Pakistan International School, English Section, Riyadh

Key-Geography Past Papers for 1st term

Session 2024-2025
Grade 8
Name: …………………………………………………Grade and Section: ……………………………..
Pakistan International School, English Section
Chapter 1- The Natural Topography, including drainage

Topic: Deserts
(a) Describe the topographical features of deserts.

• Sand plains/pattis (strips of sand formed by the action of wind)

• Gently undulating plain
• Sand dunes/ridges which are longitudinal/latitudinal
• The wide interdunal valleys between the sand dunes with silty and clayey sediments.
• Barren/bare rock due to lack of water
• Cracks in rocks due to effects of weathering
• Rolling sand hills. [5]
(b) Identify and label the deserts of Pakistan in the provided spaces.
A- Kharan
B- Tharparkar
C- Nara
D- Cholistan
E-Thal
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 2023 October/November
1 (a) (i) Study Fig. 1.1, a map showing southern Pakistan and surrounding countries.

Name the province labelled V and the two cities labelled W and X on Fig. 1.1.
V - Balochistan
W - Quetta
X – Gwadar
(iv) Using Fig. 1.1 only, describe the location of the mountains labelled Z. [2]

• western/south-western part of Pakistan

• near border with Afghanistan/near international boundary/near to a province level

boundary

• in eastern/central part of the province

• near to Kharan Desert

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 • between 26°–30 °N and 66°–67.5 °E

• between the Kharan Desert and the River Indus

• direction from any other feature located on the map (Max 1)

E/SE of Kharan Desert/Iran

W/SW/NW of India/River Indus

S/SE of Afghanistan
N/NE of Arabian Sea

• distance from any other feature named on the map (Max 1) 20–420 km from Kharan
desert
100–500 km from Arabian Sea
80–400 km from the River Indus. [3]

deserts:
Kharan Desert, Thar Desert, Thal Desert

rivers:
Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, Kabul, Hab, Dasht

Indus Plain – Lower & Upper

(ii) Explain two ways deserts restrict agricultural activities in Pakistan. You should develop
your answer.

• climate is dry/rainfall is very low/scarce/lack of water; so not many varieties of crops can
grow there (dev) cannot adapt to the extreme climate conditions

• extreme heat/hot climate makes working/living conditions very difficult; hence there are
few settlements for workers (dev) few markets to sell goods to

• very few towns/sparse population; so there is little demand for growing many crops in
these areas

• strong winds/moving sand; crops would be constantly buried/covered in sand

• soils are infertile/lack nutrients/rocky/rugged/barren land; they do not contain any

alluvium/would need a lot of fertilisers for crops to grow

• little vegetation to provide shade/shelter from winds; plants can be scorched/crops

damaged by winds/fodder has to be provided

• pests (such as locusts) are prevalent; which means they would destroy the crops
grown/pesticides would be needed

• deserts are remote/inaccessible; so it is difficult/expensive to transport crops to other

areas to sell/to markets

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 • growing crops in deserts would be very costly; because they would need irrigation
systems

• sand is difficult to drive farm machinery/vehicles over; which makes using equipment
difficult [4]

(c) Suggest four ways, other than agriculture, that deserts can be used by people. [4]

• mining/drilling/extraction (of sand/gas/oil/coal/other minerals)

• location of solar panels/solar farms/for solar power

• location of brick kilns/factories/manufacturing/cottage industries

• power lines/communication masts/roads/railway building

• building settlements

• military training/military bases

• people can follow a traditional/nomadic lifestyle

• waste disposal sites

• Tourism/leisure purposes

tourist attractions/hotels/desert safari/wild camping/glamping/camel rides/hot air

ballooning/photography/hiking/trekking/climbing/quad biking/sand boarding/extreme
sports/camel racing/rally driving

• businesses want to locate in or near to main towns and cities which

already have roads

• investment would be needed in rural areas to encourage business to

locate/re-locate there, alongside new roads [6]

2023 May/June

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1 (a) (i) Study Fig. 1.1, a map showing southern Pakistan and surrounding countries.

