Jan 2005

PS/EARTH SCIENCE

The University of the State of New York

REGENTS HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Wednesday, January 26, 2005 — 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 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

must be available for you to use while taking this examination.

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 planet’s orbit around the Sun is most

5 The diagram below shows a standard spectrum

nearly circular?

compared to a spectrum produced from a distant

(1) Mercury

(3) Pluto

star.

(2) Neptune

(4) Venus

Standard Spectrum

Spectral

2 How many times will the Sun’s perpendicular

lines

rays cross Earth’s Equator between March 1 of

Ultraviolet

Infrared

one year and March 1 of the next year?

Visible light

(1) 1

(3) 3

(2) 2

(4) 4

Spectrum from Distant Star

3 Which star’s surface temperature is closest to the

Spectral

lines

temperature at the boundary between Earth’s

Ultraviolet

Infrared

mantle and core?

Visible light

(1) Sirius

(3) the Sun

(2) Rigel

(4) Betelgeuse

Which conclusion can be made by comparing the

standard spectrum to the spectrum produced

4 Which graph best represents the relationship

from this distant star?

between soil particle size and the rate at which

(1) The star’s spectral lines have shifted toward

water infiltrates permeable soil?

the ultraviolet end of the spectrum and the

star is moving toward Earth.

(2) The star’s spectral lines have shifted toward

the ultraviolet end of the spectrum and the

star is moving away from Earth.

(3) The star’s spectral lines have shifted toward

the infrared end of the spectrum and the star

is moving toward Earth.

Soil Particle Size

(4) The star’s spectral lines have shifted toward

the infrared end of the spectrum and the star

( 1 )

( 3 )

is moving away from Earth.

6 Scientists are concerned about the decrease in

ozone in the upper atmosphere primarily because

ozone protects life on Earth by absorbing certain

wavelengths of

(1) x-ray radiation

(2) ultraviolet radiation

Soil Particle Size

(3) infrared radiation

( 2 )

( 4 )

(4) microwave radiation

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[2]

7 It is inferred that during the early Archean Era

14 The map below shows the stream drainage pat-

the atmosphere of Earth contained water vapor,

terns for a region of Earth’s surface. Points A, B,

carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and other gases in small

C, and D are locations in the region.

amounts. These gases probably came from

(1) precipitation of groundwater

(2) volcanic eruptions

Lake

(3) evaporation of Paleozoic oceans

(4) convection currents in the mantle

Lake

8 Which ocean current flows northeast along the

eastern coast of North America?

(1) Gulf Stream

(3) California

(2) North Equatorial

(4) Labrador

Lake

9 Which type of land surface would probably reflect

the most incoming solar radiation?

(1) light colored and smooth

(2) light colored and rough

(3) dark colored and smooth

(4) dark colored and rough

Lake

10 There is evidence that an asteroid or a comet

crashed into the Gulf of Mexico at the end of the

20 km

Mesozoic Era. Consequences of this impact

event may explain the

The highest elevation most likely exists at point

(1) extinction of many kinds of marine animals,

(1) A

(3) C

including trilobites

(2) B

(4) D

(2) extinction of ammonoids and dinosaurs

(3) appearance of the earliest birds and mammals

15 Outwash plains are formed as a result of deposi-

(4) appearance of great coal-forming forests and

tion by

insects

(1) landslides

(2) ocean waves

11 What is the approximate location of the Canary

(3) winds from hurricanes

Islands hot spot?

(4) meltwater from glaciers

(1) 32° S 18° W

(3) 32° N 18° W

(2) 32° S 18° E

(4) 32° N 18° E

16 A stream with a velocity of 100 centimeters per

second flows into a lake. Which sediment-size

12 How long would it take for the first S -wave to

particles would the stream most likely deposit first

arrive at a seismic station 4,000 kilometers away

as it enters the lake?

from the epicenter of an earthquake?

(1) boulders

(3) pebbles

(1) 5 min 40 sec

(3) 12 min 40 sec

(2) cobbles

(4) sand

(2) 7 min 0 sec

(4) 13 min 20 sec

13 Which New York State river flows generally

southward?

