June 2008

PS/EARTH SCIENCE

The University of the State of New York

REGENTS HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Friday, June 20, 2008 — 1:15 to 4:15 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 As viewed from Earth, most stars appear to move

5 The Coriolis effect provides evidence that Earth

across the sky each night because

(1) rotates on its axis

(1) Earth revolves around the Sun

(2) revolves around the Sun

(2) Earth rotates on its axis

(3) undergoes cyclic tidal changes

(3) stars orbit around Earth

(4) has a slightly eccentric orbit

(4) stars revolve around the center of the galaxy

6 The altitude of the ozone layer near the South

2 The star Algol is estimated to have approximately

Pole is 20 kilometers above sea level. Which

the same luminosity as the star Aldebaran and

temperature zone of the atmosphere contains this

approximately the same temperature as the star

ozone layer?

Rigel. Algol is best classified as a

(1) troposphere

(3) mesosphere

(1) main sequence star

(3) white dwarf star

(2) stratosphere

(4) thermosphere

(2) red giant star

(4) red dwarf star

7 A low-pressure system in the Northern

3 The explosion associated with the Big Bang

Hemisphere has a surface air-circulation pattern

theory and the formation of the universe is

that is

inferred to have occurred how many billion years

(1) clockwise and away from the center

ago?

(2) clockwise and toward the center

(1) less than 1

(3) 4.6

(3) counterclockwise and away from the center

(2) 2.5

(4) over 10

(4) counterclockwise and toward the center

4 The diagram below represents the constellation

8 Air masses are identified on the basis of tempera-

Lyra.

ture and

(1) type of precipitation

Lyra

(2) wind velocity

(3) moisture content

(4) atmospheric transparency

9 During some winters in the Finger Lakes region

of New York State, the lake water remains

unfrozen even though the land around the lakes

Which statement best explains why Lyra is visible

is frozen and covered with snow. The primary

to an observer in New York State at midnight in

cause of this difference is that water

July but not visible at midnight in December?

(1) gains heat during evaporation

(1) Earth spins on its axis.

(2) is at a lower elevation

(2) Earth orbits the Sun.

(3) has a higher specific heat

(3) Lyra spins on its axis.

(4) reflects more radiation

(4) Lyra orbits Earth.

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[2]

10 The reaction below represents an energy-producing process.

Hydrogen

→

Helium

Energy

(lighter element)

(heavier element)

The reaction represents how energy is produced

(1) in the Sun by fusion

(2) when water condenses in Earth’s atmosphere

(3) from the movement of crustal plates

(4) during nuclear decay

11 The diagram below shows the spectral lines for an element.

Violet

Red

Which diagram best represents the spectral lines of this element when its light is

observed coming from a star that is moving away from Earth?

Violet

Red

( 1 )

Violet

Red

( 2 )

Violet

Red

( 3 )

Violet

Red

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[3]

[OVER]

12 Diagram 1 shows the Moon in its orbit at four positions labeled A, B, C, and D. Diagram 2 shows a phase

of the Moon as viewed from New York State.

Diagram 1

Diagram 2

North

Sun’s

Pole

rays

Earth

(Not drawn to scale)

At which labeled Moon position would the phase of the Moon shown in diagram 2 be

observed from New York State?

(1) A

(3) C

(2) B

(4) D

13 The diagram below shows an observer measuring the altitude of Polaris.

Line of sight

Observer

(Not drawn to scale)

What is the latitude of the observer?

(1) 20° N

(3) 70° N

(2) 20° S

(4) 70° S

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[4]

14 The weather instrument shown below can be used to determine dewpoint.

Wet cloth wick

Reservoir

of water

Based on the values shown, the dewpoint is

(1) – 5°C

(3) 8°C

(2) 2°C

(4) 33°C

15 Which arrangement of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth results in the highest high tides, and the lowest low

tides on Earth? (Diagrams are not drawn to scale.)

( 1 )

( 2 )

( 3 )

( 4 )

16 Which station model correctly represents the weather conditions in an area that is experiencing winds from

the northeast at 25 knots and has had a steady drop in barometric pressure of 2.7 millibars during the last

three hours?