(iii) 1000km

(iv) X: River Hub (Hab)

Y: River Ravi

(b) Suggest four ways in which rivers are important to Pakistan.

source of water/create reservoirs (domestic use/people to drink)

• to provide a source of food/fish (to eat)

• for transport (people/goods)

• to provide nutrients/alluvium to the soil/flood plain/mangroves

• for farming/agriculture/irrigation (of fields/crops)

• for livestock/cattle/buffalo to drink/bathe/cool down

• fish farming/commercial fishing/aquaculture

• named manufacturing industry e.g. cement/textiles

• for cooling in power stations/industry

• habitat for wildlife/biodiversity/ecosystems

• afforestation projects

• to produce hydel/hydroelectric power/electricity

• to add to scenic beauty to the area (for tourism)

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• for leisure activities/named example e.g.

boating/swimming/photography/fishing

• for employment in a named industry e.g. fisherman/farmer. [4]

(i) On the map name the following landforms in the boxes provided: Balochistan Plateau;
Himalayan Ranges; Karakoram Range; Salt Range.
[4]
(b) (i) Define the term ‘topography’. [1]

The study or description of features of the landscape, which includes both natural and artificial
features/ natural characteristics of land / structural
features of landscape.

Q2 (a) Study Fig. 2.1, a map showing the major rivers of Pakistan.

(i) Name rivers V, W, X and Y.

V - Indus
W .Jehlum

X CHenab
Y .Ravi [4]

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 Chapter 2- Climate

2022 October/November.

Q1. (a) Study Fig. 1.1, a map showing annual rainfall in southern and western Pakistan.

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(i) Using Fig. 1.1 only, describe the pattern of annual rainfall.

• uneven or varied distribution of rainfall across Pakistan.

• high/er rainfall/more rainfall in north/north-east/rainfall increases further

north

• low/er rainfall/less rainfall in the south/south-west/south-east/rainfall

decreases further south

• largest region has 126–250 mm annual rainfall

• north/north-east of Pakistan/small area on Afghanistan border has

highest/750 mm+ rainfall

• (two areas) in south-west and east/south-east have the lowest/0–

125 mm rainfall

• areas bordering India/Iran/southern Afghanistan/Arabian Sea are

drier/lower rainfall

• highest rainfall 501 mm+ is only found at latitude 33 N or higher

• lowest rainfall 0–250 mm is only found at latitude 30 N or lower

• accurate use of scale to describe size of an area within the pattern [3]

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(ii) Name rivers U, V and W shown on Fig. 1.1.

U = River Sutlej

V = River Dasht

W= River Indus

(b) (i) State four natural features of a floodplain.

• flat land/plain land

• fertile soil/alluvium/silt

• wide

• active (floodplain)/khaddar/old (floodplain)/bhangar

• meanders

• (natural) levees

• point bars/bars

• alluvial terraces/escarpments/cuestas/scarp/bar uplands/scalloped interfluves

• piedmont plains/alluvial fans/tidal flats

• ox-bow (lake)

• dry channel/abandoned channel/former channel/braided channel/ distributaries

• doab

• area where channel overflows/likely to be

flooded/waterlogged/waterlogging/marshy/swamp [4]

(ii) Explain two ways that floodplains influence human activity. You should develop your answer.

• flood plains have alluvium/silt/fertile/nutrient rich soil; good locations for (named)
crops/(arable) farming/agriculture

• floodplains have the river close by; which provide water for industry/for irrigation (to
bridge the gap)/domestic purposes

• floodplains are wide/flat areas; so there is space to grow crops/use machinery/to install
irrigation canals/build on

• (active) flood plains are flooded every year; this enables crops that require flooding/rice
to be grown on them/this can make them unsuitable for urban/industrial development

• (natural) levees alongside the river; provides a natural barrier against floods/prevents

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 floods/protects people’s land or property from flood damage/can be used for transport

• alluvial terrace is higher land; so is safe for building on as it won’t flood/is good for
building settlements/transport links/industry

(c) (i) Which of the following statements about monsoons in Pakistan are correct? Tick (3) three
boxes in the table below.

(ii) Study Fig. 1.2 (Insert), a photograph of a recent cyclone in South Asia. Using Fig. 1.2 only,
describe two impacts of the cyclone shown.