(1) St. Lawrence River

(3) Genesee River

(2) Niagara River

(4) Hudson River

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[3]

[OVER]

17 The cross section below shows a soil profile.

21 The photograph below shows an escarpment

(cliff) located in the western United States. The

directions for north and south are indicated by

arrows. A fault in the sedimentary rocks is shown

on the front of the escarpment.

North

South

Bedrock

The photograph shows that the fault most likely

formed

This soil was formed primarily by

(1) after the rock layers were deposited, when

(1) erosion by glaciers

the north side moved downward

(2) erosion by running water

(2) after the rock layers were deposited, when

(3) capillarity and human activity

the north side moved upward

(4) weathering and biological activity

(3) before the rock layers were deposited, when

the south side moved downward

(4) before the rock layers were deposited, when

18 Which type of rock most likely contains fossils?

the south side moved upward

(1) scoria

(3) schist

(2) gabbro

(4) shale

22 Which mountain range resulted from the colli-

sion of North America and Africa, as parts of

19 In which New York State landscape region is

Pangea joined together in the late Pennsylvanian

most of the surface bedrock composed of meta-

Period?

morphic rock?

(1) Appalachian Mountains

(1) Adirondacks

(2) Acadian Mountains

(2) Catskills

(3) Taconic Mountains

(3) Erie-Ontario Lowlands

(4) Grenville Mountains

(4) Newark Lowlands

23 Which physical characteristic best describes the

20 A human fingernail has a hardness of approxi-

rock phyllite?

mately 2.5. Which two minerals are softer than a

(1) glassy texture with gas pockets

human fingernail?

(2) clastic texture with angular fragments

(1) calcite and halite

(3) bioclastic texture with cemented shell frag-

(2) sulfur and fluorite

ments

(3) graphite and talc

(4) foliated texture with microscopic mica crystals

(4) pyrite and magnetite

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[4]

24 The diagram below represents a part of the crystal structure of the mineral kaolinite.

Structure of Kaolinite

An arrangement of atoms such as the one shown in the diagram determines a mineral’s

(1) age of formation

(3) physical properties

(2) infiltration rate

(4) temperature of formation

25 The map below shows the path of a river. The

26 Which home-building material is made mostly

arrow shows the direction the river is flowing.

from the mineral gypsum?

Letters A and B identify the banks of the river.

(1) plastic pipes

(3) drywall panels

(2) window glass

(4) iron nails

River

27 The two most abundant elements by mass in

Earth’s crust are oxygen and

(1) potassium

(3) nitrogen

(2) hydrogen

(4) silicon

The water depth is greater near bank A than bank B

because the water velocity near bank A is

(1) faster, causing deposition to occur

(2) faster, causing erosion to occur

(3) slower, causing deposition to occur

(4) slower, causing erosion to occur

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[5]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 28 through 30 on the diagram below, which represents the planetary wind

and moisture belts in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere.

Tropopause

DRY

Polar front

WET

60 ° N

DRY

30 ° N

WET

0 °

(Not drawn to scale)

28 The climate at 90° north latitude is dry because the air at that location is usually

(1) warm and rising

(3) cool and rising

(2) warm and sinking

(4) cool and sinking

29 The paths of the surface planetary winds are curved due to Earth’s

(1) revolution

(3) circumference

(2) rotation

(4) size

30 The tropopause is approximately how far above sea level?

(1) 12 mi

(3) 60 mi

(2) 12 km

(4) 60 km

31 The diagram below shows four magnified block-shaped sandstone samples labeled A, B, C, and D . Each

sandstone sample contains quartz grains of different shapes and sizes. The quartz grains are held together

by hematite cement.

Key

Quartz grains

Hematite cement

In which sample did the quartz grains undergo the most abrasion during erosional

transport?

