June 2006

PS/EARTH SCIENCE

The University of the State of New York

REGENTS HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Tuesday, June 20, 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 object is closest to Earth?

5 The diagram below shows the Moon orbiting

(1) the Sun

(3) the Moon

Earth, as viewed from space above Earth’s North

(2) Venus

(4) Mars

Pole. The Moon is shown at eight positions in its

orbit.

2 The diagram below shows an observer on Earth

Moon’s

measuring the altitude of Polaris .

orbit

Zenith

Polaris

23.5 °

Earth

66.5 °

North

Sun’s

Pole

rays

Horizon

(Not drawn to scale)

What is the latitude of this observer?

Spring ocean tides occur when the difference in

height between high tide and low tide is greatest.

(1) 90° N

(3) 43° N

At which two positions of the Moon will spring

(2) 66.5° N

(4) 23.5° N

tides occur on Earth?

(1) 1 and 5

(3) 3 and 7

3 What is the minimum water velocity needed in a

(2) 2 and 6

(4) 4 and 8

stream to maintain the transportation of the

smallest boulder?

6 Compared to other groups of stars, the group that

(1) 100 cm/sec

(3) 300 cm/sec

has relatively low luminosities and relatively low

(2) 200 cm/sec

(4) 500 cm/sec

temperatures is the

(1) Red Dwarfs

(3) Red Giants

4 Earth’s early atmosphere formed during the

(2) White Dwarfs

(4) Blue Supergiants

Early Archean Era. Which gas was generally

absent from the atmosphere at that time?

7 Which sequence correctly lists the relative sizes

(1) water vapor

(3) nitrogen

from smallest to largest?

(2) carbon dioxide

(4) oxygen

(1) our solar system, universe, Milky Way Galaxy

(2) our solar system, Milky Way Galaxy, universe

(3) Milky Way Galaxy, our solar system, universe

(4) Milky Way Galaxy, universe, our solar system

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[2]

8 The diagram below represents a swinging

10 The diagram below shows Earth’s orbit around

Foucault pendulum.

the Sun and different positions of the Moon as it

travels around Earth. Letters A through D repre-

sent four different positions of the Moon.

Pivotal point

Ceiling of room

of attachment

Swinging

Sun

pendulum

Floor

Earth

(Not drawn to scale)

An eclipse of the Moon is most likely to occur

Ring of pegs

when the Moon is at position

(1) A

(3) C

(2) B

(4) D

This pendulum will show an apparent change in

the direction of its swing due to Earth’s

11 In the Northern Hemisphere, planetary winds

(1) curved surface

(3) rotation

blowing from north to south are deflected, or

(2) tilted axis

(4) revolution

curved, toward the west. This deflection is caused

by the

9 The diagram below shows the altitude of the Sun

(1) unequal heating of land and water surfaces

at solar noon on March 21, as seen by an observer

(2) movement of low-pressure weather systems

at 42° N latitude.

(3) orbiting of Earth around the Sun

(4) spinning of Earth on its axis

March 21

Sun

12 The table below shows air-pressure readings

taken at two cities, in the same region of the

United States, at noon on four different days.

Air-Pressure Readings

Observer

Day

City A

City B

located

Air Pressure (mb)

at 42 ° N

1004.0

Horizon

48 °

1000.1

1002.9

1000.2

1011.1

Compared to the altitude of the Sun observed at

solar noon on March 21, the altitude of the Sun

1010.4

1012.3

observed at solar noon on June 21 will be

(1) 15° higher in the sky

The wind speed in the region between cities A

(2) 23.5° higher in the sky

and B was probably the greatest at noon on day

(3) 42° higher in the sky

(1) 1

(3) 3

(4) 48° higher in the sky

(2) 2

(4) 4

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[3]

[OVER]

13 If the base of a cloud is located at an altitude of

17 Which graph best shows the relationship between

2 kilometers and the top of the cloud is located at

the concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth’s

an altitude of 8 kilometers, this cloud is located in

atmosphere and the amount of infrared radiation

the

absorbed by the atmosphere?

