Earthquakes and volcanoes: past paper questions
Real questions on earthquakes and volcanoes
The newest 20 of 70 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0976/12 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(ii)[2]
Using Figure 3.1 only, compare the depth of focus of the earthquakes to the east and west of the plate boundary on North Island. You should use statistics in your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(iii)[3]
Describe the distribution of earthquakes in and around New Zealand.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(iv)[4]
Explain why people still live in areas where earthquakes may occur.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2026 · Q3b(ii)[5]
The magnitude of an earthquake is one reason for the variation in the number of deaths caused by earthquakes. Explain other reasons which may contribute to the variation in the number of deaths caused by earthquakes.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(i)[2]
Using Fig. 4.1, describe the location of Mount St Helens.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(ii)[2]
Name the type of plate boundary found between the Juan de Fuca and North American plates. Use Fig. 4.1 to explain your answer. name of type of plate boundary explanation
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[4]
Fig. 4.2 (Insert) shows the effects of the Mount St Helens eruption on the surrounding area. Using Fig. 4.2, describe the impact of the eruption on the human environment. Content removed due to copyright restrictions.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · 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 → - 0976/12 · 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 → - 0976/12 · 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 → - 0976/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(iv)[4]
Describe the benefits for people of living close to volcanoes.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(i)[3]
Using Fig. 4.2, suggest reasons why there are active volcanoes in Iceland.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(ii)[5]
Describe problems that can be caused by active volcanoes.
See it on the paper → - 0976/12 · 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 → - 0976/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5a[3]
Fig. 5.1 (Insert) shows the location of the largest magnitude earthquakes in 2022 together with their depth of focus. Using Fig. 5.1, tick (✓) the three correct statements. tick (✓) Most earthquakes occur on or near to the coast. The earthquakes are equally distributed around the world. The Atlantic and Indian Oceans e...
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[2]
Study Fig. 5.2 (Insert), which shows a weak relationship between magnitude and number of deaths. Use evidence from Fig. 5.2 to support this statement.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[2]
Suggest two reasons why some major earthquakes cause no deaths.
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5c[1]
Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plate movement. Tick one box (✓) to show the cause of this movement. cause tick (✓) conduction convection radiation
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2024 · Q4a[3]
Identify features X, Y and Z shown on Volcano A. X Y
See it on the paper → - 0976/22 · May/June 2024 · Q4b[2]
State what types of volcano A and B are. Volcano A Volcano B
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The majority of candidates correctly identified volcano B as a shield volcano. A strato-volcano was the most common incorrect answer.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0976/12 Q4(a)(i) (Cambridge)
The vent was defined well with candidates recognising that this was the opening for the magma to escape. A common error was to define the crater and not make the link that the magma came through an opening or tube from the magma chamber. Fewer candidates achieved the mark for the magma chamber definition. Common responses referred to the magma chamber as ‘the place where magma is stored’. Althoug...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0976/12 Q4(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
This question was mostly well answered. Responses needed to be comparative; some candidates achieving this by the use of statistics and others by using words such as ‘wider’, ‘higher’ and ‘steeper’. The most common error was in the ‘height’ section as volcano A looked much taller than B at a first glance. However, when looking at the scale it is clear that volcano B is much higher.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0976/12 Q4(a)(iii) (Cambridge)
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