(1) A

(3) C

(2) B

(4) D

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[6]

32 On the map below, line AB is drawn across several of Earth’s tectonic plates in the South Atlantic Ocean.

South American

Plate

Scotia

Plate

Sandwich

Plate

Antarctic

Plate

Which cross section best represents the plate boundaries and mantle movement beneath

line AB ?

Key

Ocean

Lithosphere

Mantle

( 1 )

( 3 )

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[7]

[OVER]

33 The diagrams below show four major types of fault motion occurring in Earth’s crust. Which type of fault

motion best matches the general pattern of crustal movement at California’s San Andreas fault?

Lateral Fault (shearing)

Normal Fault (tension)

( 1 )

( 3 )

Reverse Fault (compression)

Thrust Fault

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[8]

34 The cross section below shows the movement of wind-driven sand particles that strike a partly exposed

basalt cobble located at the surface of a windy desert.

Layer containing the most dense

wind-driven sediment

Basalt

Prevailing wind

3 in

cobble

Ground

surface

Which cross section best represents the appearance of this cobble after many years of

exposure to the wind-driven sand?

( 1 )

( 3 )

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[9]

[OVER]

35 Each dot on the graph below shows the result of separate scientific studies of the relationship between the

rates of erosion in regions of different relief. Relief is the local difference between the highest and the

lowest elevations.

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Relief (m)

The results of these combined studies indicate that with each 100-meter increase in

relief, the rate of erosion generally

(1) decreases at a rate of 10 cm/1,000 years

(2) decreases at a rate of 20 cm/1,000 years

(3) increases at a rate of 10 cm/1,000 years

(4) increases at a rate of 20 cm/1,000 years

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[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 diagram below, which represents a model of the sky

(celestial sphere) for an observer in New York State. The curved arrow represents the Sun’s apparent path for

part of one day. The altitude of Polaris is also indicated.

Solar noon

Polaris

Sun’

path

West

South

North

Observer

East

36 According to this diagram, what is the Sun’s altitude at solar noon?

(1) 23.5°

(3) 48°

(2) 42°

(4) 90°

37 Where is this observer most likely located?

(1) Massena

(3) Slide Mountain

(2) Oswego

(4) Mt. Marcy

38 On which date could this observation of the Sun’s apparent path have been made?

(1) March 21

(3) October 21

(2) July 21

(4) December 21

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[11]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 39 through 42 on the weather map below. The map shows a low-pressure

system and some atmospheric conditions at weather stations A, B, and C .

70 C

1012

82 B

996

1000 88

1004

1008

39 Which type of weather is usually associated with a cP air mass, as shown near

weather station C ?

(1) moist and cool

(3) dry and cool

(2) moist and warm

(4) dry and warm

40 Which cross section best represents the air masses, air movement, clouds, and precipi-

tation occurring behind and ahead of the warm front located between stations A and B ?

Warm

air

Warm

Cool

air

( 1 )

( 3 )

Warm

air

Warm

Cool

air

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[12]

41 The arrows on which map best represent the direction of surface winds associated

with this low-pressure system?

Low

( 1 )

( 3 )

Low

( 2 )

( 4 )

42 If this weather system follows a normal storm track, the low-pressure center (L) will

generally move toward the

(1) northeast

(3) southeast

(2) northwest

(4) southwest

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[13]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 43 and 44 on the bedrock cross section below. The cross section represents

part of Earth’s crust where natural gas, oil, and water have moved upward through a layer of folded sandstone

and filled the pore spaces at the top of the sandstone layer.

Top

Limestone

Shale

Natural gas

Oil

Water

Shale

Bottom

43 The final arrangement of the natural gas, oil, and water within the sandstone was

caused by differences in their

(1) density

(3) relative age

(2) specific heat

(4) radioactive half-life

44 The natural gas, oil, and water are trapped within the top of the sandstone and do

not move upward through the shale because, compared to the sandstone, the shale

has

(1) lower permeability

(3) larger pore spaces

(2) less foliation

(4) larger particles

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[14]

Base your answers to questions 45 through 47 on the map below, which shows the drainage basin of the

Mississippi River system. Several rivers that flow into the Mississippi River are labeled. The arrow at location X

shows where the Mississippi River enters the Gulf of Mexico.

