Murray-Darling River Basin Exam Questions

(Sustainability)

You will need the Pre-Release Resource Folder, a new copy of this Folder will be given out in the examination

In this synoptic exercise you will be assessed on your ability to synthesise knowledge and understanding and skills derived from your A level course.

You are reminded that the assessment will take into account the quality of written communication used in your answers.

The main focus of the materials in the Resource Folder is on water supply in south eastern Australia. The Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) is geologically and climatically prone to contentrating salt in the landscape. This gets washed into the river system and is affected by the flow patterns of the river.

Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes

Section A

1. Using Resource 2 from the Resource Folder and your own knowledge, describe the relationship between the supply of and the demand for water. (10 marks) - 15 minutes

2. Use the information in Resource 3(a) from the Resource Folder to describe factors that may have accounted for the lack of river flow through the mouth of the Murray River in 2002. (10 marks) - 15 minutes

3. Identify the main conflicts that have arisen through the increased demand for water in this drainage basin. Use the information in Resource 3(c)? (10 marks) - 15 minutes

4. 'The use of water in the Murray-Darling Basin is no longer sustainable.' Using this example and others you have studied, evaluate the relative importance of factors contributing to this water quality issue. (25 marks) - 30 minutes

Section B

5. Critically assess attempts that have been made to find sustainable solutions to problems faced by cities. (25 marks) - 30 minutes