–27 \

( 1 )

( 2 )

( 3 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[5]

[OVER]

17 The diagram below shows weather instruments A and B .

C h an g e

100

Which table correctly indicates the name of the weather instrument and the weather

variable that it measures?

Instrument

Weather Variable

Instrument

Weather Variable

Letter

Name

Measured

Letter

Name

Measured

thermometer

humidity

barometer

wind speed

wind vane

wind direction

anemometer

air pressure

( 1 )

( 3 )

Instrument

Weather Variable

Instrument

Weather Variable

Letter

Name

Measured

Letter

Name

Measured

thermometer

wind direction

barometer

air pressure

wind vane

humidity

anemometer

wind speed

( 2 )

( 4 )

18 Which ocean current carries cool water toward Earth’s equator?

(1) Alaska Current

(3) Peru Current

(2) East Australia Current

(4) North Atlantic Current

19 Equal areas of which surface would most likely absorb the most insolation?

(1) smooth, white surface

(3) smooth, black surface

(2) rough, white surface

(4) rough, black surface

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[6]

20 On the map below, the darkened areas represent locations where living corals currently exist. The arrow

points to a location where coral fossils have been found in Devonian-age bedrock in New York State.

Devonian-age coral fossils found in some New York State bedrock are not located in

the same general region that present-day corals are living because during the

Devonian Period

(1) corals migrated to New York State

(2) corals lived everywhere on Earth

(3) New York State was closer to the equator

(4) New York State had a colder climate

21 Which index fossil may be found in the surface bedrock near Ithaca, New York?

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[7]

[OVER]

22 The cross sections below represent three widely separated outcrops of exposed bedrock. Letters A, B, C,

and D represent fossils found in the rock layers.

Which fossil appears to have the best characteristics of an index fossil?

(1) A

(3) C

(2) B

(4) D

23 Active volcanoes are most abundant along the

26 The pie graph below shows the elements com-

(1) edges of tectonic plates

prising Earth’s crust in percent by mass.

(2) eastern coastline of continents

(3) 23.5° N and 23.5° S parallels of latitude

(4) equatorial ocean floor

24 Which part of Earth’s interior is inferred to have

Aluminum

convection currents that cause tectonic plates to

move?

Iron

(1) rigid mantle

(3) outer core

Calcium

(2) asthenosphere

(4) inner core

Sodium

Magnesium

Potassium

25 Compared to the continental crust, the oceanic

Oxygen

Other

crust is

(1) less dense and less felsic

Which element is represented by the letter X ?

(2) less dense and less mafic

(1) silicon

(3) nitrogen

(3) more dense and more felsic

(2) lead

(4) hydrogen

(4) more dense and more mafic

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[8]

27 The block diagrams below show two landscape regions labeled A and B .

What is the most probable cause of the difference in surface features between A and B ?

(1) A is the result of a humid climate, while B is the result of a dry climate.

(2) A is at a high elevation, while B is located at sea level.

(3) A is a plateau region, while B is a mountainous region.

(4) A is composed of igneous bedrock, while B is composed of sedimentary bedrock.

28 The block diagram below shows a region that has undergone faulting.

Which map shows the stream drainage pattern that would most likely develop on the

surface of this region?

( 1 )

( 2 )

( 3 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[9]

[OVER]

29 The map below shows the bend of a large meandering stream. The arrows show the direction of stream flow.

Letters A, B, and C are positions on the streambed where erosion and deposition data were collected.

Which table best represents the locations where erosion and deposition are dominant

and where an equilibrium exists between the two processes? [A check mark ( ✓ )

represents the dominant process for each lettered location.]

Erosion Equilibrium

Deposition

Erosion Equilibrium

Deposition

✓

( 1 )

( 3 )

Erosion Equilibrium

Deposition

Erosion Equilibrium

Deposition

✓

( 2 )

( 4 )

30 Which graph best represents the relationship between the discharge of a stream and the velocity of stream

flow?

