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Analyse the data shown in Figure 3a and Figure 3b - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 2
Analyse the data shown in Figure 3a and Figure 3b. Figure 3a shows the primary productivity in five study areas of northern China which are at different stages of a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Analyse the data shown in Figure 3a and Figure 3b - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify overall patterns in productivity
Answer
The data in Figure 3a indicates a clear trend in primary productivity as the stage of desertification increases. In areas with potential for desertification (PD), productivity is approximately 400 g/m² above ground, which is the highest. As desertification intensifies (moving from LD to VSD), there is a marked decrease in productivity, suggesting that higher desertification correlates with reduced primary productivity.
Step 2
Examine soil particle size distribution
Answer
Figure 3b illustrates the particle size distribution in the five study areas. It shows that areas with higher desertification (SD and VSD) report a notable increase in coarse sand percentages, while the proportions of clay and silt decrease. This change may contribute to a reduction in primary productivity as finer particles are crucial for retaining moisture and nutrients.
Step 3
Analyze specific differences in data
Answer
Specifically, the sharpest drops in productivity are observed in the below-ground productivity measures from PD to LD, where figures tumble from 80 g/m² to approximately 20 g/m². This suggests that soil health declines with increased desertification, restricting the growth potential of plants that rely on below-ground resources.
Step 4
Suggest implications of the data
Answer
The data comparison implies a significant relationship between soil health and productivity. As soil particle sizes shift towards coarser types, loss of fine particles associated with higher productivity can adversely affect vegetation health. Therefore, managing desertification becomes critically important for sustaining primary productivity in these areas.