• strong winds

• trees being bent/blown/damaged

• clothes blowing in wind/people struggling to walk

• big/high waves

• heavy rain

• air is full of moisture/spray/misty

• reduced visibility

• streetlights/vehicle lights on (in daytime)

• people having to wear waterproof gear/ponchos

• flooding (of coastal area)/flooded road/street

• difficult/dangerous to drive/use vehicles/use transport

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 • people cannot travel by moped/motorcycle/motorbike/bike have to push. [2]
(d) Scientific evidence suggests that cyclones are likely to continue to increase in severity and
frequency across South Asia due to climate change. Evaluate the influence of storms such as
cyclones on secondary and tertiary industries in Pakistan. Give reasons to support your
judgement and refer to examples you have studied. You should consider different points of view
in your answer. [6]

Likely to influence secondary & tertiary industries negatively because:

• industries may be flooded/damaged

• high cost of repairs/clean-up operations to the industry

• industries, e.g. shops may lose trade/have to close down

• loss of jobs which will lead to reduction in wealth

• communications infrastructure, e.g. internet/phone lines to offices/call

centres/factories cut off, stopping work

• roads/railways damaged causing disrupted transport of goods to market

• power lines damaged; leading to delay in production in factories/power

cuts mean shops/restaurants, etc. can’t operate

• ports closed; so imports/exports have to stop during the storm leading

to lack of imported raw materials for secondary industries

• tourists will be put off visiting coastal areas

• hotels damaged/destroyed

• flights stopped or delayed

Influence will be limited because:

• storm management schemes can protect coastal areas from the impacts of storms, e.g.
planting mangroves along the coastline

• building coastal defences can protect nearby industries, e.g. embankments/sea walls

• flood warnings/warning system for employees and tourists to follow

• practicing evacuation procedures/building evacuation shelters

• weather forecasting/shipping forecast

• set up of early warning systems to warn ships/fishing boats prevents

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damage to equipment

• flood proofing businesses/shops/hotels/factories

• industries, e.g. factories have emergency power generators

Evaluations could include ideas such as:

o although the severity and frequency of storms is increasing in south Asia,

Pakistan is rarely badly affected by them

o it is only coastal areas that are affected so the majority of industries and
communications will remain unaffected by cyclones

o tourists will still visit Pakistan and many tourists visit places with extreme weather

o storms do not last long so disruption is just for a short time

Paper: 2021 November.

Q2 (a) Study Fig. 2.1, a map showing annual rainfall in southern and western
Pakistan.
Whole area shaded on map according to the key (diagonal) for 126–250 mm of annual rainfall.

(ii) Study Fig. 2.2, a map showing temperature regions of southern and western Pakistan.

Answer = Warm summer, mild winter.

(iii) Using information from Figs. 2.1 and 2.2 only, complete the passage describing the
relationship between annual rainfall and temperature regions. Choose the correct words from
the list and place them in the spaces provided.

There is a weak relationship between the pattern of annual rainfall and temperature
regions. The majority of the areas with 0–125 mm of rainfall experience hot summers
and mild winters, whereas areas of high rainfall experience cooler summers and
winters.

(b) (i) Describe how the Western Depressions affect the pattern of rainfall in western Pakistan. [3]

• Western Depression brings rain to the north-western areas of Pakistan/

Peshawar/northern Pakistan;

• Western Depression causes the rainfall from December-March/in winter;

• Quetta dry for rest of year/only/most rain received is from Western

Depressions;

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 • Quetta has its highest rainfall/49 mm in February;

• Peshawar has its highest rainfall/78 mm in March;

• as winds move towards Balochistan there is no/little moisture left/little/no rainfall.

(ii) Explain two factors that affect temperature in Pakistan. You should develop your answer. [4]

• altitude; for every 1000 metres in height temperature drops by approximately 6.5
°C /as altitude increases there is less atmosphere above, so less pressure. This
lower pressure means air molecules spread further away from each other, which
has a cooling effect;

• latitude; areas closer to the equator or southern Pakistan/24°N have higher

temperatures as sun’s rays are more concentrated/higher angle of
incidence/areas further away from the equator/northern Pakistan/37°N have
lower temperatures as sun’s rays spread out over a wider area/lower angle of
incidence/lose more heat travelling further through the atmosphere;

• angle of the sun; the position of the earth in relation to the sun, during summer
Pakistan is tilted towards the sun and so has higher temperatures/during winter it
is tilted away from the sun so has lower temperatures;

• continentality/maritime influence; interior has higher temperatures as there is no

cooling effect from the sea/along coastal areas ocean currents and prevailing
winds have a moderating effect on temperature/inland areas heat up quickly in
summer, producing hot summers/lose heat quickly, so have low average
temperatures in winter; cloud cover; clouds keep the heat in during the night but
can prevent solar radiation getting through during the day so can keep the heat
out (or vice versa);

• amount of vegetation cover/deforestation; areas with dense cover have lower

temperatures since it provides shade from the sun’s rays or vici- versa e.g.
deserts;

(c)(i) Define “drought”.