Discharge

( 1 )

( 2 )

( 3 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[10]

31 The diagrams below represent four different examples of one process that transports sediments.

Soil creep

Debris flow

Mud flow

Rock fall

Gradual downhill

Rapid downslope flow

Downward flow of fine

Rapid falling of pieces

movement of soil

of debris

particles (mud) and

of rock from a cliff or

large amounts of water

steep slope

Which process is shown in these diagrams?

(1) chemical weathering

(3) mass movement

(2) wind action

(4) rock abrasion

32 The cross section below shows a stream flowing

34 Which rock is sedimentary in origin and formed

downhill. Points A through D are locations in the

as a result of chemical processes?

stream.

(1) granite

(3) breccia

(2) shale

(4) dolostone

35 The photograph below shows an igneous rock.

Stream

Lake

At which point would most deposition occur?

(1) A

(3) C

(2) B

(4) D

33 A stream flowing at a velocity of 250 centimeters

What is the origin and rate of formation of this

per second is transporting sediment particles

rock?

ranging in size from clay to cobbles. Which trans-

ported particles will be deposited by the stream if

(1) plutonic with slow cooling

its velocity decreases to 100 centimeters per

(2) plutonic with rapid cooling

second?

(3) volcanic with slow cooling

(4) volcanic with rapid cooling

(1) cobbles, only

(2) cobbles and some pebbles, only

(3) cobbles, pebbles, and some sand, only

(4) cobbles, pebbles, sand, silt, and clay

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[11]

[OVER]

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 39 on the passage and diagram below. The diagram shows the

orbits of the four inner planets and the asteroid Hermes around the Sun. Point A represents a position along

Hermes’ orbit.

The Curious Tale of Asteroid Hermes

It’s dogma [accepted belief] now: an asteroid hit Earth 65 million years ago and

wiped out the dinosaurs. But in 1980 when scientists Walter and Luis Alvarez first

suggested the idea to a gathering at the American Association for Advancement of

Sciences, their listeners were skeptical. Asteroids hitting Earth? Wiping out species? It

seemed incredible.

At that very moment, unknown to the audience, an asteroid named Hermes

halfway between Mars and Jupiter was beginning a long plunge toward our planet. Six

months later it would pass 300,000 miles from Earth’s orbit, only a little more than the

distance to the Moon….

Hermes approaches Earth’s orbit twice every 777 days. Usually our planet is far

away when the orbit crossing happens, but in 1937, 1942, 1954, 1974 and 1986,

Hermes came harrowingly [dangerously] close to Earth itself. We know about most

of these encounters only because Lowell Observatory astronomer Brian Skiff

rediscovered Hermes on Oct. 15, 2003.

Astronomers around the world have been tracking it carefully ever since.…

Excerpted from “The Curious Tale of Asteroid Hermes,” Dr. Tony Phillips, Science @ NASA , November 3, 2003

Orbit of

Asteroid Hermes

Mercury

Sun

Mars

Earth

Venus

(Not drawn to scale)

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[12]

36 When Hermes is located at position A and Earth

38 Why is evidence of asteroids striking Earth so

is in the position shown in the diagram, the

difficult to find?

asteroid can be viewed from Earth at each of the

(1) Asteroids are made mostly of frozen water

following times except

and gases and are vaporized on impact.

(1) sunrise

(3) 12 noon

(2) Asteroids are not large enough to leave

(2) sunset

(4) 12 midnight

impact craters.

(3) Asteroids do not travel fast enough to create

impact craters.

37 How does the period of revolution of Hermes

(4) Weathering, erosion, and deposition on Earth

compare to the period of revolution of the

have destroyed or buried most impact craters.

planets shown in the diagram?

(1) Hermes has a longer period of revolution

than Mercury, but a shorter period of

39 According to the diagram, as Hermes and the

revolution than Venus, Earth, and Mars.

planets revolve around the Sun, Hermes appears

(2) Hermes has a shorter period of revolution

to be a threat to collide with

than Mercury, but a longer period of

(1) Earth, only

revolution than Venus, Earth, and Mars.