Missouri River

Drainage Basin

of the Mississippi River

Ohio River

System

Arkansas River

Mississippi River

Gulf of Mexico

45 The entire land area drained by the Mississippi River system is referred to as a

(1) levee

(3) meander belt

(2) watershed

(4) floodplain

46 Sediments deposited at location X by the Missisippi River most likely have which

characteristics?

(1) angular fragments arranged as mixtures

(2) rock particles arranged in sorted beds

(3) rocks with parallel scratches and grooves

(4) high-density minerals with hexagonal crystals

47 The structure formed by the deposition of sediments at location X is best described

as a

(1) moraine

(3) delta

(2) tributary

(4) drumlin

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[15]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 48 through 50 on the reading passage and the drawing below and on your

knowledge of Earth science.

Fossil With Signs of Feathers Is Cited as Bird-Dinosaur Link

Paleontologists have discovered in China a fossil dinosaur with what are reported to be

clear traces of feathers from head to tail, the most persuasive evidence so far, scientists say,

that feathers predated the origin of birds and that modern birds are descendants of

dinosaurs.

Entombed in fine-grained rock, the unusually well-preserved skeleton resembles that

of a duck with a reptilian tail, altogether about three feet in length. Its head and tail are

edged with the imprint of downy fibers. The rest of the body, except for bare lower legs,

shows distinct traces of tufts and filaments that appear to have been primitive feathers. On

the backs of its short forelimbs are patterns of what look like modern bird feathers.

Other dinosaur remains with what appear to be featherlike traces have been unearthed

in recent years, but nothing as complete as this specimen, paleontologists said. Etched in

the rock like a filigree decoration surrounding the skeleton are imprints of where the down

and feathers appear to have been.

The 130-million-year-old fossils were found a year ago by farmers in Liaoning Province

in northeastern China. After an analysis by Chinese and American researchers, the fossil

animal was identified as a dromaeosaur, a small fast-running dinosaur related to veloci-

raptor. The dinosaurs belonged to a group of two-legged predators known as advanced

theropods . . .

excerpted from “Fossil With Signs of

Feathers Is Cited as Bird-Dinosaur Link”

John Noble Wilford

New York Times , April 26, 2001

The drawing below shows an artist’s view of the dinosaur, based on the fossilized

remains.

48 During which period of geologic time have paleontologists inferred that the

feathered dinosaur mentioned in the passage existed?

(1) Cambrian

(3) Paleogene

(2) Cretaceous

(4) Permian

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[16]

49 This feathered dinosaur is not considered an index fossil because it

(1) existed too long ago

(3) was a land-dwelling animal

(2) was preserved in ash

(4) was found in only one area

50 The reference to the bird-dinosaur link is most likely referring to the concept of

(1) plate tectonics

(3) dynamic equilibrium

(2) evolution

(4) recycling

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[17]

[OVER]

Part B–2

Answer all questions in this part.

Directions (51–62): 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 provided in your answer booklet. The diagram

shows a model of Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Two motions of Earth are indicated. Distances to the Sun are

given for two positions of Earth in its orbit.

51 On the diagram provided in your answer booklet , place an X on Earth’s orbit to

indicate Earth’s position on May 21.

[ 1 ]

52 Explain why New York State experiences summer when Earth is at its greatest dis-

tance from the Sun.

[ 1 ]

Base your answers to questions 53 through 55 on the field map provided in your answer booklet . The map

shows elevations, measured in feet, of a number of points in a certain geographic region. Contour lines have

been drawn for the 100-foot and 120-foot elevations. Points A and B represent two spot elevations on the map.

53 On the map provided in your answer booklet, draw the 60-foot contour line. Make

sure that the contour line extends to the edges of the map.

[ 1 ]

54 Toward which general compass direction does Elma Creek flow? [ 1 ]

55 Calculate the gradient between points A and B . Label the answer with the correct

units.

[ 2 ]

56 On the weather map station model provided in your answer booklet , using the

proper format, record the six weather conditions shown below.

