Download Planet Earth Test Prep

Planet Earth Test Prep
As a ship crosses the Prime Meridian, the altitude of Polaris measured from the ship is 50°.
What is the ship’s location?
(1) 0° latitude 50° east longitude
(2) 0° latitude 50° west longitude
(3) 50° north latitude 0° longitude
(4) 50° south latitude 0° longitude
A topographic map of Mt. Rainier in Washington State is shown below.
What is the contour interval of the map?
(1) 20 ft
(2) 40 ft
(3) 100 ft
(4) 200 ft
The maps below show the odor fields from a neighborhood hamburger barbecue. An X marks the exact
location of the barbecue grill. The wind was blowing from the northeast when map A was drawn. Map B
represents the same area drawn 1 hour after map A was drawn.
Which conclusion about what happened during the hour is best supported by comparing these two maps?
1 The field values changed at many places.
2 The wind direction remained constant.
3 The odor became stronger in the western section of the map area.
4 The size of the field grew.
Which equation can be used to correctly calculate the air-pressure gradient between two locations?
Base your answers to the following 5 questions on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the topographic map
below, and your knowledge of Earth science. Points A through I are locations on the map. Elevations are
shown in meters.
The profile below represents certain locations on the map.
The profile represents a cross section of the landscape between points
(1) A and D
(2) B and C
(3) C and A
(4) I and H
What is the approximate gradient along line BD?
(1) 25 m/km
(2) 50 m/km
(3) 100 m/km
(4) 150 m/km
In which section of the map is the highest elevation located?
1 northeast
2 northwest
3 southeast
4 southwest
Which locations have the same elevation?
(1) A and C
(2) B and E
(3) C and I
(4) F and G
The contour lines crossing Deer River show that the river flows
1 northward out of Wolf Pond
2 northward into Wolf Pond
3 southward out of Wolf Pond
4 southward into Wolf Pond
The lines on which set of views best represent Earth’s latitude system?
Base your answers to the following 4 questions on the passage below, the map below, and your knowledge of
Earth science. The map shows ocean depths, measured in meters, off the coast of Massachusetts. Points A, B,
and C represent locations on the ocean floor. The Stellwagen Bank discussed in the passage is lightly shaded
and labeled on the map.
The Stellwagen Bank
One of the most exciting adventures for a visitor to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is going on a whale watch.
Large boats leave port two to three times each day carrying passengers to a specific location in the Atlantic
Ocean to see the whales. How do the captains of the boats know where to find the whales?
The answer is simple. They look for the whales over an area known as the Stellwagen Bank, which is a large
undersea deposit of unsorted sand and gravel. The Stellwagen Bank is inferred by scientists to have formed
during the Pleistocene Epoch from the slow retreat of massive Ice Age glaciers across this area. Today, cool
ocean currents come from the north and flow up and over the Stellwagen Bank. These currents bring
nutrients to the surface from deep in the ocean, providing food for oceanic phytoplankton (small plants).
Small ocean creatures and fish feed on the phytoplankton. Whales can be found in abundance at the
Stellwagen Bank feeding on the many ocean life-forms.
Most whale watching takes place at 42° 25N and 70° 25W. On the map above, place an X at this
location.
Identify the most probable cold ocean current causing the upwelling of nutrients over the Stellwagen Bank.
______________________________________________________________________________________
What evidence indicates that the ocean floor has a steep slope at point C?
______________________________________________________________________________________
Calculate the average ocean-floor gradient between point A and point B. Label your answer with the correct
units.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Base your answers to the following question on the map below. The map shows some regions where
metamorphic bedrock of the Grenville Province in northeastern North America is exposed at Earth’s surface.
Which location has surface bedrock that consists mostly of gneiss, schist, or marble?
(1) 43° N 81° W
(2) 46° N 78° W
(3) 47° N 69° W
(4) 49° N 71° W
Base your answers to the following 2 questions on the topographic maps and block diagrams of two
landscape regions shown below. The block diagrams show a three-dimensional view of the topographic maps
directly above them. Elevations are measured in feet. Points A, B, C, and D are locations on Earth’s surface.
Which contour interval is used on both topographic maps?
(1) 10 ft
(2) 20 ft
(3) 30 ft
(4) 40 ft
A stream begins to flow downhill from point D toward the depression. After a period of time, the depression
fills with water. Overflowing water from the depression moves downhill toward point C. Which topographic
map shows the most likely resulting change in the contour lines?
Base your answers to the following 2 questions on the cross section below, which represents part of the
Atlantic Ocean seafloor. An earthquake occurred on November 18, 1929, triggering an underwater sediment
flow. The location of the epicenter is labeled. Letters A through D indicate locations on the seafloor. Time, in
hours, at each lettered location represents the arrival of the sediment flow after the earthquake.
Calculate the gradient of the ocean floor between locations A and D and label your answer with the correct
units.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Explain why the velocity of the sediment flow created by the earthquake decreased as the sediment moved
from location B to location C.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Base your answers to the following 2 questions on the data table below, which shows the azimuths of sunrise
and sunset on August 2 observed at four different latitudes. Azimuth is the compass direction measured, in
degrees, along the horizon, starting from north.
On the outer edge of the azimuth circle below, mark with an X the positions of sunrise and sunset for each
latitude shown in the data table. Write the correct letter code beside each X. The positions of sunrise and
sunset for 30° N have been plotted and labeled with letters A and B.
State the relationship at sunrise between the latitude and the azimuth.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Which reference line passes through both the geographic North Pole and the geographic South Pole?
(1) 0° latitude
(2) 0° longitude
(3) Tropic of Cancer
(4) Tropic of Capricorn
The latitude of an observer on Earth’s surface can be determined by measuring the altitude of Polaris because
Earth has a
1 nearly spherical shape
2 nearly circular orbit around the Sun
3 variable length of day
4 fairly constant period of revolution
Base your answers to the following 5 questions on the contour map of an island below and on your
knowledge of Earth science. Points A through G represent locations on the island. Elevations are in meters.
Which point is located on the steepest slope?
(1) F
(2) B
(3) C
(4) D
In which direction does the Cinder River flow?
1 southeast
2 southwest
3 northeast
4 northwest
What is the contour interval for this map?
(1) 10 m
(2) 15 m
(3) 20 m
(4) 25 m
Which two points have the same elevation?
(1) G and F
(2) B and D
(3) C and D
(4) G and C
Which diagram best represents the topographic profile from location C to location B?
Point A and point B are locations 0.24 mile apart on a ski slope in northern New York. Point A has an
elevation of 1,560 feet and point B has an elevation of 1,800 feet. What is the gradient between these points?
(1) 60 ft/mi
(2) 240 ft/mi
(3) 500 ft/mi
(4) 1,000 ft/mi
What is the inferred temperature at the boundary between Earth’s stiffer mantle and outer core?
(1) 2,500°C
(2) 4,500°C
(3) 5,000°C
(4) 6,200°C
Base your answers to the following 3 questions on the topographic map below. Points A, B, C, D, and X
represent locations on the map. Elevations are measured in feet.
What is the highest possible elevation of point X on Rock Mountain?
(1) 1,599 ft
(2) 1,600 ft
(3) 1,601 ft
(4) 1,699 ft
What is the average gradient of the slope along straight line CD?
(1) 100 ft/mi
(2) 250 ft/mi
(3) 500 ft/mi
(4) 1,000 ft/mi
Which cross section best represents the profile along straight line AB?
The topographic map below shows a hill. Points X and Y represent locations on the hill’s surface.
Elevations are shown in meters.
What is the gradient between points X and Y?
(1) 40 m/km
(2) 80 m/km
(3) 100 m/km
(4) 120 m/km
Base your answers to the following 2 questions 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.
What is a possible elevation of point A? __________________________________
On the grid below, 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.
