Jan 2009

PS/EARTH SCIENCE

The University of the State of New York

REGENTS HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 — 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., only

This is a test of your knowledge of Earth science. Use that knowledge to answer

all questions in this examination. Some questions may require the use of the Earth

Science Reference Tables. The Earth Science Reference Tables are supplied separately.

Be certain you have a copy of the 2001 Edition (Revised November 2006) of these

reference tables before you begin the examination.

Your answer sheet for Part A and Part B–1 is the last page of this examination

booklet. Turn to the last page and fold it along the perforations. Then, slowly and

carefully, tear off your answer sheet and fill in the heading.

The answers to the questions in Part B–2 and Part C are to be written in your

separate answer booklet. Be sure to fill in the heading on the front of your answer

booklet.

You are to answer all questions in all parts of this examination according to the

directions provided in the examination booklet. Record your answers to the Part A

and Part B–1 multiple-choice questions on your separate answer sheet. Write your

answers to the Part B–2 and Part C questions in your answer booklet. All work should

be written in pen, except for graphs and drawings, which should be done in pencil.

You may use scrap paper to work out the answers to the questions, but be sure to

record all your answers on your separate answer sheet and in your answer booklet.

When you have completed the examination, you must sign the statement printed

at the end of your separate answer sheet, indicating that you had no unlawful

knowledge of the questions or answers prior to the examination and that you have

neither given nor received assistance in answering any of the questions during the

examination. Your answer sheet and answer booklet cannot be accepted if you fail to

sign this declaration.

Notice. . .

A four-function or scientific calculator and a copy of the 2001 Earth Science Reference Tables

(Revised November 2006) must be available for you to use while taking this examination.

The use of any communications device is strictly prohibited when taking this

examination. If you use any communications device, no matter how briefly, your

examination will be invalidated and no score will be calculated for you.

DO NOT OPEN THIS EXAMINATION BOOKLET UNTIL THE SIGNAL IS GIVEN.

E C N E I C S H T R A E / S P

Part A

Answer all questions in this part.

Directions (1–35): For each statement or question, write on your separate answer sheet 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 describes the general relation-

7 The diagram below shows two identical containers

ship between the temperature and the luminosity

filled with uniform particles that were sorted by

of main sequence stars?

size.

(1) As temperature decreases, luminosity increases.

(2) As temperature decreases, luminosity remains

the same.

(3) As temperature increases, luminosity increases.

(4) As temperature increases, luminosity remains

the same.

2 Which planet has the least distance between the

two foci of its elliptical orbit?

Which characteristic is most likely the same for

these particle-filled containers?

(1) Venus

(3) Mars

(2) Earth

(4) Jupiter

(1) infiltration rate

(3) capillarity

(2) water retention

(4) porosity

3 Earth’s rate of rotation is approximately

8 Which soil conditions normally result in the

(1) 1° per day

(3) 180° per day

greatest amount of runoff?

(2) 15° per day

(4) 360° per day

(1) low permeability and gentle slope

(2) low permeability and steep slope

4 Light and other forms of electromagnetic

(3) high permeability and gentle slope

radiation are given off by stars using energy

(4) high permeability and steep slope

released during

(1) nuclear fusion

(3) convection

9 Very cold climates occur at Earth’s North and

(2) conduction

(4) radioactive decay

South Poles because the polar regions

(1) are usually farthest from the Sun

5 The path of a Foucault pendulum provides

(2) absorb the greatest amount of insolation

evidence that Earth

(3) receive the most hours of daylight

(1) rotates on its axis

(4) receive low-angle insolation

(2) revolves in its orbit

(3) is tilted on its axis

10 A barometric pressure of 1021.0 millibars is equal

(4) has an elliptical orbit

to how many inches of mercury?

(1) 29.88

(3) 30.25

6 What time is it in Greenwich, England (at 0° longi-

(2) 30.15

(4) 30.50

tude), when it is noon in Massena, New York?

(1) 7 a.m.

(3) 5 p.m.

(2) noon

(4) 10 p.m.

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[2]

11 The diagrams below show apparent changes in the positions of the stars in the Big Dipper that have

occurred in the past 200,000 years. The directions of individual star movements as seen from Earth are

shown by the arrows.

