Point marked

Allow 1 mark per valid point with extra mark(s) for developed points (d).
For example:

Notes for answers

The sun is the ultimate source of virtually all energy in surface environments, including hot deserts (1).
Insolation refers to the direct impact of heat from the sun (1). In tropical hot desert regions, the sun’s angle of elevation is high so that at some times of the year it is overhead, or nearly so, leading to increased energy concentration and impact upon weathering processes (d).
Wind, as a result of variation of air pressure, is a major source of energy in deserts (1). The greater the pressure gradient, the stronger the wind (d).
Water in the form of flashy storm events is a third major source of energy in deserts (1). Infrequent, unpredictable and intense storm events can lead to high amounts of surface run off and erosion (d).

Allow 1 + 1 if appropriately explained and elaborated.

Allow 1 mark for a list of two or more sources.

The notes for answers are not exhaustive. Credit any valid points.

Desert Systems & Processes (AQA A Level Geography)

Topic Questions