Base your answers to the following 2 questions on the diagram below, which shows the latitude longitude
grid on a model of Earth. Point Y is a location on Earth’s surface.
On the diagram below, place an X at 15° S 30° W.
What is Earth’s rate of rotation at point Y, in degrees per hour?
The diagrams below represent photographs of a large sailboat taken through a telescope over time as the boat
sailed away from shore out to sea. Each diagram shows the magnification of the lenses and the time of day.
Which statement best explains the apparent sinking of this sailboat?
1 The sailboat is moving around the curved surface of Earth.
2 The sailboat appears smaller as it moves farther away.
3 The change in density of the atmosphere is causing refraction of light rays.
4 The tide is causing an increase in the depth of the ocean.
The diagram below shows spheres associated with Earth.
Which spheres are zones of Earth’s atmosphere?
1 lithosphere, hydrosphere, and troposphere
2 stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere
3 asthenosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere
4 hydrosphere, troposphere, and stratosphere
The cartoon below presents a humorous look at wave action.
The ocean waves that are providing enjoyment for Roy’s companion are the result of the
1 interaction of the hydrosphere with the moving atmosphere
2 interactions of the lithosphere with the moving troposphere
3 absorption of short-wave radiation in the stratosphere
4 absorption of energy in the asthenosphere
Base your answers to the following 5 questions on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the contour map
below, and your knowledge of Earth science. Points A, B, C, D, X, and Y are locations on the map.
Elevations are expressed in feet. The maximum elevation of Basket Dome is indicated at point X.
In which general direction does Tenaya Stream flow?
1 southeast to northwest
2 northwest to southeast
3 southwest to northeast
4 northeast to southwest
Which graph best represents the profile along a line between point B and point A?
The highest elevation on the map is at point
(1) X
(2) Y
(3) C
(4) D
The highest elevation of Basket Dome 40 years ago was measured at 7,600 feet. What is the rate of change in
elevation for this area?
(1) 0.6 in/yr
(2) 1.7 in/yr
(3) 24 in/yr
(4) 40 in/yr
Fossils of trilobites and eurypterids found in the rock near the top of Basket Dome provide evidence that this
map area has most likely undergone
1 metamorphism from crustal plat collision
2 uplift from crustal plate movement
3 recent flooding from changes in worldwide sea level
4 volcanism from seafloor spreading
The diagram below is a three-dimensional model of a landscape region.
Which map view best represents the topography of this region?
The circumference of Earth is approximately 40,000 kilometers at the Equator. What is Earth’s approximate
rate of rotation, in kilometers per hour, at the Equator?
(1) 1,667 km/hr
(2) 9,600 km/hr
(3) 16,667 km/hr
(4) 66,000 km/hr
The diagram below shows the apparent path of a projectile fired from Earth’s North Pole toward a target
located at 45° North latitude.
The apparent curving of the projectile’s path, as seen by observers on Earth, is caused mainly by
1 prevailing winds
2 convection currents
3 Earth’s rotation
4 gravitational forces
The diagram below shows data received at a seismic station following an earthquake.
The distance from this seismic station to the epicenter of the earthquake is approximately
(1) 1,300 km
(2) 2,600 km
(3) 3,400 km
(4) 5,000 km
Base your answers to the following five questions on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the map below,
and your knowledge of Earth science. The map shows a portion of the eastern United States with New York
State shaded. The isolines on the map indicate the average yearly total snowfall, in inches, recorded over a
20-year period. Points A through D are locations on Earth’s surface. Latitude and longitude coordinates are
shown along the border of the map.
The latitude and longitude coordinates indicate that this map covers an area that is located
1 south of the Equator and west of the Prime Meridian
2 south of the Equator and east of the Prime Meridian
3 north of the Equator and west of the Prime Meridian
4 north of the Equator and east of the Prime Meridian
The greatest portion of which New York State landscape region averages more than 175 inches of snowfall
each year?
1 Atlantic Coastal Plain
2 Adirondack Mountains
3 Allegheny Plateau
4 Tug Hill Plateau
The diagram below shows the location of five cities in New York State.
Which graph best represents the total average annual snowfall for each of the five cities?
Location C has a lower average yearly snowfall than location D primarily because location C has a
1 coastal location
2 higher longitude
3 higher elevation
4 different prevailing wind direction
What is the approximate average yearly total snowfall gradient between locations A and B?
(1) 0.25 in/mi
(2) 2.50 in/mi
(3) 0.40 in/mi
(4) 4.00 in/mi
The isoline map below shows the variations in relative strength of Earth’s magnetic field from 1 (strong) to
11 (weak).
Which of Earth’s tectonic plates has the weakest magnetic field strength?
1 South American plate
2 African plate
3 North American plate
4 Pacific plate
The arrows on the map below show the apparent changes in the position of Earth’s magnetic North Pole
throughout geologic time, as recorded in the igneous rocks of Europe and North America.
This evidence best supports the concept of
1 the heliocentric solar system
2 the Coriolis effect
3 planet orbit eccentricity
4 plate tectonics
Compared to continental crust, oceanic crust is
1 less dense, more mafic, and thinner
2 less dense, more felsic, and thicker
3 more dense, more mafic, and thinner
4 more dense, more felsic, and thicker
Base your answers to the following two questions on the cross section of two crustal plates and the boundary
between them shown below. The arrows indicate the direction of rock movement.
The mid-oceanic ridge portion of this cross section best represents
1 convergence of the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate
2 divergence of the African Plate and the South American Plate
3 subduction of the Philippine Plate by the China Plate
4 transform faulting between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate
Which geologic events occur most often at this mid-oceanic ridge plate boundary?
1 magnetic pole reversals and cooling of ocean water
2 meteorite impacts and tilting of shorelines
3 hydrospheric pollution and adiabatic heating
4 earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
Base your answers to the following five questions on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the topographic
map below, and your knowledge of Earth science. Points A, B, X, and Y are locations on the map. Elevations
are shown in feet.
In which general direction is Elm Brook flowing?
1 southwest
2 southeast
3 northwest
4 northeast
What is the approximate elevation of the triangulation point on the top of Rock Hill?
(1) 124 ft
(2) 139 ft
(3) 144 ft
(4) 169 ft
Which diagram best represents the topographic profile along a straight line from point A to point B?
Which side of Center Hill has the steepest slope?
1 north
2 south
3 east
4 west
What is the average gradient along a straight line between point X and point Y?
(1) 30 ft/mi
(2) 40 ft/mi
(3) 60 ft/mi
(4) 70 ft/mi
Base your answers to the following two questions on the United States time zone map shown below. The
dashed lines represent meridians (lines of longitude).
If the time in Buffalo, New York, is 5 a.m., what time would it be in San Francisco, California?
(1) 8 a.m.
(2) 2 a.m.
(3) 3 a.m.
(4) 4 a.m.
The basis for the time difference between adjoining time zones is Earth’s
(1) 1° per hour rate of revolution
(2) 1° per hour rate of rotation
(3) 15° per hour rate of revolution
(4) 15° per hour rate of rotation
Base your answers to the following four questions on the two topographic maps below. A grid system of
numbers and letters appears along the edge of each map to help locate features. Both maps show elevations
in feet above sea level.
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.
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
(2) 0.6 mi
(3) 1.2 mi
(4) 1.5 mi
Which direction is the stream mainly flowing within grid area H–1 on map B?
(1) northward
(2) southward
(3) eastward
(4) westward
Which cross section best represents the topographic profile along the straight line from point Y to point Z on
map B?
A Foucault pendulum appears to change its direction of swing over a period of several hours because of
Earth’s
(1) rotation
(2) revolution
(3) tilted axis
(4) gravity
Scientists have inferred the structure of Earth’s interior mainly by analyzing
(1) the Moon’s interior
(2) the Moon’s composition
(3) Earth’s surface features
(4) Earth’s seismic data
The diagram below shows Earth on a particular day in its orbit around the Sun. The dashed line represents
Earth’s axis.
