EXAMINATION NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE

GRADE 12
DATE 27 AUGUST 2025
SUBJECT GEOGRAPHY
PAPER 1
MARK TOTAL 150
DURATION (HOURS) 3
NUMBER OF PAGES 19
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INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. This question paper consists of THREE questions.

SECTION A:
QUESTION 1: CLIMATE AND WEATHER (60 MARKS)
QUESTION 2: GEOMORPHOLOGY (60 MARKS)

SECTION B:
QUESTION 3: GEOGRAPHICAL SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES (30 MARKS)

2. Answer ALL THREE questions.

3. Leave a line between subsections of questions answered.

4. Start EACH question at the top of a NEW page.

5. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.

6. Answer questions in FULL SENTENCES, except where you have to state, name,
identify or list. Write in full sentences when answering paragraph questions.

7. Units of measurement MUST be indicated in your final answer.

8. You may use a non-programmable calculator.

9. Write neatly and legibly, in BLUE ink only.

10. You may NOT use a scale ruler.

11. Draw diagrams and label them fully, if asked to do so.

SECTION B: ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

12. Extracts of a 1:50 000 topographical map 3128 DB MTHATHA and a 1:10 000 3128
DB 7 &12 MTHATHA of a part of the mapped area, are provided.

13. The position of features are indicated by alphabetical letters G,H,J … etc on the
topographical map and numbers 1,2,3 … etc on the orthophoto map, if applicable.

14. Marks are allocated for the calculations/steps and NOT full marks for the correct
answer only. The correct substitution should be indicated for the stated formula.

15. Return the topographical map and orthophoto map to the invigilator at the end of the
examination session.

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SECTION A

QUESTION 1: CLIMATE AND WEATHER

1.1 Choose a term/concept from COLUMN B that matches/completes the description

in COLUMN A. Write only the letter (Y or Z) next to the question numbers (1.1.1
to 1.1.8) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.1.9 Y.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

1.1.1 … facing slopes in the Southern Y North

Hemisphere are warmer. Z South
1.1.2 … winds are common in a valley at Y Anabatic
night. Z Katabatic
1.1.3 Warm air accumulates midway up Y Thermal layer
the valley at night. Z Advection fog layer
1.1.4 Cold air (below 0° C) collects on Y Radiation pocket
valley floor and drops below freezing Z Frost pocket
point in winter.
1.1.5 The main factor contributing to an Y Building density
urban heat island in the figure Z Artificial surfaces
below.

[Source: Examiners Own Sketch]

1.1.6 The characteristics of the winds at A. Y Warm and dry

Z Cool and moist

[Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-
schematic-shape-of-the-urban-heat-island-
circulation_fig1_253279394]

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1.1.7 Helps to lower temperatures in Y roof top gardens

urban heat islands. Z gravel roads
1.1.8 The shape of the pollution dome Y Night
over the city in the figure below Z Day
occurs during the …

[Source: https://www.aqi.in/blog/urban-heat-island-
effect-causes-and-cities-rising-temperatures/]

(8x1) (8)

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1.2 Line thunderstorms over South Africa.

Match the descriptions from the list below with the numbers on the diagram.
Write only the number from the map and your choice in the ANSWER BOOK.
e.g. 8 – Geography.

South Atlantic High Pressure cell; South Indian High Pressure cell;
warm air rises causing condensation; cold, dry air flows from the South-west;
warm, moist air flows from the North-east; different types of air masses meet
along the moisture front; thunderstorms; air on the south side of the
convergence rises;

4
1
7
Cold Benguela
current 5
6
3
Warm Mozambique
2 current

[Source adapted from: https://online.htseden.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Geography-Grade-12-Term-

1-Week-3_2021.pdf]

(7x1) (7)

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1.3 A synoptic chart showing typical winter conditions over South Africa.

2023-06-17

[Source: https://www.weathersa.co.za/Documents/Publications/20230617]

1.3.1 Locate the anticyclone labelled C.

a) Name this high-pressure cell. (1x1) (1)

b) Why does a high pressure cell dominate the interior of South

Africa in winter? (1x1) (1)

c) Explain why there is a lack of rainfall over the interior of South

Africa during winter. (2x1) (2)

1.3.2 Locate the mid-latitude cyclone B.

a) Name the front labelled A. (1x1) (1)

b) Draw a cross-section of the front labelled A. Ensure you label

the following:
- air sectors
- cloud type (3x1) (3)

c) Locate Marion Island on the synoptic weather chart.

Draw a station model in your answer book showing typical wind
speed and direction being experienced on the island on this
day. (3x1) (3)

1.3.3 Evaluate the impact cold fronts have on the residents of the Southern
Cape. (2x2) (4)

(15)

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1.4 The infographic of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, February 2023.

