Aug 2005

PS/EARTH SCIENCE

The University of the State of New York

REGENTS HIGH SCHOOL EXAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Tuesday, August 16, 2005 — 12:30 to 3:30 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 Compared to Earth’s solar system, the universe is

6 Which statement about Polaris is best illustrated

inferred to be

by the diagrams shown below?

(1) younger and larger

(3) older and larger

(2) younger and smaller

(4) older and smaller

At Equator

2 Terrestrial planets move more rapidly in their

Polaris

orbits than the Jovian planets because terrestrial

planets are

(1) rotating on a tilted axis

(2) more dense

(3) more massive

(4) closer to the Sun

At New Orleans, Louisiana

Polaris

3 Which event is a direct result of Earth’s revolu-

tion?

(1) the apparent deflection of winds

30 °

(2) the changing of the Moon phases

(3) the seasonal changes in constellations viewed

in the night sky

(4) the daily rising and setting of the Sun

At North Pole

4 The cyclic rise and fall of ocean tides on Earth is

To Polaris

primarily caused by Earth’s rotation and the

(1) temperature differences in ocean currents

90 °

(2) revolution of Earth around the Sun

(3) direction of Earth’s planetary winds

(4) gravitational attraction of the Moon and the

Sun

(1) Polaris is located in a winter constellation.

(2) Polaris is located at the zenith at each location.

5 The apparent change in direction of a swinging

(3) Polaris’ apparent movement through the sky

Foucault pendulum is the result of the

follows a south-to-north orientation.

(1) rotation of Earth

(4) Polaris’ altitude is equal to a location’s latitude.

(2) revolution of Earth

(3) tilt of Earth’s axis

(4) shape of Earth’s orbit

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[2]

7 The diagram below represents the shape of the

12 A parcel of air has a dry-bulb temperature of

Milky Way Galaxy.

24°C and a relative humidity of 55%. What is the

dewpoint of this parcel of air?

(1) 6°C

(3) 24°C

(2) 14°C

(4) 29°C

13 Which statement can best be supported by the

fossil record?

(1) Humans have lived on Earth throughout geo-

logic history.

(2) The organisms on Earth have not changed.

(3) Most life-forms that existed on Earth have

become extinct.

(4) Dinosaurs existed on Earth for more than

544 million years.

The Milky Way Galaxy is best described as

14 The diagram below shows a geologic cross sec-

(1) elliptical

(3) circular

tion. Letters A through D represent different

(2) irregular

(4) spiral

rock units.

8 Compared to the temperature and luminosity of

Surface

the star Polaris , the star Sirius is

(1) hotter and more luminous

(2) hotter and less luminous

(3) cooler and more luminous

(4) cooler and less luminous

9 The Big Bang Theory, describing the creation of

the universe, is most directly supported by the

(1) redshift of light from distant galaxies

Key

(2) presence of volcanoes on Earth

(3) apparent shape of star constellations

Limestone

Shale

(4) presence of craters on Earth’s Moon

Sandstone

Igneous rock

Contact metamorphism

10 Which process requires water to gain 540 calories

of energy per gram?

(1) vaporization

(3) melting

Which sequence correctly shows the age of the

(2) condensation

(4) freezing

lettered rock units, from oldest to youngest?

(1) A → B → C → D

11 Which geographic area is a common source region

(2) C → D → A → B

for cP air masses that move into New York State?

(3) D → B → A → C

(4) D → C → B → A

(1) southwestern United States

(2) central Canada

(3) the north Pacific Ocean

(4) the Gulf of Mexico

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[3]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 15 and 16 on the United States time zone map shown below. The dashed

lines represent meridians (lines of longitude).

120 ° W

105 ° W

90 ° W

75 ° W

Pacific

Mountain

Central

Eastern

time zone

Buffalo

New York

City

San Francisco

Denver

Dallas

15 If the time in Buffalo, New York, is 5 a.m., what time would it be in San Francisco,

California?

