ALPHA BETA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

AS LEVEL GEOGRAPHY (9696)

ROCKS AND WEATHERING

PAST QUESTIONS 2012 - 2018

1
 MAY/JUNE 2018

PAPER 11

3 Fig. 3.1 shows some possible causes of slope instability.

(a) Using Fig. 3.1, state one human activity which could cause slope instability. [1]

(b) Explain how the human activity stated in (a) could cause slope instability. [3]

(c) With the aid of an annotated diagram, explain how a slope may be modified to reduce mass movements. [6]
[Total: 10]

6 (a) (i) Briefly describe the process of subduction at convergent (destructive) plate boundaries. [3]

(ii) Explain why the process of sea floor spreading only occurs at some tectonic plate boundaries. [4]

(b) Explain how rainfall affects the type and rate of weathering. [8]

(c) With the aid of examples, assess the extent to which the speed of movement is the most important factor in
classifying the types of mass movement. [15] [Total: 30]

2
PAPER 12

3 Fig. 3.1 shows the global distribution of major tectonic plate boundaries.

(a) Using Fig. 3.1, state the type of plate boundary found at:
(i) A; [1]
(ii) B. [1]

(b) Using a diagram, describe the tectonic processes occurring at plate boundary C labelled on Fig. 3.1. [4]

(c) Explain the formation of one landform associated with the type of plate boundary shown at A. [4]
[Total: 10]

6 (a) (i) Define the weathering terms carbonation and pressure release (dilatation). [4]

(ii) Briefly describe how temperature influences rates of weathering. [3]

(b) Using a case study, explain how human activity affects slope stability. [8]

(c) With the aid of examples, assess the extent to which the presence of water is the most important factor in
determining the type of mass movement. [15] [Total: 30]

3
 MAY/JUNE 2017

PAPER 11
3 Photograph A shows some landform features.

(a) Describe the landform features shown in Photograph A. [4]

(b) Explain how the features you have identified in (a) may have been formed. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the weathering terms oxidation and freeze-thaw. [4]
(ii) With the aid of a diagram, describe the main features of a debris flow. [3]
(b) Explain how mass movement processes can affect the shape of a slope. [8]
(c) Discuss the view that strong chemical weathering only occurs in climates of high annual precipitation.[10]

PAPER 12
3 Photograph B shows a mass movement.

(a) (i) Name the type of mass movement shown in Photograph B. [1]
(ii) Describe the evidence that suggests the mass movement shown in Photograph B has recently occurred.[3]
(b) Explain how a mass movement, such as that shown in Photograph B, may occur. [6]

4
9 (a) (i) Define the weathering terms organic action and chelation. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how human activity can increase acid rain. [3]
(b) Describe the processes and explain the landforms produced at divergent plate boundaries. [8]
(c) Discuss the view that strong physical weathering only occurs in climates of extreme temperature. [10]

PAPER 13

3 Photograph A shows a mass movement.

(a) Draw a labelled diagram of the main features of the mass movement shown in Photograph A. [4]
(b) Explain how the mass movement shown in Photograph A could have occurred. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the weathering terms exfoliation and oxidation. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the process of freeze-thaw weathering. [3]
(b) Explain the relationship between the rate of chemical weathering and climate. [8]
(c) ‘Subduction is the most important factor in the formation of landforms at convergent plate margins.’
How far do you agree? [10]

5
 OCT/NOV 2017

PAPER 11
3 Photograph A shows a type of mass movement.

(a) Describe the main features of the mass movement shown in Photograph A. [4]
(b) Explain why the mass movement shown in Photograph A might have occurred. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms chelation and hydration. [4]

(ii) Briefly explain how heating and cooling may lead to the weathering of rocks. [3]

(b) With the aid of a diagram, describe and explain the landforms associated with the convergence of an oceanic
plate and a continental plate. [8]

(c) To what extent is the weathering of either granite or limestone the result of its chemical composition? [10]

6
PAPER 12
3 Fig. 3 shows a type of mass movement.

(a) (i) Name the mass movement shown in Fig. 3. [1]