(1) troposphere, only

(2) stratosphere, only

(3) troposphere and stratosphere

(4) stratosphere and mesosphere

14 On a day with no wind, the air temperature outside

a house is 10°C. The air temperature inside the

house is 18°C. Which diagram best represents the

Concentration of

Carbon Dioxide

air circulation pattern that is most likely to occur

when a window of the house is first opened?

( 1 )

( 3 )

Roof

10 ° C

18 ° C

10 ° C

18 ° C

Concentration of

Floor

Carbon Dioxide

( 1 )

( 3 )

( 2 )

( 4 )

18 The diagram below represents the direction of

Roof

Earth’s rotation as it appears from above the North

Pole. Point X is a location on Earth’s surface.

10 ° C

18 ° C

10 ° C

18 ° C

Point X

Floor

Sun’s

( 2 )

( 4 )

North

rays

Pole

15 Most of the Gulf Stream Ocean Current is

(1) warm water that flows southwestward

Direction of rotation

(2) warm water that flows northeastward

(3) cool water that flows southwestward

The time at point X is closest to

(4) cool water that flows northeastward

(1) 6 a.m.

(3) 6 p.m.

(2) 12 noon

(4) 12 midnight

16 Which event is the best example of erosion?

(1) breaking apart of shale as a result of water

19 Snowfall is rare at the South Pole because the air

freezing in a crack

over the South Pole is usually

(2) dissolving of rock particles on a limestone

(1) rising and moist

(3) sinking and moist

gravestone by acid rain

(2) rising and dry

(4) sinking and dry

(3) rolling of a pebble along the bottom of a

stream

(4) crumbling of bedrock in one area to form soil

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[4]

20 The four streams shown on the topographic maps

23 Which characteristic is most useful in correlating

below have the same volume between X and Y .

Devonian-age sedimentary bedrock in New York

The distance from X to Y is also the same. All the

State with Devonian-age sedimentary bedrock in

maps are drawn to the same scale and have the

other parts of the world?

same contour interval. Which map shows the

(1) color

(3) rock types

stream with the greatest velocity between points

(2) index fossils

(4) particle size

X and Y ?

24 A seismic station 4000 kilometers from the epi-

Stream

center of an earthquake records the arrival time

100

of the first P -wave at 10:00:00. At what time did

Stream

the first S -wave arrive at this station?

(1) 9:55:00

(3) 10:07:05

(2) 10:05:40

(4) 10:12:40

25 Which statement correctly describes the density

( 1 )

( 3 )

of Earth’s mantle compared to the density of

Earth’s core and crust?

(1) The mantle is less dense than the core but

100

more dense than the crust.

(2) The mantle is less dense than both the core

and the crust.

(3) The mantle is more dense than the core but

Y Stream

less dense than the crust.

(4) The mantle is more dense than both the core

Stream

and the crust.

( 2 )

( 4 )

26 Convection currents in the plastic mantle are

21 A student obtains a cup of quartz sand from a

believed to cause divergence of lithospheric

beach. A saltwater solution is poured into the

plates at the

sand and allowed to evaporate. The mineral

(1) Peru-Chile Trench

residue from the saltwater solution cements the

(2) Mariana Trench

sand grains together, forming a material that is

(3) Canary Islands Hot Spot

most similar in origin to

(4) Iceland Hot Spot

(1) an extrusive igneous rock

(2) an intrusive igneous rock

27 According to fossil evidence, which sequence

(3) a clastic sedimentary rock

shows the order in which these four life-forms

(4) a foliated metamorphic rock

first appeared on Earth?

(1) reptiles → amphibians → insects → fish

22 Which coastal area is most likely to experience a

(2) insects → fish → reptiles → amphibians

severe earthquake?

(3) amphibians → reptiles → fish → insects

(1) east coast of North America

(4) fish → insects → amphibians → reptiles

(2) east coast of Australia

(3) west coast of Africa

(4) west coast of South America

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[5]

[OVER]

28 The fossil below was found in surface bedrock in

30 The topographic map below shows a hill. Points X

the eastern United States.

and Y represent locations on the hill’s surface.

Elevations are shown in meters.

400

Which statement best describes the formation of

the rock containing this fossil?

(1) The rock was formed by the metamorphism

of sedimentary rock deposited in a terrestrial

300

environment during the Cretaceous Period.