Which date is represented by the diagram?
(1) March 21
(2) June 21
(3) September 23
(4) December 21
Base your answers to the following four questions on the topographic map below. Elevations are in feet.
Points A and B are locations on the map.
Toward which direction does the Green River flow?
(1) northeast
(2) northwest
(3) southeast
(4) southwest
What is the gradient along the straight line between points A and B?
(1) 10 ft/mi
(2) 20 ft/mi
(3) 25 ft/mi
(4) 35 ft/mi
Which graph best represents the profile along line AB?
What evidence can be used to determine that the land surface in the northeast corner of the map is relatively
flat?
(1) a rapidly flowing river
(2) a large region covered by water
(3) the dark contour line labeled 300
(4) the absence of many contour lines
The Coriolis effect causes winds in New York State to generally curve
(1) to the right of the direction of travel
(2) to the left of the direction of travel
(3) upward away from Earth’s surface
(4) downward toward Earth’s surface
What is Earth’s inferred interior pressure, in millions of atmospheres, at a depth of 3500 kilometers?
(1) 1.9
(2) 2.8
(3) 5500
(4) 6500
Compared to the circumference of Earth measured at the Equator, the circumference of Erath measured
through the poles is
1 slightly smaller
2 slightly larger
3 exactly the same
The topographic map below shows the island of Hawaii. Elevations are measured in feet.
What is the approximate average gradient along line XY?
(1) 200 ft/mi
(2) 400 ft/mi
(3) 800 ft/mi
(4) 1,000 ft/mi
The deflection of planetary winds (the Coriolis Effect) is a direct result of the
1 rotation of Earth
2 revolution of Earth
3 gravitational forces within Earth
4 convection currents within the asthenosphere
What is the approximate temperature at the mantle-outer core boundary?
(1) 1,500°C
(2) 4,500°C
(3) 5,000°C
(4) 7,000°C
Which characteristics of Earth’s surface can be determined by using a topographic map?
1 hillslope and stream gradients
2 bedrock erosion and stream velocity
3 hilltop elevations and bedrock age
4 soil thickness and benchmark movement
Base your answers to the following five questions on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the diagram
below, and your knowledge of Earth Science. The diagram represents latitude and longitude lines on Earth.
Points A through E represent locations on Earth. Arrows represent direction of rotation.
What is the approximate latitude and longitude of location A?
(1) 160° N, 15° E
(2) 160° S, 15° W
(3) 15° N, 160° E
(4) 15° N, 160° W
When the local time at location C is 3 p.m., the local time at location D is
(1) 1 p.m.
(2) 5 p.m.
(3) 3 p.m.
(4) 3 a.m.
Locations C and D both have the same
1 prevailing wind direction
2 latitude
3 altitude of Polaris
4 longitude
Which location has the longest duration of insolation on December 21?
(1) A
(2) B
(3) C
(4) E
At which location will the Sun reach the highest angle above the horizon at solar noon?
(1) A
(2) E
(3) C
(4) D
The diagram below illustrates an Earth science laboratory investigation used for determining the
circumference of a model globe. The distance (S) between the two sticks is 5 centimeters. One of the sticks
produces no shadow on the globe, indicating that the Sun is directly over it. The other stick produces a
shadow having an angle of 30°.
What is the circumference of the model globe?
(1) 18 cm
(2) 60 cm
(3) 72 cm
(4) 150 cm
A Foucault pendulum appears to change its direction of swing due to the
1 tilt of Earth’s axis
2 spin of Earth on its axis
3 deflection of Earth’s planetary winds
4 movement of Earth in its orbit around the Sun
Which latitude and longitude coordinates represent a location on the continent of Australia?
(1) 20° N, 135° E
(2) 20° N, 135° W
(3) 20° S, 135° E
(4) 20° S, 135° W
Base your answers to the following five questions on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the topographic
map below that represents a location in North America, and your knowledge of Earth Science. A rid system
of letters and numbers along the edges of the map is provided to assist in finding locations. Elevations are
expressed in feet.
What is the approximate elevation at rid location 7-I?
(1) 140 ft
(2) 170 ft
(3) 200 ft
(4) 230 ft
What is the possible elevation at point X (grid location 3-D)?
(1) 488 ft
(2) 548 ft
(3) 558 ft
(4) 598 ft
If a person at point W (grid location 2-B) travels uphill, in which direction is the person traveling?
1 northwest
2 northeast
3 southwest
4 southeast
What is the gradient of the entire length of the Excelsior River?
(1) 0.1 ft/mi
(2) 11 ft/mi
(3) 24 ft/mi
(4) 48 ft/mi
Which profile best represents the topography along a straight line from point Z (6-B) to point Y (2-M)?
The pressure at the interface between the mantle and the outer core of Earth is inferred to be approximately
(1) 1.0 million atmospheres
(2) 1.4 million atmospheres
(3) 3.0 million atmospheres
(4) 3.4 million atmospheres
The best evidence that Earth spins on its axis is the motion of
(1) tectonic plates
(2) Polaris
(3) a wind vane
(4) a Foucault pendulum
Why does the oceanic crust sink beneath the continental crust at a subduction boundary?
(1) The oceanic crust has a greater density.
(2) The oceanic crust is pulled downward by Earth’s magnetic field.
(3) The continental crust has a more mafic composition.
(4) The continental crust is pulled upward by the Moon’s gravity.
What is the approximate location of the Canary Islands hot spot?
(1) 32° S 18° W
(2) 32° S 18° E
(3) 32° N 18° W
(4) 32° N 18° E
Which New York State river flows generally southward?
(1) St. Lawrence River
(2) Niagara River
(3) Genesee River
(4) Hudson River
Base your answers to the following three questions on the field map provided below. The map shows
elevations, measured in feet, of a number of points in a certain geographic region. Contour lines have been
drawn for the 100-foot and 120-foot elevations. Points A and B represent two spot elevations on the map.
On the map provided below, draw the 60-foot contour line. Make sure that the contour line extends to the
edges of the map.
Toward which general compass direction does Elma Creek flow? __________________________________
Calculate the gradient between points A and B. Label the answer with the correct units.
The Moon has many more impact craters visible on its surface than Earth has on its surface.
State two reasons that Earth has so few visible impact craters.
As a ship crosses the Prime Meridian, an observer on the ship measures the altitude of Polaris at 60°.
What is the ship’s location?
(1) 60° south latitude and 0° longitude
(2) 60° north latitude and 0° longitude
(3) 0° latitude and 60° east longitude
(4) 0° latitude and 60° west longitude
Base your answers to the following two questions on the topographic map shown below. Points A, B, C, and
D are reference points on the map. Elevations are measured in meters.
On the grid provided below, construct a topographic profile along line AB, by plotting a point for the
elevation of each contour line that crosses line AB and connecting the points with a smooth, curved line to
complete the profile.
Calculate the gradient of Long Creek between points C and D and label the answer with the correct units.
The diagram below shows the apparent path of the Sun as viewed by an observer at a certain Earth location
on March 21.
At which latitude is the observer located?
(1) the Equator (0°)
(2) 23 ½ ° N
(3) 66 ° N
(4) 90° N
An island measures 10 kilometers from east to west and 8 kilometers from north to south. A single hill on the
east side of the island has a maximum elevation of 57 meters and is steepest to the north. In the box provided
below, draw a simple contour map to represent this island, using a distance scale of
1 centimeter = 1 kilometer and a contour interval of 10 meters.
The best evidence that Earth spins on its axis is provided by
(1) variations in atmospheric density
(2) apparent shifts in the swing of a Foucault pendulum
(3) changes in the position of sunspots on the Sun
(4) eclipses of the Moon
Compared to Earth’s crust, Earth’s core is believed to be
(1) less dense, cooler, and composed of more iron
(2) less dense, hotter, and composed of less iron
(3) more dense, hotter, and composed of more iron
(4) more dense, cooler, and composed of less iron
Earth’s troposphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere contain relatively large amounts of which element?
