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Earth Science - New York Regents August 2017 Exam

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1.
Part A
Answer all questions in this part.
Directions (1 - 35): For each statement or question, choose the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question. Some questions may require the use of the 2011 Edition Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Earth Science. Record your answers on your separate answer sheet.
1 In which sequence are the celestial objects
  correctly listed in order from the smallest mass to
  the largest mass?
  (1) Saturn, solar system, Milky Way, universe
  (2) Saturn, universe, Milky Way, solar system
  (3) Milky Way, Saturn, solar system, universe
  (4) Milky Way, universe, solar system, Saturn
Answer:

2.
2 The red shift of light from distant galaxies
  provides evidence that these galaxies are
  (1) decreasing in size
  (2) increasing in size
  (3) decreasing in distance from Earth
  (4) increasing in distance from Earth
Answer:

3.
3 The best evidence of Earth’s rotation is provided
  by the
  (1) Foucault pendulum and global warming
  (2) Foucault pendulum and Coriolis effect
  (3) Moon phases and global warming
  (4) Moon phases and Coriolis effect
Answer:


4.
4 Which sphere of Earth covers approximately 70%
  of Earth’s surface?
  (1) atmosphere           (3) hydrosphere
  (2) lithosphere          (4) asthenosphere
Answer:

5.
5 Some of the constellations that are visible to
  New York State observers at midnight in
  December are different from the constellations
  that are visible at midnight in June because
  (1) constellations rotate on an axis
  (2) constellations revolve around Earth
  (3) Earth rotates on its axis
  (4) Earth revolves around the Sun
Answer:

6.
6 The diagram below represents Earth and the
  Moon as viewed from above the North Pole.
  Points A, B, C, and D are locations on Earth’s
  surface.
According to the diagram, where will high ocean
tides and low ocean tides most likely be located?
(1) high tides at A and B; low tides at C and D
(2) high tides at B and D; low tides at A and C
(3) high tides at A and C; low tides at B and D
(4) high tides at C and D; low tides at A and B
Answer:

7.
7 Urbanization affects the amount of vegetation
  and runoff in an area by
  (1) decreasing vegetation and decreasing runoff
  (2) decreasing vegetation and increasing runoff
  (3) increasing vegetation and decreasing runoff
  (4) increasing vegetation and increasing runoff
Answer:

8.
8 A severe thunderstorm warning was issued on a
  warm summer afternoon. Which present weather
  symbol represents the dangerous solid form of
  precipitation that is commonly associated with
  some of these severe thunderstorms?

Answer:

9.
9 The station model below represents the weather
  conditions for a location in New York State.
The barometric trend for the past three hours at
this location indicates a steady increase of
(1) 0.2 mb                  (3) 0.002 mb
(2) 2.0 mb                  (4) 0.02 mb
Answer:

10.
10 Which New York State location is most often
   affected by lake-effect snow storms caused by
   winds blowing over Lake Ontario?
   (1) Jamestown            (3) Oswego
   (2) Plattsburgh          (4) Riverhead
Answer:

11.
11 Which type of air mass would most likely form
   over the Pacific Ocean north of the Aleutian
   Trench?
   (1) mP                  (3) cP
   (2) mT                  (4) cT
Answer:

12.
12 Mount Kilimanjaro is located in eastern Africa
   at 3° S. Which climate factor best explains the
   presence of permanent snow on its peak?
   (1) latitude            (3) prevailing winds
   (2) elevation           (4) ocean currents
Answer:

13.
13 In which portion of the electromagnetic
   spectrum is the maximum intensity of Earth’s
   outgoing radiation?
   (1) visible light     (3) infrared
   (2) gamma rays        (4) ultraviolet
Answer:

14.
14 A solar water heater contains fluid-filled tubing
   that absorbs sunlight energy on its outside
   surface. Which tubing exterior will best absorb
   insolation?
   (1) dark-colored and rough
   (2) dark-colored and smooth
   (3) light-colored and rough
   (4) light-colored and smooth
Answer:

15.
15 Equal masses of granite, iron, copper, and lead
   are placed in sunlight. Based on specific heat,
   which material will warm up the fastest?
   (1) granite              (3) copper
   (2) iron                 (4) lead
Answer:


16.
16 During explosive volcanic eruptions, large
   amounts of ash entering Earth’s atmosphere
   often rise to an altitude of 20 kilometers. What is
   the most likely effect of this ash cloud?
   (1) a decrease in the insolation reaching Earth’s
       surface
   (2) a decrease in the thickness of Earth’s strato-
       sphere layer
   (3) an increase in the insolation reaching Earth’s
       surface
   (4) an increase in the thickness of Earth’s strato-
       sphere layer
Answer:

17.
17 The map below shows some tectonic plate
   boundaries near South America and Africa.
   Letters A, B, C, and D represent locations on
   Earth’s surface.
Which location most likely has the youngest
bedrock?
(1) A                  (3) C
(2) B                  (4) D
Answer:

18.
18 Compared to the average density and composi-
   tion of oceanic crust, continental crust is
   (1) less dense and more felsic
   (2) less dense and more mafic
   (3) more dense and more felsic
   (4) more dense and more mafic
Answer:

19.
19 The Hawaiian Islands were formed as a result of
   (1) lava flowing over Earth’s surface where two
       tectonic plates move apart
   (2) an oceanic plate moving over a mantle hot
       spot
   (3) two oceanic plates colliding to form an island
       arc
   (4) tectonic plates sliding past each other
Answer:

20.
20 The block diagram below represents the under-
   lying bedrock structure of a landscape region.
Which diagram represents the most likely stream
drainage pattern on the surface of this landscape?

Answer:

21.
21 Which characteristics identify mountain land-
   scape regions?
   (1) steep slopes with deformed bedrock
   (2) steep slopes with horizontal bedrock
   (3) gentle slopes with deformed bedrock
   (4) gentle slopes with horizontal bedrock
Answer:

22.
22 Which agent of erosion causes the sandblasting
   of bedrock?
   (1) glaciers            (3) running water
   (2) wind                (4) wave action
Answer:

23.
23 The photograph below shows wire netting
   installed over a steep rock outcrop.
This wire netting has been installed to prevent
loss of property or life resulting from
(1) crosscutting and downwarping
(2) folding and faulting
(3) weathering and erosion
(4) high winds and flooding
Answer:

24.
24 Which two minerals are commercial sources of
   iron?
   (1) galena and graphite
   (2) muscovite mica and biotite mica
   (3) garnet and fluorite
   (4) hematite and magnetite
Answer:

25.
25 Which mineral can be found in the rocks phyllite,
   sandstone, and granite?
   (1) quartz              (3) gypsum
   (2) pyroxene            (4) calcite
Answer:

26.
26 Which diagram best represents Earth’s axis
   position relative to Earth’s orbital plane?

Answer:

27.
27 In which cross section do the arrows represent
   the most probable direction of air movement
   over land and water surfaces at an ocean coast on
   a hot, sunny, summer afternoon?

Answer:

28.
28 The table below shows the average diameter and
   falling velocity of five types of precipitation. The
   data for moderate rain have been left blank.
What are the probable values for the average
diameter and falling velocity of the raindrops
found in moderate rain?
(1) average diameter = 1.20 mm
    falling velocity = 4.6 m/sec
(2) average diameter = 1.20 mm
    falling velocity = 5.7 m/sec
(3) average diameter = 1.60 mm
    falling velocity = 4.6 m/sec
(4) average diameter = 1.60 mm
    falling velocity = 5.7 m/sec
Answer:

29.
29 Which New York State index fossil is classified as
   a coral?

Answer:

30.
30 The map below shows the weak trade winds and strong equatorial countercurrent in the Pacific Ocean
   during El Niño conditions. This causes warm surface ocean water to migrate eastward, lowering the
   atmospheric pressure above this warm water.
What are the most likely changes to atmospheric temperature and precipitation along the west coast of
South America during El Niño conditions?
(1) lower temperatures and lower amounts of precipitation
(2) lower temperatures and higher amounts of precipitation
(3) higher temperatures and lower amounts of precipitation
(4) higher temperatures and higher amounts of precipitation
Answer:

31.
31 The cross sections below represent two bedrock outcrops 15 kilometers apart. Numbers 1 through 9 indicate
   rock layers. Some layers contain index fossils. No overturning of rock layers has occurred.
Which layers most likely formed during the same geologic time period?
(1) 1 and 8                                      (3) 3 and 7
(2) 2 and 9                                      (4) 4 and 5
Answer:

32.
32 Labeled lines on the map below show the inferred location of Earth’s equator during the middle of several
   geologic periods.
Approximately how many million years ago (mya) was the region around current-day Watertown, New York,
located the nearest to the equator?
(1) 270 mya                                     (3) 340 mya
(2) 300 mya                                     (4) 450 mya
Answer:

33.
33 Which table correctly matches rock textures with a sedimentary rock that exhibits each texture?