(1) 8 a.m.

(3) 3 a.m.

(2) 2 a.m.

(4) 4 a.m.

16 The basis for the time difference between adjoining time zones is Earth’s

(1) 1° per hour rate of revolution

(3) 15° per hour rate of revolution

(2) 1° per hour rate of rotation

(4) 15° per hour rate of rotation

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[4]

17 The table below shows some observed physical properties of a mineral.

Physical Property

Observation

color

white

hardness

scratched by the mineral calcite

distinguishing characteristic

feels greasy

cleavage/fracture

shows some definite flat surfaces

Based on these observations, the elements that make up this mineral’s composition

are

(1) sulfur and lead

(2) sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen

(3) oxygen, silicon, hydrogen, and magnesium

(4) oxygen, silicon, aluminum, and iron

18 The columns A , B , C , and D shown below contain equal volumes of sediment.

Column A

Column B

Column C

Column D

Mixed particles

Uniform-sized

Sorted particles

Dry mud

(0.00001 cm to

particles

(0.0001 cm to

(Smaller than

0.5 cm in size)

(0.2 cm)

0.2 cm in size)

0.0004 cm in size)

(Not drawn to scale)

When an equal volume of water is added to each column, the greatest rate of

infiltration will occur in which column?

(1) A

(3) C

(2) B

(4) D

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[5]

[OVER]

19 The three cross sections of sedimentary bedrock

Base your answers to questions 22 through 24 on

shown below represent widely separated surface

the diagram below, which shows a meandering

exposures of layers that contain fossils. Letters A ,

stream. Letters A , B , C , and D indicate locations on

B , C , and D represent four different marine fos-

the streambed.

sils found in these rock layers.

A A A

D D D

D D

A B A

A A A

A D B

B B

C C

C B C

C C A C

A B D

A D

A B D

Which letter best represents an index fossil?

(1) A

(3) C

(2) B

(4) D

20 The diagram below represents a geologic cross

section of a portion of Earth’s crust.

22 At which two locations is the rate of erosion

Surface

Gayle shale

greater than the rate of deposition?

(1) A and B

(3) C and D

Freeport sandstone

(2) B and C

(4) D and A

Erie coal

n b

l e

a r l i m e s t o

n e

23 What are the largest particles that this stream can

N e w

C r e e k g y p s u

t s h

transport when its velocity is 200 centimeters per

l l e

B u

second?

(1) silt

(3) pebbles

(2) sand

(4) cobbles

Folding and erosion occurred after the formation

of the

(1) Gayle shale

24 A decrease in the velocity of this stream will most

(2) Freeport sandstone

likely cause an increase in

(3) Erie coal, but before formation of Freeport

(1) the amount of sediment carried by the stream

sandstone

(2) the size of the particles carried by the stream

(4) Dunbar limestone, but before formation of

(3) deposition within the stream channel

Erie coal

(4) abrasion of the stream channel

21 The surface winds in a typical Northern

Hemisphere high-pressure system are generally

25 Beneath which surface location is Earth’s crust

moving

the thinnest?

(1) counterclockwise away from the high-pressure

(1) East Pacific Ridge

center

(2) the center of South America

(2) counterclockwise toward the high-pressure

(3) Old Forge, New York

center

(4) San Andreas Fault

(3) clockwise away from the high-pressure center

(4) clockwise toward the high-pressure center

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[6]

26 On which weather map do the front symbols best represent the direction of movement of the cold front and

warm front associated with the low-pressure system shown on the map?

1020

1008

1012

1008

1012

1016

1012

1016

1012

1000

992 L

1004

996

1004

996

1012

1016

( 1 )

( 3 )

1020

1008

1012

1008

1012

1016

1012

1016

1012

1000

992 L

1004

996

1004

996

1012

1016

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[7]

[OVER]

27 The graph below shows the different velocities of P -waves and S -waves through Earth’s interior.

a v e

P - w

S - w a v e

1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000

Depth (km)

Which cross section best shows the inferred thickness of Earth’s interior layers that

cause these different velocities?