(1) iron
(2) oxygen
(3) hydrogen
(4) potassium
Base your answers to the following two questions on the topographic map of an island shown below.
Elevations are expressed in feet. Points A, B, C, and D are locations on the island. A triangulation point
shows the highest elevation on the island.
On the grid provided below, construct a topographic profile representing the cross-sectional view between
point A and point B, following the directions below.
a Plot the elevation of the land along line AB by marking, with a dot, the elevation of each point where a
contour line is crossed by line AB.
b Connect the dots with a smooth, curved line to complete the topographic profile.
What is the average gradient, in feet per mile, along the straight line from point C to point D?
On the United States time zone map provided below, indicate the standard time in each time zone when it is
9 a.m. in the Central Time Zone. The dashed lines represent the standard-time meridians for each time zone.
Be sure to indicate the time for all three zones.
The diagram below shows an observer on Earth measuring the altitude of Polaris.
What is the latitude of this observer?
(1) 43°N
(2) 43°S
(3) 47° N
(4) 47° S
Letters A, B, C, D, and X on the map below represent locations on Earth. The map shows the latitudelongitude grid.
Solar time is based on the position of the Sun. If the solar time is 1 p.m. at location X, at which location is the
solar time 5 p.m.?
(1) A
(2) B
(3) C
(4) D
In which layer of Earth’s interior is the pressure inferred to be 1.0 million atmospheres?
(1) outer core
(2) inner core
(3) rigid mantle
(4) stiffer mantle
Which element is most abundant in Earth’s lithosphere?
(1) oxygen
(2) silicon
(3) hydrogen
(4) nitrogen
Base your answers to the following four questions on the contour map below. Letters A through H represent
locations in the area represented by the map. Contour lines are labeled in feet.
Calculate the gradient of the slope along the dashed line between points G and H on the map. Label the
answer with the correct units.
State how the shape of the contour lines crossing the Green River indicates that this river flows toward the
southeast.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Which letter represents the highest elevation?
________________
Explain how the contour lines on the map indicate that the location labeled “Steep Cliff ” is accurately
named.
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Earth’s outer core and inner core are both inferred to be
(1) liquid
(2) solid
(3) composed of a high percentage of iron
(4) under the same pressure
The density of Earth’s crust is
(1) less than the density of the outer core but greater than the density of the mantle
(2) greater than the density of the outer core but less than the density of the mantle
(3) less than the density of both the outer core and the mantle
(4) greater than the density of both the outer core and the mantle
On each topographic map below, the straight-line distance from point A to point B is 5 kilometers.
Which topographic map shows the steepest gradient between A and B?
Base your answers to the following five questions on the maps below. Points A, B, C, X, and Y are locations
on the topographic map. The small map identifies the New York State region shown in the topographic map.
Which graph best represents the profile from point B to point C?
What is the elevation of point A on the topographic map?
(1) 1,700 ft
(2) 1,650 ft
(3) 1,600 ft
(4) 1,550 ft
What is the approximate gradient between point X and point Y?
(1) 100 ft/mi
(2) 250 ft/mi
(3) 500 ft/mi
(4) 1,000 ft/mi
At the end of the Ice Age, the valley now occupied by Cayuta Creek was a channel for southward flowing
glacial meltwater. Into which present-day river valley did this meltwater most likely flow?
(1) Hudson River
(2) Genesee River
(3) Delaware River
(4) Susquehanna River
Which evidence best supports the inference that the meltwater river that once occupied the Cayuta Creek
valley was larger than the modern Cayuta Creek?
(1) The modern Cayuta Creek occupies a V-shaped valley.
(2) The valley floor is wider than the modern Cayuta Creek.
(3) The modern Cayuta Creek lacks meanders and a flood plain.
(4) The tributary streams meet the modern Cayuta Creek at nearly right angles.
The length of an Earth day is determined by the time required for approximately one
(1) Earth rotation
(2) Earth revolution
(3) Sun rotation
(4) Sun revolution
Base your answers to the following three questions on the topographic map below. Points X, Y, and Z are
locations on the map. Elevations are expressed in meters.
Which profile best represents the topography along the dashed line from point X to point Y?
Mill River generally flows toward the
(1) southeast
(2) southwest
(3) northeast
(4) northwest
What is the elevation of point Z?
(1) 190 m
(2) 220 m
(3) 240 m
(4) 250 m
Base your answers to the following three questions on the topographic map below. Points A through D are
locations on the map. Elevations are in feet.
Explain briefly how the map can be used to determine that Jones Creek is flowing westward into Jones Lake.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Determine the gradient from point A to point B by following the directions below.
a Write the equation for determining the gradient.
b Substitute data from the map into the equation.
c Calculate the gradient and label it with the proper units.
On the grid provided below, construct a profile of the land surface between point C and point D by following
the directions below.
a Plot the elevations along line CD by marking with a dot each point where an isoline is crossed by line CD.
b Connect the dots to complete the profile.
The best evidence that Earth rotates is provided by the
(1) location of mid-oceanic ridge volcanoes and the distribution of index fossils
(2) movement of Foucault pendulums and the Coriolis effect on air movement
(3) pattern of changing seasons and the depth of meteor impacts
(4) rate of uranium-238 decay and changes in atmospheric composition
Which observable change would occur in New York State if Earth’s rate of rotation were one-half its present
rate?
(1) The Sun would rise in the southwest each day.
(2) The length of a day would be longer.
(3) The time needed to complete a cycle of Moon phases would be greater.
(4) The seasonal changes would not occur.
The graph below shows the average number of days each year that thunderstorms occur at different latitudes
on Earth.
According to the graph, what is the approximate number of days each year that thunderstorms occur at
locations along the 40° N parallel of latitude?
(1) 8 days
(2) 18 days
(3) 24 days
(4) 32 days
Base your answers to the following two questions on the graph below. The graph shows the recorded change
in water level (ocean tides) at a coastal city in the northeastern United States during 1 day.
Which inference about tides is best made from this graph?
(1) The hourly rate of tidal change is always the same.
(2) The rate of tidal change is greatest at high tide.
(3) The tidal change is a random event.
(4) The tidal change is cyclic.
According to the pattern shown on the graph, the next high tide will occur on the following day at
approximately
(1) 12:30 a.m.
(2) 2:00 a.m.
(3) 3:15 a.m.
(4) 4:00 a.m.
Base your answers to the following four questions on the topographic map below. The map shows a portion
of the Taterskill Creek flowing past the towns of Lawson and Glenton. The shaded area is Taterskill Creek.
The arrows in the creek show its direction of flow. Points A, B, and C are locations on the map. Points A and
B are connected with a reference line.
Mercado Dam is located 32 miles upstream from Lawson. In the remote possibility of a failure of the
Mercado Dam, the Taterskill Creek is expected to rise to the 600-foot contour line in the vicinity of the two
towns.
On the grid provided below, construct a topographic profile from point A to point B, following the directions
below.
a Write numbers along the vertical axis to show an appropriate scale for the elevations crossed by line AB.
Your number scale should label at least half of the lines along the vertical axis and should not extend beyond
the grid provided.
b Plot the elevation along line AB by marking an X at each point where a contour line is crossed. Point A and
point B have been plotted for you.
c Connect all the Xs to complete a profile that accurately reflects the elevation of the land.
State a possible elevation for point C on the map.
If Mercado Dam ruptured, the first floodwater would take exactly 4 hours to reach the town of Lawson. In
the space provided below, calculate the average rate of travel for the leading edge of the floodwater. Label
your answer with the correct units.
Identify two emergency preparedness activities that town officials in Lawson could take before a dam failure
to protect people and property from the flood.