As it was 200,000 years ago

As it is today

Which diagram best represents how the Big Dipper will appear when viewed from

Earth in 200,000 years?

( 1 )

( 3 )

( 2 )

( 4 )

12 On which station model would the present weather symbol * most likely be found?

( 1 )

( 2 )

( 3 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[3]

[OVER]

13 The letters A through D in the cross section below represent four of the processes that are part of the water

cycle.

Runoff

water

Groundwater

Lake

Water absorbed by roots

Which table correctly matches each letter with the process that it represents?

Letter

Process

Letter

Process

condensation

transpiration

precipitation

transpiration

evaporation

condensation

(1)

(3)

Letter

Process

Letter

Process

evaporation

condensation

precipitation

evaporation

transpiration

(2)

(4)

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[4]

14 The cross section below shows a sea breeze

17 The map below shows a weather variable recorded

blowing from the ocean toward the land. The air

at noon on a certain day. Isolines show values from

pressure at the land surface is 1013 millibars.

20 to 70.

Sea breeze

1013 mb

Ocean

(Not drawn to scale)

The air pressure at the ocean surface a few miles

from the shore is most likely

(1) 994 mb

(3) 1013 mb

(2) 1005 mb

(4) 1017 mb

15 An instrument used to measure a weather vari-

able is shown below.

Which atmospheric variable is most likely

represented by the isolines on this map?

(1) snowfall in inches

(2) wind speed in knots

(3) barometric pressure in millibars

(4) air temperature in degrees Fahrenheit

Which weather variable is measured by this

instrument?

18 Which combination of temperature and pressure

(1) wind direction

(3) wind speed

is inferred to occur within Earth’s stiffer mantle?

(2) air pressure

(4) amount of rainfall

(1) 3500°C and 0.4 million atmospheres

(2) 3500°C and 2.0 million atmospheres

(3) 5500°C and 0.4 million atmospheres

16 Mt. Marcy often has the coldest nighttime

(4) 5500°C and 2.0 million atmospheres

temperatures in New York State because of its

(1) latitude and planetary winds

(2) latitude and elevation

(3) longitude and planetary winds

(4) longitude and elevation

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[5]

[OVER]

19 The diagram below indicates the amount of solar radiation that is reflected by equal areas of various

materials on Earth’s surface.

15%

10%

75%

45%

30%

95%

10%

Sand

Grassy

Fresh

Forest

field

snow

Which material absorbs the most solar radiation?

(1) grassy field

(3) sand

(2) fresh snow

(4) forest

20 The diagram below shows a process thought to have produced Earth’s early atmosphere.

G a s X

N i t r og ne

Which major component is shown as gas X ?

(1) helium

(3) carbon dioxide

(2) ozone

(4) hydrogen

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[6]

21 During which two geologic time periods did most

27 Which group of elements is listed in increasing

of the surface bedrock of the Taconic Mountains

order based on the percent by mass in Earth’s

form?

crust?

(1) Cambrian and Ordovician

(1) aluminum, iron, calcium

(2) Silurian and Devonian

(2) aluminum, silicon, magnesium

(3) Pennsylvanian and Mississippian

(3) magnesium, iron, aluminum

(4) Triassic and Jurassic

(4) magnesium, silicon, calcium

22 Which event is an example of chemical

28 Which observation provides the best evidence

weathering?

that Earth revolves around the Sun?

(1) rocks falling off the face of a steep cliff

(1) The constellation Orion is only visible in the

(2) feldspar in granite being crushed into clay-

night sky for part of the year.

sized particles

(2) The North Star, Polaris , is located above the

(3) water freezing in cracks in a roadside outcrop

North Pole for the entire year.

(4) acid rain reacting with limestone bedrock

(3) The Sun appears to move across Earth’s sky at

a rate of 15°/hr.

