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NATIONAL
SENIOR CERTIFICATE
GRADE 12
MARINE SCIENCES P1
NOVEMBER 2023
MARKS: 150
TIME: 2½ hours
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Marine Sciences Grade 12 P1 NSC November 2023 QP (Eng)
Grade 12 Marine Sciences Paper 1 question paper from the NSC November Exam 2023 (English), 15 pages. Read online or download the free PDF.
Marine Sciences · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2023. Question paper, 15 pages. Read online or download the PDF.
- Subject
- Marine Sciences
- Grade
- Grade 12
- Document type
- Question paper
- Year
- 2023
- Exam period
- NSC November Exam
- Paper
- 1
- Curriculum
- CAPS
- Pages
- 15
- File size
- 688.1 KB
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This exam
NSC November Exam 2023
Questions in this paper
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Marine Sciences/P1 2 DBE/November 2023
NSC
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.
1. This question paper consists of THREE sections. Answer the questions as
follows:
SECTION A: COMPULSORY
SECTION B: Consists of QUESTIONS 2 and 3.
Answer BOTH questions in this section.
SECTION C: Consists of QUESTIONS 4 and 5.
Answer any ONE of the two questions in this section.
2. Answer ALL the questions in the ANSWER BOOK.
3. Start EACH question on a NEW page in the ANSWER BOOK.
4. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this
question paper.
5. Present your answers according to the instructions of each question.
6. Do ALL drawings in pencil and label them in blue or black ink.
7. Draw diagrams, tables or flow charts only when asked to do so.
8. The diagrams in this question paper are NOT necessarily drawn to scale.
9. Do NOT use graph paper.
10. You must use a non-programmable calculator, protractor and a compass,
where necessary.
11. Round off your FINAL numerical answers to the SECOND decimal place,
where applicable.
12. Do NOT write outside of the margins in the ANSWER BOOK.
13. Write neatly and legibly.
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Marine Sciences/P1 3 DBE/November 2023
NSC
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the answer and write only the letter (AD) next to the question
numbers (1.1.1 to 1.1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, e.g. 1.1.11 D.
1.1.1 A form of agriculture that combines raising fish together with plant
cultures that have no soil:
A Hydroponics
B Aquaponics
C Hydroculture
D Aquaculture
1.1.2 The tonnage that can be caught in the following season without
compromising the future sustainable health of that fish stock is
referred to as …
A Maximum Allowable Catch.
B Catch Per Unit Effort.
C Total Allowable Catch.
D Maximum Species Yield.
1.1.3 Which ONE of the following factors contributes the most to the
carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere?
A Rising global temperatures
B Oxygen levels
C Activities producing CFCs
D Agricultural activities
1.1.4 Which ONE of the following is the CORRECT Köppen-Geiger
classification for the north-west coast of South Africa?
A BWk
B BSb
C CWb
D BWh
1.1.5 Destructive waves occur when …
A there is a stronger swash than backwash.
B swash is equal to backwash.
C deposition is greater than erosion.
D there is a stronger backwash than swash.
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Marine Sciences/P1 4 DBE/November 2023
NSC
1.1.6 Which of the following is CORRECT for the commercial use of
algae?
TYPE OF ALGAE COMPOUND USE
A Red algae Alginic acid Yellow food
colourant
B Red algae Agar Gelling agent for
ice cream
C Green algae Beta-carotene Gelling agent for
ice cream
D Brown algae Alginic acid Yellow food
colourant
1.1.7 The statements below refer to the climate along the south-west
coast of South Africa.
(i) Mediterranean climate
(ii) Prevailing winds are NW in winter and SE in summer
(iii) Dry season occurs during winter
(iv) Strongest winds occur on mid-summer afternoons
(v) Rainfall occurs mostly in the form of summer thundershowers
Which of the following combinations is CORRECT for this type of
climate?
A (i), (iii) and (iv)
B (ii), (iv) and (v)
C (i), (iv) and (v)
D (i), (ii) and (iv)
1.1.8 Which gas is NOT one of the greenhouse gases found in the
Earthʹs atmosphere?
A Methane
B H2O
C O2
D CO2
1.1.9 Which statement is INCORRECT and NOT associated with ocean
acidification?