(2) The rock was formed by the compaction and

cementation of sediments deposited in a ter-

2 km

restrial environment during the Triassic Period.

(3) The rock was formed by the compaction and

cementation of sediments deposited in a

What is the gradient between points X and Y ?

marine environment during the Cambrian

Period.

(1) 40 m/km

(3) 100 m/km

(4) The rock was formed from the solidification

(2) 80 m/km

(4) 120 m/km

of magma in a marine environment during

the Triassic Period.

29 The diagram below shows an index fossil found in

surface bedrock in some parts of New York State.

Maclurites

In which New York State landscape region is this

gastropod fossil most likely found in the surface

bedrock?

(1) Tug Hill Plateau

(2) Allegheny Plateau

(3) Adirondack Mountains

(4) Newark Lowlands

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[6]

31 The diagram below shows a sling psychrometer.

– 25 – 20 – 15 – 10 – 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 ° C

Wet bulb

– 25 – 20 – 15 – 10 – 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 ° C

Dry bulb

Based on the dry-bulb temperature and the wet-bulb temperature, what is the relative

humidity?

(1) 66%

(3) 51%

(2) 58%

(4) 12%

32 Arrows in the block diagram below show the relative movement along a tectonic plate boundary.

Fault

Ocean floor

Continent

Oceanic crust

Continental crust

(Not drawn to scale)

Between which two tectonic plates does this type of plate boundary exist?

(1) Nazca Plate and South American Plate

(2) Eurasian Plate and Indian-Australian Plate

(3) North American Plate and Eurasian Plate

(4) Pacific Plate and North American Plate

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[7]

[OVER]

33 Which map shows the two correctly labeled air masses that frequently converge in the central plains to cause

tornadoes?

( 1 )

( 3 )

( 2 )

( 4 )

34 The diagram below shows four mineral samples, each having approximately the same mass.

Quartz

Amphibole

Pyroxene

Galena

If all four samples are placed together in a closed, dry container and shaken vigorously

for 10 minutes, which mineral sample would experience the most abrasion?

(1) quartz

(3) pyroxene

(2) amphibole

(4) galena

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[8]

35 Which block diagram best represents a portion of a plateau?

( 1 )

( 3 )

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’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 graph below, which shows the crustal temperature and

pressure conditions under which three different minerals with the same chemical composition (Al ₂ SiO 5 )

crystallize.

Conditions Under Which Three

Different Minerals Composed

of Al₂ SiO₅ Form

Kyanite forms

Sillimanite forms

Andalusite forms

300

500

700

900

Temperature ( ° C)

36 Under which crustal temperature and pressure conditions will andalusite form?

(1) 300°C and 6000 atmospheres

(3) 600°C and 4000 atmospheres

(2) 500°C and 2000 atmospheres

(4) 700°C and 8000 atmospheres

37 Which mineral has a chemical composition most similar to andalusite, sillimanite,

and kyanite?

(1) pyrite

(3) dolomite

(2) gypsum

(4) potassium feldspar

38 If bedrock at a collisional plate boundary contains andalusite crystals, these crystals

are changed into sillimanite and/or kyanite as temperature and pressure conditions

increase. What is this process called?

(1) weathering

(3) metamorphism

(2) solidification

(4) cementation

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[10]

Base your answers to questions 39 through 41 on the diagram below, which has lettered arrows showing the

motions of Earth and the Moon.

Sun

Moon

Earth

Key

Arrow

Motion

Earth’s rotation

(Not drawn to scale)

on its axis

Earth’s revolution

around the Sun

The Moon’s rotation

on its axis

The Moon’s revolution

around Earth

39 These lettered arrows represent motions that are

(1) noncyclic and unpredictable

(3) cyclic and unpredictable

(2) noncyclic and predictable

(4) cyclic and predictable

40 Which two motions are completed in about the same amount of time?

(1) A and B

(3) C and D

(2) B and C

(4) A and D

41 Which lettered arrow represents the motion that causes the Moon to show phases

when viewed from Earth?

(1) A

(3) C

(2) B

(4) D

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[11]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 42 and 43 on the diagram below, which represents a model of a radioactive

sample with a half-life of 5000 years. The white boxes represent undecayed radioactive material and the

shaded boxes represent the decayed material after the first half-life.