A long period of no/low/very little rainfall. [1]

(ii) State two effects of drought on the natural environment of Pakistan. [2]

• desertification/extension of desert areas;

• soil erosion;

• ground/soil dries out/cracks/soil becomes less fertile/infertile/barren;

• animals/aquatic life harmed/die/lose habitat;

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 • vegetation/trees/plants die;

• drying up of rivers/lakes/streams/water shortage/aridity;

• drop in water table/less groundwater available to plants;

• salt concentrations in water can increase.

(iii) Describe the benefits and problems of cold climates for people in Pakistan. [4]

benefits:

• brings tourism e.g. skiing/glacier hikes/holidays/boost jobs/economy/scenic

beauty attracts tourists;

• frozen water bodies can be used for ice skating;

• (glacial) meltwater in summer is essential for irrigation;

• (glacial) meltwater/plentiful water helps to power hydel schemes;

• cold climate reduces evaporation from reservoirs;

• can grow (temperate) fruits in summer/boost jobs/economy;

• lower need for/cost of air conditioning;

seasonal movement of livestock to lower areas/transhumance-difficult to rear animals;

snow/cold can trap people in homes/people have to move to other areas; increased
need for/cost of heating buildings;

roads can become blocked by snow/avalanches, cuts off communities; increased

chance of frostbite/hypothermia;

the cold climate makes it difficult to grow most crops e.g. wheat; difficult to work in
extreme cold climates so people have to work indoors; lakes/rivers freeze over, prevent
fishing/scarce water supply; avalanches may cause injuries/death;

seasonal tourism - fewer summer jobs.

(d) Pakistan experiences extremes of climate which can have many effects on people’s lives. Read
the following two views

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Which view do you agree with more? Give reasons to support your answer and refer to
examples you have studied. You should consider View A and View B in your answer. [6]

agree with View A:

• storms and heavy rainfall can destroy crops very quickly;

• animals/cattle can be washed away/drown/be frightened;

• livelihoods/houses/businesses can be washed away;

• flooded roads create travel problems for business/industry; heavy rain

increases soil erosion removing the top fertile layer;

• fields become flooded which can create problems with waterlogging;

• floodwaters from heavy rains can become polluted and spread disease;

• cyclones make it unsafe for boats to go to sea, disrupting fishing;

 winds blow down power lines and phone lines; businesses are left without power or
communications.

Etc.

examples include:

In August 2021 Karachi received 200mm rain in 12 hours, 68 000 people in Sindh
forced into relief camps, one million acres of crops were destroyed by the flooding;
cotton, vegetables, onions, tomatoes, and sugarcane.

disagree with View A:

• flood protection schemes can protect homes and businesses;

• reservoirs and dams control the flow of water in rivers/hold back water;

• buildings designed to withstand flooding/storm shelters can be built;

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 • flooding spreads alluvium increasing the fertility of the land for farmers. Etc.

   

• droughts can cause starvation/famine leading to illness and death;

• results in crop failure and death of livestock;

• people suffer from malnutrition and fatigue, so they are unable to work;

• food supplies and fresh water has to be imported;

• shortage of raw materials for industry reduces exports. Etc.

examples include:

2018/2019 droughts with 1.2 million people suffered from extreme (crisis and
emergency level) food insecurity in Southern Pakistan resulted from acute shortages of
water, food and fodder and resulted in critical levels of acute malnutrition amongst
young children.

disagree with View B:

o droughts can be overcome by using irrigation or named examples e.g.

karez/perennial canals/use of sea water through desalination

o drought resistant seeds can be used e.g. water efficient varieties of wheat
developed by Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC);

o transhumance can be practiced moving animals to areas with water;

o belongings/buildings/homes are not ruined by drought.

