Exam discussions
Marjorie Henry, Contributor

Today I will begin the discussion on Section D, which is the last section of the question paper on the June 2007 examination.

This section is based on human-environment systems and is the new section included in the revised syllabus. The topics included here are based on natural hazards and environmental degradation. Like Sections B and C, Section D has three questions and you are required to answer ONE question from the three.

Question eight focuses on natural hazards and is testing the following specific objectives:

1. Define a natural hazard.

2. Describe the impact of one of the following on life and property: volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and hurricanes.

3. Explain the response to natural hazards on a named Caribbean country at an individual, national and regional level.

4. Explain the causes and consequences of global warming, coral-reef destruction and deforestation.

Here is section (a) of the question (see graph below):

To answer three of these questions, that is, all but (ii), you will need to do a little calculation in reference to the vertical axis. Note that it is graduated in 10. Since there is no exact point to indicate your answers, try to do careful measurement to arrive at your answer. Remember also that, generally speaking, the hurricane season extends from June to November. Here are the answers for this section:

(i) The number of hurricanes started in September is 155. (Responses of 154 or 156 would quite likely be accepted.)

(ii) There are three possible responses to the month that there was no hurricane. These are January, February and April.

(iii) The number of hurricanes that started at the beginning of the hurricane season, that is, in the month of June, is 22. A number above or below could be acceptable.

(iv) The number of hurricanes started during the last month of the hurricane season, that is, November, is 14 or 15.

Let me now go to the next section, Section (b). This has two sub-sections.

(b) (i) Define 'natural hazard'.

Natural hazards are unpredictable threats arising within the physical, climatic or biotic environment. Natural hazards threaten life and property.

(ii) Describe THREE different ways by which ONE of the natural types of hazards listed below can impact on Caribbean territories:

a) Hurricanes

b) Volcanoes

c) Earthquakes

In your answer, make sure that you state the way in which each aspect of the hazard you are discussing affects the area. Here is your possible response to this question. I will discuss each hazard separately:

Hurricanes

• The strong winds that are associated with hurricanes will cause damage to property. The extent of the damage varies with the strength of the hurricane.
• Storm surges combined with strong winds and heavy rains have devastating effects.
• Waves may reach eight metres high and these cause severe beach erosion. Marine life can be damaged, and coral broken and killed. Coastal structures can be torn down, resulting in major damage to ports, roads and buildings on the land.
• Intense rainfall in a short period causes flooding. The power of the flood may knock down buildings, wash away cars or drown those in its path.
• The heavy rains can cause landslides to occur and there can be loss of lives.

The discussion on the other hazards will continue in the next lesson.

Hillery Johnson-Burt (left, front row), teacher of Irwin High School, located in Granville, Montego Bay, St James, poses with the seven athletes who represented the school during the fourth and final day of the GraceKennedy/Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association Boys' and Girls' Athletic Championships at the National Stadium in St Andrew on Saturday, March 15. It is the school's first year at the championships. Front row, from left: Marisa Daley, Jerome Vernon, Renae Ambersley. Back row, from left: Valencia Cowan, Davia Barrett, Neko Campbell, Adenike Lloyd. - Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer

Marjorie Henry is an independent contributor.