IB ESS HL 4.3.11 Hl Water System Interconnections Questions

Analyse links among freshwater, marine and atmospheric water systems.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
ESS HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • identify how currents, upwelling, nutrient availability, light penetration and atmospheric or marine water movement connect aquatic systems
  • explain how mixing, upwelling, shallow-water light and nutrient release increase primary productivity in coastal waters
  • analyse a coastal water-system interaction using evidence, linking physical processes to productivity and evaluating implications for aquatic food webs and resource use

IB ESS HL 4.3.11 Hl Water System Interconnections Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]
Figure Cape Peninsula map showing Table Mountain National Park

Figure Cape Peninsula map showing Table Mountain National Park

Figure Table Mountain ghost frog

Figure Table Mountain ghost frog

Figure Fact file on Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park attracts over 4 million tourists per year, lies within the Cape Floristic Region and neighbours Cape Town. It covers 221 km2 of land and manages a 1000 km2 marine protected area where the cold Benguela and warm Agulhas currents meet at the Cape Peninsula. Fishing is managed through permits and quotas, and no fishing is allowed in marine restricted zones that provide breeding and nursery grounds.

Figure Table Mountain ghost frog conservation facts
The Table Mountain ghost frog changed IUCN status from endangered in 1994 to critically endangered in 2004. Its distribution is about 4 km2. Historically it was recorded in eight rivers, but now occurs in five rivers on Table Mountain. Tadpoles live in streams at risk of drying due to invasive vegetation, fires and reservoir construction. A 2019 programme monitors stream conditions and undertakes conservation action such as alien vegetation removal.

Figure for Question IB ESS HL 4.3.11 Hl Water System Interconnections Questions question 1 — IB ESS HL

Explain why the rates of productivity are high within the coastal waters around the Cape Peninsula.

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