OCR A-Level Geography Geographical debates (03), June 2025: Question 20

33 marks · Hard difficulty · Extended Response

Evaluate the extent to which earthquakes generate distinctive hazards.

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Question text

Evaluate the extent to which earthquakes generate distinctive hazards. [33]

Mark scheme

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Question Answer Mark Guidance

Evaluate the extent to which earthquakes generate 33 Indicative content AO1 – 9 marks

distinctive hazards. AO1 x9

AO2 Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of hazards generated

AO1 x24 by earthquakes could potentially include:

Level 4 (7–9 marks) • Variety of earthquake activity → shallow- / deep-focus

Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and understanding of • Ground shaking and displacement, liquefaction, landslides

hazards generated by earthquakes. and avalanches, tsunamis, flooding.

• Contrasts amongst plate boundaries.

Level 3 (5–6 marks) • All movements of magma generate seismic activity.

Demonstrates thorough knowledge and understanding of • Some human activity generates seismic activity e.g. mine

hazards generated by earthquakes. collapse, shale gas fracking.

Level 2 (3–4 marks) AO2 – 24 marks

Demonstrates reasonable knowledge and understanding of Application of knowledge and understanding to analyse and

hazards generated by earthquakes. evaluate the extent to which earthquakes generate distinctive

hazards could potentially include:

Level 1 (1–2 marks) • Measures of ‘distinctive’ could be between earthquake

Demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of hazards events, or in comparison to volcanic eruptions. Accept

generated by earthquakes. either argument.

• Magnitude an important factor BUT earthquakes don’t exist

0 marks in isolation from other factors e.g. geology, relief, climate,

No response or no response worthy of credit. human factors.

• Earthquakes produce ground shaking – distinctive to

AO2

earthquakes alone. Range of shaking in different

Level 4 (19–24 marks)

earthquake events – smaller events can be caused by

Demonstrates comprehensive application of knowledge and human activity e.g. mining, however larger events of

understanding to provide a clear, developed and convincing ground shaking only caused by earthquakes.

analysis that is fully accurate of how earthquakes generate

• Displacement, rifts, fault lines also unique to earthquakes.

distinctive hazards.

• Liquefaction unique to earthquakes, no other tectonic

Demonstrates comprehensive application of knowledge and hazard causes this – can be man-made (e.g. Tokyo – land

understanding to provide a detailed and substantiated evaluation reclamation) or natural (e.g. Mexico City) – largely related

that offers secure judgements leading to rational conclusions that to geology.

are evidence based as to the extent to which earthquakes • Other hazards produce landslides and avalanches e.g.

generate distinctive hazards. heavy rainfall events or thawing / freezing temperatures –

largely related to relief and geology e.g. Nepal 2015.

Relevant concepts are authoritatively discussed. • Tsunamis can also be caused by volcanic eruptions e.g.

Mark Scheme Tonga 2022, although nearly all eruptions accompanied byJune 2025

Level 3 (13–18 marks) seismic activity. However, larger tsunamis generally

Demonstratesunderstanding to provide a clear and developed analysis thatthoroughapplicationofknowledgeand • Earthquakescreated by earthquakes e.g. Japan 2011alsogenerateeffectson. landforms and

shows accuracy of how earthquakes generate distinctive 53 landscapes, including the development of escarpments

hazards. and rift valleys.

Demonstrates thorough application of knowledge and

understanding to provide a detailed evaluation that offers

generally secure judgements, with some link between rational

conclusions as to the extent to which earthquakes generate

distinctive hazards.

Relevant concepts are discussed but this may lack some

authority.

Level 2 (7–12 marks)

Demonstrates reasonable application of knowledge and

understanding to provide a sound analysis that shows some

accuracy of how earthquakes generate distinctive hazards.

Demonstrates reasonable application of knowledge and

understanding to provide a sound evaluation that offers

generalised judgements and conclusions, with limited use of

evidence as to the extent to which earthquakes generate

distinctive hazards.

Concepts are discussed but their use lacks precision.

Level 1 (1–6 marks)

Demonstrates basic application of knowledge and understanding

to provide a simple analysis that shows limited accuracy of how

earthquakes generate distinctive hazards.