(4) The

Coriolis

effect

causes

Northern

23 The entire area drained by a river and its

Hemisphere winds to curve to the right.

tributaries is called a

(1) delta

(3) valley

(2) watershed

(4) floodplain

29 One reason Tetragraptus is considered a good

index fossil is that Tetragraptus

(1) existed during a large part of the Paleozoic

24 A meandering stream deposits most of its

Era

sediments on the

(2) has no living relatives found on Earth today

(1) inside of meanders where the stream flows

(3) existed over a wide geographic area

faster

(4) has been found in New York State

(2) inside of meanders where the stream flows

slower

(3) outside of meanders where the stream flows

30 What is the dewpoint temperature when the

faster

relative humidity is 30% and the air temperature

(4) outside of meanders where the stream flows

is 20°C?

slower

(1) –28°C

(3) 6°C

(2) 2°C

(4) 9°C

25 Which natural agent of erosion is mainly respon-

sible for the formation of the barrier islands along

31 An igneous rock contains 10 grams of radioactive

the southern coast of Long Island, New York?

potassium-40 and a total of 10 grams of its decay

(1) mass movement

(3) prevailing winds

products. During which geologic time interval

(2) running water

(4) ocean waves

was this rock most likely formed?

(1) Middle Archean

(2) Late Archean

26 Which geologic event occurred in New York State

(3) Middle Proterozoic

at approximately the same time that eurypterids

(4) Late Proterozoic

were becoming extinct?

(1) the opening of the Atlantic Ocean

(2) the uplift of the Appalachian Mountains

(3) the formation of the Catskill Delta

(4) the intrusion of the Palisades Sill

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[7]

[OVER]

32 The geologic cross section below shows a complex structure containing a granite intrusion.

Schist

Shale

Key

Contact

Granite

Schist

metamorphism

If the granite intrusion occurred 24 million years ago, what are the most

probable ages of the schist and shale, in millions of years?

(1) schist – 25; shale – 23

(3) schist – 23; shale – 25

(2) schist – 25; shale – 26

(4) schist – 23; shale – 20

33 Which profile best shows the general depositional pattern that occurs when water from a stream enters the

ocean?

S t r e a m

Ocean surface

b b

l a

l e

C l a y

S i l t

S a n d

P e b b l e s

Bedrock

S i l t

Bedrock

( 1 )

( 3 )

S t r e a m

Ocean surface

n d

e b b

l e

P e

b b l e s

C l a y

a n d

Bedrock

S i l t

Bedrock

C l a y

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[8]

34 The map below shows the locations of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Springfield, Missouri.

Virginia

Beach

Springfield

Atlantic

Ocean

Gulf of Mexico

Virginia Beach experiences cooler summers and warmer winters than Springfield

because Virginia Beach

(1) is located closer to the Atlantic Ocean

(2) is located closer to the equator

(3) has a greater average yearly duration of insolation

(4) has a greater average yearly intensity of insolation

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[9]

[OVER]

35 The arrows labeled A through D on the map below show the general paths of abandoned boats that have

floated across the Atlantic Ocean.

Europe

North

America

Tropic of Cancer

Africa

South

America

Which sequence of ocean currents was responsible for the movement of these boats?

(1) South Equatorial → Gulf Stream → Labrador → Benguela

(2) South Equatorial → Australia → West Wind Drift → Peru

(3) North Equatorial → Koroshio → North Pacific → California

(4) North Equatorial → Gulf Stream → North Atlantic → Canaries

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[10]

Part B–1

Answer all questions in this part.

Directions (36–50): For each statement or question, write on your separate answer sheet 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 passage below.

Fossils and the History of Earth’s Rotation

Data from coral fossils support the hypothesis that Earth’s rotation rate has been

slowing down by about 2.5 seconds per 100,000 years. Scientists believe this is due to

the frictional effects of ocean tides. This slowing rotation rate decreases the number

of days in the year.

Scientists have discovered that corals produce a thin layer of shell every day, result-

ing in growth rings. These daily layers are separated by yearly ridges.

The Devonian coral fossil, Pleurodictyum , has approximately 400 growth rings

between each yearly ridge, which suggests that there were about 400 days in a year

during the Devonian Period.

Supporting this hypothesis, scientists have found coral from the Pennsylvanian

Period that have about 390 growth rings per year, while present-day corals have about

365 growth rings per year.

36 Approximately how many fewer Earth days per year are there today than there were

during the Devonian Period?