Depth (km)

1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000

Inner

core

Inner

core

Outer core

Mantle

Outer core

Mantle

Crust

( 1 )

( 3 )

Depth (km)

1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000

Inner

core

t e

Outer core

c o

r e

Mantle

Crust

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[8]

28 The diagram below represents the pattern of normal and reversed magnetic polarity and the relative age of

the igneous bedrock composing the ocean floor on the east side of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The magnetic

polarity of the bedrock on the west side of the ridge has been deliberately left blank.

Mid-Atlantic Ridge

West

East

Increasing Age

Mantle

Key

Reversed

Normal

polarity

Which diagram best shows the magnetic pattern and relative age of the igneous

bedrock on the west side of the ridge?

Mid-Atlantic Ridge

West

Increasing Age

( 1 )

( 2 )

( 3 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[9]

[OVER]

29 Which conditions normally can be found in

33 An increase in the amount of which atmospheric

Earth’s asthenosphere, producing a partial melt-

gas is thought to cause global climate warming?

ing of ultramafic rock?

(1) oxygen

(3) nitrogen

(1) temperature = 1,000°C;

(2) hydrogen

(4) carbon dioxide

pressure = 10 million atmospheres

(2) temperature = 2,000°C;

pressure = 0.1 million atmospheres

34 The diagram below shows a drill core of sediment

(3) temperature = 3,500°C;

that was taken from the bottom of a lake.

pressure = 0.5 million atmospheres

(4) temperature = 6,000°C;

pressure = 4 million atmospheres

30 Which color of the visible light spectrum could

have a wavelength of 5.5 × 10 –5 centimeter?

Calcite

Sand

deposits

sediments

(1) green

(3) yellow

(2) orange

(4) red

31 Compared to the climate conditions of dry inland

locations, the climate conditions of locations

influenced by a nearby ocean generally result in

(1) hotter summers and colder winters, with a

larger annual range of temperatures

(2) hotter summers and colder winters, with a

Which types of rock would most likely form from

smaller annual range of temperatures

compaction and cementation of these sediments?

(3) cooler summers and warmer winters, with a

(1) sandstone and limestone

larger annual range of temperatures

(2) shale and coal

(4) cooler summers and warmer winters, with a

(3) breccia and rock salt

smaller annual range of temperatures

(4) conglomerate and siltstone

32 Biotite mica and muscovite mica have different

35 Which intrusive igneous rock could be composed

chemical compositions. Compared to the magma

of approximately 60% pyroxene, 25% plagioclase

from which biotite mica forms, the magma from

feldspar, 10% olivine, and 5% amphibole?

which muscovite mica forms is usually

(1) granite

(3) gabbro

(1) more mafic and less dense

(2) rhyolite

(4) basalt

(2) more mafic and more dense

(3) more felsic and less dense

(4) more felsic and more dense

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’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 39 on the water cycle diagram shown below. Some arrows are

numbered 1 through 4 and represent various processes.

Hydrologic Cycle

Wind

Zone of saturation

Sea

Groundwater

Saltwater

36 Which numbered arrow best represents the process of transpiration?

(1) 1

(3) 3

(2) 2

(4) 4

37 The clouds have formed primarily because moist air

(1) rises, expands, and cools

(3) sinks, compresses, and cools

(2) rises, expands, and warms

(4) sinks, compresses, and warms

38 For infiltration to occur, the ground must be

(1) permeable and saturated

(3) impermeable and saturated

(2) permeable and not saturated

(4) impermeable and not saturated

39 Which atmospheric condition is most likely responsible for the wind blowing the

clouds from the sea toward the land?

