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Analyse the data shown in Figure 1a and Figure 1b - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 1
Analyse the data shown in Figure 1a and Figure 1b. Figure 1a shows the change in Antarctic ice and the relative contribution to sea-level change between 1992 and 20... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Analyse the data shown in Figure 1a and Figure 1b - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Analysis of the overall trend in Figure 1a
Answer
Figure 1a indicates that Antarctic ice has experienced a significant negative mass change over the years, especially from 2002 onwards. The average annual contribution to sea-level rise is approximately 0.4 mm, demonstrating the substantial impact of Antarctic ice melting on global sea levels.
Step 2
Regional variations across Antarctica in Figure 1a
Answer
The data presents that East Antarctica shows relatively stable ice mass compared to West Antarctica, which has undergone a sharper decline. Notably, the Antarctic Peninsula has experienced erratic changes, signifying inconsistencies in ice extent loss.
Step 3
Analysis of changes in ice extent as shown in Figure 1b
Answer
In Figure 1b, the distribution of ice extent reveals that East Antarctica is predominantly stable but some regions are critical. West Antarctica displays more significant reductions, particularly around Pine Island and Thwaites Glaciers, areas known for higher rates of melting.
Step 4
Connections between Figure 1a and Figure 1b
Answer
The relationship between Figures 1a and 1b highlights that regions experiencing the steepest declines in ice mass also correspond to those identified with significant ice extent changes in 2013. The linkage between ice mass reduction and geographic distribution accentuates the urgent issue of ice loss in areas like West Antarctica.