Answer:

34.
34 The data table below shows the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures measured with a psychrometer on four
   different days at the same location.
According to the data shown in the table, which day had the highest relative humidity?
(1) 1                                             (3) 3
(2) 2                                             (4) 4
Answer:

35.
35 The cross section below represents a lithospheric plate boundary.
In which diagram do the arrows show the relative directions of plate movement at this type of plate boundary?

Answer:


36.
Part B - 1
Answer all questions in this part.
Directions (36 - 50): For each statement or question, choose the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question.
 Some questions may require the use of the 2011 Edition
Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Earth Science. Record your answers on your separate answer sheet.
    Base your answers to questions 36 through 38 on the information and diagram below and on your knowledge
of Earth science. The diagram represents a simplified model of the early formation of Earth’s interior.
                  Early in its formation, Earth was a molten mass of evenly mixed composition. During
              the next few million years, the heavier and more dense elements sank to the center,
              while lighter and less dense elements rose toward the surface. This is called chemical
              fractionation.
36 Chemical fractionation is most likely caused by
   (1) solidification                                (3) magnetic force
   (2) gravity                                       (4) chemical weathering
Answer:

37.
37 Approximately how many years ago did Earth and other planets in our solar system begin the process of
   chemical fractionation?
   (1) 8.2 billion years ago                     (3) 542 million years ago
   (2) 13.8 billion years ago                    (4) 4600 million years ago
Answer:

38.
38 Which pair of elements sank to Earth’s center during chemical fractionation?
   (1) aluminum and silicon                           (3) iron and nickel
   (2) carbon and sulfur                              (4) oxygen and potassium
Answer:

39.
   Base your answers to questions 39 through 41 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of Earth science.
The diagram represents the apparent path of the Sun through the sky as viewed by an observer in the Northern
Hemisphere. Points A, B, C, and D represent four positions of the Sun.
39 This apparent path of the Sun through the sky is caused by
   (1) Earth’s revolution around the Sun              (3) the Sun’s revolution around Earth
   (2) Earth’s rotation on its axis                   (4) the Sun’s rotation on its axis
Answer:

40.
40 The observer has the longest shadow when the Sun is at position
   (1) A                                           (3) C
   (2) B                                           (4) D
Answer:

41.
41 What is the approximate time of day when the Sun is at position C?
   (1) 6 a.m.                                       (3) 3 p.m.
   (2) 9 a.m.                                       (4) 6 p.m.
Answer:

42.
   Base your answers to questions 42 and 43 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of Earth science.
The diagram represents three tubes, A, B, and C, each containing an equal volume of uniform-sized spherical
beads. The bottom of each tube is covered with a wire screen. XY is a reference line.
42 Which bar graph would best represent the rate of water infiltration through tubes A, B, and C?

Answer:

43.
43 These tubes are placed in water up to the level of line XY to demonstrate capillarity. After one hour,
   the height of the water above line XY will be
   (1) highest in tube A                           (3) highest in tube C
   (2) highest in tube B                           (4) the same height in all three tubes
Answer:

44.
    Base your answers to questions 44 through 46 on the block diagram below and on your knowledge of Earth
science. The block diagram represents a river drainage system. A portion of the river, seen in box A, has been
enlarged. Points X and Y are on opposite sides of the river. Letter B indicates the location where the river enters
the ocean.
44 The area of land drained by this river and its tributaries is best described as the river’s
   (1) topography                                       (3) water table
   (2) watershed                                        (4) floodplain
Answer:

45.
45 Which cross section best represents the profile of the bottom of the river between points X and Y at
   location A?

Answer:

46.
46 Which cross section represents the most likely pattern of sediments deposited where the river enters the
   ocean at location B?

Answer:

47.
   Base your answers to questions 47 through 50 on the graph below and on your knowledge of Earth science.
The graph shows the percentages of the radioactive isotope carbon-14 (14C) and its disintegration product
produced during four half-lives of radioactive decay.
47 Radioactive carbon-14 is often useful in determining the absolute age of geologic samples because
   radioactive isotopes
   (1) decay at a regular rate                    (3) remain unchanged over time
   (2) become less stable during decay            (4) stabilize after four half-lives
Answer:

48.
48 Which disintegration product is represented on the graph?

Answer:

49.
49 How many half-lives have passed if a sample contains 25% of its original carbon-14?
   (1) 1 half-life                                   (3) 3 half-lives
   (2) 2 half-lives                                  (4) 4 half-lives
Answer:

50.
50 The age of which index fossil could be determined by using carbon-14?

