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Earth Science - New York Regents August 2008 Exam

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Part A

Answer all questions in this part.


Directions (1-35): For each statement or question, identify the number of the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question. Some questions may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

1. Which statement best describes the age of our solar system and the universe?
(1) The universe is at least twice as old as our solar system.
(2) Our solar system is at least twice as old as the universe.
(3) Our solar system and the universe are estimated to be 5 billion years old.
(4) Our solar system and the universe are estimated to be 10 billion years old.
Answer:

2. A Foucault pendulum is used to prove that
(1) the Sun rotates on its axis
(2) the Sun revolves around Earth
(3) Earth rotates on its axis
(4) Earth revolves around the Sun
Answer:

3. Compared to the terrestrial planets, the Jovian planets are
(1) smaller and have lower densities
(2) smaller and have greater densities
(3) larger and have lower densities 
(4) larger and have greater densities
Answer:


4. Which process produces the energy that allows the stars of the universe to radiate visible light?
(1) convection
(2) nuclear fusion  
(3) insolation
(4) radioactive decay
Answer:

5. A soil sample with a large amount of space between the particles will have a
(1) low permeability rate
(2) low infiltration rate  
(3) high porosity
(4) high capillarity
Answer:

6. When Earth cools, most of the energy transferred from Earth’s surface to space is transferred by the process of
(1) conduction
(2) reflection  
(3) refraction
(4) radiation
Answer:

7. The spinning of Earth on its axis causes the apparent rising and setting of the
(1) Sun, only
(2) Sun and the Moon, only
(3) Moon and some stars, only
(4) Sun, the Moon, and some stars
Answer:

8. On sunny summer days, a breeze often develops that blows from large bodies of water toward nearby landmasses because the
(1) temperature of the air above the landmasses is greater
(2) specific heat of the landmasses is greater
(3) temperatures of the bodies of water are greater
(4) air over the bodies of water becomes heavier with additional water vapor
Answer:

9. The topographic map below shows part of a stream.

In which general direction is the stream flowing?
(1) northeast
(2) northwest  
(3) southeast
(4) southwest
Answer:

10. Which pair of shaded circles best represents the relative sizes of Earth and Venus when drawn to scale?

Answer:

11. The weather instrument below is used to determine dewpoint and relative humidity.

Based on the temperatures shown, the approximate dewpoint and relative humidity are
(1) −19°C and 4%
(2) −5°C and 25% 
(3) 8°C and 40% 
(4) 12°C and 53%
Answer:

Base your answers to questions 12 through 14 on the weather map below, which shows a high-pressure center (H) and a low-pressure center (L), with two fronts extending from the low-pressure center. Points X and Y are locations on the map connected by a reference line.



12. Which type of front is located between Buffalo and Detroit?
(1) stationary
(2) warm  
(3) occluded
(4) cold
Answer:


13. Which cross section best represents the fronts and air movements in the lower atmosphere along line XY?

Answer:

14. Which map best shows the most probable areas of precipitation associated with these weather systems?

Answer:


15. Which graph best shows the general relationship between the altitude of the noontime Sun and the intensity of insolation received at a location?

Answer:

16. The cross section below shows the direction of air flowing over a mountain. Points A and B are at the same elevation on opposite sides of the mountain.

Compared to the air temperature and humidity at point A, the air temperature and humidity at point B are usually
(1) cooler and drier
(2) cooler and wetter 
(3) warmer and drier
(4) warmer and wetter
Answer:

17. The cross section below shows rock layers A, B, C, D, and fault F. The rock layers have not been overturned.

Which sequence places the rock layers and fault in order from oldest to youngest?
(1) D → C → B → A → F
(2) A → B → C → D → F
(3) F → D → C → B → A
(4) F → A → B → C → D
Answer:

18. The largest sediment particles that can be transported by a stream traveling at a velocity of 200 centimeters per second are
(1) boulders
(2) cobbles  
(3) pebbles
(4) sand
Answer:

19. What happens to the density and temperature of rock within Earth’s interior as depth increases?
(1) density decreases and temperature decreases
(2) density decreases and temperature increases
(3) density increases and temperature increases
(4) density increases and temperature decreases
Answer:

20. Scientists believe that a large asteroid struck Earth approximately 65 million years ago. It is often theorized that this event contributed to the
(1) end of the last ice age
(2) breaking up of the supercontinent Pangea
(3) evolution of the first birds
(4) extinction of the dinosaurs
Answer:

21. Which two landscape regions in New York State have the oldest surface bedrock?
(1) Allegheny Plateau and Newark Lowlands
(2) Tug Hill Plateau and Erie-Ontario Lowlands
(3) Taconic Mountains and the Catskills
(4) Adirondack Mountains and Hudson Highlands
Answer:

22. The topographic map below shows locations X and Y.

What is the approximate gradient between X and Y?
(1) 15 ft/mi
(2) 20 ft/mi  
(3) 30 ft/mi
(4) 60 ft/mi
Answer:

23. The diagram below represents a sample of a radioactive isotope.

Answer:

24. Which map best indicates the probable locations of continents 100 million years from now if tectonic plate movement continues at its present rate and direction?

Answer:

25. Which graph best represents the relationship between the slope of a river and the particle size that can be transported by that river?

Answer:

Base your answers to questions 26 and 27 on the photograph below, which shows a bedrock outcrop in northeastern New York State. Line AB is an unconformity between sandstone C and metamorphic rock D.


26.
The lower layers of sediment found in sandstone C were deposited 520 million years ago. During which period of geologic time did this deposition occur?
(1) Cambrian
(2) Ordovician  
(3) Silurian
(4) Triassic
Answer:

27. After the metamorphism of rock D, which sequence of events most probably formed unconformity AB?
(1) flooding → deposition → erosion → uplift
(2) uplift → erosion → flooding → deposition
(3) deposition → flooding → uplift → erosion
(4) erosion → flooding → uplift → deposition
Answer:


28. Which agent of erosion was primarily responsible for forming the long, narrow, U-shaped valleys in the Finger Lakes region of New York State?
(1) wind
(2) landslides
(3) meandering streams
(4) continental glaciers
Answer:

29. Which observation about the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region provides the best evidence that the seafloor has been spreading for millions of years?
(1) The bedrock of the ridge and nearby seafloor is igneous rock.
(2) The ridge is the location of irregular volcanic eruptions.
(3) Several faults cut across the ridge and nearby seafloor.
(4) Seafloor bedrock is younger near the ridge and older farther away.
Answer:

30. The diagram below shows the index minerals of Mohs hardness scale compared with the hardness of some common objects.

Which statement is best supported by the diagram?
(1) A fingernail will scratch calcite but not gypsum.
(2) Calcite will be scratched by a copper penny.
(3) The mineral apatite will scratch topaz.
(4) A steel tile has a hardness of about 7.5.
Answer:

31. The planetary wind belts in the troposphere are primarily caused by the
(1) Earth’s rotation and unequal heating of Earth’s surface
(2) Earth’s revolution and unequal heating of Earth’s surface
(3) Earth’s rotation and Sun’s gravitational attraction on Earth’s atmosphere
(4) Earth’s revolution and Sun’s gravitational attraction on Earth’s atmosphere
Answer:

32. The map below shows a meandering stream. Points A, B, C, and D represent locations along the stream bottom.

At which location is the greatest amount of sediment most likely being deposited?
(1) A
(2) B 
(3) C 
(4) D
Answer:

33. The diagram below shows the surface features of a landscape.

Based on the features shown, which erosional agent had the greatest effect on tree growth and the structures that humans have built on this landscape?
(1) running water
(2) moving ice  
(3) prevailing wind
(4) mass movement
Answer:


34. The diagram below shows Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Locations A, B, C, and D represent Earth on the first day of each season.

Which location represents March 21?
(1) A
(2) B 
(3) C 
(4) D
Answer:

35. The diagram below shows some features in a cave.

Which type of rock was chemically weathered by acidic groundwater to produce the cave and its features?
(1) siltstone
(2) basalt  
(3) quartzite
(4) limestone
Answer:


Part B-1

Answer all questions in this part.


Directions (36-50): For each statement or question, identify the number of the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question. Some questions may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.
Base your answers to questions 36 through 38 on the cross sections below, which represents two bedrock outcrops 15 kilometers apart. The rock layers have been numbered for identification and some contain the index fossil remains shown.


36.
When these rocks were deposited as sediments, this area was most likely
(1) under the ocean
(2) a desert between high mountains
(3) repeatedly covered by lava flows
(4) glaciated several times
Answer:

37. Both organisms that formed the fossils found in rock layers 3 and 4
(1) lived during the same period of geologic time
(2) lived in polar regions
(3) are members of the same group of organisms
(4) are still alive today
Answer:

38. Evidence best indicates that rock layers 4 and 8 were deposited during the same geologic period because both layers
(1) contain the same index fossil
(2) are composed of glacial sediments
(3) contain index fossils of the same age
(4) are found in the same area
Answer:

Base your answers to questions 39 through 43 on the passage and map below. The map shows the generalized landscape regions of Vermont.

