Cambridge A Level Geography 9696 — 2016 Oct/Nov Paper 2 · Variant 1

This document consists of 3 printed pages, 1 blank page and 2 Inserts. DC (NH) 114864/2 © UCLES 2016 [Turn over * 0 3 0 8 7 1 0 0 0 3 * GEOGRAPHY 9696/21 Paper 2 Advanced Physical Options October/November 2016 1 hour 30 minutes No Additional Materials are required. READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST An answer booklet is provided inside this question paper. You should follow the instructions on the front cover of the answer booklet. If you need additional answer paper ask the invigilator for a continuation booklet. Answer two questions only. Each question answered must be from a different topic. Sketch maps and diagrams should be drawn whenever they serve to illustrate an answer. You should make reference to appropriate examples studied in the field or the classroom, even where such examples are not specifically requested by the question. All the Photographs and the Figures referred to in the questions are contained in the Insert. The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question. Cambridge International Examinations Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level

2 9696/21/O/N/16 © UCLES 2016 Tropical environments Only one question may be answered from this topic. 1 (a) Photographs A and B show contrasting seasons of a tropical monsoon climate. Describe and explain the contrasting weather experienced during the different seasons of a tropical monsoon climate. [10] (b) With reference to either granite or limestone, assess the importance of structure and composition in the development of landforms in tropical environments. [15] 2 (a) Describe and explain nutrient cycling in tropical rainforest ecosystems and savanna ecosystems. [10] (b) For either a tropical rainforest ecosystem or a savanna ecosystem, explain the need for sustainable management and evaluate the extent to which the management has been successful. [15] Coastal environments Only one question may be answered from this topic. 3 (a) Describe the marine erosion processes of hydraulic action, wave quarrying and corrasion/ abrasion. Explain the factors that make these processes effective in the development of cliffs. [10] (b) For a stretch or stretches of coastline, describe measures that might be considered to solve problems needing sustainable management. Evaluate attempted solutions to the problems. [15] 4 (a) Fig. 1 shows depositional landforms of a lowland coast. Describe and explain the factors and processes which influence the development of landforms A, B and C, shown in Fig. 1. [10] (b) Explain why the conditions required for the growth of coral reefs are under threat. To what extent can the impact of these threats be managed? [15]

3 9696/21/O/N/16 © UCLES 2016 Hazardous environments Only one question may be answered from this topic. 5 (a) Describe the nature and explain the causes of two types of hazardous mass movement. [10] (b) Fig. 2 shows a cross section of a tropical storm (cyclone). Explain the development of tropical storms (cyclones). Evaluate the extent to which the hazardous impacts of tropical storms (cyclones) may be managed. [15] 6 (a) Explain the causes and location of two different types of volcanic eruption. [10] (b) Explain the nature of hazards which may be caused by earthquakes. To what extent is it possible to predict earthquakes? [15] Arid and semi-arid environments Only one question may be answered from this topic. 7 (a) Using three examples, explain how animals are adapted to the climatic characteristics of hot arid environments. [10] (b) Photograph C shows desertification in a semi-arid environment. Outline the processes of desertification. Assess the extent to which desertification is caused by physical factors. [15] 8 (a) Describe the weathering processes that operate in hot arid environments. Explain the results of weathering on rocks. [10] (b) ‘The landforms of desert environments are the result of past climatic conditions.’ To what extent do you agree with this statement? [15]

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