Answer:


51.
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 2011 Edition Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Earth Science. Base your answers to questions 51 through 53 on the graph below and on your knowledge of Earth science. The graph shows the percentage of the lighted portion of the Moon that is visible to an observer in New York State through eight consecutive Moon phases.
51 The phases of the Moon are said to be waxing when the lighted portion of the Moon gradually increases over
   time. Identify the numbered phase of the Moon when waxing begins and the numbered phase when waxing
   ends. [1]
Answer:

52.
52 On the diagram in your answer booklet, place an X on the Moon’s orbit to represent the Moon’s position at
   phase 5. [1]

Answer:

53.
53 The diagram below represents the appearance of the Moon at phase 3 as seen by an observer in New York
   State.
In the circle in your answer booklet, shade the part of the Moon that appears dark to an observer in
New York State when the Moon is at phase 7. [1]
Answer:

54.
    Base your answers to questions 54 through 57 on the flowchart below and on your knowledge of Earth
science. The flowchart represents possible pathways in the evolution of stars.
54 Based on this flowchart, identify the characteristic of a main sequence star that determines whether the star
   becomes a giant or a supergiant. [1]
Answer:

55.
55 State the name of one star labeled on the Characteristics of Stars graph in the Earth Science Reference
   Tables that may become either a black hole or neutron star. [1]
Answer:

56.
56 Identify the nuclear process that occurs when lighter elements in a star combine to form heavier elements,
   producing the star’s radiant energy. [1]
Answer:

57.
57 In your answer booklet, circle the relative surface temperature and relative luminosity of the main sequence
   star Sirius compared with the surface temperature and luminosity of the Sun. [1]

Answer:

58.
   Base your answers to questions 58 through 61 on the topographic map in your answer booklet and on
your knowledge of Earth science. Points A, B, C, and D represent locations on Earth’s surface. Elevations are
measured in meters.
 58 On the map in your answer booklet, draw the 200-meter contour line in the southern portion of the map.
    Extend the contour line to the edges of the map. [1]

Answer:

59.
59 On the grid in your answer booklet, construct a topographic profile along line AB by plotting the elevation
   of each contour line that crosses line AB. The elevations of points A and B have been plotted on the grid.
   Connect all ten plots with a line from A to B to complete the profile. [1]

Answer:

60.
60 Calculate the gradient between points C and D. Label your answer with the correct units. [1]
Answer:

61.
61 Identify the compass direction toward which Kim Brook flows. Describe the evidence shown on the map
   that indicates the water flows downhill in that compass direction. [1]
Answer:

62.
    Base your answers to questions 62 through 65 on the information below and on your knowledge of Earth
science.
                                         Adirondack Earthquake
                  On October 7, 1983, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred in New York State’s
              Adirondack region. The earthquake’s epicenter was at Blue Mountain Lake, which is
              located approximately 32 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of Mt. Marcy.
 62 In your answer booklet, circle the New York State location (Old Forge or New York City) that recorded the
    greater amount of time between the arrival of the first P-wave and the arrival of the first S-wave from the
    Blue Mountain Lake earthquake. Explain why this location had the greater difference between the P-wave
    and S-wave arrival times. [1]
2 Circle one:    Old Forge   New York City
  Explanation:
Answer:

63.
63 Determine how long it took the first P-wave to travel from Blue Mountain Lake to a seismic station
   1200 kilometers away. [1]
Answer:

64.
64 Identify one type of metamorphic surface bedrock where this earthquake epicenter was located. [1]
Answer:

65.
65 Perth, Australia, is located almost directly on the opposite side of Earth from the epicenter of this
   earthquake. A seismograph in Perth received P-waves but not S-waves from this earthquake. Identify
   the interior layer of Earth and the characteristic of this layer that prevented the S-waves from arriving at
   Perth. [1]
Answer:


66.
Part C
Answer all questions in this part.
Directions (66 - 85): Record your answers in the spaces provided in your answer booklet. Some questions may require the use of the 2011 Edition Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Earth Science. Base your answers to questions 66 through 68 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of Earth science. The diagram represents Earth on the first day of a season. The equator, several lines of longitude, and the North and South Poles have been labeled. Letters A through D represent locations on Earth’s surface.
66 Identify one possible date that is represented by the position of Earth in this diagram. [1]
Answer:

67.
67 State whether the relative altitude of Polaris at location A is lower or higher than at location B. Explain why
   this difference is observed. [1]
Answer:

68.
68 State the solar time at location D if the solar time at location C is 6:00 a.m. Indicate a.m. or p.m. in your
   answer. [1]
Answer:

69.
    Base your answers to questions 69 through 72 on the data table below, on the map in your answer booklet,
and on your knowledge of Earth science. The data table shows latitude and longitude locations of the center of
Hurricane Odile recorded at the same time each day from September 12 to September 18, 2014. The data table
also shows the hurricane’s barometric pressure in millibars (mb) and wind speed in knots (kt). The location of
La Paz, Mexico, is indicated on the map.
69 On the map in your answer booklet, plot the seven locations of Hurricane Odile indicated by the latitudes
   and longitudes shown in the data table. Connect all seven plots with a line. [1]

Answer:

70.
70 Using the set of axes in your answer booklet, draw a line to represent the general relationship between
   barometric pressure and wind speed associated with Hurricane Odile. [1]

Answer:

71.
71 Identify one weather instrument that was used to measure the wind speed of Hurricane Odile. [1]
Answer:

72.
72 Describe two actions that a person living in La Paz, Mexico, could take to prepare for an approaching
   hurricane. [1]
Answer:

73.
    Base your answers to questions 73 through 75 on the cross section below and on your knowledge of Earth
science. On the cross section, letters A through F represent rock units. Line XX' indicates an unconformity and
line YY' indicates a fault. No overturning of rock layers has occurred.
73 Identify the name of the rock formed in the zone of contact metamorphism between rock units A
   and F. [1]
Answer:

74.
74 List two processes that produced unconformity XX'. [1]
Answer:

75.
75 In your answer booklet, list the letters of rock units D, E, F, and fault YY' in the correct sequence from
   oldest to youngest. [1]

Answer:

76.
    Base your answers to questions 76 through 79 on the passage and cross section below, and on your knowledge
of Earth science. The cross section represents the elevation and depth of each Finger Lake in New York State.
The gray shading in each lake represents the sediment fill at the bottom of each lake.
                                        Formation of the Finger Lakes
                  The Finger Lakes originated as a series of south-flowing rivers that existed in what
              is now central New York State. Around 1.7 to 1.8 million years ago, a continental glacier
              advanced southward, beginning an ice age that consisted of many advances and retreats
              of glaciers. The Finger Lakes were carved by several of these advances, which gouged
              the valleys of the rivers into deep troughs, some of which extend below present-day sea
              level. As the glaciers advanced, they pushed a great amount of soil and rock ahead of
              them. During the time when the ice sheets were melting and retreating, glacial moraines
              were left behind. These deposits dammed the glacial valleys at their southern ends, and
              the valleys then flooded to form the Finger Lakes.
76 Identify one Finger Lake that has a maximum water depth of approximately 175 feet. [1]
Answer:

77.
77 Identify the geologic time period and epoch when these continental glaciers formed the Finger Lakes of
   New York State. [1]
Answer:

78.
78 Describe one way that the arrangement of sediments in the glacial moraines is different from the arrangement
   of sediments deposited in the earlier river channels. [1]
Answer:

79.
79 Describe the cross-sectional shape of the original river valleys before they were gouged by the advancing
   glaciers. [1]
Answer:

80.
   Base your answers to questions 80 and 81 on the map below and on your knowledge of Earth science.
The map shows the locations of the Coast Range and Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest of the United States
and two cities in this region.
80 Identify the name of the cool surface ocean current that influences the climate of this region. [1]
Answer:

81.
81 Explain why the difference between average winter and summer temperatures is smaller in Long Beach
   than in Richland. [1]
Answer:

82.
    Base your answers to questions 82 through 85 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of Earth
science. The diagram represents a portion of the scheme for igneous rock identification. Line AB represents the
percentages of the minerals in igneous rock 1 and line CD represents the percentages of the minerals in igneous
rock 2.
82 Rock 1 is a glassy, vesicular igneous rock. Identify the name of rock 1. [1]
Answer:

83.
83 Compared to the color and density of igneous rock 1, describe how the relative color and density of igneous
   rock 2 are different. [1]
Answer:

84.
84 Explain why andesite and diorite can both have the same percentage of mineral composition by volume, and
   yet be two different igneous rocks. [1]
Answer:

85.
85 The table in your answer booklet shows the composition of three minerals commonly found in igneous
   rocks. Complete the table by placing one X in each row to indicate if that mineral is found in both rock 1 and
   rock 2, neither rock 1 nor rock 2, rock 1 only, or rock 2 only. [1]

Answer:

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