AQA A-Level Geography Paper 1, June 2025: Question 3

Question 3 Coastal systems and landscapes

Total

Qu Part Marking guidance

marks

03 1 Outline processes leading to the formation of sand dunes. 4

AO1=4

Point marked

Allow 1 mark per valid point with extra mark(s) for developed points (d).

For example:

Notes for answers

• Sand dunes can only develop where there is a steady supply of

sediment, ie a large sandy beach (1).

• On beaches with a large tidal range (1) the sand dries at low tide (1)

(d). Onshore wind is required to blow the sand inland (1). Transport

processes such as traction or saltation move the sand (1) (d). It is only

where the sand meets an obstacle such as a dead tree or a rocky

outcrop that the sand starts to collect and the early embryo dune is

formed (1). Mature dunes receive an ongoing supply sediment from

the embryo dune (1). They become colonized by vegetation and

become more stable features (1). More sand is trapped by the

vegetation eg marram grass (1) (d). These dunes change to a grey

colour as more humus is added (1).

The notes for answers are not exhaustive. Credit any valid points.

03 2 Analyse the information shown in Figure 5. 6

AO3=6

AO3 – Responses should accurately analyse the connections and

relationships shown in the data in Figure 5.

Mark scheme

Level 2 (4–6 marks)

AO3 – Clear analysis of a geographical issue or question. Clear

connection(s) between different aspects of the data and evidence.

Level 1 (1–3 marks)

AO3 – Basic analysis of a geographical issue or question. Basic

connection(s) between different aspects of the data and evidence.

Notes for answers

AO3

• In simple terms, the level of risk increases for all locations as global

sea level rises from the low emission scenario to the high emission

scenario.

• The level of risk also increases as the location types move from left to–A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY– –

right. In all cases the maximum possible response leads to a decline

in risk in each location. This is most notable for the high-income

coastal cities and the large tropical agricultural deltas. 19

• Even in the low emissions scenario (0.3–0.58 m sea level rise) most

places are forecast to experience moderate to high impacts.

• At the low emission scenario, there is some decrease in risk between r

and R for any location.

• The small urbanised islands face the greatest threat and even in the

maximum potential response, high significant and widespread risks are

expected.

Credit any other valid analysis.

03 3 Using Figure 6 and your own knowledge, assess the sustainability 6

of management strategies in reducing risk of coastal flooding. AO1=2

AO2=4

AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of sustainable approaches to

coastal flood risk.

AO2 – Application of this knowledge to the novel situation; specifically in

assessing the sustainability of flood risk management

Mark scheme

Level 2 (4–6 marks)

AO1 – Demonstrates clear knowledge and understanding of concepts,

processes, interactions and change.

AO2 – Applies knowledge and understanding to the novel situation

offering clear assessment drawn appropriately from the context provided.

Connections and relationships between different aspects of study are

evident with clear relevance.

Level 1 (1–3 marks)

AO1 – Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of concepts,

processes, interactions, change.

AO2 – Applies limited knowledge and understanding to the novel

situation offering only basic assessment drawn from the context

provided. Connections and relationships between different aspects of

study are basic with limited relevance.

Notes for answers

AO1

• Human intervention in coastal landscapes. Traditional approaches to

coastal flood and erosion risk: soft engineering. Sustainable

approaches to coastal flood risk.

• Case study(ies) of coastal environment(s) at a local scale to illustrate

and analyse fundamental coastal processes, their landscape outcomes

as set out above and engage with field data and challenges

represented in their sustainable management.–A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –

AO2

• The direction of the response will depend upon the supporting material.

• The idea of restoring wetlands is certainly sustainable in principle and

few would argue with the sustainable principles of building green

infrastructure. However, in practice, the viability of such an approach

depends heavily upon the location. In Hornsea (Holderness) for

example, the settlement is built up to the coastline. There is no

physical capacity to restore wetlands and it is not a practical idea.

• The barriers and embankments do apply in Holderness. However,

most would argue that the construction of sea walls, groynes and the

use of rip rap boulders are not part of a sustainable solution, eg those

found in Hornsea. These hard engineering solutions are often heavily

criticised due to a lack of affordability and because they simply do not

work with natural processes.

• Set back lines as part of managed retreat would also not be a viable

solution without substantial loss of developed land which is built up to

the coastline. Managed retreat may be more successful further along

the coast. The caravan park at Hornsea for example is already in a

very precarious position.

• Few could argue with the importance of hazard mapping, evacuation

plans and early warning systems though it is not clear how this would

work in practice.

• In mitigating risk, the likely cost of insurance for properties built on

vulnerable coastlines is likely to be a major barrier to living in these

areas. For example, Fairborne is due to receive no further investment

in coastal defences. Plans are in place to return Fairborne to a tidal

saltmarsh. This may achieve some other sustainable goals, but local

people would simply not agree that this was a sustainable solution for

them.

• The steps of the plan presented in Figure 6 are coherent and logical.

However, the implementation of such a plan would be fraught with

challenges when balanced against the existing situation in most

coastal settlements, certainly in the UK.