(1) 10

(3) 35

(2) 25

(4) 40

37 What inference can be made about the number of growth rings per year for a coral

from the Permian Period and Ordovician Period compared to the number of growth

rings per year for the Devonian coral, Pleurodictyum ?

(1) Ordovician coral would have fewer, but Permian coral would have more.

(2) Ordovician coral would have more, but Permian coral would have fewer.

(3) Both Ordovician and Permian coral would have fewer.

(4) Both Ordovician and Permian coral would have more.

38 The evidence of the fossil Pleurodictyum found in surface bedrock in the Finger

Lakes region of New York State suggests that this region was once

(1) covered by a glacial ice sheet

(3) located in a desert area

(2) covered by a warm, shallow sea

(4) located in a tropical rain forest

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[11]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 39 through 41 on the diagram below, which shows a model of Earth’s orbit

around the Sun. Letters A , B , C , and D represent Earth’s position at the beginning of each season.

Sun

(Not drawn to scale)

39 Which position of Earth represents the first day of summer in the Northern

Hemisphere?

(1) A

(3) C

(2) B

(4) D

40 The diagram below shows how Earth is illuminated [lighted] by the Sun as viewed

from above the North Pole.

E q u a t o r

T r o

p i c

C i r c l e

North Pole

In which orbital position would Earth be illuminated as shown?

(1) A

(3) C

(2) B

(4) D

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[12]

41 How many degrees will the Sun’s vertical rays shift on Earth’s surface as Earth

travels from position C to position D ?

(1) 15°

(3) 47°

(2) 23.5°

(4) 365°

Base your answers to questions 42 and 43 on the graph below, which shows two days of tidal data from a

coastal location in the northeastern United States.

Tidal Changes

2.4

2.2

2.0

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

Mid 2

8 10

8 10 Mid 2

8 10

8 10 Mid 2

8 10

a.m.

p.m.

a.m.

p.m.

a.m.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Key

Mid – Midnight

N – Noon

42 The change in the tides as shown on the graph is primarily the result of

(1) Earth’s rotation and the Moon’s revolution

(2) Earth’s rotation and revolution

(3) the Moon’s rotation and Earth’s revolution

(4) the Moon’s rotation and revolution

43 If the pattern shown continues, the most likely height and time for the first high tide

on day 3 would be

(1) 2.2 meters at 4 a.m.

(3) 2.2 meters at 5 a.m.

(2) 2.3 meters at 4 a.m.

(4) 2.3 meters at 5 a.m.

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[13]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 44 through 46 on the map of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge shown below.

Points A through D are locations on the ocean floor. Line XY connects locations in North America and Africa.

North

Europe

America

Africa

South

America

A B C

Mid-Atlantic

Ridge

44 In which cross section do the arrows best show the convection occurring within the

asthenosphere beneath line XY ?

Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Atlantic

Ocean

Atlantic

Ocean

Asthenosphere

( 1 )

( 3 )

Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Atlantic

Ocean

Atlantic

Ocean

Asthenosphere

( 2 )

( 4 )

45 Samples of ocean-floor bedrock were collected at points A , B , C , and D . Which

sequence shows the correct order of the age of the bedrock from oldest to youngest?

(1) D → C → B → A

(3) C → B → D → A

(2) A → D → B → C

(4) A → B → D → C

46 The boundary between which two tectonic plates is most similar geologically to the

plate boundary at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

(1) Eurasian and Indian-Australian

(3) Pacific and Nazca

(2) Cocos and Caribbean

(4) Nazca and South American

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[14]

Base your answers to questions 47 through 49 on the cross section below. Rock units are labeled 1 through 8.

The line between A and A ′ indicates an unconformity.

Key

Contact

metamorphism

Granite intrusion

47 Which characteristic of the granite intrusion provides the most evidence that it

solidified deep underground?

(1) very hard

(3) light color

(2) coarse texture

(4) felsic composition

48 Which event occurred sometime after the formation of the unconformity?

(1) formation of rock unit 3

(2) tilting of rock unit 5

(3) deposition of the sediments that formed rock unit 8

(4) intrusion of rock unit 7

49 Which rock most probably formed in the contact metamorphic zone within rock unit 6?

(1) marble

(3) quartzite

(2) basalt

(4) hornfels

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[15]

[OVER]

Base your answer to question 50 on the diagram below. This diagram shows a portion of the solar system.

