Jan 2006

PS/EARTH SCIENCE

The University of the State of New York

REGENTS HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 — 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 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.

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 event takes the most time?

5 The diagram below shows a satellite in four

(1) one revolution of Earth around the Sun

different positions as it revolves around a planet.

(2) one revolution of Venus around the Sun

(3) one rotation of the Moon on its axis

(4) one rotation of Venus on its axis

2 Compared to the Jovian planets in our solar

system, Earth is

(1) less dense and closer to the Sun

Satellite

Planet

(2) less dense and farther from the Sun

(3) more dense and closer to the Sun

(4) more dense and farther from the Sun

3 A Foucault pendulum appears to change its

direction of swing due to the

(Not drawn to scale)

(1) tilt of Earth’s axis

(2) spin of Earth on its axis

Which graph best represents the changes in this

(3) deflection of Earth’s planetary winds

satellite’s orbital velocity as it revolves around the

(4) movement of Earth in its orbit around the

planet?

Sun

4 The lines on which set of views best represent

Earth’s latitude system?

Satellite Position

Equatorial

Polar

Equatorial

Polar

view

( 1 )

( 3 )

( 1 )

( 3 )

Equatorial

Polar

Equatorial

Polar

view

( 2 )

( 4 )

Satellite Position

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[2]

6 At which New York State location will an observer

12 Most New York State sandstone bedrock was

most likely measure the altitude of Polaris as

formed

approximately 42°?

(1) in Earth’s interior where temperatures

(1) Jamestown

(3) Oswego

exceeded the melting point of quartz

(2) Plattsburgh

(4) New York City

(2) on Earth’s surface from the cooling of molten

lava

(3) in a delta from sand grains deposited, buried,

7 Which statement provides evidence that Earth

and cemented together by minerals

revolves around the Sun?

(4) in a desert when heat and metamorphic pres-

(1) Winds at different latitudes are curved differ-

sure caused quartz crystals to fuse together

ent amounts by the Coriolis effect.

(2) Different star constellations are visible from

Earth at different seasons of the year.

13 Which statement best explains why no Permian-

(3) The Sun follows an apparent arc across the

age bedrock is found in New York State?

sky during the day.

(1) The extinction of many life-forms occurred at

(4) The stars appear to circle Earth during the

the end of the Permian Period.

night.

(2) Only rocks of igneous origin formed in New

York State during the Permian Period.

(3) Permian-age rocks have been metamor-

8 Compared to the surface temperature and lumi-

phosed and cannot be identified.

nosity of massive stars in the Main Sequence, the

(4) Permian-age rocks were either eroded away

smaller stars in the Main Sequence are

or never formed in New York State.

(1) hotter and less luminous

(2) hotter and more luminous

(3) cooler and less luminous

14 A fossil shell contains 25% of the original amount

(4) cooler and more luminous

of its carbon-14. Approximately how many years

ago was this shell part of a living organism?

(1) 5,700 years ago

(3) 17,100 years ago

9 Which factor most likely causes two cities at the

(2) 11,400 years ago

(4) 22,800 years ago

same elevation and latitude to have different

yearly average temperature ranges?

(1) rotation of Earth

15 Which sequence shows the correct order of

(2) duration of insolation

Earth’s geologic time intervals from oldest to

(3) distance from a large body of water

youngest?

(4) direction of prevailing winds

(1) Archean → Mesozoic → Cenozoic →

Paleozoic → Proterozoic

(2) Archean → Proterozoic → Paleozoic →

10 Which set of surface soil conditions on a hillside

Mesozoic → Cenozoic

would result in the most infiltration of rainfall?

(3) Cenozoic → Mesozoic → Paleozoic →

(1) gentle slope, saturated soil, no vegetation

Proterozoic → Archean

(2) gentle slope, unsaturated soil, vegetation

(4) Cenozoic → Paleozoic → Archean →

(3) steep slope, saturated soil, vegetation

Mesozoic → Proterozoic

(4) steep slope, unsaturated soil, no vegetation

16 In which direction do the surface winds blow

11 Scientists have inferred that Earth’s original

around a high-pressure system in the Northern

atmosphere was formed by the

Hemisphere?