(1) high air temperature over the sea and low air temperature over the land

(2) high air pressure over the sea and low air pressure over the land

(3) low air density over the sea and high air density over the land

(4) low visibility over the sea and high visibility over the land

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[11]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 40 through 42 on the world map below, which shows regions of Earth where

a solar eclipse was visible on May 20, 1947. Locations A , B , C , and D are on Earth’s surface.

Solar Eclipse May 20, 1947

United States

Location A

r t i a l e c l i p s e v i s i b le

i t

f p

23.5 ° N

l i m

r n

Partial

h e

Location B

eclipse

o rt

l i p s e

t a

l e

0 °

t o

Partial

t h

eclipse

23.5 ° S

Location C

a r t i a l e c l i p

i t

f p

s e

v i s i b le

Location

l i m

r n

40 At which location could an observer have viewed this total solar eclipse if the skies

were clear?

(1) A

(3) C

(2) B

(4) D

41 Which statement best describes the visibility of this eclipse from locations in New

York State?

(1) A total eclipse was visible all day.

(2) A total eclipse was visible only from noon until sunset.

(3) A partial eclipse was visible only from noon until sunset.

(4) Neither a partial nor a total eclipse was visible.

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[12]

42 Which diagram best represents the positions of Earth ( E ), the Sun, and the Moon

( M ) that created the solar eclipse? (Diagrams are not drawn to scale.)

Sun

( 1 )

( 3 )

Sun

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[13]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 43 through 46 on the two topographic maps below. A grid system of num-

bers and letters appears along the edge of each map to help locate features. Both maps show elevations in feet

above sea level.

Map A

100

Mill Pond

M i l l C r e e k

0.1

0.2

0.3 mile

Map B

8000

9848

9000

10292

10000

9400

0.1

0.2

0.3 mile

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[14]

43 Which statement correctly describes one difference between these maps?

(1) Map A has a greater relief (elevation change between high and low locations)

than map B .

(2) Map A represents a much larger surface area than map B .

(3) Map A shows more contour lines than map B .

(4) Map A generally shows gentler slopes than map B .

44 On map B , what is the approximate straight-line distance from the center of the X

within grid area B –11 to the center of the X within grid area H –11?

(1) 0.3 mi

(3) 1.2 mi

(2) 0.6 mi

(4) 1.5 mi

45 Which direction is the stream mainly flowing within grid area H –1 on map B ?

(1) northward

(3) eastward

(2) southward

(4) westward

46 Which cross section best represents the topographic profile along the straight line

from point Y to point Z on map B ?

9800

9400

9000

8600

( 1 )

( 3 )

9800

9400

9000

8600

( 2 )

( 4 )

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[15]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 47 through 50 on the information, map, and cross section below.

The map represents a portion of Earth’s surface in the Pacific Ocean. The positions

of islands, earthquake epicenters, active volcanoes, and the Tonga Trench are shown.

Lines of latitude and longitude have been included.

The cross section shows earthquakes that occurred beneath line XY on the map.

Depth beneath Earth’s surface is indicated by the scale along the left side of the cross

section, as are the range of depths for shallow, intermediate, and deep earthquakes.

Distance from the trench is indicated by the scale along the bottom of the cross sec-

tion.

Map

Cross Section

175 ° E

180 °

175 ° W

170 ° W

Crustal

Active

15 ° S

Tonga

Vanau

X Fiji Sea

surface

volcano

Trench

Leva

Pacific Ocean

Fiji

Shallow

100

Island

200

Intermediate

o n

l a

i o

f f

I s

300

400

20 ° S

t i -

Fiji Sea

Tonga

500

Deep

Trench

600

700

800

25 ° S

800

600

400

200

Distance from Trench (km)

200 km

Key

Active volcanoes

Key

Earthquake epicenters

Actual depth

earthquake occurred

47 The Tonga Trench is located at the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and

the

(1) Antarctic Plate

(3) Indian-Australian Plate

(2) Philippine Plate

(4) Nazca Plate

48 The greatest number of earthquakes shown in the cross section occurred

(1) at sea level

(2) between sea level and a depth of 100 km

(3) at a depth between 100 and 300 km

(4) at a depth between 300 and 600 km

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[16]

49 Which cross section has arrows that best represent the relative motion of the crustal

plates along the Wadati-Benioff zone beneath the Tonga Trench?

