Practice Exam Questions

Unit 1

Referring to figure 1, what impact have human activities had on the region?

(6 marks)Figure 1

What impact have human activities had on the region?

The Warrnambool breakwater (seen to the bottom left of figure 1) constructed to provide a sheltered bay and for economic purposes, has had a negative impact on the coast and river mouth. The natural coastal process of sand movement has been disrupted leading to silting in the river mouth and the naturally deep bay that was historically important to Warrnambool is now a lot shallower. The environmental group Coastcare has positively impacted the region be re-vegetating the sand dunes. This has been done to reduce erosion, dune blowouts and to counteract the human activities that destroy the dunes like bush walkingThe car parks that have been introduced to allow for greater access to the beach have removed natural areas of coastal habitat.

Describe the wave energy around Warrnambool bay.

(4 marks)

Describe the wave energy around Warrnambool bay.

There is strong wave energy around the Flume to the east of the main beach. This area is not well sheltered by the headland/breakwater. On the southern side of the breakwater wave energy is high. Rocks have been placed on this side to absorb some of this energy. The bay near the yacht club is very sheltered with very low wave energy. Sediments are deposited in this location and the berm lies very close to the water front.

Describe how London Bridge has changed over time.

(5 marks)Figure 2: London Bridge before and after collapse.

Describe how London Bridge has changed over time.

Through a process of abrasion, hydraulic action and wave action London bridge has spatially changed over time. Initially London Bridge would have been part of a headland. With years of high wave energy and south westerly currents (and winds) cracks would have developed. Abrasion would occur in these cracks and gradually open them up to form a cave. The cave has enlarged and opened to form an arch. When the arch developed to such a point that the rock could no longer support itself it collapsed into the sea. Now what remains is a large sea stack, this can be seen in figure 2. This rock is likely to be further eroded until the stack is removed.

Describe two ways humans have altered the shape of the natural environment of Mount Rouse.

(6 marks)Figure 3: Mt Rouse

Describe two ways humans have altered the shape of natural environment of Mount Rouse.

Humans have altered the natural volcanic planes surrounding Mount Rouse and Mt Rouse itself. The volcanic planes have been used for farm lands creating an economic stimulus for the area. The planes north of the volcano have been transformed into the township of Penshurst. Mount Rouse has been used as a quarry its shape has changed over time, huge areas of rock strata lie exposed to the east and the south. The area is also a tourist attraction, humans have made the addition of roads, carparks, stairs and also a telecommunications tower.

Describe the distribution of volcanic types in the Western District of Victoria.

(4 marks)Figure 4: Western District of Victoria volcano distribution.

Describe the distribution of volcanic types in the Western District of Victoria.

The volcanic region, seen in figure 4, that makes up the Western Plains of Victoria stretches from Seymour to the South Australian border. Shield and scoria volcano types are dispersed across the whole of this area. Maar volcanoes tend to lie on the lower ground closer to the coast with the exception of two near Ballarat. There is a large cluster of scoria cones north of Ballarat.

Describe three of the natural processes that create and shape volcanic environments.

(6 marks)

With reference to the two natural environments you have studied outline the natural processes which have lead to changes in the region and two human activities responsible for change.

(8 marks)