GCSE geography case studies

Q: What case study is used to show the abiotic and biotic characteristics of a coral reef?

A: Great Barrier Reef, Australia

• Abiotic: warm, shallow, clear tropical waters with high sunlight

• Biotic: coral polyps and zooxanthellae algae living in mutualism

• Very high biodiversity (fish, corals, turtles, molluscs)

Q: What case study is used for coastal management in a developed country?

A: Holderness Coast, UK

• Soft boulder clay cliffs eroded rapidly by destructive waves

• Hard engineering (sea walls, groynes) protects towns like Hornsea

• Groynes cause increased erosion further along the coast

Q: What case study is used for coastal management in a developing/emerging country?

A: Odisha Coast, India

• Vulnerable to cyclones, storm surges, and coastal flooding

• Mangrove planting acts as a natural coastal defence

• Cyclone shelters and early warning systems reduce deaths

Q: What case study is used for the impacts of an earthquake?

A: Haiti Earthquake, 2010

• Short-term: ~230,000 deaths, widespread building collapse

• Long-term: homelessness and cholera outbreak

• Economic recovery slow due to poverty and weak infrastructure

Q: What case study is used for the impacts of a volcanic eruption?

A: Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland, 2010

• Ash cloud grounded flights across Europe

• Limited deaths due to monitoring and evacuation

• Long-term increase in tourism

Q: What case study is used for the impacts of a tropical cyclone?

A: Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines, 2013

• Over 6,000 deaths caused by storm surges

• Coastal settlements destroyed

• Long-term loss of livelihoods (fishing and farming)

Q: What case study is used for earthquake hazard management in a developed country?

A: Japan

• Strict building regulations with shock absorbers and flexible structures

• Advanced monitoring and early warning systems

• Regular drills and strong public education reduce loss of life

Q: What case study is used for earthquake hazard management in a developing/emerging country?

A: Haiti

• Limited building regulations and poor construction increase risk

• Heavy reliance on international aid after earthquakes

• NGOs support rebuilding and community preparedness

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Q: What case study is used for urban challenges in a developed country?

A: London, UK

• High demand for food, energy, transport, and waste disposal

• Traffic congestion and air pollution

• Social segregation between rich and poor areas

Q: What case study is used for urban challenges in a developing/emerging country?

A: Lagos, Nigeria

• Large squatter settlements such as Makoko

• Informal economy provides most employment

• Poor sanitation and pollution lower quality of life

Q: What case study is used for sustainable urban management in a developed country?

A: BedZED, UK

• Energy-efficient homes using renewable energy

• Encourages walking, cycling, and public transport

• Reduced water and energy use

Q: What case study is used for sustainable urban management in a developing/emerging country?

A: Curitiba, Brazil

• Bus Rapid Transit system reduces traffic congestion

• Green spaces improve quality of life

• Recycling schemes create jobs for poorer residents

Q: What case study is used to show uneven development and quality of life?

A: UK North–South Divide

• Higher unemployment and poverty in the North

• Poorer housing and infrastructure

• Lower wages and investment compared to the South

Q: What case study is used for a top-down development project in a developed country?

A: HS2, UK

• Improves transport links between North and South

• Creates jobs and attracts investment

• Criticised for high cost and environmental damage

Q: What case study is used for a bottom-up development project in a developed country?

A: FareShare, UK

• Redistributes surplus food to those in need

• Reduces food waste and food poverty

• Community-led and sustainable

Q: What case study is used for a top-down development project in a developing/emerging country?

A: Akosombo Dam, Ghana

• Provides hydroelectric power

• Creates jobs and supports industry

• Displaced communities and caused environmental damage

Q: What case study is used for a bottom-up development project in a developing/emerging country?

A: Magic Stones, Burkina Faso

• Stone lines slow surface runoff

• Improve soil fertility and crop yields

• Low-cost, sustainable, community-led