(1) outgassing from Earth’s interior

(1) clockwise and inward

(2) erosion of Earth’s surface

(2) clockwise and outward

(3) decay of microorganisms in Earth’s oceans

(3) counterclockwise and inward

(4) radioactive decay of elements in Earth’s core

(4) counterclockwise and outward

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[3]

[OVER]

17 The cross section below shows the flow of winds

19 The properties of an air mass are mostly deter-

over a mountain ridge.

mined by the

(1) rate of Earth’s rotation

(2) direction of Earth’s surface winds

Windward

Leeward

(3) source region where the air mass formed

side

(4) path the air mass follows along a land surface

Wind

20 Which list correctly matches each instrument

Mountain

Ocean

with the weather variable it measures?

(1) wind vane—wind speed

thermometer—temperature

precipitation gauge—relative humidity

The heaviest rainfall would most likely occur on

(2) wind vane—wind direction

which side of this mountain and in which type of

thermometer—dewpoint

air mass?

psychrometer—air pressure

(1) on the leeward side, in a mP air mass

(3) barometer—relative humidity

(2) on the leeward side, in a cT air mass

anemometer—cloud cover

(3) on the windward side, in a mT air mass

precipitation gauge—probability of

(4) on the windward side, in a cP air mass

precipitation

(4) barometer—air pressure

18 Various weather conditions at LaGuardia Airport

anemometer—wind speed

in New York City are shown on the station model

psychrometer—relative humidity

below.

21 What is the difference between the dry-bulb

temperature and the wet-bulb temperature when

146

the relative humidity is 28% and the dry-bulb

temperature is 0°C?

.06

(1) 11°C

(3) 28°C

(2) 2°C

(4) 4°C

What were the barometric pressure and weather

22 Based on the theory of plate tectonics, it is

conditions at the airport at the time of the obser-

inferred that over the past 250 million years

vation?

North America has moved toward the

(1) 914.6 mb of pressure and smog

(1) northwest

(3) southeast

(2) 914.6 mb of pressure and a clear sky

(2) southwest

(4) northeast

(3) 1014.6 mb of pressure and smog

(4) 1014.6 mb of pressure and a clear sky

23 According to tectonic plate maps, New York State

is presently located

(1) at a convergent plate boundary

(2) above a mantle hot spot

(3) above a mid-ocean ridge

(4) near the center of a large plate

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[4]

Base your answers to questions 24 and 25 on the cross-sectional view of Earth below, which shows seismic

waves traveling from the focus of an earthquake. Points A and B are locations on Earth’s surface.

Earthquake focus

P- and S-waves

received here

Outer core

Inner

Core

Shadow zone

No waves received

Only one type of

wave received here

24 Which statement best explains why only one type

25 A seismic station located at point A is 5400 kilo-

of seismic wave was recorded at location B ?

meters away from the epicenter of the earth-

(1) S -waves cannot travel through the liquid

quake. If the arrival time for the P -wave at

outer core.

point A was 2:00 p.m., the arrival time for the

(2) S -waves cannot travel through the liquid

S -wave at point A was approximately

inner core.

(1) 1:53 p.m.

(3) 2:09 p.m.

(3) P -waves cannot travel through the solid outer

(2) 2:07 p.m.

(4) 2:16 p.m.

core.

(4) P -waves cannot travel through the solid inner

core.

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[5]

[OVER]

26 The cross section below shows a drill rig used to

30 The cross section below shows the rock structure

collect rock samples from below Earth’s surface.

of a deeply eroded, domed mountain region.

Igneous

Drill rig

intrusion

Earth’s

surface

2 kilometers

(Not drawn to scale)

Which map shows the stream drainage pattern

(Not drawn to scale)

that will most likely develop as the bedrock is

weathered and eroded from this igneous dome?

The rock samples collected from the bottom of

the drill hole came from which Earth layer?

(1) lithosphere

(3) asthenosphere

(2) hydrosphere

(4) stiffer mantle

27 Which sequence shows the order in which land-

scape regions are crossed as an airplane flies in a

straight course from Albany, New York, to

Massena, New York?