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Pakistan International School, English Section, Riyadh
Chapter 4 - Forests

2020 October/November

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4. Study Fig. 4.1, a pie graph showing the percentage share of Pakistan’s total
forest cover by province-level area.

• 1 mark for accurate completion of line on pie chart (11%/9% or vice versa),

• 1 mark for Sindh correctly shaded,

• 1 mark for Gilgit-Baltistan

correctly shaded

(a) (i) Complete the pie graph in Fig. 4.1 to show the percentage of total forest cover found in
Gilgit-Baltistan and Sindh. Use the information below and the key provided:

(ii) Complete the passage below about reasons for the variations in the
percentage share of forest cover shown in Fig. 4.1. Choose the correct words
from the list and place them in the spaces provided.
KPK has the largest percentage share of forest cover in Pakistan because the climate is more
suitable for growing trees. There are fewer trees in Punjab because the land is needed for
cultivation. Some areas may have suffered more from deforestation than others.

(b) (i) State three functions of forests in Pakistan. [3]

• provides shade/lowers temperature;

• provides humus/fertilises soil;

• prevent soil erosion/landslides;

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 • reduces flooding/prevent silt/reduce surface runoff;

• used for timber;

• used for fuel wood/firewood/wood;

• for making products e.g. furniture/boats/paper/trucks/bridges;

• provide oxygen/reduce carbon dioxide/air pollution/purify air;

• shelter for wildlife/habitat;

• building houses;

• for domestic use/cooking;

• scenic beauty/recreation opportunities/tourism;

• for medicinal purposes/in pharmaceutical industry;

• provide moisture through evapotranspiration;

• mangroves protect coastlines/provide breeding ground for fish;

• provides food/fruit/nuts/herbs.

(ii) State one difference between productive forests and protection forests. [2]
productive forests productive forests are mainly natural/high tree density/forest canopy is
closed/great commercial value/mostly used for extraction of timber/wood/firewood;

protection forests are mainly planted by people/man-made/often linear/along roads/railways/in

parks/little commercial value/main function is to protect the soil/provide shade.

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 [4]
• fewer trees grow as altitude increases/more trees grow at lower altitudes;

• more variety of trees/forests/grow at lower altitudes/named examples/altitude affects

temperature lower altitudes are warmer which results in a wider variety of trees/forests;

• mangrove forests are along coastline/mouth of rivers/low altitude/sea level to 1000

m/irrigated/riverain/sub-tropical/tropical thorn;

• high/mid-altitudes only have evergreen/coniferous/alpine trees/types of leaves

described/sloping branches;

• only coniferous grow 1000–4000 m;

• altitude affects temperature/temperature decreases with height which

results in stunted growth of trees at 4000 m and above/alpine forests;

• 4000–4500 m only alpine grow/highest forest is alpine/alpine found just

below snow line;

 no trees grow above the snowline/above 4500 m.

(c) Explain two effects of deforestation on the natural environment of Pakistan.

You should develop your answer. [4]

• exposure of soil (1); leads to soil erosion by wind or water (dev);

• no roots to slow down infiltration (1); leads to flooding (dev);

• habitat loss/less shade for animals (1); leads to extinction of

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animals/species (dev);

• breaks down the food chain (1) leads to extinction (dev);

• more CO2 in the atmosphere/more pollution in the air (1); increased

global warming/climate change/increased temperatures/because trees

act as filters/trees absorb pollutants (dev);

• increased surface runoff (1); due to lack of roots to slow down

movement of water/which could lead to flooding (dev);

• amount of rainfall is decreased/water cycle disrupted (1); due to less

evapotranspiration (dev).

(d) The United Nations environment programme supports Pakistan's initiatives with forest
owners, the timber industry and forest-dependent communities to keep its forests alive and
healthy by controlling deforestation and degradation.
To what extent can initiatives on forests encourage further sustainable development in Pakistan?
Give reasons to support your judgement and refer to examples you have studied. You should
consider different points of view in your answer. [6]

Forest initiatives can encourage further sustainable development

• there is a financial incentive for the government/country to protect their

forests and reduce deforestation;

• it is an international initiative so likely to be implemented and monitored

effectively;

• specific criteria clearly identified for governments/countries to adopt;

• examples of sustainable management strategies for implementation

e.g. plant a tree for everyone cut down;

• use of LPG/CNG or other fuels will lead to less deforestation;

• education about the importance of trees and sustainable development

of forests;

• local landowners given a financial incentive to plant trees rather than

other uses/named examples;

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 • encourage eco-tourism; Etc.

