Coastal environments: past paper questions
Real questions on coastal environments
The newest 20 of 178 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9696/31 · May/June 2026 · Q4a[4]
Describe the main variations in wave height shown in Figure 4.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/31 · May/June 2026 · Q4b[6]
Suggest reasons for the variations in wave height you described in 4(a).
See it on the paper → - 9696/31 · May/June 2026 · Q5[20]
‘Beaches vary in their profile and plan only because of differences in their sediment.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
See it on the paper → - 9696/31 · May/June 2026 · Q6[20]
Evaluate the effectiveness of strategies used to manage threats to coral reefs. Hazardous environments If answering this option, answer Question 7 and either Question 8 or Question 9.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · May/June 2026 · Q4a[4]
Describe the variations in the frequency of wave direction and wave height shown in Figure 4.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · May/June 2026 · Q4b[6]
Explain how wave direction influences marine processes.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · May/June 2026 · Q5[20]
Assess the relative importance of the conditions required for coral growth.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · May/June 2026 · Q6[20]
‘The problems of sustainably managing a stretch or stretches of coastline cannot be solved.’ Using a case study, how far do you agree with this statement? Hazardous environments If answering this option, answer Question 7 and either Question 8 or Question 9.
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · May/June 2026 · Q4a[4]
Describe the variations in the frequency of wave direction and wave height shown in Figure 4.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · May/June 2026 · Q4b[6]
Explain how wave direction influences marine processes.
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · May/June 2026 · Q5[20]
Assess the relative importance of the conditions required for coral growth.
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · May/June 2026 · Q6[20]
‘The problems of sustainably managing a stretch or stretches of coastline cannot be solved.’ Using a case study, how far do you agree with this statement? Hazardous environments If answering this option, answer Question 7 and either Question 8 or Question 9.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · October/November 2025 · Q4a[4]
Describe the characteristics of four physical features of the coastal landscape shown in Fig. 4.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[6]
Explain the formation of the landform labelled A in Fig. 4.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · October/November 2025 · Q5[20]
‘Swash processes are the main influence on the cross-section (profile) and plan of beaches.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
See it on the paper → - 9696/32 · October/November 2025 · Q6[20]
Assess the extent to which management strategies may reduce the threats to coral reefs. Hazardous environments If answering this option, answer Question 7 and either Question 8 or Question 9.
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · October/November 2025 · Q4a[4]
Describe the main features of the coastal sand dunes shown in Fig. 4.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[6]
Explain the formation of coastal sand dunes.
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · October/November 2025 · Q5[20]
‘Wave energy is the main factor in the formation of caves, arches and stacks.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
See it on the paper → - 9696/33 · October/November 2025 · Q6[20]
With reference to a case study of a stretch or stretches of coastline, assess the extent to which hard engineering has been an effective solution to the problems of sustainable management. Hazardous environments If answering this option, answer Question 7 and either Question 8 or Question 9.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Some answers reflected the same issue with respect to the interpretation of pattern as has been discussed in previous reports. Many answers described land lost and land gained location by location which was not a pattern. However, most candidates were able to identify some patterns with the resulting credit in good marks.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/32 Q4(a) (Cambridge)
Most candidates were able to produce two relevant reasons why coastlines lost or gained land. Much of the emphasis was on wave characteristics with a description of the contrasting effects of constructive and destructive waves. The significance of rock type was often mentioned but many answers still refer to hard and soft rock without qualifying what that meant. Accounts of the influence of human...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/32 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
This was by far the least popular essay question in this option. Many answers were unbalanced, focusing on the processes, mostly marine, with little reference to cliff characteristics. Many answers focused on shore platforms, caves and stacks rather than general cliff form and other characteristics. Characteristics of coastal cliffs are the result of the interplay of a number of factors of which m...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/32 Q5 (Cambridge)
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