MI_H2_GEO_9751_P1_Answers

2017 Promotional Examination II Pre-University 2 GEOGRAPHY (HIGHER 2) 9751/01 Paper 1 Structured Essay Questions 20 September 2017 3 Hours Additional Materials: Answer Booklet/Paper 1 Insert INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Write your name, admission number and class on all the work you hand in. Write in dark blue or black pen on both sides of the paper. You may use an HB pencil for any diagrams, graphs, or rough working. Do not use staples, paper clips, highlighters, glue or correction fluid. Answer three questions. You should make reference to appropriate examples studied in the field or classroom, even where such examples are not specifically requested by the question. Diagrams and sketch maps should be drawn whenever they serve to illustrate an answer. You are reminded of the need for good English and clear presentation in your answers. At the end of the examination, fasten all your work securely together. The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question. ___________________________________________________________________ This document consists of 2 printed pages. [Turn over Name: ______________________ Admission No: Class:

2 Answer three questions. Section A – Tropical Environments 1 (a) Explain the similarities and differences in climatic characteristics between tropical monsoon (Am) climate and tropical desert (BWh) climate. [12] Tropical Monsoon (Am) and Tropical Dese rt (BWh) climates are both tropical climates located within the tropics, but due to the differences in climatic characteristics, Am is a type of humid tropical climate wh ile BWh is an arid tropical climate. Though similar in having high mean annual temperatures, Am and BWh climates differ in the annual temperature range, total annual precipitation and precipitation pattern. Am and BWh climates both have high mean annual temperature as the regions experiencing these climates are located wi thin the tropics where thermal uniformity prevails throughout the year. As the tropics is located within 0° to 30° N/S of the equator, the low latitude result in this region to be an area of radiative surplus where the average temperature of the coldest month is above 18°C. Due to the earth’s tilt, as the earth revolves around the sun, the position of the overhead sun shifts north and south of the equator but mainly within the tropics. The high angle of incidence of the sun causes insolation to be concentrated on a small ar ea which heats up the earth’s surface and causes temperature to be relatively high. This explains why both Am and BWh climates have high mean annual temperature. For example, Monrovia in Liberia that experiences Am climate has a mean annual temperature of about 26°C while Cairo, Egypt that experiences BWh climate ha