Landscape Regions of Vermont


Most of Vermont’s landscape regions consist of ancient, weathered mountains that were covered by several ice sheets during the last ice age. When the ice melted, sand, cobbles, and boulders were deposited throughout the state. Vermont is divided into six landscape regions.
(1) The Vermont Lowlands region has a mild climate, with Lake Champlain moderating its temperature.
(2) The Green Mountains run the length of Vermont and were formed over 400 million years ago. Most of the bedrock is metamorphic and the region is known for its deposits of talc and asbestos.
(3) The Taconic Mountains extend into New York State. Slate and marble are commonly mined in this region.
(4) The Valley of Vermont is a narrow valley between two mountain ranges. Most of the bedrock in the region is limestone and marble.
(5) The Vermont Piedmont covers the largest area of the state. This region consists of rolling hills and valleys. Granite mining is an important industry.
(6) The Northeast Highlands is a mountainous region composed of granite bedrock.


39. The classification of landscape regions is primarily based on which factors?
(1) climate, vegetation, and surface features
(2) bedrock type, structure, and elevation
(3) state boundaries, streams, and rivers
(4) nearness to mountains, lakes, and oceans
Answer:

40. Which Vermont landscape region is a continuation of New York State’s Champlain Lowlands landscape?
(1) Vermont Lowlands
(2) Willey of Vermont
(3) Taconic Mountains
(4) Green Mountains
Answer:

41. During which geologic period did a major orogeny form the Taconic Mountains?
(1) Cretaceous
(2) Permian  
(3) Devonian
(4) Ordovician
Answer:

42. Some of the bedrock in the Green Mountains is actually green in color because of the presence of the mineral chlorite. Which other mineral can cause rocks to appear green?
(1) sulfur
(2) magnetite  
(3) olivine
(4) halite
Answer:

43. Which processes formed the granite that is mined in Vermont?
(1) compaction and cementation of sediments
(2) cooling and solidification of magma
(3) uplift and weathering of bedrock
(4) application of heat and pressure to shale
Answer:

Base your answers to questions 44 through 46 on the diagram below, which shows Earth in orbit around the Sun, and the Moon in orbit around Earth. M1, M2, M3, and M4 indicate positions of the Moon in its orbit. Letter A indicates a location on Earth’s surface.

 

44. An observer at location A on Earth views the Moon when it is at position M3. Which phase of the Moon will the observer see?


Answer:

45. At which Moon position could a solar eclipse be seen from Earth?
(1) M1
(2) M2 
(3) M3
(4) M4
Answer:

46. An observer at location A noticed that the apparent size of the Moon varied slightly from month to month when the Moon was at position M4 in its orbit. Which statement best explains this variation in the apparent size of the Moon?
(1) The Moon expands in summer and contracts in winter.
(2) The Moon shows complete cycles of phases throughout the year.
(3) The Moon’s period of rotation is equal to its period of revolution.
(4) The Moon’s distance from Earth varies in a cyclic manner.
Answer:

Base your answers to questions 47 and 48 on the map and graph below. The map shows two cities, Arica and Rio de Janeiro, located on opposite coasts of South America. Both cities are near sea level. The graph shows the average monthly temperatures for the cities.

 

47. Why does Arica have cooler average monthly temperatures than Rio de Janeiro?
(1) Rio de Janeiro receives insolation at a higher angle than Arica.
(2) Rio de Janeiro is influenced by a warmer ocean current than Arica.
(3) Arica is farther north than Rio de Janeiro.
(4) Arica receives yearly insolation that is less intense than Rio de Janeiro.
Answer:

48. The summer season at Arica and Rio de Janeiro occurs from approximately
(1) March 21 through June 20
(2) June 21 through September 22
(3) September 23 through December 20
(4) December 21 through March 20
Answer:

Base your answers to questions 49 and 50 on the graph below, which shows the duration of daylight hours throughout the year for five cities located in the Northern Hemisphere.

 

49. Which city experiences the greatest variation in daylight hours during one year?
(1) Caracas
(2) Mexico City
(3) New Orleans
(4) Edmonton
Answer:

50. What is the primary reason each city’s duration of daylight hours changes throughout the year?
(1) Earth’s axis is tilted 23.5° to the plane of its orbit.
(2) Earth’s rotation rate is 15° per day.
(3) The cities are located at different longitudes.
(4) The cities are located at different elevations.
Answer:


Part B-2

Answer all questions in this part.


