WJECAS/A Level15 resources

WJEC Geology GL3 Human & Environmental — Papers & Mark Schemes

Free WJEC Geology GL3 Human and Environmental papers & mark schemes. Engineering geology, hydrogeology & hazards. 15 papers.

📅Summer series (legacy)📄15 resources availableFree to download

Download Past Papers

Type
Year

15 of 15 resources

Summer 2019

3 files
📄

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Past Paper – Summer 2019

Past Paper

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Mark Scheme – Summer 2019

Mark Scheme

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Mark Scheme – Summer 2019

Mark Scheme

Summer 2018

2 files
📄

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Past Paper – Summer 2018

Past Paper

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Mark Scheme – Summer 2018

Mark Scheme

Summer 2017

2 files

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Mark Scheme – Summer 2017

Mark Scheme
📄

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Past Paper – Summer 2017

Past Paper

Summer 2016

2 files
📄

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Past Paper – Summer 2016

Past Paper

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Mark Scheme – Summer 2016

Mark Scheme

Summer 2015

1 file
📄

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Past Paper – Summer 2015

Past Paper

Winter 2014

1 file
📄

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Past Paper – Winter 2014

Past Paper

Summer 2013

1 file
📄

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Past Paper – Summer 2013

Past Paper

Winter 2013

1 file
📄

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Past Paper – Winter 2013

Past Paper

Winter 2012

1 file
📄

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Past Paper – Winter 2012

Past Paper

Summer 2012

1 file
📄

AS/A Level GEOLOGY GL3: H GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON.: GL3: HUMAN ENVIRON. – Past Paper – Summer 2012

Past Paper

Applied Geology for Real-World Problems: The GL3 Unit

GL3 is a synoptic A2 unit within the legacy WJEC Geology specification, bridging pure geological knowledge and its practical application to human activity. This paper tests the ability to apply geological principles to problems in engineering, water supply, resource extraction, and hazard assessment. The GL3 paper covers engineering geology (site investigation, foundation design, tunnelling, slope stability), hydrogeology (aquifer properties, groundwater flow, well hydraulics, contamination), mineral and energy resource extraction (mining methods, environmental impact, resource economics), geological hazards (earthquakes, volcanism, landslides, flooding), and the geological aspects of waste disposal and land remediation. Fifteen papers are available, making this one of the most extensively covered units in the legacy specification.

Exam Paper Structure

GL3Calculator ✓

Human and Environmental Geology

1 hour 30 minutes🎯 80 marks📊 Varies% of grade
Engineering geology and site investigationHydrogeology and groundwaterMineral and energy resourcesGeological hazards and risk assessmentWaste disposal and land remediation

Key Information

Exam BoardWJEC
Specification CodeWJEC Geology (Legacy) – GL3
QualificationAS/A Level (Geology unit)
Grading ScaleContributes to A*–E
Assessment TypeWritten examination
TiersNo tiers
Number Of Papers1 unit paper
Exam Duration1 hour 30 minutes
Total Marks80
Calculator StatusCalculator allowed
Available SessionsSummer series (legacy)
Total Resources15

Key Topics in Geology GL3: Human and Environmental Geology

Topics you need to know

Site investigation and foundation assessmentSlope stability and mass movementAquifer properties and groundwater flowWell hydraulics and contaminationMining methods and environmental impactEarthquake, volcanic, and flood hazardsGeological waste disposal

Exam Command Words

Command wordWhat the examiner expects
IdentifyName a rock, mineral, or geological feature
DescribeGive an account of geological features or processes
ExplainGive geological reasons linking cause to effect
InterpretDerive information from geological data or resources

Typical Grade Boundaries

GradeApproximate mark needed
A68–78%
B57–67%
C46–56%
D35–45%
E24–34%

⚠️ This unit contributes to the legacy WJEC Geology A Level grade. Boundaries vary by session.

Engineering Judgement and Hazard Assessment for GL3

Engineering geology questions require you to evaluate the suitability of a site for a specific purpose — a dam, road cutting, tunnel, or building foundation. Structure your answer around three elements: the geological properties of the rock or soil at the site, the engineering requirements of the proposed structure, and the potential problems that could arise from the interaction between the two. Hydrogeology calculations appear frequently. Know the equations for Darcy's law (Q = KiA), hydraulic conductivity, specific yield, and transmissivity. Be able to calculate drawdown around a pumping well and predict the cone of depression. Always define your variables and show working clearly. Hazard assessment questions test risk evaluation. Distinguish between hazard (the geological event itself), vulnerability (exposure of people and assets), and risk (the probability of harmful consequences). When assessing earthquake risk, for example, consider seismicity history, proximity to active faults, local geology (amplification in soft sediments), and the vulnerability of the built environment.

More WJEC AS/A Level Subjects

Explore other AS/A Level subjects from WJEC

Related Past Papers

AI-Powered Revision

Meet your AI Tutor

Get clear explanations, worked examples, and step-by-step guidance on any AS/A Level Geology GL3: Human and Environmental Geology topic. Your personal AI tutor, free to try.

✓ No credit card required✓ Covers all WJEC topics✓ Instant answers