Radioactive Sample After First Half-Life

Key

Undecayed

radioactive material

Decayed material

42 How many more boxes should be shaded to represent the additional decayed

material formed during the second half-life?

(1) 12

(3) 3

(2) 6

(4) 0

43 Which radioactive isotope has a half-life closest in duration to this radioactive sample?

(1) carbon-14

(3) uranium-238

(2) potassium-40

(4) rubidium-87

44 The photograph below shows a sign near the Esopus Creek in Kingston, New York.

The main purpose of the word “watershed” on this sign is to communicate that the

Esopus Creek

(1) is a tributary of the Hudson River

(2) is a flood hazard where it flows into the Hudson River

(3) forms a delta in the Hudson River

(4) contains ancient fish fossils

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[12]

Base your answers to questions 45 and 46 on the diagrams below. Diagrams A, B, and C represent three

different river valleys.

Diagram A

Diagram B

Diagram C

45 Which bar graph best represents the relative gradients of the main rivers shown in

diagrams A, B, and C ?

Steep

Gentle

Diagram

( 1 )

( 3 )

Steep

Gentle

Diagram

( 2 )

( 4 )

46 Most sediments found on the floodplain shown in diagram A are likely to be

(1) angular and weathered from underlying bedrock

(2) angular and weathered from bedrock upstream

(3) rounded and weathered from underlying bedrock

(4) rounded and weathered from bedrock upstream

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[13]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 47 through 49 on the graph below, which shows the amount of insolation

during one year at four different latitudes on Earth’s surface.

Insolation at Different Latitudes

2.0

Equator

1.8

0 °

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.

Month

47 This graph shows that insolation varies with

(1) latitude and time of day

(3) longitude and time of day

(2) latitude and time of year

(4) longitude and time of year

48 Why is less insolation received at the equator in June than in March or September?

(1) The daylight period is longest at the equator in June.

(2) Winds blow insolation away from the equator in June.

(3) The Sun’s vertical rays are north of the equator in June.

(4) Thick clouds block the Sun’s vertical rays at the equator in June.

49 Why is insolation 0 cal/cm 2 /min from October through February at 90° N?

(1) Snowfields reflect sunlight during that time.

(2) Dust in the atmosphere blocks sunlight during that time.

(3) The Sun is continually below the horizon during that time.

(4) Intense cold prevents insolation from being absorbed during that time.

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[14]

50 The diagram below shows tubes A and B partly filled with equal volumes of round

plastic beads of uniform size. The beads in tube A are smaller than the beads in

tube B . Water was placed in tube A until the pore spaces were filled. The drain valve

was then opened, and the amount of time for the water to drain from the tube was

recorded. The amount of water that remained around the beads was then

calculated and recorded. Data table 1 shows the measurements recorded using tube A .

Tube A

Tube B

Drain

valves

Data Table 1:Tube A

water required to fill pore spaces

124 mL

time required for draining

2.1 sec

water that remained around the beads

after draining

36 mL

If the same procedure was followed with tube B , which data table shows the

measurements most likely recorded?

Data Table 2:Tube B

water required to fill pore spaces

124 mL

water required to fill pore spaces

124 mL

time required for draining

1.4 sec

time required for draining

3.2 sec

water that remained around the beads

after draining

26 mL

after draining

36 mL

(1)

(3)

Data Table 2:Tube B

water required to fill pore spaces

168 mL

water required to fill pore spaces

168 mL

time required for draining

3.2 sec

time required for draining

1.4 sec

water that remained around the beads

after draining

46 mL

after draining

36 mL

(2)

(4)

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[15]

[OVER]

Part B–2

Answer all questions in this part.

Directions (51–64): 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 diagrams below. The top diagram shows a depression and

hill on a gently sloping area. The bottom diagram is a topographic map of the same area. Points A, X, and Y are

locations on Earth’s surface. A dashed line connects points X and Y . Elevation is indicated in feet.