Trench

X Surface

f f

i o

f f

i o

t i

- B

i -

a d

( 1 )

( 3 )

Trench

X Surface

f f

i o

f f

i o

t i

- B

i -

a d

( 2 )

( 4 )

50 The latitude and longitude of the center of Vanau Leva is closest to

(1) 17° N 179° W

(3) 17° S 179° E

(2) 17° N 181° W

(4) 17° S 181° E

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[17]

[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 through 55 on the data table and map below and on your knowledge of

Earth science. The data table shows the altitude of the top of a thunderstorm cloud and the probability of hail

being formed for a location in New York State. The map shows the average number of days per year hail strikes

the ground in different regions of the United States.

Data Table

Altitude of the Top of a

Probability of Hail

Thunderstorm Cloud

Formation

(km)

(%)

100

MAP

(Average number of days that hail strikes the ground each year)

Key

Days with Hail

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[18]

51 Describe the relationship between the altitude of the top of a thunderstorm cloud

and the probability that hail will be produced by that cloud. [ 1 ]

52 Into which atmospheric temperature zone (layer) above New York State would the

top of a thunderstorm cloud extend to have a 100% probability of hail? [ 1 ]

53 State the average number of days per year that Syracuse, New York, will experience

hail. [ 1 ]

54 The table below shows weather conditions recorded in Syracuse, New York, at the

time of a severe hailstorm.

Wind direction

from the northwest

Wind speed

20 knots

Visibility

mile

Present weather

hail

Amount of cloud cover 100%

Barometric pressure

990.0 millibars

On the weather map station model in your answer booklet , use the correct symbols and

proper format to indicate the six weather conditions shown in the table. [ 2 ]

55 State one way that humans could protect themselves from harm if a severe hail

warning is issued for their locality. [ 1 ]

Base your answers to questions 56 through 59 on the geologic time line shown in your answer booklet.

Letters a through g on the time line indicate specific reference points in geologic time.

56 Place an X on the geologic time line in your answer booklet, so that the center of the

X shows the time that the coral index fossil Lichenaria shown below existed on

Earth. [ 1 ]

57 Letter a indicates a specific time during which geologic period? [ 1 ]

58 Identify the mountain building event (orogeny) that was occurring in eastern North

America at the time represented by letter g . [ 1 ]

59 Identify one letter that indicates a time for which there is no rock record in New

York State. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[19]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 60 and 61 on the geologic cross section shown below and on your knowledge

of Earth science. The cross section shows the surface of a landscape region in the southwestern United States

and indicates the age, type, and thickness of the bedrock.

Jurassic Period

Vertical scale,

in meters

1000

Triassic Period

500

60 State one characteristic, other than the horizontal bedrock structure, shown in the

cross section that supports the idea that this region is correctly classified as a plateau

landscape. [ 1 ]

61 Which New York State landscape region has surface bedrock of the same geologic

age as the surface bedrock shown in this cross section? [ 1 ]

62 The diagram in your answer booklet represents a beaker of water that is being

heated. As the colored dye pellet dissolves, the dye will show the movement of

water in the beaker. On the diagram, draw arrows in the water to show the direc-

tion the colored dye will move when the water is heated as shown. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[20]

Base your answers to questions 63 and 64 on the diagram below, which shows two seismogram tracings, at

stations A and B , for the same earthquake. The arrival times of the P -waves and S -waves are indicated on each

tracing.