( 1 )

( 3 )

(1) plateau → plain → mountain

(2) plateau → mountain → plain

(3) plain → mountain → plain

(4) mountain → plain → plateau

28 Why are Precambrian gneiss cobbles and boulders

commonly found on top of the surface bedrock in

the Catskills?

(1) The surface bedrock of the Catskills is com-

posed of Precambrian gneiss.

( 2 )

( 4 )

(2) The surface bedrock of the Catskills has been

overturned.

(3) Many meteorites composed of gneiss have

landed in the Catskills.

(4) Glaciers transported these rocks from the

Adirondacks to the Catskills.

29 Which component of Earth’s atmosphere is

classified as a greenhouse gas?

(1) oxygen

(3) helium

(2) carbon dioxide

(4) hydrogen

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[6]

31 The cross section below shows layers of soil.

Dark brown to black soil

with a high organic content

Tan to orange soil with

a high clay content,

some rock fragments

Light gray to black soil,

coarse rock fragments

Which two processes produced the layer of dark brown to black soil?

(1) melting and solidification of magma

(3) weathering and biologic activity

(2) erosion and uplifting

(4) compaction and cementation

32 Equal volumes of the four samples shown below were placed outside and heated by energy from the Sun’s

rays for 30 minutes.

Water

Copper pennies

Basaltic sand

Iron fragments

The surface temperature of which sample increased at the slowest rate?

(1) water

(3) basaltic sand

(2) copper pennies

(4) iron fragments

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[7]

[OVER]

33 Which graph best represents the relative wavelengths of the different forms of electromagnetic energy?

X rays

Infrared

Micro-

Radio

X rays

Infrared

Micro-

Radio

waves

Form of Electromagnetic Energy

( 1 )

( 3 )

X rays

Infrared

Micro-

Radio

X rays

Infrared

Micro-

Radio

waves

Form of Electromagnetic Energy

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[8]

34 The three statements below are observations of

35 Most rock gypsum is formed by the

the same rock sample:

(1) heating of previously existing foliated

The rock has intergrown crystals from 2 to 3

bedrock

millimeters in diameter.

(2) cooling and solidification of lava

The minerals in the rock are gray feldspar,

(3) compaction and cementation of shells and

green olivine, green pyroxene, and black

skeletal remains

amphibole.

(4) chemical precipitation of minerals from sea-

There are no visible gas pockets in the rock.

water

This rock sample is most likely

(1) sandstone

(3) granite

(2) gabbro

(4) phyllite

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[9]

[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 38 on the weather map below and on your knowledge of Earth

science. The weather map shows a typical low-pressure system and associated weather fronts labeled A and B .

The L indicates the center of the low-pressure system. A few New York State cities are shown. Symbols cP and

mT represent different air masses. The wind direction at Utica and Rochester is shown on the station models.

Plattsburgh

Oswego

Rochester

Utica

Buffalo

Ithaca

Jamestown

36 Which front symbols are drawn correctly, based on the air masses shown?

( 1 )

( 2 )

( 3 )

( 4 )

37 If this weather system is following a normal storm track, the center of this low is most

likely moving toward which city?

(1) Buffalo

(3) Utica

(2) Ithaca

(4) Plattsburgh

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[10]

38 Which map shows the regions that are most likely experiencing the precipitation

associated with this weather system?

Key

Precipitation

Plattsburgh

Oswego

Rochester

Utica

Rochester

Utica

Buffalo

Ithaca

Jamestown

( 1 )

( 3 )

Plattsburgh

Oswego

Rochester

Utica

Rochester

Utica

Buffalo

Ithaca

Jamestown

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[11]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 39 through 41 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of Earth

science. The diagram shows a pin perpendicular to a card. The card was placed outdoors in the sunlight on a

horizontal surface. The positions of the pin’s shadow on the card were recorded several times on March 21 by

an observer in New York State.

8 a.m.

10 a.m.

Noon

Pin shadows

(Drawn to scale)

39 Which diagram best represents the length of the pin’s shadow at 2 p.m. on March 21?

8a.m.

10 a.m.

2 p.m.

Noon

2 p.m.

Noon

Pin shadows

( 1 )

( 3 )

8a.m.

2 p.m.

10 a.m.