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[Source adapted from: https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/malawi/southern-africa-snapshot-tropical-cyclone-

freddys-impact-february-march-2023]

1.4.1 Why was the cyclone named "Freddy"? (1x2) (2)

1.4.2 Name TWO environmental conditions required for the formation and
continued development of tropical cyclones such as Freddy. (2x1) (2)

1.4.3 Refer to the infographic.

a) Why did Freddy move as it did, from 21 February to 24 (1x1) (1)

February 2023?

b) Give a reason why tropical cyclones tend to curl away from the
equator. (2x1) (2)

c) What was unusual about the path of Tropical Cyclone Freddy

after March 5th, 2023? (1x2) (2)

1.4.4 Describe the negative impact this cyclone had on Malawi. (3x2) (6)

(15)

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1.5 A temperature inversion over a city.

[Source: Examiner’s own compilation: Pollution Dome]

1.5.1 Define temperature inversion. (1x2) (2)

1.5.2 How does the graph reveal that a temperature inversion is taking
place? (1x1) (1)

1.5.3 What does the "lid" over the smog above the city represent? (1x2) (2)

1.5.4 List ONE way in which smog negatively impacts people. (1x2) (2)

1.5.5 In a paragraph of 8 – 10 lines, propose sustainable methods that will

minimise smog formation in a city. (4x2) (8)

(15)

TOTAL QUESTION 1: [60]

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QUESTION 2: GEOMORPHOLOGY

2.1 River rejuvenation across a landscape.

Choose the option which relates to the statement. Write only the letter (A–D) next
to the question numbers (2.1.1 to 2.1.8) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example
2.1.9 C.

[Source: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/river-rejuvenation-vle-39535584/39535584#15]

2.1.1 A new cycle or erosion that leads to river rejuvenation starts in/at the …

A lower course.
B upper course.
C middle course.
D base level.

2.1.2 Rejuvenation takes place when the … base level of a river is usually
lowered.

A temporary
B permanent
C dam wall
D local

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2.1.3 There is evidence of rejuvenation on this landscape, in the form of …

A terraces.
B incised meanders.
C levees.
D floodplains.

2.1.4 A … is found where the old and new erosion surfaces of a rejuvenated
river meet, such as at E.

A terrace
B knickpoint waterfall
C rapids
D meander scar

2.1.5 Area … represents the original flood plain of the rejuvenated river.

A A
B B
C C
D E

2.1.6 A climatic factor that can contribute to river rejuvenation is …

A prolonged drought.
B global warming.
C lower average temperatures.
D prolonged higher rainfall.

2.1.7 Isostasy can result in the base level of a river ...

A rising.
B constantly adjusting.
C dropping.
D stabilising.

2.1.8 The area most suitable for crop farming is …

A A
B E
C B
D C (8x1) (8)

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2.2 Development of a waterfall.

Choose a term/concept from COLUMN B that matches/completes the description
in COLUMN A. Write only the letter next to the question numbers (2.2.1 to 2.2.7)
in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 2.2.8 Y.

[Source: Waterfall]

COLUMN A COLUMN B
2.2.1 This landform is usually found in the … A less resistant
2.2.2 The feature marked A B lip

2.2.3 The water in C is C sill

2.2.4 The feature marked C D turbulent

2.2.5 The overhang marked D E upper course

2.2.6 The waterfall will erode towards F plunge pool

2.2.7 The rock at B G I

H J

(7x1) (7)

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2.3 The diagram illustrates a section of the Tugela River, KwaZulu-Natal.

[Source adapted from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Map-of-the-lower-Thukela-River-South-Africa-with-sampling-

sites-formal-sources-of_fig1_345395120]

2.3.1 The river landforms shown in the diagram are primarily located in the
(middle/lower) course. (1x1) (1)

2.3.2 Name the fluvial landform labelled A in the diagram. (1x1) (1)

2.3.3 Draw a labelled cross-sectional view from point B to point C. (3x1) (3)

2.3.4 Describe the process of erosion and deposition that occurs at points
B and C. (2x2) (4)

2.3.5 Explain how oxbow lakes would form on this landscape. (1x2) (2)

2.3.6 Discuss the environmental significance of oxbow lakes. (2x2) (4)

(15)

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2.4 River Capture

2.4.1 Define river capture. (1x2) (2)

2.4.2 a) What is a watershed? (1x1) (1)

b) Copy the diagram below which is a cross-section through a

homoclinal ridge. Use it to illustrate how the position of the
watershed can change as a result of river capture. Provide
labels on your diagram to explain the processes.

Watershed
River B
River A

(4x1) (4)

2.4.3 Discuss the impact river capture has on the volume and erosive power
of River B. (2x2) (4)

2.4.4 Explain how the valley in which River A flows will change once river
capture has taken place. (2x2) (4)

(15)

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2.5 River management.