(ii) Briefly explain how the mass movement shown in Fig. 3 occurs. [3]
(b) Explain how climate affects the rate of mass movement. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the weathering terms hydrolysis and carbonation. [4]
(ii) Describe the weathering process of salt crystal growth. [3]
(b) With the aid of a diagram, explain how the movement of tectonic plates can lead to the formation of
mountains. [8]
(c) Assess the importance of rock type in affecting the type and intensity of weathering. [10]

PAPER 13

3 Fig. 3 shows two different mass movements.

(a) Describe the main differences in the features of the landslide and the mudflow shown in Fig. 3. [4]
(b) Explain why mudflows occur. [6]

7
9 (a) (i) Define the terms oxidation and solution. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how organic action may lead to the weathering of rocks. [3]
(b) With the aid of a diagram, describe and explain the processes and landforms associated with sea floor
spreading. [8]
(c) To what extent do human activities affect slopes? [10]

MAY/JUNE 2016

P11

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 2 shows the dominant type of weathering in different climates.

(a) Using Fig. 2, state:

(i) the dominant type of weathering which occurs at 20 °C and 1000 mm rainfall; [1]
(ii) the lowest temperature at which strong chemical weathering is dominant; [1]
(iii) the range of temperature over which moderate chemical weathering with frost action is dominant. [2]

(b) Explain how temperature influences weathering. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the weathering terms hydration and freeze-thaw. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how organic action can weather rocks. [3]

(b) Explain the influence of rock type on the nature and rate of weathering. [8]

(c) Examine the significance of subduction in the formation of tectonic landforms. [10]

8
P12

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 2 shows features associated with a plate boundary.

(a) (i) Name the type of plate boundary shown in Fig. 2. [1]
(ii) Name the feature found at A. [1]
(iii) Name the process occurring at B. [1]
(b) Explain why earthquakes may occur in the area shown in Fig. 2. [3]
(c) Explain how fold mountains are formed, such as those shown in Fig. 2. [4]

9 (a) (i) Define the weathering terms oxidation and hydrolysis. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe how limestone is weathered by carbonation. [3]
(b) With the aid of a diagram or diagrams, explain the formation of island arcs and ocean ridges. [8]
(c) Explain the extent to which temperature affects the weathering of granite. [10]

9
P13

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 2 shows types of mass movement.

(a) Using Fig. 2, identify:

(i) mass movement A; [1]
(ii) mass movement B; [1]
(iii) mass movement C; [1]
(iv) the rate of movement at D. [1]
(b) Describe and explain differences between flows and slides. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms sea floor spreading and divergent plate boundaries. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe one landform found on a convergent plate boundary. [3]
(b) With the aid of diagrams, explain how rock type and structure may influence the development of slopes. [8]
(c) To what extent does the type of human activity affect the stability of slopes? [10]

10
 OCT/NOV 2016

P11

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 1 shows some features associated with the movement of tectonic plates.

(a) Using Fig. 1, name:

(i) feature A; [1]

(ii) feature B; [1]
(iii) process C; [1]
(iv) process D. [1]
(b) With the aid of a diagram, explain how fold mountains can be formed by the convergence of an oceanic plate
and a continental plate. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms exfoliation and pressure release. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the weathering process of wetting and drying. [3]
(b) Describe the weathering processes hydrolysis and carbonation and explain how climate affects these
processes. [8]
(c) With the aid of diagrams, assess the extent to which mass movements can affect the shape of slopes. [10]

11
P12

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 2 is a diagram which relates climate to types of weathering.

(a) Using Fig. 2, name the dominant type of weathering at A and at B. [2]
(b) Explain why strong physical weathering occurs in the area shown in Fig. 2. [4]
(c) In what type of climate does very slight weathering occur? Explain why weathering would be limited in such
a climate. [4]

9 (a) (i) Define the mass movement terms heave and flow. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe how rock falls can affect the shape of slopes. [3]
(b) Explain how human activity affects mass movement on slopes. [8]
(c) ‘The type of plate boundary determines the tectonic landforms produced.’ How far do you agree? [10]

12
P13

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 3 shows some processes and features of mass movements.