Ideas against

• individual landowners will still deforest areas if they need the land for

other purposes or examples of what land is needed for;

• it is not clear how much will be paid to the government/country for their

co-operation;

• the financial incentives may not be lucrative enough compared to the financial benefits of
deforestation;

• long term project/investment as takes time for trees to grow;

• resistance to education about the importance of trees in some tribal areas;

• political/government changes can alter forest laws;

• initiatives may be mismanaged;

• illegal cutting of trees/cutting cannot be controlled; Etc.

Named examples could include: The Tarbela/Mangla Watershed Management Project/Rachna

Doab Afforestation Project/Billion Trees project/Agha Khan Rural Support Programme etc.

2019 October/November

(c) (i) State two reasons why deforestation has occurred in the Northern
Mountains. [2]

 Road / rail building;

 Demand for firewood / fuel;
 To graze / feed livestock;
 Build houses / settlements / hotels;
 Industry / furniture / timber / paper;
 Develop hydel power / power stations / building reservoirs.

(ii) Explain two impacts of deforestation in the Northern Mountains on the natural
environment. You should develop your answer. [4]
Soil erosion; due to minerals being leached (washed) through the soil / 4 soil blown away / soil
washed away downhill (dev);

 Increased number of landslides; because no roots to hold the soil together / in place / rain
saturates soil and washes it downslope (dev);

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 Habitats lost; means species are endangered / at risk of extinction / land barren (dev);

 Ecosystems destroyed; food-chains are broken / disrupted / animals forced to move to other
areas / animals or species die (dev);

 Soil washed into rivers; raises the water level of rivers / causes more flooding / causes
siltation (dev);

 No trees to stop flow of water or run off; leads to flooding / increased run off (dev);

 Patches of salt left behind; leads to infertile land (dev);  Evaporation reduced; changes to
rainfall pattern (dev); Etc.

(iii) Describe the importance of the Northern Mountains to Pakistan. [4]

Snow-capped peaks melt during summer to drain water into rivers; 4  Provides water from high
rainfall;
 Provides water for hydel power / energy;
 River water used for irrigation / agriculture;

 Historical passes connect Pakistan to China and Afghanistan;  A natural border (to China
and the Central Asian Republics);  Provides a land /trade route through Karakoram Highway;
 Source of valuable minerals, timber and fruits;

 Provides raw material to several industries or examples: furniture / paper / chipboard / industry
/ chemical industry;

 Mountain peaks provide protection to Pakistan against the cold winds from Central Asia;

 Scenic beauty promotes tourism / named landmarks, e.g. K2;

 Provision of National Parks or named examples, e.g. Chitral National Park / wildlife
preservation;
 Source of income from tourism / tourists / contribute to economy.

(d) Reducing the impacts of deforestation is more achievable in the northern

regions than in other areas of Pakistan. To what extent can the problems caused
by deforestation in the northern regions of Pakistan be solved? Give reasons to
support your judgement and refer to examples you have studied. You should
consider different points of view in your answer. [6]
Ways of reducing impact of deforestation

• Soil can be more readily protected from erosion in the Northern areas

than other areas due to the wetter climate / afforestation on steeper slopes / hedgerows planted
/ strip cultivation / contour ploughing / terracing on steep slopes;

• Supplying irrigation facilities to the deforested areas;

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 • Planting commercial species of trees which grow rapidly;

• Reserving land for fuel wood plantation only, saving valuable species of

trees;

• Education amongst the people about the importance of trees;

• Creation of non-governmental agencies to promote afforestation and

campaign against deforestation;

• Supply natural gas to Northern Regions to ease the pressure on trees

for fuelwood;

• Improved techniques of raising nurseries and planting trees so

deforested areas can be regenerated in a shorter time;

• Ensuring that forestry and forest management is more sustainable, e.g.

use of selective logging / restricting use of bulldozers / strict enforcement of forest laws /
enforcement of village / farm forestry programmes / urban forestry programmes;

• Planting fruit trees on the slopes of hills to provide food for the local people;

Etc.