(2) Earth and Mars, only

(3) Hermes has a longer period of revolution

(3) Venus, Earth, and Mars, only

than all of the planets shown.

(4) Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars

(4) Hermes has a shorter period of revolution

than all of the planets shown.

40 The map below shows the location of Grenville-age bedrock found in the northeastern

United States.

In which New York State landscapes is Grenville-age bedrock exposed at Earth’s

surface?

(1) Erie-Ontario Lowlands and St. Lawrence Lowlands

(2) Catskills and Allegheny Plateau

(3) Tug Hill Plateau and Atlantic Coastal Plain

(4) Hudson Highlands and Adirondack Mountains

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[13]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 41 through 44 on the climate graphs below, which show average monthly

precipitation and temperatures at four cities, A, B, C, and D.

City A

City C

– 5

–10

–15

–20

–25

–30

–35

–40

J F M AM J J A S O N D

Month

City B

City D

– 5

–10

–15

–20

–25

–30

–35

–40

J F M AM J J A S O N D

Month

Key

Precipitation

Temperature

41 City A has very little variation in temperature during the year because city A is

located

(1) on the dry side of a mountain

(2) on the wet side of a mountain

(3) near the center of a large landmass

(4) near the equator

42 During which season does city B usually experience the month with the highest

average precipitation?

(1) spring

(3) fall

(2) summer

(4) winter

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[14]

43 It can be concluded that city C is located in the Southern Hemisphere because

city C has

(1) small amounts of precipitation throughout the year

(2) large amounts of precipitation throughout the year

(3) its warmest temperatures in January and February

(4) its warmest temperatures in July and August

44 Very little water will infiltrate the soil around city D because the region usually has

(1) a frozen surface

(3) a small amount of runoff

(2) nearly flat surfaces

(4) permeable soil

Base your answers to questions 45 through 47 on the block diagram below, which shows a portion of Earth’s

crust. Letters A, B, C, and D indicate sedimentary layers.

Key

Igneous

rock

Contact

metamorphism

45 Which event occurred most recently?

(1) formation of layer A

(2) formation of layer D

(3) tilting of all four sedimentary rock layers

(4) erosion of the igneous rock exposed at the surface

46 The igneous rock is mostly composed of potassium feldspar and quartz crystals that

have an average grain size of 3 millimeters. The igneous rock is most likely

(1) granite

(3) gabbro

(2) pegmatite

(4) pumice

47 Which processes produced rock layer B ?

(1) subduction and melting

(3) heat and pressure

(2) uplift and solidification

(4) compaction and cementation

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[15]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 48 through 50 on the map of Long Island, New York. AB, CD, EF, and GH

are reference lines on the map.

Map

Sound

Island

Long

Hill Moraine

Harbor

Outwash a M o r a i n e

R o n k o n k o m

Outwash

Atlantic

Ocean

48 Which agent of erosion transported the sediments that formed the moraines shown

on the map?

(1) water

(3) ice

(2) wind

(4) mass movement

49 The cross section below represents the sediments beneath the land surface along one

of the reference lines shown on the map.

Harbor Hill

Ronkonkoma

Moraine

Outwash

Along which reference line was the cross section taken?

(1) AB

(3) EF

(2) CD

(4) GH

50 A major difference between sediments in the outwash and sediments in the moraines

is that the sediments deposited in the outwash are

(1) larger

(3) more angular

(2) sorted

(4) older

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[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 through 53 on the cross section in your answer booklet, which shows

limestone bedrock with caves.

51 In the empty box on the left side of the cross section in your answer booklet, draw a

horizontal line to indicate the level of the water table. [1]

52 The precipitation in this area is becoming more acidic. Explain why acid rain weathers

limestone bedrock. [1]

53 Identify one source of pollution caused by human activity that contributes to the

precipitation becoming more acidic. [1]

Base your answers to questions 54 through 58 on the satellite image shown in your answer booklet.

The satellite image shows a low-pressure system over a portion of the United States. Air-mass symbols and

frontal boundaries have been added. Line XY is one frontal boundary. Points A, B, C, and D represent surface

locations. White areas represent clouds.