(a) Identify:
(i) mass movement A; [1]
(ii) mass movement B; [1]
(iii) mass movement C; [1]
(iv) feature D. [1]
(b) Briefly explain how human activities can both increase and decrease mass movements on slopes. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms sea floor spreading and island arcs. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain the process of subduction. [3]
(b) For either granite or limestone, explain how physical structure and chemical composition of
the rock influences its weathering. [8]
(c) ‘Volcanic activity occurs at all tectonic plate margins.’
How far do you agree? [10]

13
 MAY/JUNE 2015

P11

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 2 shows some types of mass movement.

(a) (i) Name the type of mass movement shown in Fig. 2 that has the slower movement and the
highest water content. [1]
(ii) Name the type of mass movement shown in Fig. 2 that has the faster movement and the
lowest water content. [1]
(b) Explain how heave might contribute to soil creep. [3]
(c) Explain how a rotational slide, such as in Fig. 2, occurs and describe its effect upon slope shape. [5]

9 (a) (i) Define sea floor spreading and ocean ridge. [4]
(ii) Describe an island arc. [3]
(b) Draw a labelled diagram showing the convergence of an oceanic plate and a continental plate. Explain the
processes occurring and the types of landforms produced. [8]
(c) Explain the factors and processes that are most effective in the weathering of granite and limestone. [10]

14
P12

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 2 shows a boundary between two tectonic plates.

(a) Using Fig. 2:

(i) Name the type of tectonic plate marked A. [1]
(ii) Name the type of tectonic plate marked B. [1]
(iii) Name the landform marked C. [1]
(iv) Name the landform marked D. [1]
(b) Explain the processes occurring and the landforms produced at the type of plate boundary shown in Fig. 2.[6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms flow and slide as they apply to mass movement. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how heave occurs. [3]
(b) Using diagrams, show how human activities can affect slope stability. [8]
(c) Explain how climate and rock type contribute to the weathering of rocks. [10]

15
P13

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 3 shows features associated with processes of plate movement.

(a) Using Fig. 3, identify the features labelled:

(i) W, [1]
(ii) X. [1]
(b) Using Fig. 3, identify the processes labelled:
(i) Y, [1]
(ii) Z. [1]
(c) Explain the formation of mountain ranges and island arcs. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms flows and slides as they apply to mass movement on slopes. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe how flows can affect the shape of slopes. [3]

(b) Explain the influence of climate on the weathering of rocks. [8]

(c) Assess the extent to which human activities can affect the stability of slopes. [10]

16
 OCT/NOV 2015

P11

Rocks and weathering

3 Photograph A shows a large rock fall.

(a) Describe the physical features of the cliff face and rock fall shown in Photograph A. [4]

(b) Explain the factors and processes that may lead to rock falls. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms subduction and convection currents as they apply to plate tectonics. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain the formation of ocean ridges. [3]

(b) Describe the nature and effectiveness of physical weathering processes in different climates. [8]

(c) Describe the properties of granite and examine the relationships between its chemical composition and
physical structure and the way in which it is weathered. [10]

17
P12

Rocks and weathering

3 Photograph A shows a mudflow.

(a) With the aid of a diagram, identify the main features of the mudflow shown in Photograph A. [4]
(b) Explain how mudflows occur. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms continental plate and oceanic plate. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the process of sea floor spreading. [3]
(b) With the aid of a diagram, explain how plate tectonics can lead to mountain building. [8]
(c) Explain the extent to which rock type, climate and vegetation can influence the development of slopes. [10]

18
P13

Rocks and weathering

3 Photograph A shows a mass movement.

(a) With the aid of a diagram, identify the main features of the mass movement shown in Photograph A. [4]
(b) Explain the factors that may affect slope instability. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the weathering terms pressure release and carbonation. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain the weathering process of wetting and drying. [3]

(b) With the aid of a labelled diagram, explain the formation of landforms at the convergent (destructive) plate
margin formed by the meeting of two oceanic plates. [8]

(c) Explain how granite is weathered and examine the extent to which this is influenced by its physical structure
and chemical composition. [10]

19
 MAY/JUNE 2014

P11

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 3 shows the relationships between weathering, climate and depth of weathered material.