[ 2 ]

Wind: from the northwest

Wind speed: 10 knots

Barometric pressure: 1022.0 mb

Cloud cover: 50%

Visibility: 5 mi

Precipitation (in the past 6 hours): .45 in

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[18]

Base your answers to questions 57 and 58 on the map and table below. The map shows the name and

location of the volcanic peaks in the Cascade Mountain Range of the northwestern United States west of the

Yellowstone Hot Spot. The table shows the major eruptions of each peak over the past 4,000 years.

Mount Baker

Glacier Peak

Mount Rainier

Washington

Mount St. Helens

Mount Adams

Mount Hood

Mount Jefferson

Three Sisters

Newberry Volcano

Oregon

Crater Lake

Mount McLoughlin

Medicine Lake Volcano

Mount Shasta

California

Lassen Peak

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

Years before present

Key

Volcanic eruption

57 During which geologic epoch did the volcanic activity shown on the table occur?

[ 1 ]

58 On the cross section provided in your answer booklet, place an arrow in the

continental crust and an arrow in the oceanic crust to show the relative directions of

plate movement.

[ 1 ]

59 Which layer of Earth is composed of both the crust and the rigid mantle?

[ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[19]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 60 and 61 on the diagram below, which represents a model of the radio-

active decay of a particular element. The diagram shows the decay of a radioactive element (

) into the

stable decay element (

) after one half-life period.

Radioactive Decay Model

100

Half-life period

Original Material

Material After One Half-Life

Key

Radioactive element

Stable decay element

60 On the diagram provided in your answer booklet, shade in the amount of stable

decay element present after the second half-life period.

[ 1 ]

61 If the radioactive element in this model is carbon-14, how much time will have

passed after one half-life?

[ 1 ]

62 The diagram below shows warm, moist air moving off the ocean and over a mountain,

causing precipitation between points 1 and 2.

Cold

Elevation

10,000 ft

Warm,

moist air

2,000 ft

Ocean

Sea level

Describe two changes that occur to the warm, moist air between points 1 and 2 that

would cause cloud formation.

[ 2 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[20]

Part C

Answer all questions in this part.

Directions (63–80): 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 63 through 65 on the reading passage below and on your knowledge of

Earth science.

The Blue Moon

A “Blue Moon” is the name given to the second full moon in a calendar month. Because

there are roughly 29.5 days between full moons, it is unusual for two full moons to “fit” into

a 30 or 31 day month (and impossible to fit into a 28 or 29 day month, so February can

never have a Blue Moon). The saying “Once in a Blue Moon” means a rare occurrence, and

predates the current astronomical use of the term, which is quite recent. In fact, Blue

Moons are not all that rare, on average there will be one Blue Moon every 2.5 years. After

1999, the next Blue Moons will be in November 2001; July 2004; and June 2007. The last

one before 1999 was in July 1996.

The term Blue Moon is believed to have originated in 1883 after the eruption of

Krakatoa. The volcano put so much dust in the atmosphere that the Moon actually looked

blue in color. This was so unusual that the term “once in a Blue Moon” was coined.

“The Blue Moon”

David R. Williams

nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/blue_moon.html

63 Explain why a Blue Moon never occurs during the month of February.

[ 1 ]

64 What is the greatest number of full-Moon phases, visible from Earth, that are

possible in a span of 1 year?

[ 1 ]

65 In the space provided in your answer booklet, draw the relative positions of Earth, the

Moon, and the Sun, as viewed from space, so that a full-Moon phase would be visible

to an observer on Earth. Label Earth, the Moon, and the Sun in your drawing.

[ 1 ]

66 The Moon has many more impact craters visible on its surface than Earth has on its

surface. State two reasons that Earth has so few visible impact craters. [ 2 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[21]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 67 and 68 on the map and data table shown below. The map shows some

tectonic plates and the boundaries between them. Letters A and B are locations on Earth’s surface. The data

table shows the depth below Earth’s surface of five earthquakes measured from location A toward location B .