2018 May/June
2 (a) (i) Study Fig. 2.1, a map showing forest types in Pakistan.

Forest type A – Coniferous;

Forest type B – Subtropical scrub / subtropical dry / subtropical thorn / dry thorn scrub;

Forest type C – Tropical thorn / rakh.

(ii) Using Fig. 2.1, name two areas in Pakistan where mangroves grow. [2]

 Coastal areas of Sindh / Indus Delta;

 Coastal areas of Balochistan / Sonmiani Bay;  Along the coastline of / near the Arabian Sea.

(b) (i) Describe two natural characteristics of mangrove forests. [2]

Broad / big leaves / leaves have drip tips;
 Leaves are leathery / have reduced number of stomata;
 Low trees and shrubs;
 Height 3–8 m;
 Can survive in salty water;

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 Roots filter salt / have aerial roots / have prop roots / roots stick up water;
 Prefer clean / unpolluted water.

(ii) Describe two functions of forests. [2]

Protect soil from erosion / being blown away;
 Lower the temperature / provide shade / create a more pleasant

environment;
 Provide humus to fertilise the soil;
 Provide raw materials / named example, e.g. timber (for industry) /

furniture / medicines / firewood;

 Many jobs depend on forests / examples of jobs;
 Recreational value / promote tourism / provide scenic beauty;  Prevent floods;
 Take in CO2 / release O2;
 Provide habitat for wildlife;
 Increase / encourage rainfall / create transpiration;
 Help with desalination (Eucalyptus trees).

(iii) Suggest three physical factors which determine the type and density of
forests. [3]
Altitude, e.g. high altitude = fir / spruce / alpine;
 Precipitation, e.g. dry areas = thorny bushes / scrub;
 Precipitation, e.g. high precipitation = coniferous / evergreen forests;

 Soil type / edaphic factors, e.g. salty areas = mangroves / fertile soil high density;
 Temperature, e.g. low / cold = alpine;
 Temperature, e.g. high / hot / warm = tropical scrub;  Presence of rivers = riverain / bela;
 Presence of oases = individual trees / palms.

(c) Study Fig. 2.2, which shows a coniferous tree.

Ideas showing how the tree has adapted to the climate such as:

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 • Evergreen – no need to renew leaves / short growing season;

• Compact conical shape – stabilises the tree in windy conditions / releases

snow / prevents snow accumulation;

• Needles instead of leaves – reduces moisture loss;

• Tall / straight trunk – in order to grow straight towards sunlight;

• Cones – protect seeds during cold months;

• Downward pointing branches – allows snow to easily fall off;

• Shallow root system – as soils are thin / subsoil is frozen for most of the year;

• Long / wide spreading roots – helps to anchor the tree against strong winds;

• Thick bark – protects from cold winds.

(ii) State three causes of deforestation in Pakistan. [3]

For farming / agriculture / growing crops / irrigation; 3  Urbanisation / growth of settlements;

 Construction of roads / railways;
 Industrialisation / growth / spread of industries;

 Use of wood in industry / to sell / examples of use of wood, e.g. timber / furniture

 Mining / extraction of raw materials;

 For fuelwood / cooking / heating;
 Overgrazing causes more trees to be cleared for cattle;  Fire;
 Flooding;
 Reservoirs for dams.

(d) Around 5 per cent of the land area of Pakistan is forested. To meet sustainable
development targets the amount of land covered by forest needs to increase to
25 per cent by 2030. Read the following two views about possible uses of land in
Pakistan:

Which view do you agree with more? Give reasons to support your answer and
refer to examples you have studied. You should consider View A and View B in
your answer. [6]

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Importance of forests
Protect against soil erosion important for the future of agriculture;
Protect areas against flooding important for settlements and industry;
A valuable resource for industry;
Without forests other industries / example(s) of industries will not succeed; Help to regulate the
climate / carbon sink;
Mangroves protect against tropical cyclones / without mangroves industry and housing can be
lost;
Development of tourism / ecotourism / sustainable tourism.

Importance of other uses of land

Needs to be used for developing industry / land too valuable for growing trees;
Land is limited;
Growing population needs new settlements / construction of settlements; More food needs to be
grown for growing population and for export;
Trees take a long time to grow so have to wait for a capital return on them; For named
infrastructure development, e.g. roads / electricity grid. [6]

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