(a) (i) State the difference in metres between the greatest depth of weathered material in the area of strong
physical weathering and in the area of strong chemical weathering. [1]
(ii) State the range of mean annual precipitation shown in the area of strong chemical weathering. [1]
(b) Briefly describe one type of weathering process that might occur in the area of strong physical weathering.
[3]
(c) Explain why the greatest depth of weathered material is found in the area of strong chemical weathering. [5]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms heave and slide as they apply to mass movements. [4]
(ii) Describe how a mud flow occurs. [3]
(b) With the aid of diagrams, explain how ocean ridges and ocean trenches are formed. [8]
(c) To what extent do rock type, vegetation and human activities affect the shape of slopes? [10]

20
P12

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 3 shows a classification of some types of mass movement.

(a) (i) Name the form of mass movement in Fig. 3 which has a fast rate of movement and is dry. [1]
(ii) Name the mass movement on Fig. 3 which has a moderate rate of movement and high water content. [1]
(b) Name the two conditions shown on Fig. 3 under which soil creep occurs. [2]
(c) Explain how the processes of heave, slide and flow produce the types of mass movement shown in Fig. 3. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms spheroidal weathering and salt crystal growth. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe how pressure release might contribute to the weathering of rocks. [3]
(b) Explain how chemical weathering occurs in granite and limestone rocks. [8]
(c) Explain how landforms are produced at the convergence of a continental plate and an oceanic plate. [10]

21
P13

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 3 shows the relationship between moisture conditions, speed and the type of mass movement.

(a) Using Fig. 3 identify which type of mass movement is most likely to occur:
(i) at a fast speed, when conditions are wet, [1]
(ii) at a slow speed, when conditions are dry. [1]
(b) Describe one of the mass movements you identified in (a). [2]
(c) Explain the impact that human activities can have on slope stability. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms hydration and carbonation as they apply to weathering processes. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe how temperature affects chemical weathering processes. [3]
(b) Describe the factors influencing physical weathering in different climates. [8]
(c) With the aid of diagrams, discuss the role of sea floor spreading in the formation of tectonic landforms. [10]

22
 OCT/NOV 2014

P11

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 3 shows some features associated with plate tectonics.

(a) Identify the features labelled:

(i) W, [1]
(ii) X. [1]
(b) Identify the process occurring at:
(i) Y, [1]
(ii) Z. [1]
(c) Explain how fold mountains are formed at tectonic plate margins. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms chelation and hydrolysis. [4]

(ii) Briefly describe the process of pressure release (dilatation). [3]
(b) Explain how vegetation, gradient and aspect may affect the nature and intensity of weathering. [8]
(c) To what extent is mass movement on slopes the result of human activities rather than natural processes? [10]

P13
Rocks and weathering
3 Fig. 3 shows the variation of temperature, precipitation and depth of weathering with latitude.

(a) Name the most likely weathering process that occurs in low-latitude deserts. [1]
(b) Briefly describe how the depth of weathering is related to temperature and precipitation. [3]

23
(c) Explain how the properties of either granite or limestone affect the operation of physical and chemical
weathering processes. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms heave and fall as they apply to mass movement. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe how a mud flow can affect the shape of slopes. [3]
(b) Explain how human activities may affect the type and intensity of mass movements on slopes. [8]
(c) With the aid of diagrams explain how the movement of tectonic plates leads to the formation of ocean
trenches and ocean ridges. [10]

MAY/JUNE 2013

P11

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 3 shows a map of a plate boundary.

(a) (i) Identify the type of plate boundary shown on Fig. 3. [1]
(ii) Identify the type of plates shown on Fig. 3. [1]
(b) (i) Draw a labelled cross section diagram showing this type of plate boundary and its associated landforms.
[4]
(ii) Briefly explain the formation of this type of plate boundary and landforms. [4]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms humic acid and chelation. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how hydration weathers rock. [3]

(b) With the aid of diagrams show how

(i) rock slides and
(ii) mud flows
occur and can affect the shape of slopes. [8]

(c) Explain to what extent climate, vegetation and relief influence the weathering of limestone. [10]

24
P12

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 3 shows some landforms at a plate boundary.

