigrants enter a country. In LEDCs most people move from rural to urban areas. In MEDCs migration is often the other way around. Some people move of their own free will. Refugees are migrants who are forced to move.

Pushpull factors
G

Migration occurs for many different reasons. People moving for a new job or for a better standard of living are economic migrants. Moving to join other members of the family or to get better medical, welfare or educational facilities are social reasons for migration. Refugees migrate because of political reasons, e.g. persecution, or because of environmental disasters. Migration can be explained by push and pull factors. Push factors are the disadvantages of a migrants existing home. Pull factors are attractions of the new location. There are obstacles to migration such as the cost of moving or family connections.
Pull to towns and cities
Prospects of a higher standard of living. More opportunities in industry and services. Higher wages in urban jobs. Less interest on loans. Fewer natural disasters. Better medical facilities, clinics and hospitals. Greater number and better quality of schools. Prospect of better services. Attraction of the bright lights of the city. Media, entertainment, television and radio are all more accessible.

Push factors from countryside


Land shortage owing to inheritance laws, sub-division of land and population pressure. Unemployment in agriculture. Poverty and crop failure. Debts in rural areas, especially among tenant farmers. Natural disasters. Poor medical facilities. Lack of educational opportunities. Poor transport, housing, water, electricity, and sewage disposal. Traditional way of life with limited social facilities for young people.

Ruralurban migration in LEDCs: push and pull factors

49

M I G RAT I O N ( 2 )
Origin
- + + + + - +

Destination
+ + + - + + - + +

Intervening obstacles Positive (pull) factors

Negative (push) factors Neutral factors

Lees model of migration


G

Young adults between the ages of 1540 who are better educated are most likely to migrate. In South America women are most likely to migrate, whereas in Africa a typical migrant is male.

Migration in LEDCs
G

Ruralurban migration in LEDCs has caused rapid urbanisation. Farming in rural areas is often unprofitable and the countryside frequently suffers drought and flooding. Medical facilities are poorer in rural areas and infant mortality is often quite high. Malnutrition is common too. In urban areas there is a greater range of services and greater opportunities for paid employment. Ruralurban migration in LEDCs has led to the growth of shanty towns in urban areas. The rapidly increasing urban population puts great pressure on housing and services. The migrants provide industry with cheap labour. The rural areas suffer because of the subsequent fall in birth rate and food production. They gain some benefit from the money sent back by migrants living in urban areas.

50

M I G RAT I O N ( 3 )
Migration in MEDCs
G

Migration in MEDCs is largely urbanrural. This shift is called counterurbanisation. Rural areas experience a net migrational gain, whereas urban areas, particularly large conurbations suffer a net migrational loss. In the UK in addition to counterurbanisation there has been migration from North to South.
12 10 8 6 4 2 0 -2

Percentage change

Population change by region, 198191.


G

Counterurbanisation is the result of three factors. More people own cars. This allows people to live in rural areas but commute to work in urban areas. Many people think that rural areas offer a better quality of life, with less pollution, traffic congestion and lower levels of crime. Increasing numbers of people are moving to the countryside and coastal areas when they retire.
London Conurbations Large cities Small cities Small market towns Industrial towns New Towns Resorts and retirement areas Semi-rural areas Villages

6 4 Loss

Yorkshire and Humberside

0 2 Percentage

6 Gain

10

12

Population change according to type of area in England and Wales

East Anglia

South-west

North-west

Scotland

Scotland

Wales

North

East Midlands

West Midlands

51

M I G RAT I O N ( 4 )
International migration
G

Population movement between countries is called international migration, e.g. from Caribbean countries and the Indian subcontinent to the UK. This is less common than internal migration because of the distances involved and political restrictions. There is a lot of illegal migration between poor and rich countries, e.g. between Mexico and the USA. In the mid 1990s there were about 50 million refugees, half of whom were forced to leave their country. The vast majority of these refugees were in LEDCs. Most refugees are victims of war, or ethnic and religious tensions. Other important factors are food shortages and natural disasters. Migration brings advantages and disadvantages to both the sending and the receiving countries. The movement of people from LEDCs may reduce population pressure. However, the countries may lose the better educated or more skilled people. Migration also produces an unbalanced population structure. The MEDCs obtain cheaper labour and increased knowledge of new cultures and foods. However, racial tension can develop as migrants compete with the native population for jobs.
San Diego Phoenix El Paso United States GNP per capita: $24,750 Infant mortality: 8/1,000 Adult literacy: 99% Life expectancy: 76 years

>1 million per year Mexico GNP per capita: $3,750 Infant mortality: 36/1,000 Adult literacy: 87% Life expectancy: 72 years Michoachan
if

Gulf of Mexico

P
ac

ic

km

800

ce

an

Mexico City

Global movement of political refugees

52

Check yourself
Migration (1 4)
1 Why is going away on holiday or commuting to work not considered migration? (1) 2 How may the inheritance laws in many LEDCs encourage migration? (1) 3 People who migrate from a rural area to a large urban area a long distance away tend to move in a series of shorter stages. Why is this? (1) 4 What is depopulation? (1) 5 Rising sea level caused by global warming has forced many people to leave Bangladesh. Is the reason for this migration social, economic, environmental or political? (1) 6 Why are better educated or more highly skilled people more likely to migrate from rural areas? (1) 7 What is counterurbanisation? (1)

8 Give one reason why more Italians have emigrated to Germany than Spaniards. (1) 9 Why is there so much illegal migration from Mexico to the USA? (1) 10 What is gentrification? (1) 11 Name two advantages for a country where large number of migrants have settled. (2) 12 Why is there a greater number of refugees in LEDCs? (3) 13 Why can migration be described as a selective process? (3) 14 Why have many counties along the south coast of England seen a big increase in population in recent years? (2)

53

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS


1 There is no permanent or semi-permanent change of residence. (1) 2 Land is divided equally among children. Over a number of generations the small farms become uneconomic. (1) 3 There are fewer obstacles to a migrant over a short distance. (1) 4 The decline in population because of migration. (1) This is different to a natural population decrease where death rate exceeds birth rate. 5 Environmental. (1) 6 They have enough money to make the move. (1) 7 The movement of people from urban to rural areas. (1) Remember that this is most evident from conurbations and larger urban areas. Small urban areas may still be increasing in population. 8 Italy is closer. (1) Migration studies suggest that as distance increases the number of migrants decreases. 9 There is a great difference in the standard of living between the two countries. (1) GNP per head in the USA is over six times that of Mexico. 10 The process by which better-off people move into working class areas of cities. (1) This is the opposite of counterurbanisation. 11 Increased supply of labour. (1) Increased knowledge and appreciation of different cultures. (1) Indian and Chinese restaurants are enjoyed by many people in the UK. 12 There is greater political instability. (1) Strong tribal loyalties can lead to ethnic hostilities. (1) Many LEDCs lie in the Tropics where the risk of natural hazards is higher. (1) 13 Migrants are often of a particular type. (1) Migrants are largely of one gender. (1) Younger people are more likely to migrate. (1) 14 It is part of the NorthSouth shift in population. (1) The coast is attractive and winters tend to be milder, so many people retire there. (1) The counties of South-west England, e.g. Devon and Cornwall, have seen sizeable increases in population for these reasons.

SCORE

TOTAL 54

S E T T L E M E N T PA T T E R N S ( 1 )
G

There are two types of settlements: rural and urban. Rural settlements have a number of characteristics that make them different from urban settlements. The former are usually smaller, with fewer shops and services. Rural settlements have a lower population density, and a larger percentage of the population works in farming, forestry, quarrying, etc. A settlement pattern describes the distribution of rural settlements across an area. Physical geography tends to cause an irregular distribution, as settlements usually cluster in areas with more favourable resources. A dispersed settlement pattern consists of isolated farms and/or small hamlets. In a nucleated pattern there are a number of villages.

Site and situation


G

An individual settlements location can be described in terms of its situation and site. The situation of a settlement is its position in relation to the surrounding area. The site is the actual land on which a settlement is built. The site is described in terms of the physical geography on which the settlement stands. The earliest advantages of a particular site are those thought to be important to early settlers. Anglo-Saxon farmers looked for good access to farmland, a water source and nearby woods (for fuel and construction). Important sites are wet points and dry points. A dry-point site is a higher, and therefore drier, location in an otherwise wet or marshy area. A wet-point site is a source of water where there is little surface drainage. Spring-line settlements develop where impervious rock (e.g. clay) meets pervious rock (e.g. limestone).

Form and function


G

The functions of a settlement are its economic and social activities. The functions of most rural settlements were originally agriculture, mining or fishing. Over time their functions have changed. The main function of some rural settlements is tourism now. Many have developed into commuter or dormitory settlements.

55

S E T T L E M E N T PA T T E R N S ( 2 )
Mountains Flood plain High, steep, north Poorly drained facing slopes. Thin marshy, floods in acid soils. Cold and winter. No settlement exposed. No settlement. Scarp crest Too high and exposed. No settlement. No water. Scarp foot Spring-line villages. Nucleated villages at wetpoint sites.

Upland area Few isolated dwellings.

300 m

Dip slope No permanent surface water. No settlement.

500 m Quarry

Village

CHALK Spring

SANDSTONE

Water table Saturated rock IMPERMEABLE CLAY


River terrace Dry point sites no risk of flooding. North

Clay plain Ford/Bridging point Low altitude, gentle slopes, sheltered. Fertile soils, abundant water supplies, dry sites.

Factors influencing the sites and distribution of settlement


G

The shape or form of a settlement refers to the plan outline of its built-up area. Settlements may be linear (ribbon-like), rectangular, circular or star-shaped. Transport routes and flat land encourage growth in a particular direction in certain directions. Planning controls and flood-prone valleys may restrict development in certain directions. These positive and negative factors influence the shape of the settlement. It is possible to recognise the functions of settlements from Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. These functions include housing, industry, commerce, administration, recreation and transport.

56

S E T T L E M E N T PA T T E R N S ( 3 )
Settlement hierarchy
G

Settlement patterns are largely determined by physical geography. A regular pattern of settlement would occur only on a flat, featureless plain where the population is evenly distributed. Human geographical factors can produce a regular settlement pattern so long as physical geography does not inhibit this. A settlement hierarchy tends to develop in an area. The hierarchy is ranked in order according to certain criteria. This is usually population size, but other factors, such as the number and types of shops and services, can also be used to order settlements. Conurbation City Large town Small town Village Hamlet Isolated farms and buildings Settlement hierarchy order

The distribution of settlements can be explained in terms of range, threshold and sphere of influence. The range of a settlement is the maximum distance that a person is prepared to travel to use its services. The threshold represents the minimum area that a settlement can serve, if the shops and services are to remain profitable. The sphere of influence is the area served by the settlement. The arrangement of settlements based on these factors is explained by central place theory.