The length of an Earth year is based on Earth’s
(1) rotation of 15°/hr
(2) revolution of 15°/hr
(3) rotation of approximately 1°/day
(4) revolution of approximately 1°/day
Earth’s hydrosphere is best described as the
(1) solid outer layer of Earth
(2) liquid outer layer of Earth
(3) magma layer located below Earth’s stiffer mantle
(4) gaseous layer extending several hundred kilometers from Earth into space
The diagram below shows the latitude-longitude grid on an Earth model. Points A and B are locations on the
surface.
On Earth, the solar time difference between point A and point B would be
(1) 1 hour
(2) 5 hours
(3) 12 hours
(4) 24 hours
The diagram below represents part of Earth’s latitude-longitude system.
What is the latitude and longitude of point L?
(1) 5° E 30° N
(2) 5° W 30° S
(3) 5° N 30° E
(4) 5° S 30° W
Ocean tides are best described as
(1) unpredictable and cyclic
(2) unpredictable and noncyclic
(3) predictable and cyclic
(4) predictable and noncyclic
The apparent shift in the direction of swing of a Foucault pendulum is caused by Earth’s
(1) revolution
(2) rotation
(3) spherical shape
(4) tilted axis
Base your answers to the following eight questions on the reading passage and topographic map below.
A group of Earth science students decided to take an adventurous camping trip, so they
rode bicycles to a New York State park that was located in an isolated area. They traveled
up a steep hill. When they reached the top, they looked at the landscape and noticed a lake
at the bottom of the hill. They named it Hidden Lake. To the left of Hidden Lake was a
large field with a small stream. They decided to set up their campsite in the field near
Hidden Lake. To get to the field, they cycled down a very steep slope.
The map below shows the location of the bicycle trail and the students’ campsite. Points P and Q are
reference points on the map.
State the evidence shown on the map that indicates that the area directly north of Hidden Lake is relatively
flat.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
a State the general compass direction in which the stream is flowing.
b State how contour lines provide the evidence for determining this direction.
On the grid provided below, draw a profile of the landscape along the bicycle trail from point P to point Q by
following the directions below.
a Plot the elevation along line PQ by marking with a dot each point where a contour line is crossed by line
PQ. Point P and point Q have been plotted for you.
b Connect the dots to complete the profile.
The students decided to measure the speed of the stream by floating apples down a straight section of the
stream. Describe the steps the students must take to determine the stream’s surface rate of movement (speed)
by using a stopwatch, a 10-foot rope, and several apples. Include the equation for calculating rate.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
While exploring the stream, a student found a rock containing a trilobite fossil. Name the most likely type of
rock this student found.
________________________________________________
State the geologic era during which the rock containing the trilobite most likely formed.
The next day the students decided to move their campsite 1 mile directly east of their original campsite. On
the map provided below, place another campsite symbol, ▲, to indicate the location of their second
campsite.
The students decided to take a different route home to avoid riding their bicycles up the steep hill. Plan a
return route that will take the campers back to point P and that will involve the least change in elevation
during the trip. On the map provided above, draw a line from the second campsite to point P to show the
route. Place arrows on the line to show the direction that the students will be traveling.
When the time of day for a certain ship at sea is 12 noon, the time of day at the Prime Meridian (0°
longitude) is 5 p.m. What is the ship’s longitude?
(1) 45° W
(2) 45° E
(3) 75° W
(4) 75° E
Earth’s outer core is best inferred to be
(1) liquid, with an average density of approximately 4 g/cm 3
(2) liquid, with an average density of approximately 11 g/cm 3
(3) solid, with an average density of approximately 4 g/cm3
(4) solid, with an average density of approximately 11 g/cm3
The Coriolis effect provides evidence that Earth
(1) rotates
(2) has a tilted axis
(3) has seasons
(4) revolves
Base your answers to the following three questions on the topographic map below of an area in New York
State. Points X and Y are locations on Squab Hollow Creek.
In the space provided below, determine the gradient of Squab Hollow Creek between point X and point Y by
following the directions below.
a Using the Earth Science Reference Tables, write the equation used to determine the gradient.
b Substitute values into the equation.
c Solve the equation and label the answer with the correct units.
Describe one way to determine the direction of flow of Coover Hollow Creek from information shown on the
map.
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_______________________________________________________________________________________
Based on the latitude and longitude coordinates given, identify the New York State landscape region in
which this map region is located.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
The planetary winds in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere generally curve to the right due to Earth’s
(1) orbit around the Sun
(2) spin on its axis
(3) magnetic field
(4) force of gravity
Base your answers to the following four questions on the topographic map below. Points A, B, Y, and Z are
reference points on the topographic map.
The symbol
◬
533
represents the highest elevation on Aurora Hill.
State the general compass direction in which Maple Stream is flowing.
__________________________________
Calculate the gradient between points Y and Z on the map, and label the answer with the correct units.
Describe the evidence shown on the map that indicates that the southern side of Holland Hill has the steepest
slope.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
On the grid provided below, construct a topographic profile from point A to point B by following the
directions below.
a Plot the elevation along line AB by marking with an X each point where a contour line is crossed by line
AB. Points A and B have been plotted for you.
b Complete the profile by correctly connecting the plotted points with a smooth, curved line.
Planet Earth Test Prep
Teacher Answer Key – Guide
As a ship crosses the Prime Meridian, the altitude of Polaris measured from the ship is 50°.
What is the ship’s location?
(3) 50° north latitude 0° longitude
A topographic map of Mt. Rainier in Washington State is shown below. What is the contour interval of the
map?
(2) 40 ft
The maps below show the odor fields from a neighborhood hamburger barbecue. An X marks the exact
location of the barbecue grill. The wind was blowing from the northeast when map A was drawn. Map B
represents the same area drawn 1 hour after map A was drawn. Which conclusion about what happened
during the hour is best supported by comparing these two maps?
1 The field values changed at many places.
Which equation can be used to correctly calculate the air-pressure gradient between two locations?
The profile represents a cross section of the landscape between points
(3) C and A
What is the approximate gradient along line BD?
(1) 25 m/km
In which section of the map is the highest elevation located?
2 northwest
Which locations have the same elevation?
(3) C and I
The contour lines crossing Deer River show that the river flows
4 southward into Wolf Pond
The lines on which set of views best represent Earth’s latitude system?
Most whale watching takes place at 42° 25N and 70° 25W. On the map above, place an X at this
location.
The center of the student-drawn X is within the circle shown below.
Identify the most probable cold ocean current causing the upwelling of nutrients over the Stellwagen Bank.
Labrador Current
What evidence indicates that the ocean floor has a steep slope at point C?
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— Isolines are close together.
Calculate the average ocean-floor gradient between point A and point B. Label your answer with the correct
units.
0.5 (±0.02) or .5 (±0.02) and the correct units
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— meters/kilometer
— m/km
Which location has surface bedrock that consists mostly of gneiss, schist, or marble?
(2) 46° N 78° W
Which contour interval is used on both topographic maps?
(1) 10 ft
A stream begins to flow downhill from point D toward the depression. After a period of time, the depression
fills with water. Overflowing water from the depression moves downhill toward point C. Which topographic
map shows the most likely resulting change in the contour lines?
Calculate the gradient of the ocean floor between locations A and D and label your answer with the correct
units.
Any value from 9.75 to 10.25 with correct units
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— ft/mi
— feet/mile
— ft per mile
Explain why the velocity of the sediment flow created by the earthquake decreased as the sediment moved
from location B to location C.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— The slope decreased.
— The gradient decreased from location B to location C.
— The surface was steeper near B and flatter near C.
On the outer edge of the azimuth circle below, mark with an X the positions of sunrise and sunset for each
latitude shown in the data table. Write the correct letter code beside each X. The positions of sunrise and
sunset for 30° N have been plotted and labeled with letters A and B.
