Figure 1

Study the map and answer the questions by underlining the correct words between brackets :

Thinking assignment

Accidents often happen to people who are involved in transporting resources. A train is used for transport, and what else except resources can be transported? People or general freight, or coal, or iron ore, or wheat…

Have you heard of a train that has derailed, and that the accident has been described as a train disaster? The consequences are always bad and cause great damage. People can die or get badly hurt, the train and railway lines are damaged extensively, and one can continue the list.

Read the newspaper article, look at the railway line on the map (figure 1) and think about the consequences of such a big train disaster. Then answer the questions.

TRAIN DISASTER IN NORTH CAN HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES

Regional reporter

Pretoria: A goods train with large quantities of diesel, toxins and general freight was derailed between Mussina and Polokwane two nights ago. The train bridge across the Sand River was extensively damaged and the railway line will be closed for about six weeks.

The diesel in the twenty tanks caught fire and the toxins seeped into the river. The rest of the freight was also destroyed.

Mr Mike Smit of Spoornet said that rail traffic between South Africa and Zimbabwe would be diverted through Botswana for the next few weeks. This is a detour of about 300 kilometres. Spoornet would bear the additional costs.

The veld fire that broke out is still raging in the thick bush. It is difficult for fire fighters to reach the fire in the mountainous region.

An investigative team from the Department of Nature Conservation leaves Pretoria today to visit the scene of the disaster to investigate the consequences the disaster will have for the environment. The team particularly wants to find out whether there is a link between the large number of fish that died in the Sand River and the toxins that landed in the water.

Describe the possible damage and consequences:

Have another look at the map on page 14 and answer the questions:

LO 1

GEOGRAPHICAL ENQUIRY

The learner will be able to use enquiry skills to investigate geographical and environmental concepts and processes.

We know this when the learner:

1.1 with guidance, selects and uses sources of useful geographical information [finds sources];

1.2 distinguishes between facts and opinions [works with sources];

1.3 categorises information [works with sources];

1.4 uses an index to find places on global atlas maps [works with sources];

1.6 identifies and explores possible solutions to problems [answers the question];

1.7 demonstrates knowledge and under-standing of the issue through projects, discussion, debate and charts [communicates the answer].

ACTIVITY 2

ACTIVITY 3