57

SETTLEMENT

PA T T E R N S

(4)

1st order central place

2nd order central place

3rd order central place

4th order central place

Settlement pattern according to central place theory


G

Convenience or low order services are found at the bottom of the settlement hierarchy. People use these services regularly, so they are not prepared to travel very far for them. Convenience goods have a small sphere of influence and are found in many small rural settlements. In contrast, people buy comparison goods such as clothes and furniture less often. People are prepared to travel further to purchase these goods. Shops selling comparison goods have to serve a wider area in order to reach their threshold. The shops are found in high order centres such as towns and cities. They serve the population of the town in which they are located and people living in the surrounding area. There will be fewer higher order settlements and they will be further apart.

58

Check yourself
Settlement patterns (14)
1 Why is settlement dispersed in mountainous areas? (1) 2 What is the lowest bridging point of a river? (1) 3 London is located at the lowest bridging point on the River Thames. Does this describe Londons site or situation? (1) 4 What kind of site is a settlement built on a river terrace? (1) 5 Why are some settlements sited on top of a hill? (1)

10

6 A shop becomes vacant in the centre of a village. Which of the following is likely to be the least successful: newsagent, jeweller, grocer? (1) 7 Why is a Marks and Spencer store unlikely to locate in a settlement with a population of less than 25,000? (1) 8 Why have many villages in the UK changed from their original function? (1) 9 What determines the minimum and the maximum size of a settlements sphere of influence? (2) 10 State two reasons why villages have developed along spring lines. (2) 11 What changes will happen to a village if it becomes a dormitory settlement? (3) 12 Why is the settlement pattern in East Anglia likely to be the closest to the theoretical pattern suggested by central place theory? (2) 13 Why is there a greater range of shops and services in towns than in villages? (3)

59

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 The agricultural land is poor so each farm needs a lot of land to be profitable. (1) 2 The first point upstream from the sea where it is narrow enough to build a bridge. (1) This is often the furthest point up the river that ocean-going ships can reach. 3 Situation. (1) The location is highly accessible from the surrounding regions, as all routes will tend to converge there. 4 Dry point (1) This is a very favourable site for settlement close to water but not in danger of flooding. 5 For defensive reasons. (1) The inside of a river meander is another type of defensive site, e.g. Durham. 6 Jeweller. (1) There will not be enough customers in the village for the jeweller to reach its threshold. 7 Marks and Spencer is a high order store and needs a high population to remain profitable. (1) 8 Relatively few people depend on primary occupations such as farming, mining or quarrying now. (1) 9 The thresholds of the shops and services in the settlement determine the minimum size (1). The range determines the maximum size. (1) The shops and services have to serve enough customers to make a profit and these customers have to be within an acceptable travelling distance of the settlement. 10 The source of water (1) and the mixture of soils (1) are ideal for farming. The limestone soils are light and suitable for grazing whereas the heavier clay soils can be cultivated. 11 The village will get bigger because of house building. (1) The village shop may close because commuters shop in town. (1) The house prices will increase so the local population may no longer be able to buy homes. (1) 12 The relief is relatively flat and therefore good for settlement. (1) There are no major centres of heavy industry. (1) 13 A town serves a much larger population. (1) It serves both its own population and the population of surrounding villages (1). This allows both high and low order shops and services to develop. (1)

60

TOTAL

URBAN SETTLEMENT (1)


Urbanisation
G

Urban growth is the increase in size of built-up areas in towns and cities. Urbanisation is the increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities. Urbanisation is greatest in the LEDCs. This has led to the development of millionaire and megacities. In many LEDCs there is a primate pattern with one city many times larger than the second largest city. Urbanisation takes place as a result of migration and natural increase. Counterurbanisation has led to the decline of the largest cities in MEDCs. In many cities in MEDCs there are patterns in the land use, including concentric circles and sectors. In some cities there may be smaller, irregular shaped areas of land, each with its own distinctive land use.

Central business district Factory zone Zone of transition Zone ofworking men's homes Residential zone Commuter's zone

Central business district Wholesale light manufacturing Low class residential Medium class residential High class residential

Central business district Wholesale light manufacturing Low class residential Medium class residential High class residential Heavy manufacturing Outlying business district Residential suburb Industrial suburb

Zonal model Land use arranged in a series of concentric zones. The idea is that the city has grown outwards in all directions from its centre, adding new buildings around the edges.

Sector model Land use arranged in sectors which radiate from the city centre. Growth along major transport routes or physical features such as river valleys.

Nuclei model Distinctive land uses form nuclei such as the CBD, housing estates, industrial estates, etc.

Models of city structure

61

URBAN SETTLEMENT (2)


Urban settlement in the UK
G

The Central Business District (CBD) is the most accessible part of the city as it is the focus of routes. There is a intense competition for space, so land values are high resulting in many multi-storey buildings. Large shops and office blocks dominate these areas. The CBD is relatively small because people there are prepared to walk only short distances to shops. Very few people live in the CBD, as the land is too expensive for housing. The inner city consists of a twilight zone, which is in decline and contains industry, housing and derelict land. There are areas of high-density housing built in the nineteenth century when industry thrived in urban areas. The suburbs consist of low-density detached and semi-detached housing. Income, family status, ethnicity and the distribution of housing types affect where people live. Better-off families with children tend to live in the outer suburbs. Inner cities have a higher proportion of disadvantaged people. Ethnic ghettos have developed where immigrants have moved into the inner city. Inner city problems have proved very difficult to solve. In the 1950s people were moved out to peripheral council estates or to New Towns and Expanded Towns. High-rise flats were unsuccessful. Since the 1970s urban renewal projects have replaced comprehensive redevelopment. The housing in inner cities is being modernised and the environment improved. This allows people to remain in the inner city and retain their community spirit. In recent years there has been some migration of more well-off people into the inner city areas. This process of gentrification occurs because these people like to be near where they work and where entertainment takes place.

62

URBAN SETTLEMENT (3)


Urban areas in LEDCs
G

Cities in LEDCs have a very different land use pattern to those in MEDCs. The CBD is dominated by modern administrative and commercial activities. Better-off people live in modern high-rise apartments around the CBD. Recently arrived migrants from the countryside live in derelict buildings and vacant plots of land close to the CBD where they look for work. The quality of the housing decreases with distance from the city centre. Commercial and industrial areas often follow the main roads and railways out from the city centre.
Shanty town
Sh to ant w y n

ss la n c ba h g ig ur H ub sin s ou h

e suburbs atur
Poor quality housing with shanty towns

Model structure of a city in a LEDC

s rm as pe cl an Mediu m q u ality, h b ig bur ing s su ou h H

an

en

h ou

w g e si n a m

it ni h b a ti e s i c s

Expensive high-rise CBD Modern factories modern flats Poor quality shanty towns Modern factories
t os nt c me w n g Lo ver sin u go ho

Shanty town

63

URBAN SETTLEMENT (4)


G

The rapid growth of cities in LEDCs has produced illegal shanty towns. These are normally found around the edge of the city or on derelict land which is too steep for building or is prone to flooding. Initially the shanty houses are built with any available materials, such as sacking or corrugated iron. The absence of electricity and running water leads to a high incidence of disease. Inhabitants of shanty towns improve their homes as they become better off. Governments of LEDCs have tried hard to improve conditions in shanty towns. Cheap, purpose-built flats have been constructed in some cities, even though this encourages yet more people to migrate to the city. Some squatters in shanty towns are given legal status to encourage them to upgrade their homes. In site and service projects families are given a plot of land, served by roads, electricity and water, on which to build a home. Under a self-help scheme building materials are provided to improve temporary shacks. Increasingly it has been recognised that the best way to approach the shanty town problem is to improve conditions in the countryside. It is hoped that this will reduce urbanisation. Urban areas are growing so quickly that they are increasingly unsustainable.
N To Kiambu 4 MATHARE
i R.
o Hg

To Nanyuki

To Naivasha
Nairob
ng R.

KIBERA To Ngong

Main road Nairobi area River Shanty town City centre

Location of shanty towns in Nairobi

64

Check yourself
Urban settlement (1 4)
1 What is a millionaire city? (1)

11

2 What is the disadvantage of a primate pattern of settlement? (1) 3 Why are there so many high-rise buildings in the CBD of a city? (1) 4 The accessibility of the CBD is no longer the advantage that it used to be. Explain why. (1) 5 What is a green belt? (1) 6 The following is a graph showing how the value of land decreases from the city centre. Explain the variations in the shape of the graph. (4)

Value

City centre

Distance from city centre

7 Give two reasons why high-rise housing was not considered to be a successful solution to inner city problems. (2) 8 How does the distribution of the poorest housing areas differ within cities in LEDCs and MEDCs? (2) 9 What is a ghetto? (1) 10 What is comprehensive redevelopment? (1) 11 Name a New Town. (1) 12 How do the locations of New Towns and Expanded Towns differ? (1) 13 Name two ways in which MEDCs have tackled urban traffic problems. (2) 14 How may gentrification affect the lives of people already living in the area? (1)

65

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 A city with a million or more inhabitants. (1). The term million city is sometimes used. 2 Most of the countrys resources and investment go into its largest city. The rest of the country does not get its fair share. (1) The primate city is usually the capital. 3 The cost of land is high so it is cheaper to build upwards. (1) 4 Land values are too high for many businesses to survive. (1) Many shops have moved to out-of-town sites. 5 An area of land around an urban centre where development is restricted. (1). Recreation, transport routes and other developments have increased pressure on the Green Belt. 6 There is a general decrease in land value with distance from the city centre. (1) There is a very rapid decrease within a short distance of the city centre. (1) Increased accessibility at road junctions leads to some increase in land values further out. (1) Beyond a certain point distance has little effect on land value. (1) 7 There was a loss of community spirit. (1). Many of the homes suffered badly from damp. (1) 8 In LEDCs the poorest people live on the edge of cities (1). The poorest housing in MEDCs is close to the city centre. (1) 9 An area where the population is dominated by people of one religious or ethnic group. (1). In geographical terms, this is not necessarily a disadvantaged area. 10 A solution to inner city problems that involves pulling down housing and moving people out. (1) 11 Stevenage (1). 12 New Towns are found closer to conurbations. (1) People from London have moved to Expanded Towns as far away as Bodmin, Cornwall. 13 Pedestrianisation. (1) Park and ride schemes. (1). 14 It increases the cost of housing. This can put houses beyond the budgets of local people. (1) Islington in London is an example of a gentrified area.

TOTAL 66

A G R I C U LT U R E ( 1 )
G

Agriculture can be thought of as a system with inputs, processes and outputs. The system can range from an individual farm up to a regional, national or international scale. The inputs are physical, economic and political. Agricultural processes happen on a farm. The outputs are products such as crops and livestock. Government grants and subsidies are increasingly important in farming.
INPUTS Physical Solar energy, rainfall, soils, relief Farm Economic Labour, services (e.g. vet), machinery, agrochemicals, seed, livestock feed Political Grants, subsidies, restrictions Livestock and livestock products Land area, buildings etc. Crops STORES (WORK PROCESSES) OUTPUTS Radiation Run-off

Waste products

Grain, straw. manure etc.