Six Xs should be correctly plotted and labeled. The center of each X must fall within the circles shown
in the diagram below.
State the relationship at sunrise between the latitude and the azimuth.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— As the latitude of the observer increases, the azimuth decreases.
— As the latitude increases, the sunrise is farther north of east.
Which reference line passes through both the geographic North Pole and the geographic South Pole?
(2) 0° longitude
The latitude of an observer on Earth’s surface can be determined by measuring the altitude of Polaris because
Earth has a
1 nearly spherical shape
Which point is located on the steepest slope?
(3) C
In which direction does the Cinder River flow?
4 northwest
What is the contour interval for this map?
(3) 20 m
Which two points have the same elevation?
(3) C and D
Which diagram best represents the topographic profile from location C to location B?
Point A and point B are locations 0.24 mile apart on a ski slope in northern New York. Point A has an
elevation of 1,560 feet and point B has an elevation of 1,800 feet. What is the gradient between these points?
(4) 1,000 ft/mi
What is the inferred temperature at the boundary between Earth’s stiffer mantle and outer core?
(3) 5,000°C
Base your answers to the following 3 questions on the topographic map below. Points A, B, C, D, and X
represent locations on the map. Elevations are measured in feet.
What is the highest possible elevation of point X on Rock Mountain?
(4) 1,699 ft
What is the average gradient of the slope along straight line CD?
(2) 250 ft/mi
Which cross section best represents the profile along straight line AB?
The topographic map below shows a hill. Points X and Y represent locations on the hill’s surface.
Elevations are shown in meters. What is the gradient between points X and Y?
(1) 40 m/km
What is a possible elevation of point A? any value above 20 ft but below 30 ft
On the grid below, 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.
Note: The center of each point must fall on the horizontal line within the circles shown below. The line
must extend below the lowest points to show the depression and above the highest points to show the
hills. Also allow credit if a symbol other than a dot is used. It is recommended that an overlay be used
to ensure uniformity in scoring.
Example response:
Base your answers to the following 2 questions on the diagram below, which shows the latitude longitude
grid on a model of Earth. Point Y is a location on Earth’s surface.
On the diagram below, place an X at 15° S 30° W.
The center of the X must fall within the circle shown below.
Also allow credit if a symbol other than X is used.
Example response:
What is Earth’s rate of rotation at point Y, in degrees per hour?
15º/hr
The diagrams below represent photographs of a large sailboat taken through a telescope over time as the boat
sailed away from shore out to sea. Each diagram shows the magnification of the lenses and the time of day.
Which statement best explains the apparent sinking of this sailboat?
1 The sailboat is moving around the curved surface of Earth.
Which spheres are zones of Earth’s atmosphere?
2 stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere
The ocean waves that are providing enjoyment for Roy’s companion are the result of the
1 interaction of the hydrosphere with the moving atmosphere
In which general direction does Tenaya Stream flow?
4 northeast to southwest
Which graph best represents the profile along a line between point B and point A?
The highest elevation on the map is at point
(3) C
The highest elevation of Basket Dome 40 years ago was measured at 7,600 feet. What is the rate of change in
elevation for this area?
(1) 0.6 in/yr
Fossils of trilobites and eurypterids found in the rock near the top of Basket Dome provide evidence that this
map area has most likely undergone
2 uplift from crustal plate movement
The diagram below is a three-dimensional model of a landscape region.
Which map view best represents the topography of this region?
The circumference of Earth is approximately 40,000 kilometers at the Equator. What is Earth’s approximate
rate of rotation, in kilometers per hour, at the Equator?
(1) 1,667 km/hr
The diagram below shows the apparent path of a projectile fired from Earth’s North Pole toward a target
located at 45° North latitude. The apparent curving of the projectile’s path, as seen by observers on Earth, is
caused mainly by
3 Earth’s rotation
The distance from this seismic station to the epicenter of the earthquake is approximately
(3) 3,400 km
The latitude and longitude coordinates indicate that this map covers an area that is located
3 north of the Equator and west of the Prime Meridian
The greatest portion of which New York State landscape region averages more than 175 inches of snowfall
each year?
4 Tug Hill Plateau
Which graph best represents the total average annual snowfall for each of the five cities?
Location C has a lower average yearly snowfall than location D primarily because location C has a
1 coastal location
What is the approximate average yearly total snowfall gradient between locations A and B?
(1) 0.25 in/mi
Which of Earth’s tectonic plates has the weakest magnetic field strength?
1 South American plate
This evidence best supports the concept of
4 plate tectonics
Compared to continental crust, oceanic crust is
3 more dense, more mafic, and thinner
The mid-oceanic ridge portion of this cross section best represents
2 divergence of the African Plate and the South American Plate
Which geologic events occur most often at this mid-oceanic ridge plate boundary?
4 earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
In which general direction is Elm Brook flowing?
1 southwest
What is the approximate elevation of the triangulation point on the top of Rock Hill?
(3) 144 ft
Which diagram best represents the topographic profile along a straight line from point A to point B?
Which side of Center Hill has the steepest slope?
2 south
What is the average gradient along a straight line between point X and point Y?
(3) 60 ft/mi
If the time in Buffalo, New York, is 5 a.m., what time would it be in San Francisco, California?
(2) 2 a.m.
The basis for the time difference between adjoining time zones is Earth’s
(4) 15° per hour rate of rotation
Which statement correctly describes one difference between these maps?
(4) Map A generally shows gentler slopes than map B.
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?
(2) 0.6 mi
Which direction is the stream mainly flowing within grid area H–1 on map B?
(4) westward
Which cross section best represents the topographic profile along the straight line from point Y to point Z on
map B?
A Foucault pendulum appears to change its direction of swing over a period of several hours because of
Earth’s
(1) rotation
Scientists have inferred the structure of Earth’s interior mainly by analyzing
(4) Earth’s seismic data
Which date is represented by the diagram?
(4) December 21
Toward which direction does the Green River flow?
(2) northwest
What is the gradient along the straight line between points A and B?
(3) 25 ft/mi
Which graph best represents the profile along line AB?
What evidence can be used to determine that the land surface in the northeast corner of the map is relatively
flat?
(4) the absence of many contour lines
The Coriolis effect causes winds in New York State to generally curve
(1) to the right of the direction of travel
What is Earth’s inferred interior pressure, in millions of atmospheres, at a depth of 3500 kilometers?
(1) 1.9
Compared to the circumference of Earth measured at the Equator, the circumference of Erath measured
through the poles is
1 slightly smaller
What is the approximate average gradient along line XY?
(2) 400 ft/mi
The deflection of planetary winds (the Coriolis Effect) is a direct result of the
1 rotation of Earth
What is the approximate temperature at the mantle-outer core boundary?
(3) 5,000°C
Which characteristics of Earth’s surface can be determined by using a topographic map?
1 hillslope and stream gradients
What is the approximate latitude and longitude of location A?
(4) 15° N, 160° W
When the local time at location C is 3 p.m., the local time at location D is
(2) 5 p.m.
Locations C and D both have the same
1 prevailing wind direction
Which location has the longest duration of insolation on December 21?
(2) B
At which location will the Sun reach the highest angle above the horizon at solar noon?
(1) A
What is the circumference of the model globe?
(2) 60 cm
A Foucault pendulum appears to change its direction of swing due to the
2 spin of Earth on its axis
Which latitude and longitude coordinates represent a location on the continent of Australia?
(3) 20° S, 135° E
What is the approximate elevation at rid location 7-I?
(2) 170 ft
What is the possible elevation at point X (grid location 3-D)?
(2) 548 ft
If a person at point W (grid location 2-B) travels uphill, in which direction is the person traveling?
4 southeast
What is the gradient of the entire length of the Excelsior River?
(2) 11 ft/mi
Which profile best represents the topography along a straight line from point Z (6-B) to point Y (2-M)?