A Decrease in the pH of the sea water
B Increased absorption of carbon dioxide in the ocean
C Increased proportion of hydrogen ions
D Decreased proportion of carbonic acid
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Marine Sciences/P1 5 DBE/November 2023
NSC
1.1.10 The image below shows a multi-layered cage holding system used
in aquaculture.
[Source: https://s.alicdn.com/]
The statements below refer to the holding system above.
(i) Cannot easily be moved from one location to another
(ii) Layer B contains bivalve species or filter feeders
(iii) Consists of sea cages and sea pens
(iv) Layer A contains animals that absorb and clean the waste
products
(v) Used as a partial mitigation measure to prevent eutrophication
Which of the following combinations is CORRECT for this type of
holding system?
A (i), (ii) and (iv)
B (i), (iii) and (v)
C (ii), (iii) and (v)
D (ii), (iv) and (v) (10 x 2) (20)
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Marine Sciences/P1 6 DBE/November 2023
NSC
1.2 Give the correct scientific term/phrase for each of the following descriptions.
Write only the term/phrase next to the question numbers (1.2.1 to 1.2.10) in
the ANSWER BOOK.
1.2.1 Substances which promote the growth of micro-organisms
1.2.2 Aquaculture facilities where fish eggs are bred out under artificial
conditions
1.2.3 The proportion of incident light that is reflected by a surface
1.2.4 A geological interval of warmer global average temperatures
lasting thousands of years
1.2.5 Organisms that use calcium carbonate and calcium ions in
dissolved ocean water to construct shells and skeletons
1.2.6 A fragment of foreign rock trapped within a host rock and having a
different composition from the host rock
1.2.7 A model of currents or winds near a horizontal boundary in which
the flow direction rotates as one moves away from the boundary
1.2.8 A narrow piece of land consisting of transported sediment that
protrudes into the sea
1.2.9 A coastal landform on a resistant rock cliff face that protrudes out
into the sea
1.2.10 The swirling of ocean waters and the reverse currents created
when the water is in a turbulent flow regime (10 x 1) (10)
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Marine Sciences/P1 7 DBE/November 2023
NSC
1.3 Indicate whether each of the descriptions in COLUMN I applies to A ONLY,
B ONLY, BOTH A AND B or NONE of the items in COLUMN II. Write A only,
B only, both A and B or none next to the question numbers (1.3.1 to 1.3.5)
in the ANSWER BOOK.
COLUMN I COLUMN II
1.3.1 Blombos Cave A: artefacts dated to 77 000 years ago
B: engraved ochre
1.3.2 Weather A: average atmospheric conditions over
24 hours
B: average atmospheric conditions
over 24 years
1.3.3 Increased proportion A: stimulates calcium carbonate
of carbon dioxide production
B: higher proportion of calcium carbonate
1.3.4 Knysna Heads A: East Coast
B: South Coast
1.3.5 Embryo dunes A: grey soil colour
B: brown soil colour
(5 x 2) (10)
TOTAL SECTION A: 40
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Marine Sciences/P1 8 DBE/November 2023
NSC
SECTION B
QUESTION 2
2.1 Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.
The search for a cleaner source of harvesting electrical energy has made
headlines for a while. More attention is also being given to using the ocean for
electricity generation. Research suggests that salt water electrolysis, the
process of splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen, is a viable solution to the
common challenges of freshwater electrolysis. The hydrogen gas can be
burned to generate heat for energy production.
[Adapted from https://www.sustainability-times.com/low-carbon-energy/
hydrogen for clean energy could be produced from seawater]
A study was done to determine the effect of salinity on the rate of hydrogen
production in the process of electrolysis. Four solutions with different salinities
(freshwater, brackish water, sea water and brine) were tested.
For each solution:
180 mℓ of the solution was used
The electrolysis process was run for three minutes
This was repeated four times for each solution
The released hydrogen was captured in a tube
The volume of gas was measured in millilitres produced per minute
(mℓ/min)
The average volume of hydrogen captured was calculated for each
solution
The results of the study are shown in the table below.