51 What is a possible elevation of point A ? [ 1 ]

52 On the grid in your answer booklet, construct a topographic profile along line XY,

by plotting a point for the elevation of each contour line that crosses line XY . Points

X and Y have already been plotted on the grid. Connect the points with a smooth,

curved line to complete the profile. [ 2 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[16]

Base your answers to questions 53 through 55 on the flowchart below and on your knowledge of Earth

science. The flowchart shows the formation of some igneous rocks. The circled letters A, B, C, and D indicate

parts of the flowchart that have not been labeled.

Some Igneous Rocks

Molten (melted) rock

Magma

Lava

below Earth’s surface

on or near Earth’s surface

Cooling rate

Intrusive igneous rock

Extrusive igneous rock

Very coarse texture

Coarse texture

Fine-grained texture

Glassy texture

Grain size

10 mm or larger

Less than 1 mm

Noncrystalline

Example

Examples

Example

Pegmatite

Granite

Gabbro

Rhyolite

Basalt

53 Contrast the rate of cooling at A that forms intrusive igneous rock with the rate of

cooling at B that forms extrusive igneous rock. [ 1 ]

54 Give the numerical grain-size range that should be placed in the flowchart at C .

Units must be included in your answer. [ 1 ]

55 State one igneous rock that could be placed in the flowchart at D . [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[17]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 56 through 60 on the two diagrams in your answer booklet. Diagram I shows

the orbits of the four inner planets. Black dots in diagram I show the positions in the orbits where each planet

is closest to the Sun. Diagram II shows the orbits of the six planets that are farthest from the Sun. The distance

scale in diagram II is different than the distance scale in diagram I.

56 On diagram I in your answer booklet, place the letter W on Mars’ orbit to represent

the position of Mars where the Sun’s gravitational force on Mars would be weakest . [ 1 ]

57 On diagram II in your answer booklet, circle the names of the two largest Jovian

planets. [ 1 ]

58 How long does it take the planet Uranus to complete one orbit around the Sun?

Units must be included in your answer. [ 1 ]

59 Describe how the orbits of each of the nine planets are similar in shape. [ 1 ]

60 Pluto’s orbital speed is usually slower than Neptune’s orbital speed. Based on

diagram II, explain why Pluto’s orbital speed is sometimes faster than Neptune’s

orbital speed. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[18]

Base your answers to questions 61 through 64 on the map below, which shows the different lobes (sections)

of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, the last continental ice sheet that covered most of New York State. The arrows show

the direction that the ice lobes flowed. The terminal moraine shows the maximum advance of this ice sheet.

St. Lawrence Lobe

Black River

Lobe

Adirondack

Lobe

O n t a ri o L o b e

i ll

l a

Oneida_dn

Lobe

Erie

M o h a w k

Lobe

L o b e

i n

Narragansett

Lobe

Connecticut

- C

Lobe

T e

r m

i n

a l M o r a i n

61 During which geologic epoch did the Laurentide Ice Sheet advance over New York

State? [ 1 ]

62 Describe the arrangement of rock material in the sediments that were directly

deposited by the glacier. [ 1 ]

63 According to the map, toward which compass direction did the ice lobe flow over the

Catskills? [ 1 ]

64 What evidence might be found on surface bedrock of the Catskills that would

indicate the direction of ice flow in this region? [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[19]

[OVER]

Part C

Answer all questions in this part.

Directions (65–83): 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 65 and 66 on the diagram below, which represents water molecules attached

to salt and dust particles within a cloud in the atmosphere.

(Not drawn to scale)

Key

Water

molecule

Salt

Dust

65 Explain why salt and dust particles are important in cloud formation. [ 1 ]

66 State one natural process that causes large amounts of dust to enter Earth’s

atmosphere. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[20]

Base your answers to questions 67 through 69 on the cross section and bar graph below. The cross section

shows a portion of Earth’s crust along the western coast of the United States. The points show different

locations on Earth’s surface. The arrows show the prevailing wind direction. The bar below each point shows

the yearly precipitation at that location.

West

Sierra Nevada

East

Mountain Range

Coastal Mountain

Ranges

San Joaquin

Valley

Pacific

Death

Ocean

Valley

Sea Level

67 Explain why the valleys have lower amounts of precipitation than points on the

western slopes of the mountain ranges. [ 1 ]

68 What is the yearly precipitation total for the four points located in the Coastal

Mountain Ranges? [ 1 ]

69 State one reason why colder temperatures would be recorded at the top of the Sierra

Nevada Mountain Range than at the top of the Coastal Mountain Ranges. [ 1 ]

Base your answers to questions 70 and 71 on the diagram in your answer booklet , which shows the latitude-

longitude grid on a model of Earth. Point Y is a location on Earth’s surface.