The pressure at the interface between the mantle and the outer core of Earth is inferred to be approximately
(2) 1.4 million atmospheres
The best evidence that Earth spins on its axis is the motion of
(4) a Foucault pendulum
Why does the oceanic crust sink beneath the continental crust at a subduction boundary?
(1) The oceanic crust has a greater density.
What is the approximate location of the Canary Islands hot spot?
(3) 32° N 18° W
Which New York State river flows generally southward?
(4) Hudson River
On the map provided below, draw the 60-foot contour line. Make sure that the contour line extends to the
edges of the map.
Allow credit for correctly drawing the 60-foot contour line. It must extend to the edges of the map to
receive credit. If other contour lines are drawn, all lines must be correct to receive credit.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, this example:
Toward which general compass direction does Elma Creek flow?
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
south
southerly direction
north to south
Calculate the gradient between points A and B. Label the answer with the correct units.
Allow credit for the value of 20 (±1).
and
Allow credit for correct units. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
feet/mile
ft/mi
feet per mile
The Moon has many more impact craters visible on its surface than Earth has on its surface.
State two reasons that Earth has so few visible impact craters.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Friction from Earth’s atmosphere causes many meteors to burn up.
Many meteors fall into the ocean so craters aren’t visible.
Old craters are eroded away.
Vegetative growth may hide evidence of a crater.
Plate tectonics has destroyed some craters.
Deposition has buried some craters.
As a ship crosses the Prime Meridian, an observer on the ship measures the altitude of Polaris at 60°.
What is the ship’s location?
(2) 60° north latitude and 0° longitude
On the grid provided below, construct a topographic profile along line AB, by plotting a point for the
elevation of each contour line that crosses line AB and connecting the points with a smooth, curved line to
complete the profile.
Allow credit if 12 to 14 points are plotted correctly and are correctly connected with a smooth, curved
line and the line extends below the lowest plotted points to show the valley.
Note: The center of the plotted point must be on the horizontal line within the circle shown.
Allow credit even if the points are not visible, but the line is visible within the circle.
Allow credit even if the student uses a symbol other than a dot.
Do not allow credit if a straight line is drawn between the lowest plotted points or if the valley extends
to the next elevation line or below.
It is recommended that an overlay be used to ensure uniformity in scoring.
The correct responses are shown below.
Calculate the gradient of Long Creek between points C and D and label the answer with the correct units.
Allow credit for 27.6 (±2.0)
and
Allow credit for
At which latitude is the observer located?
(1) the Equator (0°)
An island measures 10 kilometers from east to west and 8 kilometers from north to south. A single hill on the
east side of the island has a maximum elevation of 57 meters and is steepest to the north. In the box provided
below, draw a simple contour map to represent this island, using a distance scale of
1 centimeter = 1 kilometer and a contour interval of 10 meters.
Allow credit if the island is drawn the correct size (±0.5 cm).
and
Allow credit if the hill is placed on the east side of the island.
and
Allow credit if the contour lines are closest together on the north side of the hill.
and
Allow credit if five closed contour lines are used to indicate the hill on the island. These lines do
not include the edge of the island.
Note: Allow credit even if the contour lines are not labeled and if a graphic scale is not included.
An example of a correctly drawn island is shown below.
The best evidence that Earth spins on its axis is provided by
(2) apparent shifts in the swing of a Foucault pendulum
Compared to Earth’s crust, Earth’s core is believed to be
(3) more dense, hotter, and composed of more iron
Earth’s troposphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere contain relatively large amounts of which element?
(2) oxygen
On the grid provided below, construct a topographic profile representing the cross-sectional view between
point A and point B, following the directions below.
a Plot the elevation of the land along line AB by marking, with a dot, the elevation of each point where a
contour line is crossed by line AB.
b Connect the dots with a smooth, curved line to complete the topographic profile.
a Allow credit if 15 to 18 points are plotted correctly on the elevation line (within ±2.5 mm
horizontally).
Note: Allow credit if the student uses some other symbol instead of dots.
b Allow credit for drawing a smooth, curved line that shows hilltops above the horizontal elevation
lines and valleys extending below the horizontal elevation lines. Do not allow credit for flat hilltops
or flat valleys drawn exactly on the horizontal elevation line. Hilltops’ elevations should be between
300 and 325, and 200 and 250. The valley-bottom elevation should be between 100 and 150.
or
If the points have been plotted incorrectly, the hilltops should be drawn so that the peaks are within
the interval above the highest plotted elevations and the valley is within the interval below the
lowest plotted valley elevation.
What is the average gradient, in feet per mile, along the straight line from point C to point D?
25 ft/mi (±1)
On the United States time zone map provided below, indicate the standard time in each time zone when it is
9 a.m. in the Central Time Zone. The dashed lines represent the standard-time meridians for each time zone.
Be sure to indicate the time for all three zones.
Allow credit for all three times indicated correctly. Pacific is 7 a.m.; Mountain is 8 a.m.; and Eastern
is 10 a.m.
What is the latitude of this observer?
(1) 43°N
Solar time is based on the position of the Sun. If the solar time is 1 p.m. at location X, at which location is the
solar time 5 p.m.?
(2) B
In which layer of Earth’s interior is the pressure inferred to be 1.0 million atmospheres?
(4) stiffer mantle
Which element is most abundant in Earth’s lithosphere?
(1) oxygen
Calculate the gradient of the slope along the dashed line between points G and H on the map. Label the
answer with the correct units.
50 (±3)
and
Allow credit for the correct unit feet per mile or ft/mi.
Note: Do not allow credit for ft/m.
State how the shape of the contour lines crossing the Green River indicates that this river flows toward the
southeast.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Contour lines that cross the Green River bend in the opposite direction of river flow.
Contour lines bend upstream when crossing the Green River.
Contour lines that cross the river form V-shapes. The point of each V-shape indicates the uphill or
upstream direction.
Which letter represents the highest elevation?
D
Explain how the contour lines on the map indicate that the location labeled “Steep Cliff ” is accurately
named.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Contour lines are extremely close together.
The most closely spaced contour lines indicate the steepest gradient.
Earth’s outer core and inner core are both inferred to be
(3) composed of a high percentage of iron
The density of Earth’s crust is
(3) less than the density of both the outer core and the mantle
On each topographic map below, the straight-line distance from point A to point B is 5 kilometers.
Which topographic map shows the steepest gradient between A and B?
Which graph best represents the profile from point B to point C?
What is the elevation of point A on the topographic map?
(1) 1,700 ft
What is the approximate gradient between point X and point Y?
(4) 1,000 ft/mi
At the end of the Ice Age, the valley now occupied by Cayuta Creek was a channel for southward flowing
glacial meltwater. Into which present-day river valley did this meltwater most likely flow?
(4) Susquehanna River
Which evidence best supports the inference that the meltwater river that once occupied the Cayuta Creek
valley was larger than the modern Cayuta Creek?
(2) The valley floor is wider than the modern Cayuta Creek.
The length of an Earth day is determined by the time required for approximately one
(1) Earth rotation
Which profile best represents the topography along the dashed line from point X to point Y?
Mill River generally flows toward the
(3) northeast
What is the elevation of point Z?
(2) 220 m
Explain briefly how the map can be used to determine that Jones Creek is flowing westward into Jones Lake.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Contour lines bend upstream where they cross a stream. They bend east along Jones Creek.
Water flows from higher to lower elevations, and Jones Creek is higher in elevation on the east
side of the map.
Determine the gradient from point A to point B by following the directions below.
a Write the equation for determining the gradient.
b Substitute data from the map into the equation.
c Calculate the gradient and label it with the proper units.
a Allow no credit for writing the equation.
b Allow credit for correctly substituting both acceptable measurements into the equation given in part
a. The student need not record the units. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these
examples:
c Allow credit for correctly calculating the gradient value of 100 [±5].
and
Allow credit for recording the proper units of ft/mi.