Mercury

Mars

Venus

Earth

Asteroid

belt

Uranus

Sun

Saturn

Jupiter

(Not drawn to scale)

50 What is the average distance, in millions of kilometers, from the Sun to the asteriod

belt?

(1) 129

(3) 503

(2) 189

(4) 857

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[16]

Part B–2

Answer all questions in this part.

Directions (51–65): Record your answers in the spaces provided in your answer booklet. Some questions

may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

Base your answers to questions 51 and 52 on the diagram in your answer booklet, which represents the sky

above an observer in Elmira, New York. Angular distances above the horizon are indicated. The Sun’s

apparent path for December 21 is shown.

51 On March 21, the altitude of the noon Sun in Elmira is 48°. On the diagram in your

answer booklet , draw the Sun’s apparent path for March 21, as it would appear to the

observer. Be sure your path begins and ends at the correct positions on the horizon

and indicates the correct altitude of the noon Sun. [1]

52 On what date of the year does the maximum duration of insolation usually occur at

Elmira? [1]

Base your answers to questions 53 through 57 on the weather map in your answer booklet, which shows two

fronts associated with a low-pressure system.

53 On the weather map in your answer booklet , write the letter L at the location of the

center of the low-pressure system. [1]

54 On the weather map in your answer booklet , write the air-mass symbols to indicate

the most likely locations of the continental polar air mass and maritime tropical air

mass that have formed this low-pressure system. [1]

55 On the weather map in your answer booklet , place an X where precipitation is most

likely occurring. [1]

56 Which type of weather front has entered New York State? [1]

57 Warm, moist air is rising along the two frontal surfaces. Describe how the water vapor

in this rising air forms clouds. Include dewpoint and condensation in your answer. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[17]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 58 and 59 on the map below. The map shows the approximate area in a

portion of North America where some sedimentary rock layers composed of gypsum, halite, and potassium salt

minerals are found in Earth’s crust.

Mineral Deposits

Key

Gypsum

Gypsum and halite

Gypsum, halite,

and potassium salts

58 Identify one New York State landscape region in which deposits of gypsum and halite

are commonly found. [1]

59 Identify the sedimentary rock composed of halite and explain how this rock is

usually formed. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[18]

Base your answers to questions 60 through 62 on the topographic map below, which shows three glaciers

found in Alaska. Dashed lines show the inferred location of the front edge of each glacier in 1948, 1964, and

1980. Solid lines show the location of the front edge of each glacier in 1998. Points A and B show the location

of the front edge of the Taku Glacier in 1948 and 1998. Elevations are in feet.

3000

1000

2000

Hole-in-the-Wall

1 1964

Glacier

2000

1000

Taku

River

3000

Taku Glacier

2000

1000

1948

1964

Norris

1980

Glacier

1998

1980

1964

2000

3000 2000

1000

2 miles

60 Determine the rate, in miles per year, that the front edge of the Taku Glacier moved

between point A and point B . [1]

61 What is the contour interval on this map? [1]

62 If these glaciers completely melted, what two pieces of evidence would a scientist

most likely find to indicate that glaciers had existed in this area? [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[19]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 63 through 65 on the data table below, which shows the average distance

from the Sun, the average surface temperature, and the average orbital velocity for each planet in our solar

system.

Data Table

Average

Distance

Average

Planet

from Sun

Surface

Orbital

(millions

Temperature

Velocity

of km)

(°C)

(km/sec)

Mercury

167

47.9

Venus

108

457

35.0

Earth

150

29.8

Mars

228

–55

24.1

Jupiter

778

–153

13.1

Saturn

1427

–185

9.7

Uranus

2869

–214

6.8

Neptune

4496

–225

5.4

63 State the relationship between the average distance from the Sun and the average

surface temperature of the Jovian planets. [1]

64 Venus has an atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide. Mercury has almost

no atmosphere.