70 On the diagram in your answer booklet, place an X at 15° S 30° W. [ 1 ]

71 What is Earth’s rate of rotation at point Y , in degrees per hour? [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[21]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 72 through 76 on the two maps in your answer booklet and on your

knowledge of Earth science. Both maps show data from a December snowstorm. Map 1 shows the snowfall,

measured in inches, at various locations in New York State, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Map 2 shows

weather conditions in New York State and the surrounding region during the storm. Letter L represents the

center of the low-pressure system that produced the snowstorm. Isobars show air pressure, in millibars.

72 On map 1 in your answer booklet, draw the 30.0-inch snowfall isoline. Assume that

the decimal point for each snowfall depth marks the exact location where the snow-

fall was measured. [ 1 ]

73 Most residents knew this storm was coming. State one action a New York State

resident should have taken to prepare for a snow emergency. [ 1 ]

74 Using map 2, complete the table in your answer booklet by describing the weather

conditions at Buffalo, New York. [ 2 ]

75 Describe the general surface wind pattern around the low-pressure center shown on

map 2. [ 1 ]

76 Toward which compass direction would this low-pressure center most likely have

moved if this system followed a normal storm track? [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[22]

Base your answers to questions 77 through 80 on the geologic cross section below. The rock layers have not

been overturned. Point A is located in the zone of contact metamorphism.

I I I I I I I I I I I

I I I

I I I I I I I I I I I

I I I

I I

Key

Siltstone

Shale

Limestone

Basalt

intrusion

Sandstone

Breccia

Conglomerate

I_I Contact

I metamorphism

77 Which metamorphic rock most likely formed at point A ? [ 1 ]

78 State the evidence shown by the cross section that supports the inference that the

fault is younger than the basalt intrusion. [ 1 ]

79 In your answer booklet, list basalt, limestone, and breccia in the order in which they

were formed. [ 1 ]

80 What is the largest silt particle that could be found in the siltstone layer? [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[23]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 81 through 83 on the passage below and on your knowledge of Earth science.

A New Oregon Volcano?

The Three Sisters are 10,000-foot volcanic mountain peaks in Oregon. Volcanic

eruptions began building the Three Sisters from andesitic lava and cinders 700,000 years

ago. The last major eruption occurred 2000 years ago.

West of the Three Sisters peaks, geologists have recently discovered that Earth’s surface

is bulging upward in a bull’s-eye pattern 10 miles wide. There is a 4-inch rise at its center,

which geologists believe could be the beginning of another volcano. The uplift was found

by comparing satellite images. This uplift in Oregon may allow the tracking of a volcanic

eruption from its beginning, long before the smoke and explosions begin.

This uplift is most likely caused by an upflow of molten rock from more than four miles

below the surface. Rock melts within Earth’s interior and then moves upward in cracks in

Earth’s crust, where it forms large underground pools called magma chambers. Magma

upwelling often produces signs that help scientists predict eruptions and protect humans.

When the pressure of rising magma becomes forceful enough to crack bedrock, swarms of

small earthquakes occur. Rising magma releases carbon dioxide and other gases that can be

detected at the surface.

81 Identify one of the minerals found in the andesite rock of the Three Sisters

volcanoes. [ 1 ]

82 The cross section in your answer booklet represents Earth’s interior beneath the

Three Sisters. Place a triangle, L , on the cross section to indicate the location where

the new volcano will most likely form. [ 1 ]

83 On the same cross section, place arrows through each point, X, Y, and Z, to indicate

the relative motion of each of these sections of the lithosphere. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–June ’06

[24]

The University of the State of New York

R EGENTS H IGH S CHOOL E XAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 — 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., only

ANSWER SHEET

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

Sex:

I Male I Female

Grade . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

Part A

Part B–1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Part B–1 Score

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Part A Score

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

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

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

The declaration below 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