Noon

Pin shadows

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[12]

40 The changing location of the pin’s shadow on March 21 is caused by

(1) the Sun’s rotation

(3) Earth’s rotation

(2) the Sun’s revolution

(4) Earth’s revolution

41 On June 21, the card and pin were placed in the same position as they were on

March 21. The diagram below shows the positions of the pin’s shadow.

8 a.m.

10 a.m.

Noon

Pin shadows

(Drawn to scale)

Which statement best explains the decreased length of each shadow on June 21?

(1) The Sun’s apparent path varies with the seasons.

(2) The Sun’s distance from Earth varies with the seasons.

(3) The intensity of insolation is lower on June 21.

(4) The duration of insolation is shorter on June 21.

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[13]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 42 through 46 on the two tables below and on your knowledge of Earth

science. Table 1 shows the composition, hardness, and average density of four minerals often used as gemstones.

Table 2 lists the minerals in Moh’s Scale of Hardness from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

Table 1

Gemstone Mineral Composition

Hardness

Average Density

(g/cm 3 )

emerald

Be 3 Al 2 (Si 6 O 18 )

7.5–8

2.7

sapphire

Al 2 O 3

4.0

spinel

MgAl 2 O 4

3.8

zircon

ZrSiO 4

7.5

4.7

KEY

Al = aluminum

O = oxygen

Be = beryllium

Si = silicon

Mg = magnesium

Zr = zirconium

Table 2

Moh’s Scale

of Hardness

1 talc

2 gypsum

3 calcite

4 fluorite

5 apatite

6 feldspar

7 quartz

8 topaz

9 corundum

10 diamond

42 Part of a gemstone’s value is based on the way the gemstone shines in reflected light.

The way a mineral reflects light is described as the mineral’s

(1) fracture

(3) luster

(2) hardness

(4) streak

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[14]

43 Sapphire is a gemstone variety of which mineral on Moh’s scale of hardness?

(1) corundum

(3) fluorite

(2) diamond

(4) topaz

44 If the mass of a spinel crystal is 9.5 grams, what is the volume of this spinel crystal?

(1) 0.4 cm 3

(3) 5.7 cm 3

(2) 2.5 cm 3

(4) 36.1 cm 3

45 The hardness and density of each gemstone is based primarily on the gemstone’s

(1) internal arrangement of atoms

(3) oxygen content

(2) geologic time of formation

(4) natural abundance

46 Which gemstone minerals contain the two most abundant elements by mass in

Earth’s crust?

(1) emerald and spinel

(3) sapphire and spinel

(2) emerald and zircon

(4) sapphire and zircon

P.S./E.Sci.–Jan. ’06

[15]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 47 through 50 on the cross section below and on your knowledge of Earth

science. The cross section shows the general movement of air within a portion of Earth’s atmosphere located

between 30° N and 30° S latitude. Numbers 1 and 2 represent different locations in the atmosphere.

30 ° N

0 °

30 ° S

Earth’s

Latitude

surface

(Not drawn to scale)

47 Which temperature zone layer of Earth’s atmosphere is shown in the cross section?

(1) troposphere

(3) mesosphere

(2) stratosphere

(4) thermosphere

48 The air movement shown in the cross section is due to the process of

(1) condensation

(3) evaporation

(2) conduction

(4) convection

49 What is the approximate percentage by volume of oxygen present in Earth’s atmo-

sphere at location 2?

(1) 10%

(3) 33%

(2) 21%

(4) 46%

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[16]

50 Which map best shows the surface movement of winds between 30 ° N and 30 ° S

latitude?

30 ° N

0 °

30 ° S

( 1 )

( 3 )

30 ° N

0 °

30 ° S

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E.Sci.–Jan. ’06

[17]

[OVER]

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 calendar model shown below of the inferred history of the

universe and on your knowledge of Earth science. The 12-month time line begins with the Big Bang on

January 1 and continues to the present time, which is represented by midnight on December 31. Several

inferred events and the relative times of their occurrence have been placed in the appropriate locations on the

time line.