Seismogram Tracings

Station A

P-wave

S-wave

arrival

9:00

9:05

9:10

9:15

Time (hr:min)

Station B

P-wave

S-wave

arrival

9:00

9:05

9:10

9:15

Time (hr:min)

63 Explain how the seismic tracings recorded at station A and station B indicate that

station A is farther from the earthquake epicenter than station B . [ 1 ]

64 Seismic station A is located 5,400 kilometers from the epicenter of the earthquake.

How much time would it take for the first S -wave produced by this earthquake to

reach seismic station A ? [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[21]

[OVER]

Part C

Answer all questions in this part.

Directions (65–82): Record your answers in the spaces in your answer booklet. Some questions may require

the use of the Earth Science Reference Tables.

65 The diagram in your answer booklet shows the average distance between the Sun

and Earth drawn to a scale of 1 centimeter = 100,000,000 kilometers. Using this

same scale, place a small dot representing Jupiter along the line to indicate how far

Jupiter would be from the Sun, and label the dot “Jupiter.” [ 1 ]

Base your answers to questions 66 and 67 on the diagram and information below about fossil snails and on

your knowledge of Earth science.

Fossil Snail

Top view

clockwise spiral

Snails have lived in most of the world’s oceans over a period of hundreds of millions

of years. Paleontologists discovered that in warm, tropical waters more snails have

shells that, when viewed from the top, spiral outward in a clockwise direction. In cool

or cold waters, more snails have shells that spiral outward in a counterclockwise direc-

tion. Both clockwise- and counterclockwise-spiraled snail fossils have been found in

New York State bedrock.

66 In a slab of rock that contains many fossil snails, what evidence would lead geologists

to conclude that the slab was formed in a tropical climate? [ 1 ]

67 State one reason bedrock that formed in tropical regions is found in New York State. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[22]

Base your answers to questions 68 through 70 on the data table below, which shows the average date of the

first breakup of ice on the Tanana River at Nenana, Alaska (65° N 149° W). The average date of the first ice

breakup is shown for four decades.

Data Table

Decade

Average Date of

First Ice Breakup

1960–1969

May 7

1970–1979

May 5

1980–1989

May 4

1990–1999

April 29

68 On the grid in your answer booklet , construct a bar graph of the average date of the

first ice breakup for each decade shown on the data table. [ 1 ]

69 State one possible climate change responsible for the difference in the average dates

of the first ice breakups shown by the data table. [ 1 ]

70 Explain why the number of daylight hours on May 5 for an observer located at

Nenana, Alaska, will be different than the number of daylight hours for an observer

located at New York, New York (41° N 73° 45' W). [ 1 ]

71 Complete the table in your answer booklet , by listing three agents of erosion and

identifying one characteristic surface feature formed by each agent of erosion. [ 2 ]

Base your answers to questions 72 and 73 on the diagram in your answer booklet , which represents an

asteroid’s elliptical orbit around the Sun. The dashed line is the major axis of the ellipse.

72 Place a circle, O , on the orbital path where the velocity of the asteroid would be the

least. [ 1 ]

73 The Sun is located at one focal point of the orbit. Place an X on the diagram at the

location of the second focal point. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[23]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 74 through 77 on the three western New York State snowfall maps below

and on your knowledge of Earth science. The three maps represent three different winter seasons. The isolines

show the total inches of snowfall received each winter season. Some western New York State counties are

labeled on each map. The dotted line AB has been drawn on the 1991–1992 winter season map.

Total Inches of Snowfall Received

1985–1986 Winter Season

Lake Ontario

Orleans County

Niagara County

100

Genesee County

Ontario

120

Erie County

130

Lake Erie

Wyoming County

140

150

5 10 15 20 miles

1990–1991 Winter Season

1991–1992 Winter Season

Lake Ontario

Orleans County

Niagara County

Orleans County

Niagara County

Ontario

Genesee County

Erie County

100

120

130

Wyoming County

Lake Erie

Wyoming County

Lake Erie

140

100

160

150

5 10 15 20 miles

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[24]

74 Calculate the average snowfall gradient along the dotted line between points A and

B on the 1991–1992 winter season map, and label your answer with the correct

units. [ 2 ]