Demonstrates basic application of knowledge and understanding to

provide an un-supported evaluation that offers simple conclusions

as to the extent to which earthquakes generate distinctive hazards.

Concepts are not discussed or are so inaccurately.

0 marks

No response or no response worthy of credit.

Mark Scheme June 2025

Quality of extended response

Level 4 54

There is a well-developed line of reasoning which is clear and

logically structured. The information presented is relevant and

substantiated.

Level 3

There is a line of reasoning presented with some structure. The

information presented is in the most-part relevant and supported by

some evidence.

Level 2

The information has some relevance and is presented with

limited structure. The information is supported by limited

evidence.

Level 1

The information is basic and communicated in an unstructured way.

The information is supported by limited evidence and the relationship

to the evidence may not be clear.

Assessment Objectives (AO) grid

Candidates answer two of questions 1 to 5, two of questions 6 to 10 and two of questions 11 to 15. This has been considered in the totals indicated

below.

Question AO1 AO2 AO3 Marks

1a 0 0 3 3

1b 6 0 0 6

2a 0 0 3 3

2b 6 0 0 6

3a 0 0 3 3

3b 6 0 0 6

4a 0 0 3 3

4b 6 0 0 6

5a 0 0 3 3

5b 6 0 0 6

66 6 0 12

76 55 6 0 12

86 6 0 12

96 6 0 12

10 6 6 0 12

9 24 0 33

Total 42 60 6 108

How to answer it

Evaluating the Distinctiveness of Earthquake Hazards

OCR A-Level Geography • Paper 1 / Component 01 • Question 20* • 33 Marks

What this question tests

This 33-mark synoptic essay assesses your ability to critically appraise seismic processes and the specific nature of earthquake hazards under Topic 1.2 (Earth's Life Support Systems / Global Systems / Hazardous Earth).

AO1 (9 Marks): Depth and breadth of physical geographic knowledge regarding primary hazards (ground shaking, surface rupture/displacement, fault scarps) and secondary hazards (liquefaction, landslides, tsunamis), including focal depth, plate boundary dynamics, and human-induced seismicity.
AO2 (24 Marks): Synoptic evaluation deconstructing the key term "distinctive"—interrogating whether hazards are unique to earthquakes versus other tectonic/geomorphic events, and evaluating how hazard profiles vary distinctively between different earthquake events due to geology, relief, and magnitude.

Question 20* Breakdown

"Evaluate the extent to which earthquakes generate distinctive hazards." [33 marks]

💡 Key Knowledge (AO1)

Primary Hazards: Ground shaking via P, S, and Love/Rayleigh surface waves; crustal fault displacement creating scarps and grabens.
Secondary Hazards:
- Liquefaction: Saturated unconsolidated soils lose shear strength during cyclic loading, behaving as a viscous fluid.
- Mass Movement: Rockfalls, landslides, and avalanches caused by shear stress exceeding slope shear strength.
- Tsunamis: Vertical displacement of water column via seafloor thrust faulting (subduction megathrusts).
Focal Depth & Boundaries: Shallow-focus (<70 km) conservative/convergent events generate high-energy surface rupture; deep-focus Wadati-Benioff zones attenuate before causing severe surface hazards.
Non-Tectonic Seismicity: Fracking, reservoir-induced seismicity, and deep-mine collapse create localized, shallow ground tremors.

🧠 Exam Technique (AO2 Mastery)

The mark scheme heavily weights AO2 (24 marks). Success hinges on how you define and dissect "distinctive":

Dimension 1: Are these hazards unique compared to other hazard types?
• Highly distinctive: Crustal displacement, fault rupture, and liquefaction are virtually unique to earthquakes.
• Not distinctive: Tsunamis can be triggered by volcanic eruptions (e.g. Hunga Tonga 2022, Krakatoa 1883) or submarine landslides. Mass movement is routinely triggered by heavy rainfall/monsoons.
Dimension 2: Are hazards distinctive from one earthquake to another?
Earthquakes do not generate a uniform hazard signature. Hazards vary dramatically based on:
• Local Geology: Solid bedrock vs. alluvial basins (e.g., 1985 Mexico City lacustrine clay amplification).
• Topography: Mountainous terrain amplifies landslides (Nepal 2015), whereas coastal plains experience tsunami inundation (Tohoku 2011).