December 26

December 19

Earliest dinosaurs

The first vertebrates

(animals with a

backbone)

September 10

The formation of

Earth and our solar

system

January 1

The Big Bang

December 31

December 30

late evening

September 25

The extinction

The first humans

The formation of

of dinosaurs

the oldest microfossil

51 State one piece of evidence used by scientists to support the theory that the Big Bang

event occurred. [ 1 ]

52 How many million years of Earth’s geologic history elapsed between the event that

occurred on September 10 and the event that occurred on September 25 in this

model? [ 1 ]

P.S./E.Sci.–Jan. ’06

[18]

Base your answers to questions 53 through 56 on the world map in your answer booklet and on your

knowledge of Earth science. The map shows major earthquakes and volcanic activity occurring from 1996

through 2000. Letter A represents a volcano on a crustal plate boundary.

53 In your answer booklet , place an X on the map to show the location of the Nazca

Plate. [ 1 ]

54 Explain why most major earthquakes are found in specific zones instead of being

randomly scattered across Earth’s surface. [ 1 ]

55 Identify the source of the magma for the volcanic activity in Hawaii. [ 1 ]

56 Identify the type of plate movement responsible for the presence of the volcano at

location A . [ 1 ]

Base your answers to questions 57 through 59 on the diagram below, which shows the Moon’s orbit around

Earth. Four positions of the Moon are represented by letters A , B , C , and D . Earth’s North Pole is labeled. The

shaded areas on Earth and the Moon represent night.

Moon’s orbit

Earth

Sun’s

rays

North

Pole

(Not drawn to scale)

57 What motion of the Moon results in the Moon phases as viewed from Earth? [ 1 ]

58 A total solar eclipse sometimes occurs when the Moon is at position A . Explain why

a total solar eclipse does not occur every time the Moon is at position A . [ 1 ]

59 State one season that begins when the line separating day and night passes through

Earth’s North Pole, as shown in this diagram. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[19]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 60 through 62 on the table of index fossils shown below and on your

knowledge of Earth science.

Table of Index Fossils

Eospirifer

Manticoceras

Phacops

60 During what geologic time period did the oldest index fossil shown in this table

exist? [ 1 ]

61 State one characteristic of a good index fossil. [ 1 ]

62 Complete the classification table in your answer booklet by filling in the general

fossil group name for each index fossil. [ 1 ]

Base your answers to questions 63 through 65 on the cross section below, which shows an area near

Watertown, New York. The top layer of soil contains broken rock fragments. A representative sample of this

layer has been magnified.

Cross Section

Magnified View

Soil with broken

Granite

rock fragments

Gneiss

Unweathered

limestone

bedrock

Sandstone

63 Identify one mineral that could be found in all three rock fragments shown in the

magnified view. [ 1 ]

64 State one observable characteristic, other than mineral composition, that could help

identify the gneiss fragment. [ 1 ]

65 Rocks and minerals are natural resources that are mined in New York State. State

one negative impact that should be considered before mining these natural

resources. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[20]

Part C

Answer all questions in this part.

Directions (66–83): 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 information below, which describes the past and

present climate of Antarctica, and on your knowledge of Earth science.

Antarctica’s ice sheet has an average thickness of 6600 feet and holds approxi-

mately 70% of Earth’s freshwater. Ice layers in Antarctica preserve information about

Earth’s history. Fossil evidence found in the bedrock of this continent shows that

Antarctica was once tropical and is a potential source of untapped natural resources.

Antarctica is now a frozen desert with very little snowfall.

66 Explain why Antarctica’s cold climate is responsible for its very low amount of

yearly precipitation. [ 1 ]

67 What evidence is preserved in Antarctica that provides information about Earth’s

past climates? [ 1 ]

68 Scientists are concerned that the Antarctic ice may melt as the result of global

warming. State one effect that this melting would most likely have on Long Island,

New York. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[21]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 69 through 73 on the map below, which shows a meandering stream as it

enters a lake. Points A through D represent locations in the stream.