Directions (51-65): Record your answers in the spaces provided below. Some questions may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.
Base your answers to questions 51 through 53 on the star chart below, which shows part of the winter sky visible from New York State. Some of the brighter stars are labeled and the constellation Orion is outlined.

 

51. Identify the color of the star Bellatrix, which has a surface temperature of approximately 21,000°C. [1]
_______
Answer:

52. In the space below, list the stars, other than Bellatrix, found on the chart in order of decreasing luminosity. Rigel, the most luminous star, has been listed. [1]
Answer:

53. Explain why the constellation Orion is visible at night to an observer in New York State in December and January, but not in June and July. [1]
_______
_______
Answer:

      Base your answers to questions 54 through 57 on the model and data table shown below. A student constructed a model to demonstrate how water is recycled by natural processes on Earth. The model consisted of a clear plastic tent over a pan containing a bowl of water. The model was sealed so no air could enter or leave the tent. The data table shows the observations recorded when the model was placed in direct sunlight for 60 minutes.


 

54. Identify the process that caused the water level in the bowl to decrease. [1]
_______
Answer:

55. How much heat energy, in calories per gram, is released as water droplets are formed on the inside walls of the tent? [1]
_______ calories per gram
Answer:

56. If the model is changed and the bowl of water is replaced with a green plant, by which process would the plant supply water vapor to the air inside the tent? [1]
_______
Answer:

57. A student glues a Y-shaped piece of plastic, as shown below, near the top of the inside of the tent and repeats the demonstration. Drops of water are seen dripping from the bottom of the Y after 60 minutes. Which process of the water cycle is represented by the dripping water? [1] _______

Answer:

Base your answers to questions 58 through 61 on the map given below, which shows weather station models and some weather variables for a portion of the United States. Selected weather stations are labeled A, B, and C.

 

58. On the map given below, draw the 50°F isotherm. The isotherm must extend to the edges of the map. [1]
Answer:

59. State the air pressure, in millibars, at weather station A. [1]
_______ mb
Answer:

60. The city represented by weather station B is currently being affected by an air mass that originated over the Gulf of Mexico. What is the two-letter air-mass symbol used to represent this air mass? [1]
_______
Answer:

61. Which weather condition is indicated by the present weather symbol at station C? [1]
_______
Answer:

Base your answers to questions 62 through 65 on the map below and the cross sections on the next page. The map shows a portion of the Indian Ocean and surrounding landmasses. The location of the epicenter of a large undersea earthquake that occurred on December 26, 2004, is shown by an X. The isolines surrounding the epicenter show the approximate location of the first tsunami wave produced by this earthquake in half-hour intervals after the initial earthquake. Cross sections I and II illustrate how this undersea earthquake produced the tsunami. Cross section III shows the tsunami approaching a shoreline. The cross sections are not drawn to scale.


 

62. According to the map, how long after this earthquake did the first tsunami wave arrive at Bengkulu, Sumatra? [1]
_______hr _______mins
Answer:

63. State the latitude and longitude of the epicenter of this earthquake. Include the units and compass directions in your answer. [1]
Latitude: _______
Longitude: _______
Answer:

64. Identity the overriding tectonic plate at the convergent plate boundary where this earthquake occurred. [1]
_______ plate
Answer:

65. Based on cross section III, describe the ocean water-level change at the shoreline that people observed just before the first tsunami wave approached the shore. [1]
_______
_______
_______
Answer:


Part C

Answer all questions in this part.


Directions (66-84): Record your answers in the spaces provided below. Some questions may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.
Base your answers to questions 66 through 69 on the map below, which shows a portion of the United States where 148 tornadoes occurred during a 24-hour period in April 1974. The paths of the tornadoes are shown.

 

66. Explain why all the tornadoes moved toward the northeast. [1]
_______
_______
Answer:

67. Describe the air movement most likely found within these tornadoes. [1]
_______
Answer:

68. A school receives a tornado warning. Describe one emergency action that a teacher and the students in a classroom should immediately take to protect themselves from injury. [1]
_______
Answer:

69. Most of these tornadoes occurred with thunderstorms along cold fronts. Identify the water cycle process that forms clouds along cold fronts. [1]
_______
Answer:

Base your answers to questions 70 and 71 on the data table below, which shows the diameters of three particles, A, B, and C, made of the same uniform material. These particles were carried by a stream into a lake.


