Flashcards · 9236 · Topic 2

Paper 2 – The Human and Physical Geography of Pakistan flashcards

28 cards on Topic 2, subtopics 3.2.1 to 3.2.4. Pick a subtopic or study them all.

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3.2.1 The Landscape and Natural Resources of Pakistan

What should a strong answer on a landform, hazard or resource include?: What it is, the physical process that causes it, and the human impact that follows.
What is the monsoon, and when does it bring rain to Pakistan?: A seasonal wind system from the south-west in summer that brings the bulk of Pakistan’s annual rainfall.
What is a western disturbance?: A winter weather system originating over the Mediterranean and Caspian regions that brings rain and snow to northern and western Pakistan.
What is the difference between a flood plain and a delta?: A flood plain is the flat land beside a river that floods when the river overflows. A delta is a landform of deposited sediment where a river meets the sea, such as the Indus delta.
What is the difference between a renewable and a non-renewable resource?: A renewable resource is naturally replaced and will not run out, such as solar, wind or hydel power. A non-renewable resource is finite and will run out, such as coal, oil or natural gas.
Give an advantage and a disadvantage of hydel power in Pakistan: Advantage: abundant potential from Pakistan’s rivers and low running cost. Disadvantage: high construction cost and dependence on seasonal river flow.
Give an advantage and a disadvantage of natural gas in Pakistan: Advantage: a reliable, high-output supply. Disadvantage: reserves are finite and Pakistan becomes dependent on imports as domestic reserves decline.
Why does Pakistan suffer earthquakes?: It lies where the Indian Plate pushes northwards against the Eurasian Plate. The Kashmir earthquake of October 2005 is an example.
What does the specification require about natural resources, beyond location?: Their importance to economic development, such as export earnings, industrial inputs or employment.

3.2.2 The People and Economy of Pakistan

Why is Pakistan’s population growing rapidly?: Birth rates remain fairly high while death rates have fallen because of better healthcare, vaccination and food supply.
What is the dependency ratio?: The number of dependants (the young and the elderly) compared with the number of people of working age.
Give push and pull factors for rural-to-urban migration in Pakistan: Push: few jobs and services in rural areas, small farms. Pull: jobs, schools and healthcare in cities such as Karachi and Lahore.
What are kharif and rabi crops?: Kharif: sown in summer (rice, cotton, sugar cane). Rabi: sown in winter (wheat).
What are the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors?: Primary: raw materials (farming, fishing, mining). Secondary: manufacturing. Tertiary: services such as trade, transport, banking, education and health.
What is Pakistan’s most important manufacturing industry?: Cotton textiles, which also earn the largest share of export income.
What is the informal sector?: Work that is not officially registered or taxed, such as street vending and small workshops. It provides many jobs in Pakistan’s cities but with low pay and little security.

3.2.3 Globalisation, Transport and Communication in Pakistan (optional)

What is globalisation?: The growing connection of the world’s economies and cultures through trade, investment, migration, transport and communication.
What are remittances, and why do they matter to Pakistan?: Money sent home by Pakistanis working abroad, for example in the Gulf states and the UK. They are a major source of foreign exchange and support many households.
What is the Karakoram Highway?: A road through the northern mountains linking Pakistan with China via the Khunjerab Pass.
Why is Gwadar port important?: It is a deep-sea port on the Balochistan coast, developed under CPEC, that can link western China and Central Asia to the Arabian Sea.
Why is it difficult to build transport links in northern and western Pakistan?: Steep mountains, landslides, snow and sparse population make roads and railways costly to build and maintain.
How have mobile phones and the internet changed Pakistan?: They have spread rapidly, supporting mobile banking, online business and access to information, though rural areas remain less well connected.

3.2.4 Creating a Sustainable Future for Pakistan (optional)

What is sustainable development?: Development that meets the needs of people today without damaging the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
How does climate change threaten Pakistan?: More intense heatwaves, floods and droughts, and melting glaciers in the north, which threaten water supply and food production.
What is a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)?: A sudden flood when water held back by ice or loose rock at the edge of a glacial lake breaks through. Melting glaciers in northern Pakistan increase the risk.
What caused the 2022 floods in Pakistan?: Exceptionally heavy monsoon rain, together with glacial melt, flooded large parts of Sindh and Balochistan in particular, affecting millions of people.
How can Pakistan reduce the effects of deforestation?: Afforestation and tree-planting schemes, such as the Billion Tree Tsunami in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, protecting existing forests, and using alternatives to wood for fuel.
Why does Pakistan face water scarcity?: A fast-growing population, heavy use for irrigation with much lost through seepage, limited storage in dams that are silting up, and pollution of rivers and groundwater.