2.1 Refer to FIGURE 2.1 showing the distribution of temperature over an urban area - NSC Geography - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1

Area A consists of more artificial surfaces.

The temperature decreases from A to B.

The general horizontal surface air movement will be from B to A.

The evaporation rate is higher in area B.

There are more hygroscopic nuclei in area A, therefore it will experience a greater cloud cover.

Transpiration is higher in area B.

Area A is likely to experience more precipitation.

The point of origin of a river is referred to as source (D).

The high-lying area separating two drainage basins is referred to as watershed (A).

This area is called confluence (H).

This flat area next to a river is termed floodplain (B).

This is referred to as a drainage basin (E).

This point is known as the mouth (C).

The area drained by a river system is referred to as a catchment area (G).

The mid-latitude cyclone developed in the Southern Hemisphere.

The air movement in this diagram implies clockwise circulation, indicating the cyclone is in the Southern Hemisphere.

A mid-latitude cyclone develops along the cold front.

In the cold sector, the air is drier, whereas in the warm sector, the air is humid.

An occlusion occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front, causing the warm air to rise and cool, leading to cloud formation and precipitation.

After the occlusion stage, weather conditions become stable with clear skies and suitable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

The season represented in the diagram is summer.

The presence of warm air indicates that it is summer.

This wind is known as a berg wind because it originates from the land and creates dry conditions, often bringing warm air.

The local winds are offshore (A) and onshore (B).

The local wind at A is associated with dry conditions because it blows from the land towards the sea, lacking moisture.

The air movement from the Kalahari High impacts the West Coast regions by bringing warm, dry air, which can increase evaporation. This change reduces soil moisture, negatively affecting agriculture and local vegetation. Additionally, such warm winds can lead to the formation of deserts nearby due to decreased precipitation. On the positive side, the air movement can create pleasant weather conditions for tourism, enhancing the local economy. However, extreme dry periods can cause droughts, forcing adaptations in land use and water management. Hence, the overall impact is complex.

A permanent river flows year-round, while an episodic river only flows during certain seasons after rainfall.

The water table in the permanent river is usually found just below the riverbed, maintaining base flow even in dry conditions.

Episodic rivers are often caused by seasonal rainfall patterns and rapid evaporation rates in dry seasons.

Deforestation can significantly impact a permanent river by increasing soil erosion, leading to sedimentation in the riverbed. This process reduces water quality and can harm aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the removal of vegetation disrupts the natural water cycle, resulting in lower groundwater recharge. Coastal areas can also experience flash floods due to decreased absorption of rainwater. Moreover, loss of biodiversity can occur, affecting species reliant on the river for habitat and food. As a consequence, this can lead to economic challenges for communities dependent on the river for water supply and agriculture.

River management involves the sustainable control and use of river systems to prevent flooding, maintain water quality, and protect ecosystems.

Chemical waste discharged into the river can severely impair aquatic habitats and make water unsafe for consumption.

Wastewater treatment ensures that contaminated water is processed, making it safe for reuse and reducing pollution.

Aquatic life is threatened by pollution, which can lead to high mortality rates and loss of biodiversity.

The decline in clean water resources hampers agricultural production, industry, and tourism, negatively affecting the economy.