GEOGRAPHY  Assignment

SECTION A: STATISTICS

Answer all questions in this section.

1. (a) (i) Outline four characteristics of a normal distribution curve.

Table 1.1 shows number of vehicles passing a traffic count point on selected days in Harare

Table 1.1

(ii) Using the data on Table 1.1 calculate the mean, median, mode and range.

(b) (i) Calculate the spread of the data around the mean using standard deviation.

(ii) Using the formula V =(?? / ??¯) x 100 calculate the variance.

(iii) Comment on the deviation of the data from the mean.

(c) In a certain area 60% is underlain by granite rock, 25% by limestone and 15% by basalt.

Find the probability that

(i) a sample taken at random from the area is from basalt area.

(ii) a sample taken at random from the area is from either the granite or limestone part.

SECTION B: MAPPING

 Answer one question in this section.

2. TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP

With reference to the map provided (1: 50 000, Stapleford Forest, Zimbabwe),

(a) Draw an annotated sketch section showing the main relief features along horizontal gridline 48.

(b) Describe and explain how the landforms along the sketch section might have been formed.

(c) Explain the drainage features shown on the map extract.

3. GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

(a) You are required to make a point map for Mr Zulu's orchard using coordinates for fruit trees. The co-ordinates were obtained from GPS, recorded and saved on a spreadsheet.

You are provided with the following materials:

Table 3.1

 - Computer

-  GPS software

-  Colour printer

-  1 white bond paper Proceed as follows:

(i) create an excel file and save it as Mr Zulu's Orchard.

(ii) Open QGIS software.

(iii) Open the file saved as Mr Zulu's orchard in QGIS.

(iv) Create a new shape file for orange trees and change the colour to yellow.

(v)  Create a new shape file for paw-paw trees and change the colour to red.

(vi) Create a new shape file for mango trees and change the colour to green.

(b) (i) Open new print composer

(ii)  Add new map

(iii) Add title

(iv) Add new scale bar

(v)  Add new legend

(vi) Add direction arrow

(vii) Export the map as image

(viii) Print the map

(c) Describe and explain the distribution of fruit trees in Mr Zulu's orchard.

4. (a) You are provided with a mirror stereoscope and photographs of Gweru 1:25 000 of 21/07/85. Interpret the image based on the following characteristics (use cardinal points to give directions) (see Printers’ copy)

(i) Shape

(ii) Pattern

(iii) Texture

(iv) Size

(v) Association

(vi) Shadow

(b) Identify the importance of each of the following components of the remote sensing system in image acquisition

(i) Radiation

(ii) Energy Source

(iii) Target Sensor

(iv) Image

(c) Using examples explain passive and active sensors in remote sensing

Passive

Active   

SECTION C: RESEARCH TECHNIQUES

Answer one question from this section.

5. PHYSICAL COMPONENTS   

You are undertaking an investigation into the vegetation characteristics along a hill slope.

(a) Describe how you would prepare to carry out the investigation.

(b) How would you carryout the investigation to establish the characteristics of the vegetation in your study area?

(c) Describe a technique which you would use to present your findings.   

(d) Describe and suggest reasons for the variations in vegetation characteristics downslope.

6. HUMAN COMPONENTS

(a) Table 6.1 shows results from an investigation on population of Zambia in 1989.

Table 6.1

(i) Use the data in Table 6.1 to draw an age sex pyramid for Zambia.

(ii) Account for the shape of your pyramid.

(b) Outline the advantages and disadvantage of the data presentation above.

(c) Identify and describe another technique that can be used to show the same data in Table 6.1 above.

7. MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION

(a) Outline practical skills that you will employ to trace the development of a gully in your community.

(b) Give the steps you would use to reclaim the gully in 7(a) above.

(c) Assess the successes of measures taken to reduce siltation in rivers in Zimbabwe.