Explain how the presence of the carbon dioxide in Venus’

atmosphere causes the average surface temperature on Venus to be higher than the

average surface temperature on Mercury. [1]

65 On the graph in your answer booklet , draw a line to indicate the general relationship

between a planet’s average distance from the Sun and its average orbital velocity. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[20]

Part C

Answer all questions in this part.

Directions (66–84): Record your answers in the spaces provided in your answer booklet. Some questions

may require the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables .

Base your answers to questions 66 through 70 on the passage below and on the map in your answer booklet.

The passage describes the New Madrid fault system. The numbers on the map show the predicted relative

damage at various locations if a large earthquake occurs along the New Madrid fault system. The higher the

number, the greater the relative damage.

The New Madrid Fault System

The greatest earthquake risk area east of the Rocky Mountains is along the New

Madrid fault system. The New Madrid fault system consists of a series of faults along

a weak zone in the continental crust in the midwestern United States. Earthquakes

occur in the Midwest less often than in California, but when they do happen, the

damage is spread over a wider area due to the underlying bedrock.

In 1811 and 1812, the New Madrid fault system experienced three major

earthquakes. Large land areas sank, new lakes formed, the course of the Mississippi

River changed, and 150,000 acres of forests were destroyed.

66 On the map in your answer booklet , draw the 4, 6, and 8 isolines indicating relative

damage. [1]

67 Using the predicted damage numbers, place an X on the map to indicate where the

New Madrid fault system most likely exists. [1]

68 The distance between the New Madrid fault system and Albany, New York, is

1800 kilometers. What was the time difference between the arrival of the first

P -wave and the arrival of the first S -wave at Albany when the 1812 earthquake

occurred? [1]

69 State one reason why earthquakes occur more frequently on the western coast of the

United States than in the New Madrid region. [1]

70 An emergency management specialist near the New Madrid region is developing a

plan that would help save lives and prevent property damage in the event of an

earthquake. Describe two actions that should be included in the plan. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[21]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 71 through 74 on the data table below and on the graph in your answer

booklet. The data table shows the maximum altitude and phase of the Moon observed above the southern

horizon on certain dates during January and February at a New York State location. The line on the graph in

your answer booklet shows the altitude of the noontime Sun observed during the same time period at the same

New York State location.

Data Table

Date

Phase of Moon

January 4

new

January 13

first quarter

January 19

full

January 26

last quarter

February 3

new

February 11

first quarter

February 18

full

February 25

last quarter

71 On the grid in your answer booklet , plot with an X the maximum altitude of the Moon

for each date shown on the data table. [1]

72 The multiple-exposure photograph below, taken on February 3, shows a total solar

eclipse in the middle of the photograph. The maximum altitude of the Sun on this

date was 34° above the southern horizon at this New York State location.

Based on the data table, explain why this total solar eclipse occurred on February 3. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[22]

73 The diagram in your answer booklet shows the Moon’s orbit around Earth. Place

an X on the orbit to represent the Moon’s position on February 18. [1]

74 Assuming that February had 28 days, on which date in March did the next full Moon

occur? [1]

Base your answers to questions 75 and 76 on the diagram below of a mineral classification scheme that shows

the properties of certain minerals. Letters A through G represent mineral property zones. Zone E represents

the presence of all three properties. For example, a mineral that is harder than glass, has a metallic luster, but

does not have cleavage, would be placed in zone B . Assume that glass has a hardness of 5.5.

g l a s s

t a

l l

C l e a v a g e

75 In which zone would the mineral potassium feldspar be placed? [1]

76 State the name of one mineral listed on the Properties of Common Minerals Table that

could not be placed in any of the zones. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[23]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 77 through 81 on the passage and map below. Point F on the map shows the

location where an unusual mammal fossil was found.

Fossil Jaw of Mammal Found in South America

Paleontologists working in Patagonia have found the tiny fossil jaw that may be the

first evidence of early mammals in South America.

The fossil, which measures less than a quarter-inch long, is believed to be from the

middle or late Jurassic Period. Researchers said it suggests that mammals developed

independently in the Southern Hemisphere.

The fossil, named Asfaltomylos patagonicus , was discovered in a shale formation in

Patagonia. Dinosaurs were the dominant land animal at that time. Mammals were tiny,

and hunted insects in the dense tropical vegetation. The now-arid region also has yielded

some remarkable dinosaur fossils from the same period in a vast ancient boneyard

covering hundreds of square miles.

