How to draw diagrams

In some chapters, you are required to draw diagrams to aid in your explanation.

Here are some key diagrams that you will need to learn:

Coastal Studies

1. Formation of coastal cliffs

2. Formation of headlands and bays

3. Formation of caves, arches and stacks

4. Formation of beaches

5. Formation of spits and tombolos

6. Longshore drift

Plate Tectonics

1. Movement of plates: Convection currents within mantle + Slab pull force

2. Oceanic-Oceanic Plate Divergence (mid-oceanic ridges/ submarine volcano/ volcanic island)

3. Continental-Continental Plate Divergence (rift valley/ block mountains/ volcanoes)

4. Oceanic-Oceanic Plate Convergence (oceanic trench/ submarine volcano/ volcanic island)

5. Continental-Continental Plate Convergence (formation of fold mountains)

6. Oceanic-Continental Plate Convergence (oceanic trench/ volcanoes/ fold mountains)

7. Cross section of volcanoes

Weather and Climate

1. Formation of convectional rain

2. Formation of relief rain

3. Formation of land and sea breeze

Points to consider when drawing diagrams:

• Title of diagram

• Key features of the landform/ process/ phenomenon

• Think backwards to recall the processes and the key geographical terminologies necessary in your explanation

There are two main types of diagrams:

• Well-labelled diagrams: Depending on the question demand, well-labelled diagrams are often accompanied with a paragraph of explanation.

• Well-annotated diagrams: All your explanations must be included within the diagram as annotations. There is no need for an additional paragraph of explanation unless the question specifies.

#1 Well-labelled diagram

E.g.

With the aid of a well-labelled diagram, explain the process of oceanic-oceanic plate convergence. [5]

When two oceanic plates converge, compressional force is exerted. The denser or faster moving plate is then forced to subduct beneath the less dense or slower moving plate. A linear depression known as an oceanic trench is formed at the point of subduction. Part of the subducted plate then melts to form magma. The magma then rises through the cracks and fissures to the earth's surface, forming submarine/ underwater volcanoes on the ocean floor. Overtime, due to multiple volcanic eruptions, the submarine volcanoes may rise above the surface of the water to form volcanic islands.

#2 Well-annotated diagram

E.g.

With the aid of a well-annotated diagram, explain the process of oceanic-oceanic plate convergence. [5]

Do take some time to practice drawing these diagrams as they are the easiest type of question to attempt (in my opinion)! :)

Let me know your thoughts. Hit me up on Instagram