Table showing the average volume of hydrogen captured (mℓ/min)
during electrolysis of solutions with different salinities
SALINITY (ppt) AVERAGE VOLUME OF
HYDROGEN CAPTURED (mℓ/min)
Freshwater 5 8
Brackish water 20 24
Sea water 35 49
Brine 50 83
2.1.1 Provide the dependent variable for the investigation. (1)
2.1.2 Give a hypothesis for the investigation. (2)
2.1.3 Draw a line graph to show the average volume of hydrogen
captured during electrolysis for different salinities of water. (7)
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Marine Sciences/P1 9 DBE/November 2023
NSC
2.1.4 Based on the results of this study, describe the relationship
between the salinity and the volume of hydrogen captured. (2)
2.1.5 Discuss the molecular structure of a water molecule. (4)
2.1.6 Why would it be beneficial to use sea water instead of freshwater
as an alternative source of energy? (1)
2.1.7 In your opinion, is electrolysis of salt water a sustainable alternative
to clean energy?
Give TWO reasons to support your answer. (3)
(20)
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Marine Sciences/P1 10 DBE/November 2023
NSC
2.2 Refer to the infographic on M-Bay Diving and Ocean Literacy School below
and answer the questions that follow.
M-Bay Diving and Ocean Literacy School is an institution based in Mossel Bay, South
Africa. It aims to provide experiences for its students through surfing, snorkelling and
diving to interact with the ocean in a safe, knowledgeable manner.
DESCRIPTION OF EVENTS LOCATION INFORMATION
OF THE DAY LOCATION OCEAN DEPTH ACTIVITY
Amateur students are taken for
(m)
an excursion at a selected
location in Mossel Bay. They A 3 Surfing
have not yet mastered the B 7 Snorkelling
fundamentals of safe diving. C 11 Diving
Therefore, they are not allowed
to dive deeper than 18 metres
due to the increase in the risk of
experiencing the bends.
SELECTED SURFING AND DIVING AREAS
TOP VIEW *SIDE PROFILE
*refers to section magnified for the side
profile
CLOSE-UP SATELLITE IMAGE OF LOCATIONS A, B AND C
[Adapted from https://earth.google.com/web/search/mossel+bay]
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Marine Sciences/P1 11 DBE/November 2023
NSC
2.2.1 What will be the predominant wave type for the selected surfing
area? (1)
2.2.2 Motivate your answer to QUESTION 2.2.1. (2)
2.2.3 Describe why the wavelength will decrease as the waves move
towards the shore. (2)
2.2.4 Consider A and B.
(a) What type of current is found at A and continues to B? (1)
(b) Explain how this type of current is formed. (4)
(c) Would this be a suitable area for teaching students to surf?
Motivate your answer. (2)
2.2.5 One of the diving students has a balloon with a volume of 500 mℓ
at the surface. The student dived to the deepest part of C with the
balloon. The temperature remained constant.
What would be the volume of the balloon at this depth? Show ALL
calculations. (4)
2.2.6 These students may not dive deeper than 18 metres due to the
increase in the risk of experiencing ʹthe bendsʹ.
(a) Explain what occurs when someone suffers from ʹthe bendsʹ
and state ONE symptom. (3)
(b) Why is there an increased risk of less-experienced divers
getting ʹthe bendsʹ? (1)
(20)
[40]
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Marine Sciences/P1 12 DBE/November 2023
NSC
QUESTION 3
3.1 Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.
DUNE REHABILITATION AT TABLE VIEW BEACH TO START IN JULY
The city plans to rehabilitate the dune system along Table View Beach.
Mr E Andrews, Deputy Mayor of the City of Cape Town, said, ʹThe beach is
not as pristine as it used to be: the dune cordon has deteriorated and lost its
ability to protect the surrounding infrastructure from windblown sand. The
parking facilities, beach access and services such as the stormwater
infrastructure are in urgent need of repairs and replacement.ʹ
A combination of heavy machinery, bulldozers, excavators and dump trucks
will be used to reinstate and profile the dunes. Thereafter, the sand will be
stabilised with wind nets that will be placed perpendicularly to the dominant
wind direction. The sand will also be vegetated with dune-specific species and
irrigated.
ʹWe will put up fencing to protect the newly profiled dunes. I ask residents and
visitors to please use the designated pathways to access the beach, and to
stay clear of the dunes so that we can give the vegetation a chance to be
established. Dunes fulfil an important function as they help trap sand on the
beachfront and prevent it from being blown onto roads and adjacent
infrastructure,ʹ said Andrews.
