Year 10 S2 HASS Exam Revision Sheet PDF

**[Comprehensive Revision Sheet for Year 10 HASS Exam]** Topic 1: Geography **Subtopic 1: Climate Change** - **Greenhouse Gases**: The four major greenhouse gases contributing to global warming are **carbon dioxide**, **methane**, **fluorinated gases**, and **nitrous oxide**. These gase...

**[Comprehensive Revision Sheet for Year 10 HASS Exam]** Topic 1: Geography **Subtopic 1: Climate Change** - **Greenhouse Gases**: The four major greenhouse gases contributing to global warming are **carbon dioxide**, **methane**, **fluorinated gases**, and **nitrous oxide**. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures. - **Climate Stability**: Historically, the earth's climate has been stable, but it is now changing due to human activities (like burning fossil fuels) and natural processes (such as volcanic eruptions). **Subtopic 2: Pollution** - **Land Pollution**: Defined as the contamination of the environment with toxic chemicals and human waste. This can result from industrial activities, improper waste disposal, and agricultural practices. - **Water Pollution**: Major contributors include **deep-sea oil drilling**, **farming**, and **land clearing**, which introduce pollutants into water bodies, affecting ecosystems and human health. - **Air Pollution**: Caused by vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and burning fossil fuels. Common pollutants include: - **Particulate Matter (PM)**: Tiny particles that can penetrate the lungs and cause respiratory issues. - **Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)**: Contributes to smog and respiratory problems; primarily from vehicle emissions. - **Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)**: Produced from burning fossil fuels; can lead to acid rain. - **Carbon Monoxide (CO)**: A colourless gas that can be harmful when inhaled in large amounts; often produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. - **Methane (CH4)**: A potent greenhouse gas primarily emitted from livestock and other agricultural practices. - **Fluorinated Gases**: Synthetic gases used in industrial applications, such as refrigerants. They are potent greenhouse gases with a high global warming potential. **Subtopic 3: Sustainability and Biodiversity** - **Sustainability** is meeting present needs without compromising future generations\' ability to meet theirs. The goal is to create enduring communities that recognise the interconnectedness of human activities and the natural environment. - **Key Pillars:** - **Environment**: Responsible resource use and ecological balance. - **Society**: Promoting social well-being and equity. - **Economy**: Supporting economic growth and vitality. - **Biodiversity** refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing all living organisms, their genetic differences, and the ecosystems they form. - **Levels of Biodiversity:** - **Genetic Diversity:** Variation in genetic characteristics within a species, allowing for adaptation to environmental changes. - **Species Diversity:** The number and abundance of different species in each area. - **Ecosystem Diversity:** The variety of habitats, communities, and ecological processes within a region. - **Importance: Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem health, providing essential services such as clean air and water, pollination, and climate regulation.** - **Distribution: Biodiversity is not evenly distributed; it is generally greater in tropical regions due to favorable climates and high productivity.** - **Threats:** Major threats to biodiversity include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, overexploitation, and invasive species. Human activities such as urban development and agriculture have degraded water supplies, impacting both wildlife and human populations. - **Sustainability and Conservation:** Protecting biodiversity is vital for maintaining ecosystem resilience and ensuring the survival of various species, including humans. **Subtopic 4: Coastal and Landforms** - **Erosion Processes**: Coastal erosion is influenced by factors such as wave action, hydraulic pressure, and corrosion. These processes reshape coastlines and can lead to loss of land. Example include: - A **natural arch** is a curved rock formation with an opening beneath, created by wave erosion on softer rock. Over time, it may collapse, leaving sea stacks. - A **cave** is a hollow space within rock formed by the hydraulic action of waves eroding weaknesses in the rock. Some caves can evolve into arches if the roof remains intact. - A **headland** is a point of land that juts out into the water, formed from more resistant rock that remains after surrounding softer rock erodes. Headlands often feature cliffs and may include caves and arches. - **Depositional Landforms**: Examples include features like tombolos, which are formed by the accumulation of sediment deposited by waves. - Coastal Inputs - **Marine Inputs**: - **Waves and Tides**: The Indian Ocean generates significant wave energy impacting the coastline, especially around areas like Bunbury and Busselton. - **Currents**: Ocean currents influence sediment transport along the coast. - **Geological Inputs**: - **Sediment Supply**: Erosion of coastal cliffs and riverine sediment