The farm system

Types of agriculture
G

Farming can be classified as commercial, subsistence, intensive, and extensive. Subsistence farms produce sufficient outputs only for the farmers family and unlike commercial farms they do not produce a surplus for sale. In intensive farming the yields are high because of high inputs of labour, capital or agro-chemicals. Extensive farming produces low output per area, even if output per worker is high. It is practised where land is plentiful and relatively cheap.

67

A G R I C U LT U R E ( 2 )
G

Pastoral farming dominates Dairy cattle N the north and west of the Lowland beef and sheep British Isles. Arable farming Upland beef and sheep is abundant in the south and Crops Mixed east. This pattern reflects the difference in climate, relief and soils. In eastern and South-east England low precipitation and warm summers favour crops. The high precipitation in the west is ideal for grass 0 100 growing, and hence cattle and sheep rearing. Farming distribution in England and Wales, 1995 East Anglia practises commercial arable farming producing wheat, sugar beet, potatoes and other vegetables. The summer temperatures of 1520 C encourage ripening. The precipitation is low enough to discourage fungal diseases and the summer maximum swells the crops ready for harvesting. The harsh winters break up the soil and kill pests. Economies of scale have produced agribusinesses. Farms have merged and field sizes have increased through the removal of hedges. Agro-chemicals are bought in bulk. South-west England practises dairy farming and market gardening. The North Atlantic Drift deters frosts. The growing season is long and crops are ready for market earlier than the rest of the UK. Extensive sheep farming is the most important form of agriculture in the uplands of Wales and Scotland. While many areas still depend on rough grazing, fertiliser use improves much of the pasture. Farming is heavily dependent on subsidies in these areas.

68

A G R I C U LT U R E ( 3 )
Types of agriculture (cont.)
G

Shifting agriculture is the traditional farming method in tropical rainforests. It is a form of subsistence farming, often combined with hunting and gathering. Shifting cultivators avoid the problem of poor soils by making temporary forest clearings. Initially crop yields are good. However, cropping and heavy rainfall soon reduce soil fertility, so the farmers move on. Shifting agriculture is sustainable providing the population is not too high. In semi-arid areas extensive nomadic herding takes place. The quality of the grazing is poor, so animals are moved to new grazing lands following the seasonal rains. Lack of water and poor pasture mean a large area is needed to support each animal. Intensive horticulture is both labour and capital intensive. Highvalue crops such as fruit, vegetables and flowers are produced. There is a reliance on advanced technology and scientific research. Cooperatives provide growers with credit for materials and expensive machinery. They also help to process and market the products. Increasingly farming in Europe is dominated by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The success of farming depends as much on CAP as on environmental factors. CAP aims to provide farmers with a guaranteed income. Surplus produce is bought up when prices do not reach a minimum target price. Farming in marginal areas receives grants and subsidies. Money is also available for modernisation, diversification and conservation. Farmers are paid to set-aside land to reduce overproduction

Environmental issues
G

Increased food production has harmed the environment. Hedgerow removal causes wind erosion. Overuse of agro-chemicals has led to eutrophication and contamination of water courses. Biodiversity has been reduced too.

69

A G R I C U LT U R E ( 4 )
G

In recent years EU policies have tried to balance the needs of farmers with those of conservationists. Incentives have been given for replacing hedgerows and woodland. The Green Revolution is responsible for agricultural change in LEDCs. High yielding varieties (HYVs) of crops have increased food production. However, HYVs require expensive irrigation and fertilisers. Farmers need credit if they are to benefit from the Green Revolution.
Western Southern Uplands

Environmentally sensitive areas Existing Proposed Nitrate sensitive areas Breadalbane Loch Lomond Central Southern Uplands N Stewartry Pennine Dales North Peak South West Peak The Broads

Lake District Clwydian Anglesey Range Lleyn Peninsula Cambrian Mountains Clun Radnor

km 100

Breckland

Suffolk River Valleys Somerset Levels and Moors Exmoor West Penwith Test Valley North Kent Marshes South Downs

Avon South Valley Wessex Downs

Rapid population Environmentally sensitive areas in the UK, 1997 growth in LEDCs has lead to overuse of land. Overgrazing and overcultivation produces soil erosion, salinisation and deforestation. The destruction of vegetation exposes soil to wind erosion. Contour ploughing, cover crops, windbreaks and crop rotation help to conserve soil.

70

Check yourself
Agriculture (14)
1 What is crofting? (1) 3 Why is slash and burn an appropriate alternative name for shifting agriculture? (1) 4 What are economies of scale? (1)

12

2 How can an output become an input in a farming system? (1)

5 How can the removal of hedgerows increase the danger of soil erosion? (1) 6 What is diversification? (1) 7 What is the effect of eutrophication? (1) 8 What is a quota? (1) 9 How can contour ploughing reduce the danger of soil erosion? (1) 10 What is sustainable agriculture? (1) 11 Name three ways in which an agricultural ecosystem differs from a natural ecosystem. (3) 12 Why can plantation farming be described as a commercial intensive agricultural system? (2) 13 State an advantage and a disadvantage of organic farming (2) 14 Draw a system diagram to show the main features of an extensive ranching system. (3)

71

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS


1 A family run hill farm in the Scottish Highlands. (1) These survive by government subsidies. 2 Manure and crop waste are good fertilisers. (1) On commercial farms profits can be reinvested. 3 Clearings are made in the rainforest by cutting down and burning vegetation. (1). 4 Buying and selling in bulk. (1) This increases a farms profits by reducing costs. 5 It removes shelter and exposes greater areas to erosion. (1) This is a particular problem in East Anglia. 6 Where a farm develops other sources of income outside of its agricultural practices. (1) For example, tourist facilities. 7 Ground water supplies become contaminated (1). Algae and bacteria grow, reducing oxygen levels and killing fish. 8 The amount of milk a dairy farmer is allowed to produce. (1) Quotas were introduced to reduce overproduction when people changed from dairy to vegetable oil products. 9 Ploughing across slopes slows surface run-off. (1) 10 Agriculture which does not destroy the environment (1) Sustainability ensures resources are left for the next generation. 11 An agricultural ecosystem concentrates on a few plants and animals, so there is less biodiversity. (1) It is not sustainable because most outputs are removed from the ecosystem and are not recycled. (1) There are fewer trophic layers. (1) 12 The products are for sale. (1) Labour and capital inputs are high. (1) 13 Organic food is less likely to be harmful to humans because agro-chemicals are not used. (1) It is expensive to produce because outputs are lower. (1) 14 Huge 100km2 ranches. Little work to do Very low output All produce
Few workers. High capital for fences, land and veterinary help. High quality livestock. except monitor and dip herd when necessary, and maintain fences. per hectare. Very high output per person. for sale at high prices.

SCORE

(3)

TOTAL 72

I N D U S T RY ( 1 )
Types of industry
G

Economic activities can be divided into groups. Primary activities are extraction industries, which produce food and raw materials. Secondary industries are manufacturing industries, which make added value products, e.g. by refining raw materials; processing materials; or assembling components. Tertiary activities are services. Quaternary service industries involve high-level decision making. As a country develops the percentage of people employed in manufacturing increases. In the most developed economies tertiary and quaternary activities are replacing manufacturing industries. Until the late 1990s the most rapid industrialisation was in the Newly Industrialising Countries (NICs) of South-east Asia.

Factors affecting location


G

Heavy basic industries have definite site and locational requirements. Modern, lighter industries are footloose. New industrial sites are called greenfield sites. A brownfield site is where a new industry locates on a redeveloped industrial site. Industrial inertia can affect industrial location. Traditionally, iron and steel industries were located close to sources of energy or raw materials. Modern iron and steel works rely on imported coal and iron ore, so they have coastal locations. There is no longer bulk storage of coal, iron and limestone at these sites. A continuous supply of raw materials is brought to the site. Car manufacturing is an assembly industry. Components such as engines and body parts are assembled together. Transnational companies (TNCs) operate globally and dominate the car industry. The headquarters of TNCs are usually in a MEDC but the TNC can have factories all over the world. Since 1984 Japanese car companies have invested heavily in the UK. The location of Japanese car plants has been affected heavily by the government location policy in the UK. The policy encourages industry in areas of high unemployment.

73

I N D U S T RY ( 2 )
G

High-tech industries are footloose, but most are found close to universities. Universities offer a highly skilled workforce including scientists, technicians and managers, and are centres of research and development. Access to airports is important too, as high-tech industries are global. Easy access to banks and other financial institutions is necessary for raising investment.
Traditional (pre 1939) plants 1960s plants Post 1985, Japanese transplants Newcastleupon-Tyne SILICON GLEN Area of high-tech industrieswith HQ, R&D and production Area of routine high-tech assembly in branch plants N

N Sunderland (Nissan)

km 100

Halewood (Ford) Ellesmere Port (Vauxhall) Derby (Toyota) Ryton (PeugeotCitron) Coventry (JaguarFord) Luton (Vauxhall) Dagenham (Ford)

Longbridge (Rover/BMW) Solihull (Rover/BMW) Swindon (Honda)

Newport

SILICON FEN Cambridge M11 CORRIDOR London Culham Bristol Farnborough

Cowley (Rover/BMW)

km 100

Major UK car assembly plants, 1997

Major concentrations of high-tech industry in the UK, 1997

Government location policies are often more important than economic location factors now. Governments can have direct influence if the industry is state owned. The influence of the government is more indirect with privately owned industries.

74

I N D U S T RY ( 3 )
Globalisation
G

Increasingly, manufacturing industry is organised on a global scale. One effect has been the rapid growth in LEDCs. Globalisation has occurred because TNCs can employ people, make products and buy services cheaply in LEDCs, as well as gaining access to worldwide markets. Globalisation allows economies of scale too. Foreign investors in the UK get around EU trade barriers. The distribution of manufacturing industry across the world has changed. The nature of industry in traditional coalfield locations is different too. Government location policy and globalisation have produced these changes. The main aim of government location policy is to reduce the effects of regional unemployment and its associated social problems. Most governments have used a carrot and stick approach. Financial incentives such as subsidies and grants are given, and planning restrictions are used to discourage industry from locating in particular areas. Foreign investment has been a major feature of recent industrial location. The NICs of South-east Asia have invested heavily overseas. Economic growth in these countries was based on low wages, use of subsidies and cheap loans.
MEDCs 100 90 80 70 Industry share (%) 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1970 1980 1990 Year 1995 2005 LEDCs

Changing structure of global manufacturing, 19702005

75

I N D U S T RY ( 4 )
G

Large South Korean companies have invested in the UK partly because of UK government grants. High-tech industry has replaced many heavier industries.

