Essential Resources
Chapter 1 doesn't have it's own chapter marking criteria as such, however some of what is necessary to reach Level 3 in the markscheme below will be determined by Chapter 1. The following things will be graded during the first draft feedback:
Your aims related to relevant geographical ideas.
Up to three hypotheses which are well justified.
Expected outcomes clearly stated.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
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Word Count 400 - TBC June 2026
1. Your fieldwork question (FQ)
The fieldwork question:
How have geomorphic processes altered the coastline in Sitges, & how have people tried to manage these processes?
Don't forget that the term 'geomorphic processes' refers to the three processes that can change and shape a coastline namely erosion, transportation & deposition.
Write out the FQ above, at the top of your introduction chapter.
2. Your hypotheses.
i. At this point, you must individually formulate up to three hypotheses to test against the question.
(A hypothesis is a statement that you can test. A well written hypothesis is clear, directional and measurable).
ii. Your first hypothesis should be linked to a physical process
iii. the second hypothesis should be linked to a human activity/response
See below for examples of hypotheses..
1. Your fieldwork question (FQ)
The fieldwork question:
How have geomorphic processes altered the coastline in Sitges, & how have people tried to manage these processes?
Don't forget that the term 'geomorphic processes' refers to the three processes that can change and shape a coastline namely erosion, transportation & deposition.
Write out the FQ above, at the top of your introduction chapter.
2. Your hypotheses.
i. At this point, you must individually formulate up to three hypotheses to test against the question.
(A hypothesis is a statement that you can test. A well written hypothesis is clear, directional and measurable).
ii. Your first hypothesis should be linked to a physical process
iii. the second hypothesis should be linked to a human activity/response
See below for examples of hypotheses..
*Hypothesis - Not all beaches are eroded equally in Sitges
In other words - some beaches may be wider / built to a higher level than others.
*Hypothesis - Humans are effective in preventing erosion
In order words - there is little no evidence of erosion of the beaches or of the land around the defences.
*Hypothesis - Erosion is the main problem in Sitges
In other words - I can mostly only see erosional features or evidence of erosion around the study sites.
*Hypothesis - Humans are not effective in preventing LSD
In other words - the groynes do not work and the beaches are not wide or beach levels are low showing that LSD is taking the sediment away.
*Hypothesis - Groynes work in Sitges but create problems down drift
In other words - the beaches are being maintained in Sitges but when you travel past the last protected beach, there is evidence of beach starvation and/or erosion.
*Hypothesis - LSD is in a constant direction in Sitges
In other words - the beaches show that the sediment is moving from one side of the beach to the other i.e. the level of sand is higher constantly on on side of the beach than the other side.
*Hypothesis - Coastal features in Sitges are largely created by destructive waves
In other words, there is mostly evidence of wave based erosional features such as caves, arches, stacks and stumps. There is not much evidence of constructive wave features e.g. beaches.
3. Relevant background geographical information about Sitges, a brief history of the town .
i. The first 2 mins 15 seconds of this video is great!
ii. When does the town date from?
iii. What is its connection with the Caribbean?
iv. When did tourism start in Sitges?
v. Why is its proximity to Barcelona important for tourism?
vi. What natural resources does Sitges possess that make tourism appealing?
vii. Outline the problems caused by the disappearing beaches.
4. Map it! Complete two hand-drawn maps showing the location of Sitges:
i. within Spain
ii. within Catalonia,
iii. Then a brief written description of location of Sitges (to include distance and direction in KM from Madrid - Capital City - and Barcelona & its airport as well as that it is on the Costa Dorada, bordering the Mediterranean Sea).
5. What are the expected outcomes (clearly stated)?
Click on the black and white map below and this note taking sheet to access a before and now map to show the changes in Sitges.
i. Perhaps you might want to use a copy of this before and after map to help you to explain what the changes are and how this is impacting the beaches in Sitges in 2026.
ii. Your teacher will talk you through these changes and you can make notes on the sheet above.
iii. From what you have already learned about coastal processes and studying this geology map, what do you expect to find? Be sure to use the following key terms in your descriptions:
Erosion (hydraulic action, attrition) Transportation (longshore drift) , Deposition, (beach formation), Destructive and Constructive waves, Beaches, Soft rock (sand and gravels), Hard rock (limestone), Headland, Groynes, Sea Wall, Rock Islets
Don't forget to show off your knowledge and include some of the theory above including definitions
Checklist before final hand in
- Contents Page
- All pages numbered
- All photos, graphs, charts etc numbered in order e.g. fig 1, fig 2 etc
- Header of your name & Candidate Number
- Footer of International School of Toulouse FR042
- Front Cover with the following:
How do geomorphic processes affect the coast in Sitges, Spain?
Your Full Name
International School of Toulouse
FR042
An Image
Paper 3 - Coursework
iGCSE Geography 0460
Word Count (should be no more than 2200).