contributes to beach formation. The geology of the region includes limestone and sandstone formations that affect coastal morphology. - **Atmospheric Inputs**: - **Climate Factors**: Seasonal weather patterns, including rainfall and wind, affect coastal erosion and deposition processes. - **Human Inputs**: - **Coastal Development**: Urbanization in towns like Busselton and Dunsborough has led to changes in land use, impacting natural coastal processes. - Coastal Outputs - **Erosion Outputs**: - **Landforms**: Coastal erosion results in features like cliffs and headlands, particularly evident along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. - **Depositional Outputs**: - **Beaches and Dunes**: Areas such as Meelup Beach showcase sandy beaches formed from sediment deposition. - **Estuaries**: The region\'s estuaries, like the Swan River estuary, are formed through sediment accumulation in tidal zones. - **Sediment Transfer**: - Movement of sediments along the coastline occurs due to wave action, contributing to the dynamic nature of beaches and coastal landforms. This includes processes such as longshore drift. - Longshore Drift - Longshore drift, or littoral drift, is the process of transporting sediments along a coast parallel to the shoreline due to wave action. - **Mechanism**: - **Wave Approach**: Waves typically approach the shore at an angle determined by prevailing winds. - **Swash and Backwash**: The swash moves sediment up the beach at an angle, while backwash pulls it straight down due to gravity. This creates a zigzag pattern of sediment movement along the coast over time. - **Sediment Types**: Longshore drift can transport various sediment sizes, including sand, pebbles, and shingle, depending on beach type and wave energy. - **Impact on Coastal Landforms**: - **Formation of Spits**: Longshore drift contributes to forming spits and other depositional landforms by depositing sediment where the coastline changes direction. - **Beach Evolution**: It plays a significant role in shaping beaches and coastal profiles by redistributing materials along the shore. - **Examples in the South West of Western Australia**: - In areas like Margaret River and Busselton, longshore drift is responsible for moving sand along the coast, impacting local beaches and contributing to sediment deposition patterns. - The dynamics of longshore drift can affect coastal management practices, especially in regions experiencing erosion or changes in sediment supply. - **Human Influence**: Coastal structures such as groynes can disrupt longshore drift by trapping sediment on one side, leading to erosion downstream and altering natural sediment transport processes. **Subtopic 5: Environmental Interactions** - **Spheres** - **Biosphere**: The global ecosystem encompassing all living organisms and their interactions with the Earth\'s abiotic components, extending from a few kilometers into the atmosphere to deep-sea environments. - **Hydrosphere**: All water bodies on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater, are essential for supporting life and influencing climate through the water cycle. - **Atmosphere**: The layer of gases surrounding Earth, primarily nitrogen and oxygen, which protects life by filtering solar radiation and regulating weather and climate. - **Lithosphere**: The Earth\'s solid outer layer, including the crust and upper mantle, consists of rocks, soil, and minerals that influence geological processes and support terrestrial ecosystems. - **Spheres Interaction**: - Spheres interact to sustain life and contribute to ecological processes. - For example, the biosphere (all living organisms) interacts with the hydrosphere (water bodies) through processes such as nutrient cycling and habitat creation. - **Soil Salinity**: Increased salinity in soils often results from irrigation practices that raise water levels and lead to salt accumulation when water evaporates. - **Sources of Salt in Australian Soil** - Oceanic Influence: Rainwater carries salt from ocean spray, depositing it across various regions, especially coastal areas. - Weathering of Rocks: The natural breakdown of rocks releases salts like sodium and potassium into the soil. - Ancient Inland Seas: The retreat of inland seas millions of years ago left behind salt deposits in sediments. - Natural Saline Areas: Certain landscapes with poor drainage accumulate salt due to high evaporation rates and low rainfall. - Groundwater Dynamics: Rising groundwater levels can mobilize salts from deeper soil layers to the surface. - Human activities, such as land clearing for agriculture, have intensified salinity issues by disrupting natural water balances and increasing groundwater recharge. **Subtopic 6: Carbon Sinks** - **Definition**: Carbon sinks are natural systems that absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release. They play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. - **Examples of Carbon Sinks**: - **Forests**: Particularly tropical rainforests like the Amazon Rainforest, which sequester large amounts of carbon through photosynthesis. - **Oceans**: The largest carbon sink on Earth, absorbing about 25% of human-generated CO2 emissions annually. - **Wetlands**: These ecosystems store carbon in plant biomass and soil, providing