Reindustrialisation
G

North-east England, following the collapse of traditional smokestack industries has gone through a period of reindustrialisation. The regions skilled labour force, low labour costs, good communications and regional assistance has attracted many companies.
N SCOTLAND MSD 1994. 60m advanced pharmaceutical facility. Tyne and Wear and Teesside Urban Development Corporations set up in 1987.

km

20

R. No rth Ty
ne

Cramlington Newcastleupon-Tyne Washington

Nissan 1984 First Japanese car maker to invest in Europe. Sunderland NSK 1974. Japanese firm making ball-bearings.

PEN

NIN
ES

Peterlee Samsung 1994. Electronics complex making computer monitors, TV tubes, fax machines, micro-wave ovens,etc.
R. W ea r

Hartlepool Newton Aycliffe Teesside Darlington

The new North-east: major investments.


G

The decline in UK manufacturing industry has left large areas of derelict land. Various attempts have been made to overcome this problem. For example, redevelopment of brownfield sites with the use of private investment. Urban development corporations have redeveloped docklands by building offices and leisure facilities. Enterprise zones give special tax allowances and fewer, simplified planning procedures.

R.

Te e

76

Check yourself
Industry (14)
1 What is industrial inertia? (1) 2 What is a development area? (1) 3 Name a NIC that has invested in the UK. (1) 4 To what group of industries does advertising belong? (1) 5 What is an integrated steelworks? (1) 6 Name a modern integrated steelworks in the UK. (1)

13

7 Why is the Midlands the traditional area for the car industry? (1) 8 What is an industrial estate? (1) 9 Why is a cannery more likely to be found near the raw material than the market? (1) 10 What is agglomeration? (1) 11 Draw an industrial system of a manufacturing industry. (3) 12 Why is there a link between secondary and tertiary industries? (2) 13 Give three reasons for the development of high-tech industries in Cambridge. (3) 14 Name two disadvantages which coalfield industrial areas face when they try to attract new industrial growth. (2)

77

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 Where an industry remains at a location even though the original advantages of the site are no longer applicable. (1) Also called historical momentum or geographical inertia. 2 Area of industrial decline that is eligible for government assistance. (1) Examples are South Wales and North-east England 3 Daewoo, Honda, Samsung. (1) 4 Quaternary. (1) This service industry is dependent on highquality decisions and makes frequent use of computers. 5 Where all the operations are on the same site. (1) 6 Llanwern, Port Talbot, Scunthorpe, Redcar-Lackenby (1) 7 Its central location made the assembly of components relatively easy. (1) Inertia is also important. 8 An area of footloose light industries which benefit from good road access. (1) Often found on outskirts of urban areas. 9 The finished product is less perishable than the raw material. (1) Bakeries are the opposite. The finished product (bread) is more perishable than the raw material. 10 Industries locating close together for mutual benefit. (1) Benefits include sharing each others products or research and development. 11
Land Energy Capital Building Labour Raw materials Manufacturing processes Finished product Waste

(3)
12 The service industry sells or distributes the products of the secondary industry. (1) Service industries make use of manufactured products. (1) 13 Nearness to Cambridge University research and development. (1) M11 links to London. (1) Attractive area. (1) 14 Labour force needs retraining. (1) Remoteness or poor access. (1) Distance from the main core regions of Southeast England and the Continent.

TOTAL 78

TOURISM (1)
G

Tourism is leisure time that involves visiting places and staying away from home for at least one night. It is one of the worlds fastest growing industries employing 120 million people. Tourism develops in mountains, coastal areas and cities. The physical attractions of mountains and coasts attract visitors. People visit cities because of their historical and cultural heritage, and for shopping and entertainment. Tourism has developed because of increased leisure time. People have longer, paid holidays today. Increased car ownership and the development of charter flights have made places more accessible.

UK tourist industry
G

Tourism first developed in the UK during the second half of the nineteenth century. The introduction of paid holidays, cheap railway travel and effective advertising of the health benefits of sea air encouraged tourism. Blackpools tourism industry took off with the introduction of a railway link to the rapidly growing industrial cities of the North. More recently, the uncertainty of British weather has caused a decline in British seaside resorts. Blackpool continues to attract tourists by providing new entertainment facilities which are less dependent on the weather. The development of package holidays benefited foreign holidays because travel companies make all the necessary travel and accommodation arrangements. Economies of scale has meant cheaper holidays for customers. The USA and the Caribbean are as popular as Mediterranean Europe for holidaymakers. These destinations have made package tourism a year-round industry. In a few years time tourism will be the UKs biggest industry. It is an important source of income. Over 23 million foreign visitors come to the UK each year spending 12,000 million.

79

TOURISM (2)
G

Tourism has its disadvantages. It remains largely seasonal and much of the employment it generates is in low paid, unskilled jobs. Tourist destinations can become unfashionable. Tourism causes pollution and traffic congestion at honeypot sites.

National Parks
G

National Parks are areas of great natural beauty that are protected in order to save the environment and to provide enjoyment to visitors. National Parks in the USA are large areas of wilderness owned by the government. In the UK National Parks are smaller and contain a range of economic activities, as well as tourism. Much of the land is privately owned and there are many permanent settlements. There is great potential for conflict in National Parks. Problems include traffic congestion, footpath erosion and noise pollution from speedboats on lakes.
Land height (m) over 500 1
Newcastle upon Tyne Middlesbrough

2 3

4
Leeds Hull

Manchester Liverpool

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Northumberland Lake District Yorkshire Dales North York Moors Peak District Snowdonia Pembrokeshire Coast Brecon Beacons Exmoor Dartmoor Norfolk Broads Authority

5 11

6
Birmingham Norwich

8 7
Cardiff Bristol London

9 10
Plymouth

Southampton

km 100

Distribution of National Parks in England and Wales

80

TOURISM (3)
Tourism in LEDCs
G

Although LEDCs account for only 20% of world tourism this proportion is growing rapidly. Tourism is the fastest growing industry in Africa. LEDCs view tourism as a means of development. The tropical nature of many LEDCs makes them very attractive to visitors from MEDCs. In many LEDCs tourists are an important source of income. Not only do tourists spend money, but they also attract foreign investment as the countrys infrastructure is improved. The tourist industry creates jobs too. There is also a multiplier effect with the growth of indirect employment, e.g. farmers provide food for hotels. Tourism also has disadvantages to LEDCs. Improving infrastructure is expensive, so it is often dependent on foreign investment. Much of the profits therefore do not remain in the LEDC. Development tends to be concentrated in holiday areas and can create a dual economy.

Environmental issues
G

Mass tourism may change local culture and traditions. It also puts enormous pressure on the environment, e.g. pollution. Ugly buildings and resorts may replace vegetation. In Kenya large areas of land have been designated as game parks to protect wild animals from the effects of mass tourism. Minibuses carrying tourists have worn away tracks, encouraging soil erosion. The high concentration of visitors and hot air balloon trips have disturbed the breeding patterns and migration routes of some animals. Local farmers have been displaced from their own land. Green tourism is sustainable. Zimbabwe has similar attractions to Kenya, but it has developed its tourist industry very differently. Zimbabwe encourages eco-tourists, usually in small groups visiting on special interest holidays. These include wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, botanists and photographers.

81

TOURISM (4)
G

Game parks have been established but there is support from local people. The CAMPFIRE programme educates local people to regard wild animals as a resource. Only a limited number of wild animals can be hunted for sport, and the proceeds go to the local population. Local communities receive money for any crop damage caused by wild animals.
ZAMBIA
Mana Pools National Park Big game are attracted to waterholes in dry season. Lake Kariba Focus for water-based recreation, e.g. boat-hire, fishing, water-skiing, heritage, etc.

zi mbe Za . R
Kariba

Eastern Highlands Rugged mountains. Trout fishing, horse riding and golf are main attractions.

Lake Kariba Victoria Falls Harare


Victoria Falls The world's largest sheet of falling water (1.7km wide).

Great Zimbabwe Bulawayo


Hwange National Park Zimbabwe's largest park. Over 100 species of mammals and reptiles, and over 400 species of birds.

km 100

BOTSWANA

MOZAMBIQUE

Major tourism attractions in Zimbabwe

82

Check yourself
Tourism (14)
1 Why have transport improvements been important in the development of mass tourism? (1)

14

2 Name one way British seaside resorts are attempting to cope with the competition from foreign holiday resorts. (1) 3 What is the multiplier effect in the tourist industry? (1) 4 Name a National Park in Wales. (1) 5 How does the Broads Authority differ from other National Parks in England and Wales? (1) 6 How does land ownership in a North American National Park differ from that in a UK National Park? (1) 7 What is a honeypot site? (1) 8 Why is the seasonal nature of tourism a disadvantage? (1) 9 Why are unskilled tourist workers particularly vulnerable when there is a downturn in industry? (1) 10 What is sustainable tourism? (1) 11 How will the development of a town into a seaside resort be reflected in its shape? (2) 12 Name three sources of conflict between tourists and local people within a tourist area. (3) 13 Name three ways in which land use conflict can be minimised within a tourist area. (3) 14 How can the development of tourism in a mountainous area damage the environment? (2)

83

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 Greater accessibility. (1) Longer, paid holidays have also been a factor. 2 By investing in new entertainments. (1) For example, indoor activities. Hotels provide special deals too. 3 Where developments in tourism lead to growth in separate but related trades. (1) For example, the building trade. 4 Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons or Pembrokeshire Coastal Park. (1) 5 It is the only park in lowland England. (1) 6 In the US the government owns all the land. (1) 7 A tourist area which attracts a large number of visitors. (1) This may cause traffic and pollution problems. 8 It creates seasonal unemployment. (1) 9 Workers such as waiters and chambermaids are more likely to lose their jobs out of season. (1) Managers and other skilled workers are often kept on. 10 The careful management of resources so that the impact of tourism does not harm the environment. (1) Features that attract visitors are protected, e.g. coral. 11 There will be a promenade along the sea front (1) and a series of terrace boarding houses running inland from the sea. (1) 12 Gates left open to fields. (1) Traffic congestion. (1) Reafforestation is less attractive to visitors. (1) A useful technique is to draw conflict matrix. 13 Limiting parking space or providing park and ride schemes. (1) Dividing water storage and water sports activities between different lakes. (1) Speed restrictions on powerboats to reduce erosion of banks. (1) Management plans aim to minimise conflict. 14 Hill walking and climbing erodes footpaths, leaving unsightly scars. (1) Cable cars and ski lifts spoil the landscape. (1)

TOTAL 84

M A N AG I N G N AT U RA L R E S O U RC E S ( 1 )
G

Natural resources are naturally occurring things that are useful to us. They include fuels, minerals and timber. Non-renewable resources are fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Renewable resources include plants and animals, water and alternative sources of energy.

