A LevelGeographyAQAExam QuestionsHazardsVolcanic Hazards

Volcanic Hazards (AQA A Level Geography): Exam Questions

Exam code: 7037

2 hours14 questions
Easy
Medium
Hard
1
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1 mark

Identify which is the method for measuring the size of a volcanic eruption?

[1}

  • Volcanoes can be monitored by considering the seismic activity and the amount of gases being released. Infrared cameras can also be used to detect magma movement.

  • A logarithmic scale where the energy release is proportional to the scale of the event. Each unit of increase on the scale equates to approximately 30 times the increase in energy, mainly felt through vibration.

  • A qualitative scale which measures the impact of the event. The scale has 12 points. At each point there is a description which increases in severity through to total destruction.

  • A logarithmic scale which offers an indication of the explosiveness of events. It is a way of classifying events by volume of material produced and frequency of events.

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2
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1 mark

Which of the following volcanic hazard is being appropriately managed?

[1]

  • The nuée ardente can be sprayed with sea water. This dramatically reduces the temperature of the gases contained within the cloud, leading to significantly reduced risk.

  • Lahars can be controlled by geological surveys and drilling to stabilise hillslopes in affected areas. This reduces the likelihood of rockfall.

  • In certain types of eruptions, lava can be safely channelled away from places of high risk. This can be achieved using explosives and artificially dug channels.

  • Liquefaction can be managed by geological surveys which can be used to create hazard maps. These maps can then be used by planners to create exclusion zones.

Choose your answer

3
4 marks

Outline the volcanic hazards associated with stratovolcanoes (composite volcanoes).

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4
4 marks

Outline the global distribution of volcanic hazards.

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5
4 marks

Outline how volcanic eruptions can be predicted.

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1
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6 marks

Figure 14 and Figure 15 show information about an ash cloud following the eruption of an Icelandic volcano in 2010.

Figure 14

fig-14-paper1-specimen-aqa-alevel-geography

Figure 15

fig-15-paper1-specimen-aqa-alevel-geography

Using Figure 14 and Figure 15, assess the scale of the eruption.

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2
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6 marks

Figure 9a shows data related to the eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai’i, USA, on 24 May 2018.

Figure 9b shows a satellite image of the same eruption.

Figure 9a

Data related to the eruption Kīlauea Volcano, 24 May 2018

fig-9a-paper1-june2019-aqa-alevel-geography

Figure 9b

Satellite image of the eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, 24 May 2018

fig-9b-paper1-june2019-aqa-alevel-geography

Using Figure 9a and Figure 9b, analyse the data shown.

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3
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6 marks

Figure 9, on the insert, shows data related to seismic activity and vertical motion in the Yellowstone caldera in the USA. Sour Creek (SC) is a resurgent dome in the Yellowstone caldera in the USA. A resurgent dome is formed by swelling or rising of a caldera floor due to movement in the magma chamber beneath it.

Figure 10, on the insert, shows a map of Yellowstone: volcanic vents active since the last caldera collapse 640 000 years ago; earthquakes recorded between 2003 and 2008; faults; and ground deformation between 2004–2006.

fig-9-inserts-paper1-june2018-aqa-alevel-geography
fig-10-inserts-paper1-june2018-aqa-alevel-geography

Analyse the data shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10.

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4
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9 marks

How far do you agree that secondary impacts of volcanic eruptions present a greater long-term threat to people than primary impacts?

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5
9 marks

How far do you agree that mudflows are more hazardous than nuées ardentes?

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6
9 marks

Figure 10 shows data related to the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai submarine volcanic eruption and tsunami on 14 January 2022.

Infographic map of Tonga showing islands, displaced people by green circles, location of Hunga Tonga volcano, and statistics on humanitarian and environmental impacts
Figure 10 - data related to the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai submarine volcanic eruption and tsunami on 14 January 2022

Using Figure 10 and your own knowledge, assess challenges in responding to this event.

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1
20 marks

With reference to a multi-hazardous environment that you have studied, assess the view:

'The impacts of living in a multi-hazardous environment are primarily the result of physical factors rather than human factors.'

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2
20 marks

'The magnitude of a volcanic eruption is the most important factor in determining its impact.'

To what extent do you agree?

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3
20 marks

Assess the importance of prediction and monitoring in reducing the impacts of volcanic eruptions.

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