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Analyse the data shown in Figure 7a, Figure 7b and Figure 7c - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
Analyse the data shown in Figure 7a, Figure 7b and Figure 7c. Figure 7a shows the number of days where ablation exceeds accumulation across the Greenland ice sheet ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Analyse the data shown in Figure 7a, Figure 7b and Figure 7c - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Analysis of Figure 7a: Number of Days Where Ablation Exceeds Accumulation
Answer
In Figure 7a, the data indicates that the ice sheet is experiencing melting across all peripheral areas. The number of days where ablation exceeds accumulation shows significant variability, with some areas experiencing up to 250 days of ablation. This suggests that the ablation rates are notably high, particularly in the southern region of Greenland.
Step 2
Analysis of Figure 7b: Melt Day Anomaly
Answer
Figure 7b reveals the anomalies in melt days compared to the 1981–2010 average. The melt days are significantly higher in the southern part of Greenland, with some areas experiencing an anomaly of up to 15–25 days. This higher frequency of melting days highlights the increased impact of climate change on the ice sheet.
Step 3
Analysis of Figure 7c: Percentage of Greenland Ice Sheet Experiencing Melting
Answer
According to Figure 7c, the percentage of the Greenland ice sheet experiencing melting in 2017 reached substantial levels. The 2017 data shows a marked increase compared to the 1981–2010 average, indicating an upward trend in melting. This substantial deviation from the median underscores the ongoing and intensifying effects of global warming on the ice sheet.