75 Once the surface of Lake Erie completely freezes over with ice, the amount of snow

from each snowstorm is usually reduced. Explain why a covering of ice on Lake Erie

may cause the amount of snow from snowstorms to be reduced. [ 1 ]

76 On the grid in your answer booklet , draw a line graph to show the general relation-

ship between the amount of snowfall recorded in northern Erie County with the

amount of snowfall recorded in southern Erie County, as shown on the three snow-

fall maps. [ 1 ]

77 On the map in your answer booklet that shows the total inches of snowfall received

at various locations for the 1984–1985 winter season, draw the 120-inch snowfall

isoline. [ 1 ]

Base your answers to questions 78 and 79 on the passage below and on your knowledge of Earth science.

Radiocarbon Dating

Radioactive carbon-14 (C 14 ), because of its short half-life, is used for the absolute

dating of organic remains that are less than 70,000 years old.

Carbon-14 is an isotope of carbon that is produced in Earth’s upper atmosphere.

High-energy cosmic rays from the Sun hit nitrogen-14 (N 14 ), producing radioactive

C 14 . This C 14 is unstable and will eventually change back into N 14 through the process

of radioactive decay. The proportions of C 14 and ordinary C 12 in Earth’s atmosphere

remain approximately constant.

Radioactive C 14 , just like ordinary C 12 , can combine with oxygen to make carbon

dioxide. Plants use CO 2 during photosynthesis. The proportion of C 14 to C 12 in the cells

and tissues of living plants is the same as the proportion of C 14 to C 12 in the

atmosphere. After plants die, no new C 14 is taken in because there is no more

photosynthesis. Meanwhile, the C 14 in the dead plant keeps changing back to N 14 , so

there is less and less C 14 . The longer the plant has been dead, the less C 14 is found in

the plant. The age of organic remains can be found by comparing how much C 14 is still

in the organic remains to how much C 14 is in a living organism.

78 Radioactive C 14 was used to determine the geologic age of old wood preserved in a

glacier. The amount of C 14 in the old wood is half the normal amount of C 14 currently

found in the wood of living trees. What is the geologic age of the old wood? [ 1 ]

79 State one difference between dating with the radioactive isotope C 14 and dating with

the radioactive isotope uranium-238 (U 238 ). [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[25]

[OVER]

Base your answers to questions 80 through 82 on the passage below and on your knowledge of Earth

science.

Great Balls of Fire

The Earth’s predicted near-miss with asteroid XF11 in the year 2028 has once again

focused attention on the fear that a large asteroid or comet hitting our planet could

trigger a global catastrophe.

To back this up, every article and television program about XF11 boldly asserted

that the dinosaur extinction was caused by a giant asteroid impacting into the Earth

65 million years ago. This has typically been accompanied by a picture of frightened

dinosaurs looking skyward at a huge flaming meteorite streaking across the horizon.

This scenario is so widely accepted that few commentators bother to question it any

more. There is, however, much evidence to suggest that an asteroid may not have hit

the Earth 65 million years ago and that, even if it did, it did not cause the mass extinc-

tion of life attributed to it. There is also the possibility that dinosaurs may not have

been around to witness it!

by Paul Chambers

http://www.forteantimes.com/articles/111_asteroid.shtml (6/98)

80 If an asteroid struck Earth 65 million years ago, what surface feature was most

likely created by this asteroid impact? [ 1 ]

81 Identify one geologic process occurring on Earth that could have hidden or even

destroyed this inferred impact feature. [ 1 ]

82 Explain how an asteroid impact may have been able to cause a worldwide mass

extinction of dinosaurs. [ 1 ]

P.S./E. Sci.–Aug. ’05

[26]

The University of the State of New York

R EGENTS H IGH S CHOOL E XAMINATION

PHYSICAL SETTING

EARTH SCIENCE

Tuesday, August 16, 2005 — 12:30 to 3:30 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