[Adapted from www.thesouthafrican.com/news/city-of-cape-town-table-view-beach-
rehabilitation-sand-dunes-new-walkway-bloubergstand-2025]
3.1.1 State TWO conditions that promote dune formation. (2)
3.1.2 According to the article, emphasis is placed on stabilising the sand.
(a) Describe TWO types of natural wind-blown sand movement
that can be experienced. (2 x 2) (4)
(b) Why is it considered necessary to stabilise the wind-blown
sediment? (2)
3.1.3 The article provides a clear example of human management of a
coastline.
(a) What engineering approach is being applied in the article? (1)
(b) Provide evidence from the text to support your answer. (2)
3.1.4 Is the proposal by the deputy mayor good or poor?
Explain your answer. (2)
(13)
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Marine Sciences/P1 13 DBE/November 2023
NSC
3.2 Coastal rock formations are prominent along parts of the South African
coastline. Compile an annotated diagram to illustrate the step-wise erosion of
a cliff to form a stump. (10)
3.3 Use the map below to answer the questions on ENSO events that influence
global weather patterns.
[Adapted from bing_image/simplemaps]
3.3.1 (a) Name the atmospheric cell of air movement found above the
Pacific Ocean Basin during normal weather patterns. (1)
(b) Explain the air movement in the atmospheric cell named in
QUESTION 3.3.1(a). (2)
3.3.2 Explain TWO conditions that occur along the south-eastern side of
ocean basin A during an El Niño period. (2 x 3) (6)
3.3.3 The opposite phenomenon of El Niño is La Niña, which also has an
influence on Southern Africa.
(a) What effect will this event have on the water at location B? (1)
(b) What will be the influence on the coastal weather of Southern
Africa? (2)
(12)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION B: 75
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Marine Sciences/P1 14 DBE/November 2023
NSC
SECTION C
Answer any ONE question in this section.
Clearly indicate the QUESTION NUMBER of the chosen question.
NOTE: Your answer must be in the form of an essay. NO marks will be awarded for
answers in the form of a table, flow charts or diagrams.
QUESTION 4
The question is based on the hypothetical scenario in the text below.
The president of South Africa has recently mentioned the proposed development of
smart cities (powered by modern technology). These cities would be built close to
large rivers in areas that have consistent, strong winds at the river mouth. According to
this proposal, the cities would be powered using tidal energy by building dams across
the mouths of the rivers. The first city is expected to be completed by 2035 with
international, private investment in the project being encouraged.
In a meeting with the minister overseeing these developments, you have been asked
to provide advice:
Explain why it has been proposed that a river mouth needs to be dammed for
effective tidal power electricity generation.
Continue by discussing TWO separate alternative forms of electricity generation
with the ocean as a source.
Discuss how South Africa can act immediately to manage energy supply.
Critically evaluate the governmentʹs focus on international private investment in a
public-private project.
In your conclusion, discuss why smart cities need renewable energy.
Content: (25)
Synthesis: (10)
[35]
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Marine Sciences/P1 15 DBE/November 2023
NSC
QUESTION 5
This question is based on the hypothetical scenario in the text below.
As a young person, you grew up in a fishing town along the West Coast of South
Africa. Since then you have left the town to study and your studies focused on
aquaculture. Your birth town has recently struggled to make ends meet due to low
abundance of target species in catches. An international investor aims to improve food
security in the town by introducing aquaculture for the harvesting of seafood.
You have been appointed as the chairperson running the public participation meeting
which is part of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the development. Your
opening speech needs to give clarity to the community regarding the potential positive
and negative effects of aquaculture. In your speech you should refer to the following
aspects:
Describe aquaculture to the community.
Inform the community about TWO socio-economic benefits of aquaculture, OTHER
than food security.
Raise concerns about how aquaculture could result in further risk to local fisheries.
Critically evaluate whether aquaculture, in reality, would provide food security in the
town.
In your conclusion, motivate whether you (as a previous resident of the town) will
recommend the proposed aquaculture industry.
Content: (25)
Synthesis: (10)
[35]
TOTAL SECTION C: 35
GRAND TOTAL: 150
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