On the grid provided below, construct a profile of the land surface between point C and point D by following
the directions below.
a Plot the elevations along line CD by marking with a dot each point where an isoline is crossed by line CD.
b Connect the dots to complete the profile.
a Allow credit if seven to ten points are correctly plotted.
b Allow credit for correctly connecting all the plotted points. The bottom of the valley must extend
below 260 feet.
The best evidence that Earth rotates is provided by the
(2) movement of Foucault pendulums and the Coriolis effect on air movement
Which observable change would occur in New York State if Earth’s rate of rotation were one-half its present
rate?
(2) The length of a day would be longer.
According to the graph, what is the approximate number of days each year that thunderstorms occur at
locations along the 40° N parallel of latitude?
(2) 18 days
Which inference about tides is best made from this graph?
(4) The tidal change is cyclic.
According to the pattern shown on the graph, the next high tide will occur on the following day at
approximately
(2) 2:00 a.m.
On the grid provided below, construct a topographic profile from point A to point B, following the directions
below.
a Write numbers along the vertical axis to show an appropriate scale for the elevations crossed by line AB.
Your number scale should label at least half of the lines along the vertical axis and should not extend beyond
the grid provided.
b Plot the elevation along line AB by marking an X at each point where a contour line is crossed. Point A and
point B have been plotted for you.
c Connect all the Xs to complete a profile that accurately reflects the elevation of the land.
a Allow credit for an appropriate vertical scale that fits on the grid according to the directions given
on the test.
b Allow credit if nine to twelve Xs are correctly plotted according to the student’s scale.
c Allow credit if all the student-plotted Xs are correctly connected. The line must dip below the 600-ft
elevation but not below the 590-ft elevation to receive credit.
An example of an acceptable response is shown below.
State a possible elevation for point C on the map.
Allow credit for any response greater than 700 but less than 710 feet.
If Mercado Dam ruptured, the first floodwater would take exactly 4 hours to reach the town of Lawson. In
the space provided below, calculate the average rate of travel for the leading edge of the floodwater. Label
your answer with the correct units.
rate = 8 and miles/hour or mi/hr
Identify two emergency preparedness activities that town officials in Lawson could take before a dam failure
to protect people and property from the flood.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Lawson could build a levee to protect the houses in the lower areas.
An early warning system could be implemented and practiced so people have time to evacuate
the area.
establish emergency procedures that would be followed if the dam broke
designate safe emergency shelters
prevent further development in flood-prone areas
The length of an Earth year is based on Earth’s
(4) revolution of approximately 1°/day
Earth’s hydrosphere is best described as the
(2) liquid outer layer of Earth
On Earth, the solar time difference between point A and point B would be
(2) 5 hours
What is the latitude and longitude of point L?
(4) 5° S 30° W
Ocean tides are best described as
(3) predictable and cyclic
The apparent shift in the direction of swing of a Foucault pendulum is caused by Earth’s
(2) rotation
State the evidence shown on the map that indicates that the area directly north of Hidden Lake is relatively
flat.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Lack of contour lines indicates a relatively flat area.
The stream shows meanders.
The contour lines are spaced far apart.
a State the general compass direction in which the stream is flowing.
b State how contour lines provide the evidence for determining this direction.
a north or northeast or north northeast.
b Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Contour lines bend upstream.
Streams flow from higher contours to lower contours.
Streams flow opposite the apex of the contour lines.
On the grid provided below, draw a profile of the landscape along the bicycle trail from point P to point Q by
following the directions below.
a Plot the elevation along line PQ by marking with a dot each point where a contour line is crossed by line
PQ. Point P and point Q have been plotted for you.
b Connect the dots to complete the profile.
a Allow credits if 8 to 10 points are plotted correctly.
b Allow credit for correctly connecting all the plotted points. The high point of the profile must
be greater than 600 ft but less than 620 ft.
The students decided to measure the speed of the stream by floating apples down a straight section of the
stream. Describe the steps the students must take to determine the stream’s surface rate of movement (speed)
by using a stopwatch, a 10-foot rope, and several apples. Include the equation for calculating rate.
Allow credit for measuring the distance with the rope.
and
Allow credit for timing the apples.
and
Allow credit for a correct equation. Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these
examples:
While exploring the stream, a student found a rock containing a trilobite fossil. Name the most likely type of
rock this student found.
sedimentary or any specific type of sedimentary rock
State the geologic era during which the rock containing the trilobite most likely formed.
Paleozoic Era
The next day the students decided to move their campsite 1 mile directly east of their original campsite. On
the map provided below, place another campsite symbol, ▲, to indicate the location of their second
campsite.
Allow credit for correctly indicating on the map the location of the second campsite (±0.2 mi).
The students decided to take a different route home to avoid riding their bicycles up the steep hill. Plan a
return route that will take the campers back to point P and that will involve the least change in elevation
during the trip. On the map provided above, draw a line from the second campsite to point P to show the
route. Place arrows on the line to show the direction that the students will be traveling.
Allow credit for either route shown on the map above or for any other appropriate route from the
student’s plotted campsite on which the 500-foot contour line is crossed only once.
When the time of day for a certain ship at sea is 12 noon, the time of day at the Prime Meridian (0°
longitude) is 5 p.m. What is the ship’s longitude?
(3) 75° W
Earth’s outer core is best inferred to be
(2) liquid, with an average density of approximately 11 g/cm3
The Coriolis effect provides evidence that Earth
(1) rotates
In the space provided below, determine the gradient of Squab Hollow Creek between point X and point Y by
following the directions below.
a Using the Earth Science Reference Tables, write the equation used to determine the gradient.
b Substitute values into the equation.
c Solve the equation and label the answer with the correct units.
a Allow no credit for writing the equation.
b Allow credit for substituting the value of both acceptable measurements into the equation given in
part a. Allow ±0.7 km. Allow credit even if the units are not given. Acceptable responses include, but
are not limited to, these examples:
c Allow credit for a response that correctly solves the equation with the numerical substitutions that
are consistent with the student’s answer to part b.
and
Allow credit for the correct units (m/km) that are consistent with the student’s answer to part b.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Describe one way to determine the direction of flow of Coover Hollow Creek from information shown on the
map.
Acceptable responses should indicate an understanding of map reading. Acceptable responses include,
but are not limited to, these examples:
Contour lines bend upstream when crossing the creek.
The stream flows from higher elevations toward lower elevations.
Note: Do not allow credit for water flows downhill from the source toward the mouth.
Based on the latitude and longitude coordinates given, identify the New York State landscape region in
which this map region is located.
Allegheny Plateau or Appalachian Plateau
The planetary winds in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere generally curve to the right due to Earth’s
(2) spin on its axis
State the general compass direction in which Maple Stream is flowing.
south southwest or SSW or south or S or southwest or SW
Calculate the gradient between points Y and Z on the map, and label the answer with the correct units.
6 or 6.0 (±0.3)
and
feet/mile or ft/mi
Describe the evidence shown on the map that indicates that the southern side of Holland Hill has the steepest
slope.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Contour lines are closer together on the southern section of the hill.
The south side has the greatest change in elevation per mile.
On the grid provided below, construct a topographic profile from point A to point B by following the
directions below.
a Plot the elevation along line AB by marking with an X each point where a contour line is crossed by line
AB. Points A and B have been plotted for you.
b Complete the profile by correctly connecting the plotted points with a smooth, curved line.
a Allow credit if seven or eight student-plotted Xs are plotted correctly.
Note: The center of each student-plotted X must fall within the X on the scoring grid.
Allow credit even if the student uses a symbol other than X.
b Allow credit if the student-plotted Xs are properly connected with a smooth, curved line. The Aurora
hilltop must be greater than 530 but less than 535. The low point of the profile must be less than 510
feet but greater than 500 feet.
The correct profile is shown below.