 

70. The cross-sectional diagram below shows the stream entering the lake. On the diagram, indicate the expected pattern of deposition of the three particles by placing the letters A, B, and C in the appropriate boxes along the lake bottom. [1]
Answer:

71. Explain why the particles are deposited after the stream enters the lake. [1]
_______
_______
Answer:

Base your answers to questions 72 through 76 on the diagram below, which represents a model of the sky above a vertical post in New York State. The diagram shows the position of the Sun at solar noon on September 23 and the position of Polaris above the horizon.

 

72. On the diagram given, draw the apparent path of the Sun across the sky on September 23 from sunrise to sunset. [1]
Answer:

73. On the diagram given, draw the shadow of the vertical post as it would appear at solar noon on September 23. [1]
Answer:

74. Place an X on the diagram given to indicate the altitude of the Sun at solar noon on June 21. [1]
Answer:

75. How many degrees will the Sun appear to move across the sky from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on June 21? [1]
_______ °
Answer:

76. At which latitude is this vertical post located? Include the unit and compass direction in your answer. [1]
_______
Answer:

Base your answers to questions 77 through 81 on the passage and map below and the tide table below. The map shows the tidal range (the difference between the highest and lowest tides) in meters for the Bay of Fundy, Chignecto Bay, and the Minas Basin. The table shows the times of high and low tides for Hopewell Cape for August 21 and 22, 2005.

The Bay of Fundy has the Highest Tides on Earth


The unique shape of the Bay of Fundy contributes to the extremely high ocean tides experienced there. Frequently described as funnel shaped, the bay gradually becomes more narrow and shallow to the northeast where it splits to form Chignecto Bay and the Minas Basin. The highest tides of the Bay of Fundy are found within these fingers of the bay and are caused by the incoming tides encountering seaward-moving river currents as the bay narrows. The tide height is also affected by the amount of time it takes for high tide to flood the bay. This time is nearly identical from one high tide to the next.


 



77. Describe two characteristics of the Bay of Fundy that cause the extremely high tides to occur at Hopewell Cape. [1]
Characteristic 1: _______
Characteristic 2: _______
Answer:

78. On the grid below, plot with an X the height of the water for each time listed on the tide table. Connect the centers of the Xs with a smooth, curved line. [1]

Answer:

79. Using the tide table for Hopewell Cape, calculate the time difference between two consecutive high tides. Express your answer to the nearest minute. [1] _______hr _______mins
Answer:

80. The diagram below shows an observer standing near a measuring stick at the 0-meter tide height location at Hopewell Cape. The diagram is drawn to a scale of 1 centimeter equals 2 meters. On the measuring stick, place an X to show the highest tide level shown on the tide table for August 21. [1]

Answer:

81. The diagram below shows the Moon’s orbital path and Earth as viewed from space. The points on Earth indicate two locations where high ocean tides are occurring. Place an X on the Moon’s orbital path to show where the Moon could be located when these high tides are produced. [1]

Answer:

Base your answers to questions 82 through 85 on the map and passage below. The map shows the outlines and ages of several calderas created as a result of volcanic activity over the last 16 million years as the North American Plate moved over the Yellowstone Hot Spot. A and B represent locations within the calderas.


The Yellowstone Hot Spot


The Yellowstone Hot Spot has interacted with the North American Plate, causing widespread outpourings of basalt that buried about 200,000 square miles under layers of lava flows that are a half mile or more thick. Some of the basaltic magma produced by the hot spot accumulates near the base of the plate, where it melts the crust above. The melted crust, in turn, rises closer to the surface to form large reservoirs of potentially explosive rhyolite magma. Catastrophic eruptions have partly emptied some of these reservoirs, causing their roofs to collapse. The resulting craters, some of which are more than 30 miles across, are known as volcanic calderas.


82. Describe the texture and color of the basalt produced by the Yellowstone Hot Spot. [1]
Texture: _______
Color: _______
Answer:

83. Identify two minerals found in the igneous rock that is produced from the explosive rhyolite magma. [1]
(1) _______
(2) _______
Answer:

84. Based on the age pattern of the calderas shown on the map, in which compass direction has the North American Plate moved during the last 16 million years? [1]
_______
Answer:

85. Calculate, in miles per million years, the rate at which the North American Plate has moved over the Yellowstone Hot Spot between point A and point B. [1] _______miles per million years.
Answer:

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