essential functions in carbon sequestration. **Subtopic 7: Responses of Plants and Animals to Climate Change** - Plants and animals respond to climate change through various adaptations: - **Migration**: Many species are shifting their ranges toward cooler areas or higher altitudes in response to rising temperatures. For example, certain bird species are moving northward or to higher elevations where temperatures are more suitable for their survival. - **Phenological Changes**: Changes in the timing of life cycle events occur. For instance, some plants may bloom earlier in spring due to warmer temperatures, while animals may alter their breeding seasons accordingly. - **Physiological Adaptations**: Some species may develop physiological changes that allow them to cope with increased temperatures or altered water availability. For example, certain fish species may develop tolerance to warmer waters. **Subtopic 8: Anthropocentric, Ecocentric, and Egocentric Worldviews** Anthropocentric Worldview - **Definition**: This perspective places humans at the centre of moral consideration, valuing human needs and interests above all else. - **Focus**: Emphasises human welfare, rights, and economic growth, often viewing nature primarily as a resource for human use. - **Implications**: Environmental policies and actions are often justified based on their benefits to humanity. This worldview can lead to the exploitation of natural resources without regard for ecological balance. - **Example**: Policies that prioritise industrial development over conservation efforts, it assumes that economic growth will ultimately benefit society. Ecocentric Worldview - **Definition**: Ecocentrism views the ecosphere as central to ethical consideration, recognizing intrinsic value in all living organisms and ecosystems, regardless of their utility to humans. - **Focus**: Emphasises the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of maintaining ecological integrity for the health of the planet. - **Implications**: Calls for a shift in values to prioritize environmental sustainability and the rights of nature. It advocates for conservation efforts that protect ecosystems. - **Example**: Conservation initiatives that aim to preserve entire ecosystems rather than focusing solely on individual species or resources, such as protecting habitats from development. Egocentric Worldview - **Definition**: This perspective centres on the individual\'s interests and experiences, often at the expense of others or the environment. - **Focus**: Prioritises personal gain and satisfaction over collective well-being or ecological health. It can lead to short-sighted decisions that disregard broader consequences. - **Implications**: These may result in behaviours that contribute to environmental degradation if they serve personal interests, such as excessive consumption or wastefulness. - **Example**: A consumer who prioritizes convenience and personal enjoyment over sustainable practices, such as choosing single-use plastics despite their environmental impact. Summary of Key Differences - **Anthropocentrism** prioritises human needs and views nature primarily as a resource. - **Ecocentrism** recognises the intrinsic value of all life forms and ecosystems, advocating for their protection regardless of human benefit. - **Egocentrism** focuses on individual interests, often leading to actions that harm both community welfare and environmental health. **Subtopic 9: Human Wellbeing** Human well-being is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various aspects of individuals\' and societies\' lives. Human well-being includes multiple dimensions such as material well-being, emotional health, social relationships, and personal safety. - **Components:** - **Material Well-being:** Access to resources, income, and living standards**.** - **Health:** Physical and mental health status. - **Social Connections:** Relationships with family, friends, and community involvement. - **Emotional Well-being:** Overall happiness and life satisfaction. - **Safety and Security:** Feeling safe in one's environment and having financial security. - **Measurement Challenges:** Human well-being is difficult to define and measure objectively. It can be assessed through both subjective indicators (like self-reported happiness) and objective indicators (such as life expectancy and income). - **Influencing Factors:** Well-being is influenced by social, economic, and environmental conditions at individual, family, and community levels. - **Interconnectedness:** The well-being of individuals is interconnected with broader societal factors, including access to services, education, and community support. - **Research Domains:** Studies on human well-being span various fields such as psychology, medicine, economics, and sociology, leading to diverse interpretations and frameworks. - **Policy Implications:** Understanding human well-being can inform policies aimed at improving quality of life and addressing inequalities within societies. **\ ** Topic 2: Civics and Citizenship **Subtopic 1: Government Structure** - **Federal System**: Australia\'s government is structured so that the nation is divided into states with their own parliaments alongside a central parliament that governs national