(a) (i) Identify the type of plate boundary shown on Fig. 3. [1]
(ii) Identify the type of tectonic plates shown on Fig. 3. [1]
(b) (i) Draw a labelled cross section diagram showing this type of plate boundary and its associated landforms.
[4]
(ii) Briefly explain the formation of this type of plate boundary and its associated landforms. [4]

9 (a) (i) Define the mass movement terms earth flow and rock fall. [4]

(ii) Briefly describe the process of heave. [3]

(b) With the aid of labelled diagrams, explain the physical and chemical weathering of limestone rocks. [8]

(c) Explain the extent to which human activities can affect the weathering of rocks and the shape of slopes. [10]

25
P13

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 3 shows different features associated with processes of mass movement.

(a) (i) Identify the process labelled A. [1]

(ii) Identify the process labelled B. [1]

(b) For the mass movement labelled B, explain how this mass movement has occurred. [4]

(c) Discuss the impact of mass movements such as these on the shape and stability of slopes. [4]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms freeze-thaw and pressure release as they apply to weathering processes. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how vegetation contributes to weathering. [3]

(b) Explain the processes involved in the weathering of limestone. [8]

(c) Discuss the extent to which different types of weathering are effective in different climates. [10]

26
 OCT/NOV 2013

P11

Rocks and weathering

3 Photograph A shows a mass movement in East Yorkshire, UK.

(a) (i) Name feature X. [1]

(ii) Name feature Y. [1]
(iii) Name the type of mass movement. [1]
(b) Describe the effect of the mass movement on the shape of the slope shown in Photograph A. [3]
(c) Explain why a mass movement such as this may have occurred. [4]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms salt crystal growth and hydration. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the process of exfoliation. [3]
(b) Explain how human activities may affect the nature and intensity of weathering. [8]
(c) With the aid of diagrams, explain how the movement of tectonic plates leads to the formation of mid-ocean
ridges and island arcs. [10]

27
P13

Rocks and weathering

3 Photograph A shows a rock cliff (free face) marked X and a debris slope (scree) marked Y.

(a) Briefly describe the nature of:

(i) the rock cliff, [2] and
(ii) the debris slope. [2]
(b) Explain how rock type and structure may influence mass movement. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms flows and slides as they apply to mass movement. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe how slides can affect the shape of slopes. [3]
(b) Explain how the development of slopes is affected by climate and vegetation. [8]
(c) Using a diagram or diagrams, show how ocean trenches and mountains may develop at a convergent plate
boundary. [10]

28
 MAY/JUNE 2012

P11

Rocks and weathering

3 Table 1 shows two processes of chemical weathering.

(a) (i) Name the weathering process in A. [1]

(ii) Name the weathering process in B. [1]
(b) Briefly describe how climate can aid the operation of one of the processes shown in Table 1. [3]
(c) Explain how the processes shown in Table 1 weather rock. [5]

9 (a) (i) Define the terms continental plate and oceanic plate. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the formation of a mid-ocean ridge. [3]

(b) With the help of a diagram, explain the formation of landforms at the destructive plate margin formed by the
meeting of two oceanic plates. [8]

(c) Describe the physical factors that can make a slope become unstable. To what extent can human activities
affect slope stability? [10]

29
P12

Rocks and weathering

3 Fig. 3 shows a destructive (convergent) plate boundary.

(a) Identify:
(i) the type of tectonic plate marked A; [1]
(ii) the landform marked B; [1]
(iii) the feature marked C; [1]
(iv) the zone marked D. [1]
(b) Explain the processes occurring at this plate boundary and how the landforms B and C are produced. [6]

9 (a) (i) Define the weathering terms hydration and oxidation. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe how humic acids can affect the weathering of rocks. [3]
(b) With the help of a diagram, explain how landslides can occur and describe their effects upon slopes. [8]
(c) To what extent do different types of weathering occur under different climatic conditions? [10]

30