SA’s rivers and

dams can no
longer recover
from pollution

South Africa’s
National Water
Act, is supposed to
keep our rivers and
dams clean, but is
not working. About
seven billion litres
of sewage is dumped into our rivers and dams every day, making it unsafe for
people and wildlife. This sewage pollution is getting worse so quickly that it may
soon be impossible to fix our rivers.
Not enough water for everyone
On top of the water pollution problem, South Africa is one of the driest countries
in the world. We also have a growing population, which means more people need
water. This creates a big challenge: how to provide enough clean water for
everyone without running out of supply.
Crumbling infrastructure
Many parts of South Africa's water infrastructure, like pipes and treatment plants,
are old and broken. Fixing this infrastructure is expensive, and many towns and
cities do not have the money. The water supplied to homes and industry is often
dirty.
The future of water in South Africa
Experts are worried that South Africa may reach a "tipping point" where our water
problems become too big to solve. This could mean things like rivers may turn
red, have dangerous toxins or even not having enough water in them for irrigation
to grow food.
[Source adapted from: https://mg.co.za/the-green-guardian/2024-03-27-sas-rivers-and-dams-can-no-longer-recover-
from-pollution-say-water-scientists]

2.5.1 What is the biggest source of river pollution in South Africa? (1x1) (1)

2.5.2 Which TWO other issues make the water situation worse? (2x1) (2)

2.5.3 Why is water infrastructure a problem? (2x2) (4)

2.5.4 Discuss in a paragraph of 8-10 lines, strategies that can be

implemented to reduce the pollution in South Africa’s rivers. (4x2) (8)

(15)

TOTAL QUESTION 2: [60]

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SECTION B

QUESTION 3: GEOGRAPHICAL SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES

3.1 Map Calculations

Refer to the topographical map and the orthophoto map.

Four options are given for the questions below. Choose the correct answer and
write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number in your ANSWER BOOK.

3.1.1 The orthophoto map has a scale of 1:10 000 which covers a … area
and has … detail compared with the 1:50 000 topographical map.

(i) Small
(ii) Large
(iii) More
(iv) Less

A (i) and (iii)

B (i) and (iv)
C (ii) and (iii)
D (ii) and (iv) (1x1) (1)

3.1.2 Calculate the length in metres, of the dam wall marked 1-2, on the
orthophoto map. (Distance x Scale) (3x1) (3)

3.1.3 a) What is the height of the road bridge on the R61 in Block A1 on
the topographical map? (1x1) (1)

b) Is the dam wall in block A2 on the topographical map, visible

from the bridge? (QUESTION 3.1.3 a) (1x1) (1)

3.1.4 a) Give the True Bearing of spot height 662 in block B2 from spot
height 732 in block C1 on the topographical map. (1x1) (1)

b) Determine the Magnetic Bearing for 2025 of spot height 662 in

block B2 from spot height 732 in block C1 on the topographical
map. (3x1) (3)

(10)

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3.2 Map Interpretation

Refer to the topographic map and the orthophoto map.

3.2.1 The fluvial feature found at G in block A1 on the topographic map is

a…

A meander.
B junction.
C waterfall.
D floodplain. (1x1) (1)

3.2.2 The Mtata River is an example of a/an … river.

A graded
B ungraded
C rejuvenated
D non-perennial (1x1) (1)

3.2.3 Calculate the stream order of the river system marked H in block B2
on the topographical map. (1x2) (2)

3.2.4 a) Give a block reference as evidence that erosion is a problem in

the mapped area. (1x1) (1)

b) What feature of the landscape is partly responsible for this?

(QUESTION 3.2.4 a) (1x1) (1)

c) How does the erosion impact the quality of water in the rivers? (1x1) (1)

3.2.5 a) Which of the slopes marked 3 and 4 on the orthophoto map are
warmer? (1x1) (1)

b) Explain your answer to QUESTION 3.2.5 (a). (1x2) (2)

3.2.6 Which way will the winds blow at night in the river valley? Use the
numbers 5 and 6 on the orthophoto map in your answer. (1x2) (2)

(12)

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3.3 Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Refer to the topographical map.

3.3.1 The R61 on the topographical map is a line feature and stored as ...
data. (1x1) (1)

3.3.2 Provide ONE attribute of the R61. (1x1) (1)

3.3.3 Locate the map extract below taken from block D2, D3, E2 and E3 of
the topographical map.

a) Define the concept “data layer” used in GIS. (1x2) (2)

b) Explain how data standardisation is applied to the drainage layer

in this map extract. (1x2) (2)

c) Describe how data about the drainage layer would be used to

position the cultivated lands and settlement. (1x2) (2)

(8)

TOTAL QUESTION 3: [30]

GRAND TOTAL: [150]

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ROUGHWORK…

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