matters. - The **Westminster System** in Australia is a parliamentary system derived from the British model, characterised by specific features and functions. Here are the key components: - **Key Features of the Westminster System in Australia** - **Parliamentary Democracy**: - Australia operates as a parliamentary democracy where the government is elected by the people through regular elections. - **Bicameral Parliament**: - The Australian Parliament consists of two houses: - **House of Representatives**: The lower house, where members are elected to represent electorates. The government is formed by the political party (or coalition) that holds the majority in this house. - **Senate**: The upper house, which represents the states and territories. Senators are elected to provide equal representation for each state, regardless of population. - **Prime Minister and Cabinet**: - The head of government is the **Prime Minister**, who is typically the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister appoints a Cabinet made up of ministers responsible for various government departments. - **Governor-General**: - The **Governor-General** represents the monarch in Australia and performs ceremonial duties. They act on the advice of the Prime Minister and have roles in the legislative process, such as giving royal assent to laws passed by Parliament. - **Responsible Government**: - The government must maintain the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in power. If it loses this confidence, it may lead to a change in government or new elections. - **Opposition**: - A loyal opposition exists, led by the leader of the party with the second-largest number of seats in the House of Representatives. The opposition plays a critical role in scrutinising government actions and holding it accountable. - **Separation of Powers** - The Australian system incorporates a separation of powers among three branches: - **Legislative**: Responsible for making laws (Parliament). - **Executive**: Responsible for administering laws (the Prime Minister and Cabinet). - **Judiciary**: Interprets laws and ensures justice (the court system). - **Variations** - While Australia follows the Westminster model, there are variations based on local conditions: - For example, unlike some countries with a House of Lords, Australia has a Senate that represents states. - Some territories, like Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory, operate unicameral parliaments. - **Constitution**: The Constitution is a foundational document that outlines the structure, powers, and functions of the government including: - The establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia as a federation of states. - The structure of Parliament, including the House of Representatives and the Senate. - The powers of the federal government versus those reserved for the states. - The roles of the Executive (the Prime Minister and Cabinet) in implementing laws. - The Judiciary\'s role in interpreting laws and ensuring justice through an independent court system. - Fundamental rights of citizens, although it does not contain a Bill of Rights like some other countries. - Key Dates in Australian Constitutional History - **1 January 1901**: The Commonwealth of Australia was established, and the Constitution came into effect. This marked the federation of the six British colonies into a single nation. - **27 May 1967**: A significant referendum was held, leading to the amendment of the Constitution to include Aboriginal Australians in the census and allowing the federal government to legislate for them. - **21 May 1999**: A referendum was held regarding Australia becoming a republic; however, it was rejected by voters. - Changing the Constitution - Changes to the Constitution can only occur through a process known as a **referendum**, which requires: 1. A proposal must be passed by an absolute majority in both houses of Parliament. 2. The proposed change must then be approved by a double majority in a national referendum. - Political Processes - **Exclusive Powers**: These are powers reserved for the federal government, including areas like marriage laws, taxation, and currency control. - **Concurrent Powers**: These are powers that are shared between both federal and state governments. Examples include: - Taxation - Education - Health care\ Both levels of government can legislate on these matters; however, if there is a conflict between state law and federal law regarding concurrent powers, federal law prevails due to Section 109 of the Constitution. - **Voting Rights**: Voting is a fundamental aspect of civic engagement in a democracy; it enables citizens to influence government decisions. - Famous High Court Challenges interpreting the Constitution: - **The Engineers Case (1920)**: Established that federal law takes precedence over state law. - **Commonwealth v. Tasmania (1983)** (Franklin Dam Case): Allowed federal legislation on environmental protection even if it conflicted with state law. - **Mabo v. Queensland (1992)**: Recognized native title rights for Indigenous Australians, overturning terra nullius. - **Williams v. Commonwealth (2012)**: Challenged funding for school chaplaincy programs based on constitutional spending powers. **Subtopic 2: Rights and