Global warming
G

Average global temperatures have risen by 0.6C during the last 40 years. Some scientists say that global warming will raise average temperatures by 3C. Global warming is caused by the greenhouse effect. There is debate over whether global warming is a natural event or is caused by human activity. There is increasing evidence that the burning of fossil fuels has had a major effect.

Less heat escapes into space

Sun

Greenhouse gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) absorb heat from the Earth, trapping heat within the atmosphere. Burning of fossil fuels and trees releases CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere

Atmosphere

Earth's atmosphere allows 0.1% heat from the Sun to reach the Earth's surface.

Sun's rays

Earth

The greenhouse effect

Global warming has both advantages and disadvantages. Britain will be able to grow a greater range of crops. Warmer weather may help the tourist industry. However, there will be increased danger of coastal flooding, water shortages, pests and disease. Globally, the melting of the polar ice caps will cause many low-lying areas to flood. Droughts, storms and floods will become more frequent. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil there was a general agreement to reduce the amount of fossil fuels burnt. Rapid industrialisation in NICs, the economic interests of TNCs, and the reluctance of the USA to reduce its living standard means progress has been very slow.

85

M A N AG I N G N AT U RA L R E S O U RC E S ( 2 )
Pollutants
G

CFCs are destroying the ozone layer that protects us from the suns harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVB rays). Large doses of UVB cause skin cancer, eye cataracts, crop damage and harm to plankton. There is international agreement to reduce the production of CFCs. The reduction will take a very long time to take effect. Power stations and oil refineries release sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These gases react with water in the atmosphere to produce acid rain. Forests, soils, lakes, rivers and buildings in Scandinavia have been badly affected by acid rain produced in the UK and Germany. International cooperation is required to reduce this effect.
Acid rain damages leaves on trees: trees are weakened and easily attacked by insects and fungi. Acid rain Ammonia Soils become acidified: essential minerals are e washed out of the soil.

Sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen Exhaust gases from motor vehicles

Burning of coal, oil and gas in power stations and refineries.

Ammonia from chemical fertilisers combines with SO2 to form acid rain.

Lakes and rivers are acified: acid water kills insects and poisons fish.

Crops are affected and yields reduced.

Acid rain attacks stonework of buildings, speeding up the natural process of chemical weathering

Acid rain: causes and effects

86

M A N AG I N G N AT U RA L R E S O U RC E S ( 3 )
Conserving energy resources
G

The need to satisfy the increasing demand for energy and water is the primary concern in resource management. Increasing population and the rapid development of technology means that this problem will continue in future. Conservation and sustainability will be major considerations. In future, fossil fuels will still be needed to produce energy. In the UK there has been a large reduction in underground coal mining. Opencast mining is still important because it is cheaper than deep mining. It also provides jobs in areas of high unemployment. However, it is environmentally destructive. Landscaping can reduce this effect. Nuclear power requires very little raw material and does not produce greenhouse gases or acid rain. It has become increasingly unpopular because of safety issues. The Chernobyl disaster and concerns about the Sellafield plant in the UK have affected public opinion greatly. Unlike the UK, France still regards nuclear power as an important source of energy. Alternative or renewable sources of energy such as wind, tidal, solar, hydro and geothermal power may be the way forward. These too have advantages and disadvantages.

Geothermal power Feasible where hot rocks, because of volcanic activity, lie close to the surface.

Wave power There is great potential on the UK's stormy western coastlines. Small wave machines are already working well in Norway. Tidal power The UK with its large tidal range, could produce huge amounts of electricity from barrages across estuaries. Disadvantages include the high capital costs.

Solar power Solar power can be used to heat water directly for domestic heating; to make steam to generate electricity; to generate electricity directly using photovoltaic cells.

Hydropower Hydroelectric power (HEP) already provides nearly 2 per cent of the UK's electricity. There are significant environmental costs, particularly where dams are built and valleys are flooded.

Forms of renewable energy

87

M A N AG I N G N AT U RA L R E S O U RC E S ( 4 )
Water resources
G

At present, the global demand for water doubles every 25 years. Reasons are world population growth, increasing use of irrigation and increased consumption per person. This demand is unsustainable. Just 5% of the rain falling in the UK is used. In recent years water shortages have become common. Global warming may be responsible for these droughts. Most of the rain falls in the north and west of the UK. The largest demand is in the south and east. Rainfall is highest in winter but the greatest demand for water is in the summer. Satisfying water demand is not easy. As well as maintaining supply, water companies have to ensure supplies are sustainable and do not damage the environment. They can increase water reserves by building more reservoirs. Water can be transferred from areas of plenty to areas of shortage. Conservation measures include plugging leaks and metering water 30,000 usage. Arid and semi-arid countries require large-scale solutions to water shortage. These are expensive so LEDCs have to find money to fund the schemes. Water provision may be part of a multipurpose scheme. The Aswan Dam in Egypt provides water for irrigation, domestic water supply, and hydroelectricity. Demand for water can cause political disputes between countries. This can lead to war as in the case of India and Pakistan.

Usage (million litres/day)

20,000

10,000

88

El ec Pu tric i bl ic ty s wa up pl te y r Fi sup sh p fa ly rm in g In d Ag us ric try ul tu re O th er s

Water use in the UK

Check yourself
Managing natural resources (14)
1 What is the greenhouse effect? (1) 2 Name a greenhouse gas. (1) 3 State one effect of global warming. (1)

15

4 Why is Bangladesh particularly concerned about the effects of global warming? (1) 5 Name one effect of the hole in the ozone layer. (1) 6 How can acid rain affect buildings? (1) 7 Selby is the main British coalfield still mining coal underground. Where is Selby? (1) 8 What is the raw material used to produce nuclear energy? (1) 9 What is an aquifier? (1) 10 What is the disadvantage of taking more water from underground? (1) 11 Why does London get much of its water from underground? (2) 12 State three reasons why coal, despite being a polluting fossil fuel continues to be mined in the UK. (3) 13 Why is Scandinavia particularly prone to the effects of acid rain? (2) 14 What are the causes of the thinning ozone layer? (3)

89

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 Greenhouse gases trap heat within the atmosphere. (1) 2 Methane or carbon dioxide. (1). 3 Melting of polar icecaps and a rise in sea level. (1) 4 It is a very low-lying country on the Ganges delta, so it will flood if sea level rises significantly. (1) Global warming has increased the scale and frequency of tropical storms. 5 Skin cancer, cataracts; harm to crops and plankton. (1) 6 It attacks stonework speeding up the natural process of chemical weathering. (1) Common in limestone buildings. 7 Yorkshire. (1). 8 Uranium. (1) Uranium is non-renewable but so little is used that supplies are effectively infinite. 9 Porous rock which contains a source of water. (1) This is where water from boreholes comes from. 10 Water table drops and river levels fall. (1) This looks unsightly and affects wildlife. 11 The rainfall in South-east England is relatively low. (1) The London basin is a downfold of chalk. The chalk is porous and forms a water-bearing aquifier. (1) 12 There are large supplies left, which are economic to mine by open-cast methods. (1) Many coal fired power stations remain. (1) Closing mines would cause unemployment. (1) 13 Norway and Sweden lie relatively close to the industrial areas of the UK and Germany. (1) The prevailing winds from the west blow pollutants across to Scandinavia. (1) 14 Ozone is concentrated between 20-30 km above the earths surface. (1) CFCs accumulate in the atmosphere. (1) The CFCs contain chlorine which reacts with sunlight to destroy ozone. (1) Make sure you know the difference between global warming, ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect.

TOTAL 90

C O N T RA S T S
G

IN

DEVELOPMENT (1)

Development is the extent to which a country, region or locality has realised the full potential of its human and physical resources. Development can reduce poverty and improve quality of life. Economic development is the expansion of agricultural, manufacturing or service industries. Social development is about providing people with essential services such as education and healthcare.

Measures of development
G

There are a number of ways of measuring development. Measures are average figures only and do not take account of internal variations. Gross national product (GNP) per person is the most common measure. It is the total value of goods and services produced by a country divided by its population. GNP does not take into consideration the purchasing power of peoples money or any subsistence economy. Other development measures include adult literacy rates, birth and death rates, daily calorie intake per person, percentage employed in agriculture, and percentage receiving secondary education. In all cases the measure is expressed as a rate or per head. The UN uses a combination of measures in the Human Development Index (HDI). This ranges from zero to one; one being the most highly developed countries.
N

Human development index Over 0.90 0.7500.899 0.5000.749 0.2500.499 Less than 0.250 No data

Peters projection

Human development index for Europe and Africa, 1993

91

C O N T RA S T S
G

IN

DEVELOPMENT (2)

The global distribution of wealth is very uneven. With the exception of Australia and New Zealand all MEDCs are in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. LEDCs are concentrated in the Tropics and the southern hemisphere. It is possible to divide the world into the rich North and the poor South. Contrasts in development are very marked within countries. Core areas tend to concentrate on manufacturing industry and services. This creates jobs and attracts investment the multiplier effect. Remoteness, physical disadvantages of relief and climate, and greater reliance on agriculture are features of poorer, peripheral regions. These regions do not attract investment and this can lead to out-migration. Differences between core areas and the periphery tend to increase.
GNP per person
NORTH-EAST NORTH- Milan WEST LOMBARDY Venice Turin EMILIA-ROMAGNA NORTH Genoa Florence CENTRE ABRUZZIMOLISE LAZIO
CA Naples MO A
NI

>125 100 124 <100 100 = EU average

Rome

Bari SOUTH Taranto


A

SARDINIA SOUTH

Palermo SICILY

0 km

300

Regional GNP per person in Italy, 1996

92

C O N T RA S T S
G

IN

DEVELOPMENT (3)

Obstacles to development
Globally, the contrast between the rich North and poor South is getting wider. The majority of the worlds countries is still under developed. The obstacles to development are both human and physical. Landlocked countries are isolated from international trade. Tropical soils are shallow and acidic. Laterisation leads to the build up of iron salts in the surface layers making them difficult to cultivate. Low precipitation and its seasonal nature make farming difficult. Dense rainforest hinders development in equatorial regions. Pests and disease affect the health of people living in LEDCs. The tropical climate and poor living conditions favour the spread of malaria and sleeping sickness - both diseases are carried by mosquitoes and tsetse flies. In LEDCs most people cannot afford essential medicines. Pests destroy up to half of the worlds food crops. Poor food results in famine, malnutrition and disease. Lack of education is responsible for the rapid spread of HIV and AIDS in many LEDCs. About two billion people have no access to clean water. Polluted streams and pools encourage water-borne diseases, e.g. diarrhoea.
Competition from industries in MEDCs. Trade barriers limiting access to overseas markets. Profits from TNCs flow from LEDCs to MEDCs.

Dependence on lowvalue agricultural products and raw materials.

Lack of economic development

Shortage of capital for investment.

Interest payments on foreign debts

Poorly educated workforce.

