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Analyse the data shown in Figure 5a and Figure 5b - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 3
Analyse the data shown in Figure 5a and Figure 5b. Figure 5a, on the inset, shows a map of Portland, a city in north-west USA. Figure 5b, on the inset, shows the ur... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Analyse the data shown in Figure 5a and Figure 5b - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Identify temperature variations across Portland
Answer
The highest recorded temperatures are about 1.4°C above the median. These temperatures are located primarily in a broad area extending along the Columbia River and the city’s northern border. This pattern reflects land use, with the area around the Central Business District (CBD) and major retail zones showing elevated temperatures. Additionally, Powell Butte Nature Park exhibits lower temperatures.
Step 2
Analyze patterns in land use
Answer
The map indicates that areas with higher temperatures are often associated with urbanization, especially around business centers. Conversely, temperatures are cooler in green spaces such as parks and forested areas, suggesting that vegetation plays a crucial role in moderating urban heat.
Step 3
Connect findings to Figure 5a and 5b
Answer
The urban heat island effect depicted in Figure 5b highlights the spatial distribution of temperature deviations from the median, confirming that urbanized regions are hotter. Figure 5a illustrates how this effect correlates with land use patterns seen in commercial and residential zones as well as natural areas, revealing connections between temperature variations and urban planning.