– A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY – –

Credit any other valid assessment.

03 4 With reference to one or more coastal environment(s) that you have 20

studied, analyse factors and processes leading to the development AO1=10

of a high energy, erosional coastal landscape. AO2=10

AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of factors leading to a high energy

coastline.

AO2 – Application of knowledge and understanding to analyse factors

and processes leading to a high energy, erosional landscape.

Notes for answers

AO1

• Sources of energy in coastal environments: winds, waves (constructive

and destructive), currents and tides. Low energy and high energy

coasts.

• Sediment sources, cells and budgets.

• Geomorphological processes: weathering, mass movement, erosion,

transportation and deposition.

• Distinctively coastal processes: marine: erosion – hydraulic action,

wave quarrying, corrasion/abrasion, cavitation, solution, attrition;

transportation: traction, suspension (longshore/littoral drift) and

deposition; sub-aerial weathering, mass movement and runoff.

• A variety of landscapes from beyond the UK or may include UK

examples.

• Origin and development of landforms and landscapes of coastal

erosion: cliffs and wave cut platforms, cliff profile features including

caves, arches and stacks; factors and processes in their development.

AO2

• There are a variety of approaches which candidates may take. The

direction of the response will depend on the choice of supporting

material.

• For high energy coastlines it is a combination of factors which has

created the condition for the predominantly erosional landscapes which

dominate. The west coast of Ireland, exposed Atlantic shores of

Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Maritime Canada are some of the

harshest high energy coastal environments in the world.

• Expect to see reference to a range of factors in creating such

environments: large fetch, consistent regular wind direction and local

coastal conditions such as deeper water in close proximity to the coast

itself. Some may consider atmospheric factors such as low-pressure

systems. A large tidal range is another contributing factor to high

energy coasts.

• These factors produce the conditions for high energy, maximum

erosion and risk of flooding.

• In terms of landscape development expect to see reference to the

factors / processes leading to the formation of cliffs, headlands, wave

cut platforms, caves, arches, stacks and stumps.

• The response should be supported by appropriate exemplar material

taken from one or more coastal landscapes.

Credit any other valid approach. Analysis–A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHYshould belogical,sequential– –

and well supported.

22 Marking grid for Question 03.4

Level/ Mark Criteria/Descriptor

Range

Level 4 • Detailed evaluative conclusion that is rational and firmly based on knowledge and

(16–20 understanding which is applied to the context of the question. Interpretations are

marks) comprehensive, sound and coherent (AO2).

• Detailed, coherent and relevant analysis and evaluation in the application of

knowledge and understanding throughout (AO2).

• Full evidence of links between knowledge and understanding to the application of

knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).

• Detailed, highly relevant and appropriate knowledge and understanding of

place(s) and environments used throughout (AO1).

• Full and accurate knowledge and understanding of key concepts, processes and

interactions and change throughout (AO1).

• Detailed awareness of scale and temporal change which is well integrated where

appropriate (AO1).

Level 3 • Clear evaluative conclusion that is based on knowledge and understanding which

(11–15 is applied to the context of the question. Interpretations are generally clear and

marks) support the response in most aspects (AO2).

• Generally clear, coherent and relevant analysis and evaluation in the application

of knowledge and understanding (AO2).

• Generally clear evidence of links between knowledge and understanding to the

application of knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).

• Generally clear and relevant knowledge and understanding of place(s) and

environments (AO1).

• Generally clear and accurate knowledge and understanding of key concepts,

processes and interactions and change (AO1).

• Generally clear awareness of scale and temporal change which is integrated

where appropriate (AO1).

Level 2 • Some sense of an evaluative conclusion partially based upon knowledge and

(6–10 understanding which is applied to the context of the question (AO2).

marks) Interpretations are partial but do support the response in places.

• Some partially relevant analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge

and understanding (AO2).

• Some evidence of links between knowledge and understanding to the application

of knowledge and understanding in different contexts (AO2).

• Some relevant knowledge and understanding of place(s) and environments which

is partially relevant (AO1).

• Some knowledge and understanding of key concepts, processes and interactions

and change. There may be a few inaccuracies (AO1).

• Some awareness of scale and temporal change which is sometimes integrated

where appropriate. There may be a few inaccuracies (AO1).

Level 1 • Very limited and/or unsupported evaluative conclusion that is loosely based upon

(1–5 marks) knowledge and understanding which is applied to the context of the question.

Interpretation is basic (AO2).

• Very limited analysis and evaluation in the application of knowledge and

understanding. This lacks clarity and coherence (AO2).

• Very limited and rarely logical evidence of links between knowledge and

understanding to the application of knowledge and understanding in different

contexts (AO2).

• Very limited relevant knowledge and understanding of place(s) and environments–A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY––

(AO1).

• Isolated knowledge and understanding of key concepts, processes and 23

interactions and change. There may be a number of inaccuracies (AO1).

• Very limited awareness of scale and temporal change which is rarely integrated

where appropriate. There may be a number of inaccuracies (AO1).

Level 0 • Nothing worthy of credit.

(0 marks)