Map

Data Table

Distance from

Depth Below

Earthquake

Location A

Earth’s Surface

Eurasian

Toward Location B

(km)

Plate

(km)

100

600

200

400

250

300

250

400

Indian-Australian

Plate

67 On the grid provided in your answer booklet, plot the depths of the five earthquakes

from location A toward location B .

[ 1 ]

68 Identify the type of plate boundary or geologic feature found at location B .

[ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[22]

Base your answers to questions 69 through 71 on the cross section below, which shows several rock

formations found in New York State. The rock layers have not been overturned.

Hammer Creek

conglomerate

Basalt flow

Contact metamorphism

Brunswick sandstone

Palisade Sill

(igneous intrusion)

Lockatong siltstone

formation containing

Coelophysis footprints

Stockton sandstone

69 How does this cross section indicate that the Stockton sandstone is the oldest rock

layer?

[ 1 ]

70 State one piece of evidence that supports the fact that the Palisade Sill is younger

than the Brunswick sandstone.

[ 1 ]

71 State one tectonic event affecting North America that occurred at the same time as

the Palisade Sill intrusion.

[ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[23]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 72 through 74 on the map below, the graph on the next page, and your

knowledge of Earth science. The map shows the length of the growing season in New York State, expressed in

days. The growing season is the average number of days between the last frost in spring and the first frost in fall.

The graph line shows the relationship between the latitudes of Riverhead, New York; Albany, New York; and

Massena, New York; and the length of the growing season at these three locations.

Length of Growing Season (in days)

150

Massena

165

135

105

Lake Ontario

150

Oswego

180

120

Albany

135

165

135

Elmira

150

165

120

150

135 120

120

135 150

165

210

165

180

195

Riverhead

180

195

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[24]

220

200

Riverhead

180

Oswego

Albany

160

Massena

140

120

100

40 ° N

41 ° N

42 ° N

43 ° N

44 ° N

45 ° N

46 ° N

47 ° N

48 ° N

Latitude of Cities (degrees)

72 For Riverhead, Albany, and Massena, state the relationship between latitude and the

length of the growing season shown by the graph.

[ 1 ]

73 The data for Oswego, New York, have been plotted separately on the graph. Explain

why the location of Oswego causes it to have a growing season longer than other

cities at the same latitude.

[ 1 ]

74 Compare the length of the growing season in a lowland region with the length of the

growing season in a mountain region at approximately the same latitude.

[ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[25]

Base your answers to questions 75 through 77 on the cross section below and on your knowledge of Earth

science. The cross section shows a portion of Earth’s crust. The age, in millions of years, of each boundary

between the different sedimentary rock layers is shown. The age of boundary X between the sedimentary rock

and the metamorphic rock is not shown. Assume no overturning has occurred.

Age

(millions

of years)

4,000 meters

323

above sea level

362

418

Sedimentary

443

rock layers

Boundary X

Metamorphic

rock

Sea level

75 Identify the geologic feature represented by boundary X .

[ 1 ]

76 Describe how the rock type below boundary X was formed.

[ 1 ]

77 Identify by name one index fossil that existed when the limestone rock shown in the

cross section was being formed.

[ 1 ]

Base your answers to questions 78 through 80 on the diagram and table below. The diagram represents a

felsic igneous rock. Letters A, B, and C represent three different minerals in the rock sample. The table

describes the physical properties of minerals A, B, and C found in the igneous rock sample.

(Actual size)

Mineral

Key

Physical Properties

pink, cleaves in two directions at 90 °

white, cleaves in two directions, striations visible

colorless or clear with a glassy luster

78 State the texture of this igneous rock.

[ 1 ]

79 On the table provided in your answer booklet, state the names of minerals A, B, and C . [ 2 ]

80 State two processes responsible for the formation of an igneous rock.

[ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’05

[26]

The University of the State of New York

R EGENTS H IGH S CHOOL E XAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Wednesday, January 26, 2005 — 1:15 to 4:15 p.m., only

ANSWER SHEET

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

Sex:

■ Male ■ 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 should 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