Discharge relationships within drainage basins: past paper questions
Real questions on discharge relationships within drainage basins
The newest 20 of 69 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9696/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1a[4]
Describe the pattern of mean river discharge shown in Figure 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1b[2]
Suggest one reason for the pattern of mean river discharge shown in Figure 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1c[4]
Explain why the discharge of a river changes over time. Atmosphere and weather
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2026 · Q4b[8]
Explain how drainage basin characteristics can influence a storm hydrograph.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2026 · Q1c[4]
Explain why the rate of overland flow in a drainage basin may change over time. Atmosphere and weather
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2026 · Q1b[4]
Using Figure 1.1, explain two types of water flow below the ground.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(ii)[3]
Briefly explain how the shape of a storm hydrograph is affected by the drainage density of a drainage basin.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(ii)[3]
Briefly explain how springs are formed. (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[2]
Calculate the difference in discharge between the 1.5‑year flood recurrence interval and the 10‑year flood recurrence interval shown in Fig. 1.1. Show your working.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[3]
Describe the pattern of river discharge shown in Fig. 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1c[5]
Explain why the annual hydrograph of a river might vary. Atmosphere and weather
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4c[15]
‘Land-use changes always result in an increase in channel flow.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement? Atmosphere and weather
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(ii)[3]
Explain how drainage density is calculated.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(i)[4]
Describe how the shape of a hydrograph can be affected by rock type.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(ii)[3]
Briefly describe what is meant by the term ‘recurrence interval’.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · October/November 2024 · Q4a(ii)[4]
Explain how slopes affect the shape of a storm hydrograph.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2024 · Q1a[1]
State the highest discharge shown in Fig. 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2024 · Q1b[4]
Compare the mean annual hydrograph for 1971–1990 with the mean annual hydrograph for 2011–2020.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2024 · Q1a[1]
Using Fig. 1.1, state the annual peak discharge with a recurrence interval of 10 years.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2024 · Q1b[3]
Describe the relationship between annual peak discharge and recurrence interval shown in Fig. 1.1.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
As referred to in Key messages, comparisons of the two hydrographs were not always sufficiently explicit. However, there were various comparisons that could be identified, and many candidates achieved high marks.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/11 Q1(b) (Cambridge)
Many candidates tried to relate the shape of hydrograph A to distinct rainfall characteristics and data but did not appreciate that both hydrographs were for the same precipitation event. Atmosphere and weather
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/11 Q1(c) (Cambridge)
There were some very detailed case studies used in answers to this question. Many answers concentrated on reducing impact rather than assessing the causes, but answers generally were of a good standard. Atmosphere and weather
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/11 Q4(c) (Cambridge)
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