Economic obstacles to development

93

C O N T RA S T S
G

IN

DEVELOPMENT (4)

Lack of investment (capital) has hindered development in many LEDCs. LEDCs trade mainly primary products such as food and raw materials. These are less profitable than manufactured goods. The price for primary products can fall sharply. Generally, prices have fallen behind those of manufactured goods. Political instability and corruption in many LEDCs means that money is not spent effectively. Civil war can disrupt the local economy and discourage foreign investment. Women have lower status than men in many LEDCs. Female literacy is much lower than males because of poor education for girls. All problems faced by LEDCs are made worse by their rapid population growth. Population growth exceeds economic growth resulting in a viscous cycle of poverty.
Rapid population growth More children to increase family income

Population growth is faster than economic growth

Poverty Fewer resources per person

Vicious cycle of poverty

Tourism and industrialisation have been the main focus of economic development in LEDCs. Social development has taken place in Kerala, India. Here, priority was given to education, family planning and heathcare. Despite being one of Indias poorest states Keralas development compares favourably with the rest of India.
India Kerala
75 17 1.8 86

Female life expectancy Infant mortality per 1,000 Birth rate per female Percentage female literacy

60 80 3.6 39

94

Check yourself
Contrasts in development (14)
2 What is infant mortality? (1) 3 What is GNP? (1) 4 Why is population not a good measure of development? (1) 5 What pest spreads malaria? (1)

16

1 Why are measures of development expressed as rates per 100 or per head? (1)

6 How will an improvement in female literacy affect population growth? (1) 7 What is the Brandt Line? (1) 8 Why is the improvement in water supplies considered to be the most important way of helping poorer parts of the world? (1) 9 Why is the debt crisis considered a barrier to development in LEDCs? (1) 10 What is the difference between famine and malnutrition? (2) 11 Name three features of a balanced diet. (3) 12 What will happen to the viscous cycle of poverty if LEDCs manage to control population growth? (4) 13 The GNP for Saudi Arabia is 6,945 US dollars per head. Why is this not a true picture of development in Saudi Arabia? (2)

95

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 Allows comparison of like with like. (1) 2 The number of children who die before their first birthday. (1) Child mortality is the number who die before they are 5. 3 Gross National Product. (1) This geographical term can be expressed as an abbreviation. 4 Countries with a large population are not necessarily richer or poorer than countries with a small population. (1) The economic means to support the population is more important. 5 Mosquito. (1) 6 It will reduce population growth. Literate women are more likely to understand the benefits of family planning. (1) Educated women are more likely to postpone having children in order to pursue a career. 7 The line separating the rich North from the poor South. (1) 8 It can be done relatively cheaply and it quickly improves health. (1) Small water pumps are good examples of intermediate or appropriate technology. 9 Much of an LEDCs resources are used to pay interest on debts. (1) This means there is less money to spend on improvements. 10 Famine is lack of food. (1) Eating an unbalanced diet causes malnutrition. (1) 11 Diet containing protein (1), fats (1) and carbohydrates. (1) Many LEDC diets are dominated by carbohydrates. 12
Fewer children needed to support family Slower population growth Higher standard of living More resources per person Population growth slower than economic growth

(4) 13 It is an average figure. (1) It does not show the difference between rich and poor. (1) Average figures do not show the variations between urban and rural areas.

TOTAL 96

T RA D E
G

AND

AID (1)

International trade is the movement of goods and services between countries. The things a country sells abroad are its exports. The things it buys from abroad are imports. The difference between a countrys imports and exports is its balance of trade. There has been a great expansion in world trade. The LEDCs have gained least from this growth. The value of trade in most countries in the poor South is less than 1,000 US dollars per head - below 25% of the figure for countries in the rich North. Countries try to protect their own economies by imposing tariffs and quotas on foreign imports. The World Trade Organisation aims to promote free trade by removing these restrictions. There are many influences on international trade. Trading groups such as the EU are set up to promote free trade between its members and to reduce the effectiveness of foreign competition. A lot of the trade between MEDCs and LEDCs is the result of globalisation and the spread of TNCs.
Transport infrastructure

National government policies

Free trade agreements

Policies of transnational corporations, globalisation

International trade

Tariffs

Commodity price agreements

Economic and trade groups

Influences on international trade

97

T RA D E
G

AND

AID (2)

Most trade is between MEDCs. There is an increasing amount of trade between MEDCs and LEDCs, turning primary goods into manufactured goods. Most of the worlds poorest countries rely on the export of primary goods. Converting primary goods to manufactured goods adds value. Most manufacturing takes place in MEDCs who gain most from the profits and jobs that this creates. Coffee growers in LEDCs receive less than 33% of the supermarket price for a coffee jar. There are great fluctuations in the price of primary goods. There has been a steady fall in the price of primary goods compared to manufactured goods. Value added to a jar of coffee

Cost 1.75

120p
MEDC

Processing, advertising, profits to manufacturers and retailers

Value added in importing country

LEDC

41p 14p

Production costs wages

Payments to exporting country

Manufacturing is increasing in LEDCs. The goods are largely lowtech such as textiles, clothing and metals. High-tech exports such as chemicals, cars and electronic equipment are becoming more important. The profit from these exports however, may go to a TNC in an MEDC.

98

T RA D E
Aid
G

AND

AID (3)

Aid to LEDCs can be in the form of money, food, equipment and technical assistance. Few MEDCs achieve the UN recommended target of donating 7% of their GNP as foreign aid. The Scandinavians are the most generous donating between 0.83 and 0.92%. The UK gives 0.26% of GNP and the USA just 0.16%. Short-term aid is sent in response to an emergency, e.g. a natural disaster. The purpose of long-term aid is to improve the quality of peoples lives. Multilateral aid is donated by international bodies such as the World Bank. It is unlikely to have any conditions attached. Bilateral aid is given by one country to another. It may be tied aid, e.g. the LEDC may have to MEDCs purchase certain goods made in the donor country. Technology Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as charities rely largely on private donations and government grants. They often support appropriate technology schemes.

Exports: manufactured goods: $736 billion

Debt payable

Immigrant labour

INTERDEPENDENCE
Exports: primary products and manufactured goods: $650 billion

Investment: $96 billion

Foreign aid and loans

Interdependence between MEDCs and LEDCs (1994 figures)

LEDCs

99

T RA D E
G

AND

AID (4)

Aid has advantages and disadvantages for both MEDCs and LEDCs. The advantages to LEDCs are that money and emergency supplies are available at times of disaster. Also, foreign investment helps economic and social development. However, there is a danger that LEDCs become too dependent on aid. This is particularly true for tied aid. An LEDC may not be able to get the best prices for its products. MEDCs gain prestige from donating foreign aid. Corruption in LEDCs means that a lot of aid does not reach the right people. Aid money may be used to buy military arms.

Interdependence
G

LEDCs and MEDCs depend on each other. Trade, investment, loans, interest payments, foreign aid and international migration link them. MEDCs gain from this interdependence. They obtain raw materials and foodstuffs relatively cheaply. Profits from TNCs usually go back to MEDCs. Tied aid boosts exports and secures jobs in MEDCs. However, cheaper wages and fewer planning restrictions in LEDCs mean that investments by TNCs can cause job loses in MEDCs. Industrialisation in LEDCs may produce stiff competition to industries in MEDCs.

LEDCs

MEDCs

LEDCs gain hard currency by exporting to MEDCs. LEDCs benefit from investment by TNCs. New jobs are created often educating people in new skills and technologies. The terms of trade often works against LEDCs. Exploitation of primary resources in LEDCs may cause environmental damage.

100

Check yourself
Trade and aid (14)
1 What is interdependence? (1) 3 What does NAFTA stand for? (1) 4 What is a protective approach to trade? (1) 5 Why did Japanese car firms establish car factories within the EU? (1) 6 What percentage of the price of a jar of coffee is paid to the producing country? (1) 7 What is dependency culture? (1) 8 Name one raw material that forms the bulk of exports for an LEDC of your choice. (1) 9 The Canadian government gave money to Tanzania on the condition that the African country bought tractors from Canada. What kind of aid was this? (1) 10 State a disadvantage of the aid donated by Canada. (1)

17

2 State one way in which transport infrastructure can influence international trade. (1)

11 Give two reasons why people may not wish to give to charitable aid agencies. (2) 12 Why is hard currency so important to LEDCs? (2) 13 Explain how an expansion in trade should lead to increased prosperity. (3) 14 What advantages does a LEDC gain from joining a trading group? (3)

101

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 Recognition that LEDCs and MEDCs are so closely linked economically that they must work together for mutual benefit. (1) Look at the cartoon on side 100. 2 Ports for oil tankers or bulk carriers allow bulky raw materials to be shipped from LEDCs to MEDCs. (1) Better transport links within LEDCs help the export of agricultural produce. 3 North America Free Trade Association. (1) Another trading group is the EU. 4 Protection of home industries from foreign competition by the imposition of import tariffs and quotas. (1) This is the opposite of free trade. 5 Japanese cars built within the EU are not subject to the import restrictions on cars made in Japan. (1) Nissan, Honda and Toyota all established car factories in the UK. 6 Approximately 31%. (1) 7 Where a country relies on foreign aid to support its economy. (1) For example, some LEDCs in Africa. 8 Oil in Nigeria. (1) Oil represents over 95% of Nigerias exports. 9 Bilateral aid. (1) It is also tied aid. 10 Tractors may not be the most appropriate form of technology to use in Tanzanian agriculture. Spare parts may not be available. (1) 11 They argue that too much money is spent on administration. (1) They may not agree with the charitys culture, e.g. many charities have a religious aspect. (1) 12 It is less likely to change in value. (1) LEDCs can use it to buy goods in MEDCs. (1). 13 Countries will specialise in goods and services that they produce best. (1) There will be lower prices and higher quality goods and services available. (1) Increased demand will lead to an expansion of jobs. (1) These are linked in a cycle of prosperity. 14 They can influence the market. (1) As part of a trading bloc the LEDC is stronger when dealing with other countries. (1) It may benefit from subsidies or lower interest on loans. (1)

TOTAL 102

G E O G RA P H I C A L S K I L L S ( 1 )
G

GCSE geography examinations will test three main elements; recall of factual knowledge, understanding of concepts and processes, and geographical skills. The coursework component of the examination gives you the best opportunity to show your mastery of skills, but most questions in the written papers will have a skills-based section. Geographical skills include the drawing and interpretation of graphs, numbers, maps and diagrams. Marks will be given for the accuracy of your drawing, but there will be more marks for description and interpretation. Interpretation questions range from simple extraction of information from stimulus material to description and to analysis and evaluation. The four major types of graph tested at GCSE are line, bar (or histogram), scatter and pie. If asked to draw any of these it is important to do it accurately. The degree of toleration allowed is quite small. Use a sharp pencil and a ruler. Use line graphs to plot continuous data, e.g. temperature, population. Plot the points accurately and join them by a continuous line either freehand or using a ruler.
Inari, Finland
15 10 5 TEMP. (C) 0 -10 -15

Temperature graph for Inari, Finland

103

G E O G RA P H I C A L S K I L L S ( 2 )
G

Plot discontinuous data on a bar graph, e.g. rainfall. Again, plot the data as accurately as you can. Proportional or divided graphs are useful for displaying more than one set of information. When reading these graphs it is important to remember that the start of each sub-division is the base line from which to read figures.
50 40 Nurberg visitors 30 20 10 0 JULY AUGUST SEPT. Cycling Walking Dog Walking

There were 15 people walking their dogs in August.