Lake

69 In the box in your answer booklet , draw a cross-sectional view of the general shape

of the stream bottom between points A and B . The water surface line has already

been drawn. [ 1 ]

70 State the relationship between stream velocity and the size of the sediment the

stream can carry. [ 1 ]

71 Describe how the size and shape of most pebbles change when the pebbles are

transported in a stream over a great distance. [ 1 ]

72 The stream velocity at point C is 100 centimeters per second and the stream

velocity at point D is 40 centimeters per second. Identify one sediment particle most

likely being deposited between points C and D . [ 1 ]

73 Deposition is affected by particle density. On the grid in your answer booklet , draw

a line to show the relationship between particle density and settling rate. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[22]

Base your answers to questions 74 through 77 on the passage below, the map in your answer booklet, and

your knowledge of Earth science. The map shows ocean depths, measured in meters, off the coast of

Massachusetts. Points A, B , and C represent locations on the ocean floor. The Stellwagen Bank discussed in the

passage is lightly shaded and labeled on the map.

The Stellwagen Bank

One of the most exciting adventures for a visitor to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is

going on a whale watch. Large boats leave port two to three times each day carrying

passengers to a specific location in the Atlantic Ocean to see the whales. How do the

captains of the boats know where to find the whales?

The answer is simple. They look for the whales over an area known as the

Stellwagen Bank, which is a large undersea deposit of unsorted sand and gravel. The

Stellwagen Bank is inferred by scientists to have formed during the Pleistocene Epoch

from the slow retreat of massive Ice Age glaciers across this area. Today, cool ocean

currents come from the north and flow up and over the Stellwagen Bank. These

currents bring nutrients to the surface from deep in the ocean, providing food for

oceanic phytoplankton (small plants). Small ocean creatures and fish feed on the

phytoplankton. Whales can be found in abundance at the Stellwagen Bank feeding on

the many ocean life-forms.

74 Most whale watching takes place at 42° 25 ′ N and 70° 25 ′ W. On the map in your

answer booklet , place an X at this location. [ 1 ]

75 Identify the most probable cold ocean current causing the upwelling of nutrients

over the Stellwagen Bank. [ 1 ]

76 What evidence indicates that the ocean floor has a steep slope at point C ? [ 1 ]

77 Calculate the average ocean-floor gradient between point A and point B . Label your

answer with the correct units. [ 2 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[23]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 78 through 80 on the data table below and on your knowledge of Earth

science. Iridium is an element rarely found in Earth’s lithosphere but commonly found in asteroids. The data

table shows the abundance of iridium, in parts per billion (ppb), found in a rock core sample taken in Carlsbad,

New Mexico.

Iridium Abundance in a Rock Core Sample

Depth Below

Iridium

Earth’s Surface

Abundance

(m)

(ppb)

100

0.5

105

0.5

113

0.5

115

13.5

119

0.5

120

0.25

128

0.25

135

78 On the grid in your answer booklet , construct a line graph of iridium abundance at

various depths. Place an X to show the iridium abundance at each depth shown on

the data table. Connect the X s with a line. [ 2 ]

79 The high concentration of iridium in this rock core sample has been matched to rock

layers that have been dated to the geologic time when dinosaur extinction from an

asteroid impact may have occurred. Between which two geologic time periods did

this inferred extinction occur? [ 1 ]

80 Other than iridium in the rock layers, what surface feature was most likely created

when this asteroid impacted Earth’s crust? [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[24]

Base your answers to questions 81 through 83 on the cross sections below, which show widely separated

outcrops at locations W , X , Y , and Z . The rock layers have not been overturned. Line AB in the cross section at

location W represents an unconformity. Fossils are shown in some of the layers.

Location W

Key

Igneous intrusion

Contact

metamorphism

Location X Location Y

Sedimentary rock types

Location Z

Fossil types

(Not drawn to scale)

81 Determine the relative geologic age of the four fossils by correlating the rock layers

between these outcrops. In your answer booklet , number the fossils from 1 to 4 in

order of relative age, with 1 as the oldest and 4 as the youngest. [ 1 ]

82 What evidence shown in the outcrop at location W suggests that the igneous intru-

sion occurred after both fossils were deposited at location W ? [ 1 ]

83 Identify two of the processes involved in the formation of the unconformity repre-

sented by line AB in the cross section at location W . [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Jan. ’06

[25]

The University of the State of New York

R EGENTS H IGH S CHOOL E XAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 — 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 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