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Figure 5 shows data related to the distribution of beach erosion and accretion measured from 1984 to 2016 - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 3
Figure 5 shows data related to the distribution of beach erosion and accretion measured from 1984 to 2016. Accretion occurs when more sand is accumulated on beaches ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 5 shows data related to the distribution of beach erosion and accretion measured from 1984 to 2016 - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify patterns of beach erosion and accretion
Answer
The map in Figure 5 indicates significant variations in rates of erosion and accretion of sandy beaches across different regions of the world. Some regions, especially in Southeast Asia, show high rates of accretion, notably reaching up to +1.27 m/yr, whereas other areas experience considerable erosion, such as specific locations near 30°W longitude, which experience rates of -0.20 m/yr.
Step 2
Discuss anomalies in the data
Answer
Anomalies can be observed in the data where certain regions show unexpected patterns. For instance, areas that are generally expected to experience erosion, like parts of the Middle East, may not be represented strongly in this data, indicating a potential gap in the data or environmental factors that may mitigate erosion.
Step 3
Support responses with quantitative evidence
Answer
The average change rates provide a quantitative basis for analysis. For example, the rates of accretion that exceed +1.0 m/yr in spots suggest a significant deposition of sand, while regions experiencing rates below -0.1 m/yr exhibit critical erosion issues. The histogram below the map visualizes these rates and further emphasizes the disparities in beach conditions.