Responsibilities** - **Right to Dissent**: This right allows individuals to oppose or disagree with government views without fear of retaliation, highlighting a key democratic principle. - **Safeguards in Democracy**: Essential safeguards include free elections, an independent judiciary, and legal protections for individual rights. **Subtopic 3: Levels of Government** - Australia has a three-tiered system of government consisting of federal, state (or territory), and local levels, each with distinct responsibilities. - Federal Government - **Structure**: Bicameral Parliament consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. - **Responsibilities**: - **Foreign Affairs**: Managing international relations and treaties. - **Defence**: National security and military matters. - **Trade and Commerce**: Regulating trade between states and with other countries. - **Immigration**: Policies regarding entry and residency of non-citizens. - **Social Security**: Administration of welfare programs, pensions, and benefits. - **Currency and Banking**: Regulation of financial institutions and monetary policy. - State/Territory Government - **Structure**: Each state (and territory) has its own parliament, typically bicameral, except for Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and the Northern Territory (NT), which are unicameral. - **Responsibilities**: - **Health**: Management of hospitals and public health services. - **Education**: Oversight of schools and educational institutions. - **Transport**: Public transport systems, roads, and infrastructure. - **Law and Order**: Police services, criminal justice, and emergency services. - **Natural Resources**: Management of agriculture, forestry, and water resources. - Local Government - **Structure**: Comprised of councils (city or shire councils) established by state legislation. - **Responsibilities**: - **Local Services**: Maintenance of local roads, parks, and community facilities. - **Waste Management**: Garbage collection and recycling services. - **Building Regulations**: Enforcement of local zoning laws and building codes. - **Public Health**: Local health initiatives and community well-being programs. **Subtopic 4: Democracy in Action** - **Engaged Citizenship**: Active citizenship can be demonstrated through various means such as attending school, voting in elections, or participating in community service. - **Protests and Civil Rights**: Recent protests illustrate citizens exercising their right to dissent; police responses can reflect the balance between maintaining order and respecting civil liberties. **Subtopic 5: Comparative Governance** - **Comparison with Indonesia**: Differences between Australia and Indonesia include how rights are protected, electoral integrity, and the separation of powers. Australia generally has stronger protections for civil liberties compared to Indonesia. **Subtopic 6: Peacekeeping and International Obligations to the United Nations** - **United Nations** - Australia's Commitment to the United Nations: - **Founding Member**: Active since the UN\'s inception in 1945. - **Financial Contributions**: 12th largest contributor to the UN budget and peacekeeping. - **Peacekeeping**: Over 65,000 personnel have participated in more than 50 UN missions. - **Human Rights Advocacy**: Active in promoting human rights and a party to major treaties. - **Security Council Membership**: Served as a non-permanent member five times. - **Multilateral Engagement**: Supports cooperative solutions to global challenges. - **Support for Global Initiatives**: Engages in initiatives on climate change, humanitarian aid, and disarmament. - **Diplomatic Missions**: Maintains missions in key UN locations to represent national interests. - **Humanitarian Aid** - Assistance aimed at alleviating human suffering during emergencies, focusing on basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. - **Nature:** - Primarily non-military; delivered by NGOs, international organizations, and government agencies. - **Principles:** - Guided by neutrality, impartiality, and independence; assistance is based on need without political agendas. - **Examples:** - Food distribution in famine areas and medical aid in conflict zones. - **Peacekeeping** - Deployment of international forces to maintain peace and security in conflict-affected areas, involving military personnel, police, and civilians. - **Nature:** - Military or semi-military; includes monitoring ceasefires and protecting civilians. - **Principles:** - Based on the consent of parties, impartiality, and non-use of force except in self-defense. - **Examples:** - UN missions in South Sudan and Mali to protect civilians and stabilize regions. - **Specific Examples of Australia\'s Involvement** - **Humanitarian Aid:** - East Timor (1999): Provided humanitarian assistance alongside military intervention through Operation INTERFET. - Pacific Disaster Response: Regularly assists during natural disasters, such as Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2020. - **Peacekeeping:** - Solomon Islands (2003-2017): Led the Regional Assistance Mission to restore law and order while improving living conditions. - UN Peacekeeping Missions: Contributed troops to missions like UNTAET in East Timor and UNMISS in South Sudan.