G

Use scatter graphs to show the relationship between two sets of figures. On a scatter graph it is the pattern that the points make that it is important, so do not join up the points. If there is a clear pattern do not assume automatically that one feature caused the other. There are examples of scatter graphs on side 3 of Geographical Skills. There is a wide range of uses for scatter graphs in geography. Examples include relationships between latitude and temperature; GNP and infant mortality, and application of fertiliser and yield of crops.

104

G E O G RA P H I C A L S K I L L S ( 3 )
A B C

Typical scatter graph patterns (or correlations).


G

In the graphs above there is a positive link in A because one variable increases with the other. In B the link is negative because one variable increases as the other decreases. If the points form a straight line then there is a perfect relationship. This is very unusual. The trend in the points can be shown by a best-fit line (see below). Residuals are obvious exceptions to the trend. In C (above) there is no relationship at all.
Best Fit Line

residual

Line of best fit for a scatter graph pattern

105

G E O G RA P H I C A L S K I L L S ( 4 )
G

Pie graphs show proportions. Figures which need to be presented in a pie chart must be converted to percentages first.

1.8% 11.4% 12.5% Wheat Sugar beet 22.1% 52.2% Peas Potatoes Setaside

Pie chart to show land use in Grange Farm


G

Many GCSE questions start with a map, a diagram or a piece of text so-called stimulus material. The question will ask for information contained in this material. Make sure that you extract information accurately. If a key is provided use the precise wording given including any units. For these questions no credit is given for any information that has not been taken from the stimulus material. A very common skills-based question is to ask for a description of a pattern made by some geographical feature. The question may be based on a map, a graph or a set of figures. The pattern should be considered from the general, the specific and the exceptional point of view. Give the overall trend or picture first, followed by specific details. State any exceptions to the general rule last and comment on them. The graph on side 5 shows how the production of a particular commodity has changed over time.

106

G E O G RA P H I C A L S K I L L S ( 5 )

Production

Time

Production of a commodity over time


G

Using the general/specific/exceptional rule: From the graph you can tell there has been a general rise in production over the years. The rise has not been steady. There has been a series of small-scale fluctuations which occur every few years. There was a major fall in output during one year. Atlas maps show patterns using chloropleth maps. The darker the colour the greater the value. Patterns in chloropleths can be described in the same way. Describe the general pattern that strikes you when you first look at a chloropleth map. Then list specific details that support this pattern together with any exceptions. Merely restating facts and figures does not show the examiner you can appreciate a pattern. Consider the following question: Describe the pattern of population change in France between 1976 and 1986. A possible answer is given on the reverse side of this card.

107

G E O G RA P H I C A L S K I L L S ( 6 )
N Lille % CHANGE IN POPULATION (1976 - 1986) Regions Paris Nantes 7.5 - 13.0 6.0 - 7.5 4.7 - 6.0 3.0 - 4.7 1.5 - 3.0 -0.5 - 1.5 Average 4.7 Nice Marseille Cities 0.0 - 3.0 -4.0 - 0.0 -8.0 - (-4.0) -12.0 - (-8.0)

Lyon Bordeaux Toulouse

Population changes in France


G

A possible answer to the question on the reverse side of this card could be: In general the areas of greatest population increase are in the north, west and south of the country. The south coast and the region around Nantes experienced population increases between 7.5 and 13.0%. The area of greatest loss was in the centre of France and in the North-east. The most central areas of France and two areas in the North-east, including the area around Lille, have seen a population decline of between 0.5 and 1.5 %. (This describes the general pattern with specific details illustrating the points made.) Exceptions to the general pattern are the areas around Paris and Toulouse, and the area north of Bordeaux where increases of only 3-4.7% are lower than expected. The population changes in the area to the extreme east of the country, with an increase between 4.7 and 6%, is higher than the surrounding areas. Notice that figures are quoted only to make a particular point. Previous knowledge of the geography of France is not necessary. Use only locations shown on the map. Compass directions should be used to refer to parts of the map.

108

Check yourself
Geographical skills (16)

18

10 1 Study the weather chart. 18 12 i Is high or low pressure 12 16 covering England and 1024 Wales? (1) LOW 18 8 ii What kind of weather HIGH 18 22 00 16 10 1 system is this? (1) 12 iii Using the weather map 27 1020 25 only, describe how the 1200 GMT 23 June 1994 weather is likely to change if the weather system located west of Ireland moves east over England and Wales. (4)
10 16

2 Describe the climate of Palermo using the climate graph. (8)


Precipitation (mm)

Palermo, Sicily 80

60

30 Temp. (C)

i What kind of graph is the one below? (1) ii Why is it suitable for this information? (2) iii Describe the pattern in the graph. (3)
Infant mortality (deaths per thousand) 120 100 80 60 40 20 Orissa

40

20

20

10

J F MAM J J A S ON D

Madhya Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Rajasthan Bihar Karnataka Gujarat Punjab

Andhra Pradesh

West Bengal Maharashtra Tamil Nadu

Kerala

10

20

30

40 50 60 Female literacy

70

80

90

100

109

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

i High pressure. (1)

ii An anticyclone. (1) You need to be able to recognise both an anticyclone and a depression on a synoptic weather chart. iii The temperature will drop from 1822C to about 16C. (1) The wind will strengthen slightly. (1) It will change from a south-easterly to a south-westerly direction. (1) The sky will get cloudier. (1) It is very important that you use only the information shown on the weather map. 2 The hottest month is August with a temperature of 25C. (1) The coolest month is January with a temperature of 12C. (1) The temperature range is 13C. (1) There is a marked winter maximum of precipitation. (1) The driest months are June and July. (1) March and April are wetter than the rest of spring. (1) October and November are abnormally wet autumn months. (1) October is the wettest month, averaging 78mm. (1) Make sure you refer to both patterns in temperature and precipitation. 3 i Scatter graph. (1) ii It plots the relationship (1) between two sets of data. (1) iii There is a negative relationship between infant mortality and female literacy. (1) The relationship is quite strong as most points lie close to the line of best fit. (1) Orissa is the most obvious exception. (1) In an examination the figures will be carefully chosen so it is obvious whether or not there is a relationship!

TOTAL 110

READING OS MAPS (1)


G

Most GCSE geography examinations include work on Ordnance Survey maps. This may be an entire question or a piece of stimulus within a question testing a particular part of the syllabus. The scales used are mostly 1:25,000 or 1:50,000. The questions test basic map reading skills, as well as description and interpretation of maps. The basic map reading skills concern four and six-figure grid references, measurement of distance, compass directions and map symbols. The map usually has a key so there is no need to learn the symbols off by heart. Questions will often ask you to draw annotated sketch maps or cross-sections. Cross-sections are useful for showing relief or a particular physical feature. Remember that a sketch map is a view from above, whereas a cross-section is a view from the side. Label cross-sections using arrows over the surface:
label label label label label

Use technical terms such as convex/concave, dip/scarp, etc. when describing slopes. Use the correct technical terms for landforms too, e.g. valley, plateau, steep-sided hill. The closer together the contours the steeper the slope. Try to recognise distinctive landforms by the pattern of their contours. For examples of this, see the reverse side of this card.

111

READING OS MAPS (2)


scarp scarp dip 100 200 350 250 200 100 dip

Recognising landforms using map contours


G

Remember that you will be asked to describe a landscape. If the question is specific to map reading you will not be asked to explain how the landform came about; unless the map is part of a physical geography question. It is useful to memorise a series of checklists for answering map reading questions. This will help you to organise your answers and show the examiner that you can answer methodically.

Description of relief What is the highest point? What is the average height? What kind are slopes are present? Description of drainage (This is the pattern of rivers and surface streams.) What are the main rivers? In which direction do they flow? Are there any major watersheds? Description of coast In which direction does the coast run? Is it smooth or irregular? Are there signs of erosion or deposition? Are there any beaches or sand dunes? Is there any evidence of coastal management? Description of settlement What is the general shape of the built-up area? Have any physical features influenced this shape? Have communications influenced the settlements growth? Was the original site a wet-point or a dry-point? Can you recognise the CBD, the inner city and the suburban areas by the road pattern?

112

Check yourself
Reading OS maps (12)

19

80 triangulation
church wirh steeple campsite caravan site

79

1 Study the OS map extract. Imagine you were walking along the South West Coast path from 935797 north westwards to Pentire Point. Describe the countryside around you. (5) 2 Suggest three reasons why Daymer Bay in square 9277 might be a suitable place to take children. (3) 3 Describe the pattern of settlement inland from the coast. (2) 4 Suggest why a settlement grew up at the site of Polzeath. (4) 5 Describe and explain the layout of the combined settlements of Trebetherick, Polzeath and New Polzeath. (6)

113

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

1 You would see a river inlet at the start. (1) Moving further north-west there are flat rocks to the west. (1) The path has a relatively steep slope (1) rising from 66 to 83 metres in just over a kilometre. (1) The headland at Pentire Point levels off. (1) The question allows you to describe both physical and human features. 2 It does not face open sea (1) so it may be more sheltered than other parts of the coast. (1) There is a large area of sand at low tide. (1) This question is more difficult because you are asked to interpret the map not just describe it. 3 The area is sparsely settled. (1) Settlement consists of a series of randomly spaced isolated farms and hamlets. (1) Remember, state general terms first, then specific points. 4 There is a source of fresh water from the stream (1) so it is a wet-point settlement. (1) It is at the head of Hayle Bay and therefore well sheltered. (1) The land around the bay is not too steep for building houses. The rest of the coast has steep cliffs. (1) You need to give a reason for each of the points you make. 5 The oldest part of the settlement appears to be Polzeath (1) which developed where the stream enters Hayle Bay (1). The settlement appears to have grown north (1) to New Polzeath and south (1) to Trebetherick. There has been ribbon development (1) along the roads especially in Trebetherick. New developments (1) appear to be present west of the road towards The Greenaway. Evidence for this is the more modern, geometric pattern of the roads. Remember to include both description and explanation in your answer. Use technical terms whenever possible.