54 In your answer booklet, draw the proper symbol to represent the most probable front

on line XY. [1]

55 State one process that causes clouds to form in the moist air along the cold

front. [1]

56 Describe one piece of evidence shown on the map that suggests location A has a lower

relative humidity than location B. [1]

57 Explain why location C most likely has a cooler temperature than location D. [1]

58 State the compass direction that the center of this low-pressure system will move over

the next few days if it follows a normal storm track. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[17]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 59 and 60 on the data table below, which provides information about four of

Jupiter’s moons.

Data Table

Moons of Density Diameter

Distance from Jupiter

Jupiter

(g/cm 3 )

(km)

3.5

3630

421,600

Europa

3.0

3138

670,900

Ganymede

1.9

5262

1,070,000

Callisto

1.9

4800

1,883,000

59 Identify the planet in our solar system that is closest in diameter to Callisto. [1]

60 In 1610, Galileo was the first person to observe, with the aid of a telescope, these four

moons orbiting Jupiter. Explain why Galileo’s observation of this motion did not

support the geocentric model of our solar system. [1]

Base your answers to questions 61 and 62 on the cross section below, which shows a portion of Earth’s

interior layers and the location of an earthquake epicenter. Letter A represents a seismic station on Earth’s

surface. Letter B represents a location in Earth’s interior.

Mantle

Outer

core

Inner

Earthquake

core

epicenter

(Not drawn to scale)

61 Explain why seismic station A receives P -waves but not S -waves from this

earthquake. [1]

62 What is the approximate depth at location B ? [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[18]

Base your answers to questions 63 through 65 on the diagram below, which shows Earth’s water cycle.

Numbers indicate the estimated volume of water, in millions of cubic kilometers, stored at any one time in the

atmosphere, the oceans, and on the continents. The yearly amount of water that moves in and out of each of

these three portions of Earth is also indicated in millions of cubic kilometers.

TOTAL STORED

IN ATMOSPHERE

0.013

Water vapor

transport

Evaporation/transpiration

from land

Precipitation

Evaporation

0.073

Precipitation

into ocean

from ocean

onto land

0.386

0.423

0.110

TOTAL STORED

t r e a m r u n o f f

ON CONTINENTS

38.631

TOTAL STORED

IN OCEANS

1370.000

63 Calculate the total amount of water stored in the atmosphere, the oceans, and on the

continents together at any one time. [1]

64 Explain why the yearly total precipitation over the oceans is greater than the yearly

total precipitation over the continents. [1]

65 Describe two surface characteristics that will affect the rate of stream runoff into the

ocean. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[19]

[OVER]

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 68 on the data table below, which shows the radioactive decay of

carbon-14. The number of years required to complete four half-lives has been left blank.

Radioactive Decay of Carbon-14 1

Percentage

Number of

of Original

Time

Half-Lives

Carbon-14

(years)

Remaining

100

5700

11,400

12.5

17,100

6.3

3.1

28,500

1.6

34,200

66 On the grid in your answer booklet, construct a graph that shows the radioactive

decay of carbon-14 by plotting an X to show the percentage of original carbon-14

remaining after each half-life. Connect the X s with a smooth, curved line. [1]

67 How long does it take for radioactive carbon-14 to complete four half-lives? [1]

68 The cross section below shows part of Earth’s crust. The objects in parentheses

indicate materials found within each rock unit or deposit.

Ordovician shale

Pleistocene glacial deposits

(graptolite)

(tree trunk)

Cambrian sandstone

(trilobite)

diorite

crystal)

Precambrian gneiss

(garnet crystal)

Cretaceous

(plagioclase

Which object in parentheses could be accurately dated using carbon-14? Explain

your answer. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[20]

Base your answers to questions 69 through 73 on the passage and cross section below, which explain how

some precious gemstones form. The cross section shows a portion of the ancient Tethys Sea, once located

between the Indian-Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

Precious Gemstones

Some precious gemstones are a form of the mineral corundum, which has a hard-

ness of 9. Corundum is a rare mineral made up of closely packed aluminum and

oxygen atoms, and its formula is Al₂ O 3 . If small amounts of chromium replace some

of the aluminum atoms in corundum, a bright-red gemstone called a ruby is produced.

