Earthquakes and volcanoes: past paper questions
Real questions on earthquakes and volcanoes
The newest 20 of 165 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0460/22 · February/March 2026 · Q4a(i)[1]
focus
See it on the paper → - 0460/22 · February/March 2026 · Q4b[6]
(b) Figures 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 (Insert) show photographs of damage caused by an earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. For each figure, explain how the damage caused by the earthquake affects the local people. Figure 4.1 (6] Figure 4.2 Figure 4.3
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · October/November 2025 · Q3c[3]
For a named coastal area you have studied, describe the hazards faced by people as a result of natural processes. Name of coastal area (iii) Explain why earthquakes occur on conservative (transform) plate boundaries. (iv) Describe two methods which people use to make buildings ‘earthquake proof’. For each method explai...
See it on the paper → - 0460/23 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(i)[1]
Name the type of volcano shown.
See it on the paper → - 0460/23 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(ii)[4]
Using Fig. 4.1 only, describe the features of the volcano.
See it on the paper → - 0460/23 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[3]
Suggest three opportunities that volcanoes like the one shown in Fig. 4.1 offer for people.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(i)[1]
Identify the compass direction in which the Indo-Australian plate is moving.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(ii)[2]
Identify the type of plate boundaries at X and Y. X
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(iii)[3]
Using Fig. 4.1 only, describe the distribution of volcanoes.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(iv)[4]
Explain why volcanoes are hazardous for people.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(i)[3]
Describe the characteristics of the crater of the volcano shown in Fig. 4.2. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(ii)[5]
Explain why people live close to volcanoes.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4c[7]
Describe the causes of an earthquake in an area you have studied. Name of area Section C Answer one question from this section.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(i)[1]
What type of volcano is shown by cross-section B in Fig. 4.1? (i)
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(ii)[2]
Two features of a volcano are the vent and magma chamber. Define these terms. vent magma chamber
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(iii)[3]
Using Fig. 4.1, compare volcano A and volcano B using the following headings. width height steepness
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(iv)[4]
Describe the benefits for people of living close to volcanoes.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(i)[3]
Using Fig. 4.2, suggest reasons why there are active volcanoes in Iceland.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(ii)[5]
Describe problems that can be caused by active volcanoes.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4c[7]
For a named example you have studied, describe the strategies that can be used to reduce the problems caused by volcanic eruptions. Name of example Section C Answer one question from this section.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many responses stated a correct definition. Limited responses • Some responses were vague, such as ‘areas where the earthquake reaches’, and ‘where the earthquake is strongest’.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0460/22 Q4(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates provided a range of different explanations which addressed all three resources. • Some candidates discussed a course of events in which further implications were stated. For instance, for Figure 4.3 it was suggested that people would not be able to go to work due to the road being blocked ‘which would lead people making long diversions’ and/or ‘this would...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0460/22 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
Many candidates answered this question correctly. Incorrect answers either reversed the answers or wrote the names of plates or types of plates, e.g. oceanic/continental.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0460/11 Q4(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
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