✅ High-Scoring Essay Blueprint (Level 4: 29–33 Marks)

Introduction: Define "distinctive" as twofold: (1) hazards unique to seismic events compared to volcanic/meteorological events, and (2) hazards that vary uniquely between individual earthquakes depending on magnitude, depth, and environmental setting.
Paragraph 1 (Truly Distinctive Primary Hazards): Discuss crustal ground rupture and high-frequency ground shaking. Emphasize that while volcanic tremors cause localized rumbling, widespread crustal displacement and Rayleigh waves are unique to major seismic fault ruptures.
Paragraph 2 (Liquefaction – Distinctive but Geologically Contingent): Explain liquefaction as a uniquely seismic hazard requiring cyclic shearing, but evaluate how its occurrence is dictated by superficial geology (e.g., Christchurch 2011, reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay) rather than earthquake magnitude alone.
Paragraph 3 (Shared / Non-Distinctive Hazards): Evaluate tsunamis and mass movements. Contrast earthquake-triggered landslides (Gorkha, Nepal 2015) with rainfall-triggered events. Highlight that tsunamis are also produced by volcanic collapses and caldera collapses, proving they are not exclusive to earthquakes.
Paragraph 4 (Intra-Earthquake Distinctiveness): Compare shallow destructive vs. deep subduction events and contrast tectonic with anthropogenic induced seismicity (e.g., shale gas hydraulic fracturing vs. plate margin megathrusts).
Conclusion: Deliver a substantiated final judgment: Earthquakes produce highly distinctive primary kinematic hazards, but secondary hazards overlap significantly with hydro-meteorological and volcanic hazards.

❌ Common Errors to Avoid

Narrative Case Study Dumping: Writing endless descriptions of the 2010 Haiti or 2011 Tohoku earthquakes without directly addressing whether the hazards were distinctive.
Single-Interpretation Trap: Only comparing earthquakes to volcanoes, or only comparing one earthquake to another. The strongest candidates combine both angles.
Ignoring Physical Mechanisms: Mentioning liquefaction without explaining the pore water pressure increase and loss of shear resistance in unconsolidated sediment.
Absolute Statements: Claiming tsunamis are "earthquake-only" hazards (ignoring volcanic flank collapses like Anak Krakatau 2018 or explosive eruptions like Hunga Tonga 2022).

📐 Evaluative Framework: How to Structure Distinctiveness Judgements

Use this 3-tier comparative matrix in your body paragraphs to consistently hit Level 4 AO2 marks:

Step 1: Identify the Hazard (e.g., Liquefaction / Tsunami / Slope Failure).
Step 2: Assess Uniqueness to Earthquakes
Question: Does any other natural process create this hazard in the same manner?
Evidence: Liquefaction requires cyclic shear shaking (unique); tsunamis require rapid water displacement (shared with volcanic eruptions & submarine slumps).
Step 3: Evaluate Interacting Local Catalysts
Question: Is the severity driven by seismic magnitude or local environmental variables?
Evidence: High-magnitude quakes in crystalline bedrock produce zero liquefaction; moderate quakes in saturated silt produce catastrophic building collapse.
Step 4: Reach an Explicit AO2 Verdict
Verdict phrase: "Therefore, while the mechanical trigger is distinctive, the spatial expression of the hazard is primarily governed by lithology and geomorphology."

Examiner Insight & Marking Standards:
• Level 4 (AO1: 7–9 marks, AO2: 19–24 marks | Total: 26–33): Comprehensive, authoritatively discussed concepts. Judgements on distinctiveness are sustained throughout, supported by varied, precise case evidence. Clear, logically structured line of reasoning.
• Level 3 (AO1: 5–6 marks, AO2: 13–18 marks | Total: 18–25): Thorough knowledge; addresses distinctiveness but may revert to describing disaster impacts/responses rather than hazard characteristics.
• Level 2 & 1 (<18 marks): Descriptive accounts of earthquakes with weak or superficial links to the concept of "distinctive hazards".

Topics

Topic 3.5 Hazardous Earth · 3.a. There is a variety of earthquake activity and resultant landforms and landscapes. · 3.b. Earthquakes generate distinctive hazards.

Question and mark scheme from the OCR A-Level Geography examination, Geographical debates (03), June 2025. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.