If traces of titanium and iron replace some aluminum atoms, deep-blue sapphires can

be produced.

Most of the world’s ruby deposits are found in metamorphic rock that is located

along the southern slope of the Himalayas, where plate tectonics played a part in ruby

formation. Around 50 million years ago, the Tethys Sea was located between what is

now India and Eurasia. Much of the Tethys Sea bottom was composed of limestone

that contained the elements needed to make these precious gemstones. The Tethys

Sea closed up as the Indian-Australian Plate pushed under the Eurasian Plate, creat-

ing the Himalayan Mountains. The limestone rock lining the seafloor underwent

metamorphism as it was pushed deep into Earth by the Indian-Australian Plate. For

the next 40 to 45 million years, as the Himalayas rose, rubies, sapphires, and other

gemstones continued to form.

A Portion of the Tethys Sea 50 Million Years Ago

Tethys Sea

Indian-

Australian

Eurasian Plate

Plate

Limestone

North

69 Which element replaces some of the aluminum atoms, causing the bright-red color

of a ruby? [1]

70 State one physical property of rubies, other than a bright-red color, that makes them

useful as gemstones in jewelry. [1]

71 Identify the metamorphic rock in which the rubies and sapphires that formed along

the Himalayas are usually found. [1]

72 During which geologic epoch did the events shown in the cross section of the Tethys

Sea occur? [1]

73 What type of tectonic plate boundary is shown in the cross section? [1]

P.S./E. Sci.– June ’08

[21]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 74 through 77 on the diagrams below. Diagram 1 shows Earth’s location in

its orbit on the first day of each of the four seasons, labeled A through D. Diagram 2 shows a north polar view

of Earth on March 21. Point E represents a location on Earth’s surface. Longitude lines are shown at 15°

intervals.

Diagram 1

Arctic Circle

E q u

t o

Night

Day

Sun

Day

Night

(Not drawn to scale)

Diagram 2

Sun’s

Noon

rays

March 21

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[22]

74 How does the altitude of the Sun at solar noon appear to change each day for an

observer in New York State as Earth moves from position A to position B to

position C ? [1]

75 Explain why the duration of insolation is 12 hours at both the Arctic Circle and the

equator when Earth is at position C. [1]

76 Describe one piece of evidence shown in the diagram which indicates that the

Northern Hemisphere is experiencing winter at position D. [1]

77 State the hour of the day at point E . [1]

Base your answers to questions 78 through 80 on the map in your answer booklet. The map shows the water

depth, measured in feet, at the north end of one of the Finger Lakes. Points A and B are locations at the lake’s

shoreline. Points X and Y are locations on the bottom of the lake.

78 On the map in your answer booklet, draw the 20-foot-depth isoline. The isoline must

extend to the edge of the map. [1]

79 On the grid in your answer booklet, construct a profile along the line from point A to

point B. Plot the depth along line AB by marking an X at each numbered point where

a water depth is shown. Complete the profile by connecting the X s with a smooth,

curved line. The X s for point A and point B have been plotted. [2]

80 Calculate the gradient between point X and point Y. Label your answer with the

correct units. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[23]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 81 through 84 on the map below, which shows a portion of southwestern

United States. On January 17, 1994, an earthquake occurred with an epicenter at Northridge, California.

Oakland

NEVADA

UTAH

CALIFORNIA

Bakersfield

ARIZONA

Northridge

San Diego

Yuma

81 State the latitude and longitude of Northridge, California. Include the correct units

and compass directions in your answer. [1]

82 Explain why earthquakes are common in this region of California. [1]

83 Of the cities shown on the map, explain why Oakland was the last city to receive

P -waves from this earthquake. [1]

84 List two actions that a homeowner could take to prepare the home or family for the

next earthquake. [1]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’08

[24]

The University of the State of New York

R EGENTS H IGH S CHOOL E XAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Friday, June 20, 2008 — 1:15 to 4:15 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