90 ° W

75 ° W

60 ° W

45 ° W

0 °

S o u t h A m e r i c a

15 ° S

30 ° S

45 ° S

105 ° W

90 ° W

75 ° W

60 ° W

45 ° W

30 ° W

77 State the latitude and longitude of point F , to the nearest degree , where the fossil

Asfaltomylos patagonicus was discovered. Include the correct units and compass

directions in your answer. [1]

78 State the name of the dominant sediment particle that was compacted to form the

shale in which this fossil was found. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[24]

79 What other life-form first appeared on Earth during the geologic period when

Asfaltomylos patagonicus existed? [1]

80 State one method used by geologists to determine the age of the bedrock in which

this ancient mammal fossil was found. [1]

81 Explain how the uplift of the Andes Mountains changed eastern Patagonia’s climate

from a wet tropical forest at the time Asfaltomylos patagonicus lived to the arid

conditions of today. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[25]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 82 through 84 on the topographic map below. Points A and B are reference

points on the map. The

symbols show the highest elevations on Eagle Hill and Timony Hill. Elevations are

shown in feet.

Topographic Map

o n y H i l l

T i m

H i

712

g l e l l

700

730

River

700

Blue

Auroro

Creek

600

Patriot

Lake Muhl

Hill

Contour interval = 20 feet

6 miles

82 Identify the general compass direction toward which Auroro Creek is flowing. [1]

83 State a possible elevation of the top of Patriot Hill. [1]

84 On the grid in your answer booklet , construct a topographic profile along line AB by

plotting an X for the elevation of each contour line that crosses line AB . Connect the

plotted X s with a smooth, curved line to complete the profile. Points A and B have

been plotted. [2]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’09

[26]

The University of the State of New York

R EGENTS H IGH S CHOOL E XAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 — 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., only

ANSWER SHEET

Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sex:

I Male I Female Grade . . . . . . . . . . . .

Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Record your answers to Part A and Part B–1 on this answer sheet.

Part A

Part B–1

1 . . . . . . . . . . . .

13 . . . . . . . . . . . .

25 . . . . . . . . . . .

36 . . . . . . . . . . . .

44 . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 . . . . . . . . . . . .

26 . . . . . . . . . . .

37 . . . . . . . . . . . .

45 . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 . . . . . . . . . . . .

15 . . . . . . . . . . . .

27 . . . . . . . . . . .

38 . . . . . . . . . . . .

46 . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 . . . . . . . . . . . .

16 . . . . . . . . . . . .

28 . . . . . . . . . . .

39 . . . . . . . . . . . .

47 . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 . . . . . . . . . . . .

17 . . . . . . . . . . . .

29 . . . . . . . . . . .

40 . . . . . . . . . . . .

48 . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 . . . . . . . . . . . .

18 . . . . . . . . . . . .

30 . . . . . . . . . . .

41 . . . . . . . . . . . .

49 . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 . . . . . . . . . . . .

19 . . . . . . . . . . . .

31 . . . . . . . . . . .

42 . . . . . . . . . . . .

50 . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part B–1 Score

8 . . . . . . . . . . . .

20 . . . . . . . . . . . .

32 . . . . . . . . . . .

43 . . . . . . . . . . . .

9 . . . . . . . . . . . .

21 . . . . . . . . . . . .

33 . . . . . . . . . . .

10 . . . . . . . . . . . .

22 . . . . . . . . . . . .

34 . . . . . . . . . . .

11 . . . . . . . . . . . .

23 . . . . . . . . . . . .

35 . . . . . . . . . . .

Part A Score

12 . . . . . . . . . . . .

24 . . . . . . . . . . . .

Write your answers to Part B–2 and Part C in your answer booklet.

The declaration below must be signed when you have completed the examination.

I do hereby affirm, at the close of this examination, that I had no unlawful knowledge of the questions or answers prior to

the examination and that I have neither given nor received assistance in answering any of the questions during the examination.

Signature

PS/EARTH SCIENCE

E C N E I C S H T R A E / S P