TOTAL 114

EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES (1)


G

However well you have learnt your work, you must write it down in a suitable way in an examination to gain credit. This means answering each question in the way that the examiner asks. The key to this is understanding the command words, making the right choice of optional questions and appreciating how your answer will be marked. Make sure that you are fully aware of the parts of the syllabus being tested in each question paper and the form the questions will take. Some questions may require one word or short paragraph answers, others may be multiple choice. Essays are not very common in GCSE Geography examinations but there will be opportunities to write in continuous prose. These are more common in Higher Tier papers targeted at Grades A*D(E). If there is a choice of questions in a paper, make sure that you answer the correct number of questions from the right sections. Do not be unduly influenced by the stimulus material at the start of the question when choosing. Read the whole question. Most marks are allocated to the last part of a question. Decide whether you are happy with this section before choosing. Read the question very carefully. Underline the key words and phrases. Make sure that you understand how many examples or case studies you need to use. Be wary of scale. If a question asks for a named location, a country or a continent is too large an area. If you are asked to name a tourist development in a LEDC, Blackpool or Spain is wrong. Make the most of the sketch maps and diagrams provided. You will drop marks if you do not use maps and diagrams in a question when it specifically asks you to. Many questions, particularly those testing physical geography, can be answered with annotated diagrams. A simple diagram can save writing a long description.

115

EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES (2)


G

Make sure that your examples are filled with facts, statistics and precise locations. When describing climate use appropriate figures. Do not use vague generalisations. You will not gain credit for using words like wet, dry or fertile. Deep, well-drained or rich in nutrients are creditworthy alternatives to fertile. Make sure that you understand the meaning of command words: Describe: What does a feature or place look like? You will get no credit for explanation or interpretation. e.g. A corrie is an armchair shaped circular depression on the side of a mountain. It has steep back walls on three sides with a rock lip at the front. Explain: Give reasons for the formation or location of geographical features. e.g. The rotational movement of glacier ice forms a corrie. Overdeepening occurs as a result of plucking and abrasion. State or List: Make a number of brief points. This is the only occasion where there is no need to write in complete sentences. Remember that there are 5% extra marks for correct spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) in all geography examinations. This includes credit for the use of technical terms. Compare: Point out the similarities and differences. Contrast: Say what the differences are. Annotate: Add notes to a diagram. These need to be more than simple labels. To what extent: You need to come to a conclusion by giving different points of view.

GCSE examinations are always positively marked. Marks are not deducted for giving a wrong answer. Try not to leave gaps. Attempt all the questions except those optional ones you have chosen not to answer. Even if you have to guess an answer you stand a better chance of getting marks. Do not think that by answering all the optional questions you will get a higher mark!

116

EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES (3)


G

Try to complete the full number of questions required. Do not spend too much time on the first question, or those that you know best. If you do not finish the paper you will automatically lose marks. Pace yourself, spending time in proportion to the number of marks available. It is pointless writing a side of text on a question part worth just 2 or 3 marks. If you do run short of time, answer the last question in coherent note form. The examiner will try to give you credit for any relevant points. If you have written a plan for an answer, do not cross it out until you completed the question. If you run out of time the examiner may be able to award marks for the ideas in your plan. Write concisely and to the point. Do not waste time writing out the question before starting the answer. The number of marks will give you some indication of how long your answer should be. In many GCSE examinations you write answers on the question paper. The space for each answer is a useful guide too. Use maps and diagrams effectively as they can save you time. Do not repeat yourself by writing the answer in words and as a diagram. The text will be marked first and if there are still marks available, any additional points in the diagram will be considered. Remember it is not necessary to write a perfect answer to gain full marks. As soon as you have scored the maximum number of creditworthy points in a question the examiner will stop marking. The question may indicate how many points you have to make. If you are asked to state two disadvantages of the Green Revolution, you will gain no extra marks for a third. Never give a series of alternative answers, leaving the examiner to choose the correct one. The first answer is the one that will be marked. In some questions the examiner will give you a list of answers to choose from. Remember there may be some distractors, or wrong answers among them.

117

EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES (4)


G

GCSE questions are marked in two ways. Sections of questions with 3 or fewer marks are likely to be point marked. There will be one mark for each correct, relevant point. In most cases the wording of a question will indicate whether a question is point marked. If there are three marks for a question asking for three features of an Equatorial ecosystem, the allocation of those marks is obvious. Level-marked questions will usually have four or more marks allocated to them. On Foundation Tier papers targeted at Grades CG there are usually two levels. On Higher Tier papers three levels are more common. The question will be marked as a whole, and it is not necessary for your answer to go through all the levels. If the first sentence is of Level 3 standard then the minimum score will be at the bottom of the Level 3 range of marks. A typical mark scheme may be divided as follows: Level 1, 13 marks; Level 2, 46 marks and Level 3, 78 marks. There is a maximum number of marks for statements of a particular standard. For this mark scheme, only three Level 2 statements will be credited. If the whole answer consists of Level 1 statements, then the maximum score will be three. Two Level 3 statements will get full marks. Aim to answer the question at the highest possible level. Basic statements will not get beyond Level 1. Level 2 answers should contain clear statements with reference perhaps to a named example. Level 3 answers contain even more detailed information, often using case study material. Now look at the following questions and find out how they would be marked.

Explain why long-term aid is better than short-term aid. (8 marks) A typical mark scheme would look like this: Level 1 Basic (12 marks) Simple statements, e.g. Short-term aid gives food to the starving. There is no long-term effect.

118

EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES (5)


Level 2 Clear (35 marks) Long-term aid helps people to help themselves, so they are better prepared for the next food shortage, e.g. Band Aid. Level 3 Detailed (68 marks) Details are given of a particular aid scheme referring to the advantages of the long-term increase in food production, e.g. the former USSR part-funded the Aswan Dam. Previously, food production relied on flood water for irrigation, so farming was possible for only short periods. The dam allowed long-term irrigation and more than one crop of rice could be harvested each year. Farming became a year-round activity increasing financial stability. Explain why the use of appropriate technology may become very important in reducing starvation in the world. (6 marks) Level 1 Basic (12 marks) Simple statements showing how the food supply will increase without saying how the appropriate technology will make it possible, e.g. The new hoe means that crops can be grown more easily. Level 2 Clear (34 marks) The detail is accurate and shows understanding, e.g. One person still needs to operate the improved hoe, but the larger blade is more effective. It allows the person to hoe a larger area in a shorter time. Level 3 Detailed (56 marks) Detailed understanding, possibly supported by case studies or exemplars. For example, wind pumps in Kenya allow a fresh supply of water to be brought to remote areas where it would be too expensive to build a larger system. This could serve up to 400 people a day. Local people can be trained to make and repair the pumps easily. The constant water supply will allow farming throughout the year and a greater range of crops to be grown.

119

Check yourself
1 Study the following diagram, which shows the growth of the worlds largest cities between 1994 and 2015.
30 25 Population (millions) 20 15 10 5 1994 2015

i Which was the largest city in 1994? (1) ii How many of the cities are in MEDCs? (1) iii In which ways is the population growth in LEDCs different from those in MEDCs? (2) 2 Study the diagram of the urban zones in a typical city in a LEDC. i State four characteristics of the Central Business District of this city. (4) ii Why are different types of housing found in different parts of the city? (4) iii Describe two ways in which the urban model for a city in a MEDC would differ from the one shown here. (2)
Shanty town
ture suburbs Ma
Sh to an w ty n

Shanty town

N Tok e y Sa w Y o M o P ork ex a ic ulo Sh o C an ity g Lo Bo ha s mb i An a ge y Be les C ijin al g cu t S ta Bu J eo en ak ul os ar t Ai a r O es R sa io k T de ia a Ja njin ne La iro go D s Ka elh ra i ch Pa i r C is M air os o c M ow a Is nil ta a n D bul ha Lo k nd a on

s as cl an h rb g ig bu sin H u u s o h

Expensive high - rise Modern factories modern CBD flats Poor quality shanty towns rm t g e an os nt ent si n m ho u a c e w nm g Lo ver sin u go ho
w n i it h b t ie a s i c s

Poor quality housing with shanty towns

3 Describe the ways in which the problems faced by people living in shanty towns in LEDCs have been tackled (6)

M edi u m q u alit

Modern factories

pe ss y, la n c a h rb g ig u in H ub us s o h

120

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

i Tokyo. (1) The first question is usually very straightforward.

ii Seven. (1) Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Osaka, Paris, Moscow and London. iii The population of cities in LEDCs has grown. (1) The population of cities in MEDCs has remained much the same. (1) Do not be afraid to state the obvious. 2 i There will be a concentration of commercial activities such as shops and offices (1). The cost of land will be very expensive.(1) There will be a concentration of multistorey buildings. (1) People move around mainly on foot. (1) Four separate points are needed. ii The expensive, modern high-rise flats are near to the city centre. The people who live in them will work in the CBD. The poor quality housing with basic amenities may be larger buildings, which are in multi-occupancy, often single males waiting for their families to join them from the countryside. The low cost government housing on the outer edge are former shanty towns which have been improved with the aid of government grants and foreign aid. The shanty towns on the edge of the city are low quality, unplanned houses occupied by recent migrants. (4) Four separate points needed. You are being asked to interpret the diagram. You may make use of case studies to answer this question. iii The poorest quality housing will be near the city centre. There will be a steady improvement in the quality of the housing as you move outwards from the city centre. (2) Two separate points are needed. Other possible answers are: lack of shanty towns and larger areas of suburban housing.

TOTAL 121

ANSWERS & TUTORIALS

SCORE

3 Level 1 Basic (12 marks) Simple statements such as new water supplies, sewerage systems, better built houses. Level 2 Clear (34 marks) There will be reference to a case study by name only, but without any detail, e.g. Nairobi. Only one solution may be considered. There will be some development of the points made. For example, improving the job prospects of the people living in shanty towns, so that there will be more money available. The answer will not say how more jobs are made available or what the benefits are of there being more money around. Level 3 Detailed (56 marks) More than one example used to show the different methods, such as those undertaken by the inhabitants themselves and those used by the government. For example: Site and service schemes (Lusaka, Zambia). Authorities provide basic room and veranda with basic public utilities and infrastructure. Inhabitants are responsible for providing for the rest of their particular familys needs. Kampungs (Djakarta, Indonesia). Government takes over whole districts and improves the environment, i.e. houses, roads, water and sewerage system. Notice that the question asks for more than one solution. This is why you need to read questions very carefully.

TOTAL 122

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HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2001 First published 2001 Paperback ISBN 0 00 710977 6 Nicholas Rowles asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without either the prior permission of the Publisher or a licence permitting restricted copying in the United Kingdom issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd, 90 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P 0LP . This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise be lent, hired out or otherwise circulated without the Publishers prior consent. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this publication is available from the British Library Edited by Stuart Gill Production by Kathryn Botterill Design by Gecko Limited Cover design by Susi-Martin Taylor Acknowledgements The Author and Publishers are grateful to the following for permission to reproduce copyright material: Collins Longman (p. 108); Crown copyright (p. 113) Illustrations Harvey Collins, Gecko Ltd, Joe Little, Mike Parsons

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