Download Water Cycle and Climates Test Prep

Water Cycle and Climates Test Prep
Changing the color of the roof of a house from light to dark would probably increase the amount of solar
energy that is
1 reflected
2 created
3 insulated
4 absorbed
The graph below shows air temperatures on a clear summer day from 7 a.m. to 12 noon at two locations, one
in Florida and one in New York State.
Air temperature rose slightly faster in Florida than in New York State because Florida
1 has a lower angle of insolation
2 has a higher angle of insolation
3 is closer to the Prime Meridian
4 is farther from the Prime Meridian
The cross section below shows two compartments of water of equal volume insulated by Styrofoam and
separated by a metal dividing wall, forming a closed energy system.
When the temperature of the water in compartment A decreases by 10 C°, the temperature of the water in
compartment B will
1 remain unchanged
2 decrease by only 5 C°
3 decrease by approximately 10 C°
4 increase by approximately 10 C°
During a heavy rainstorm, soil samples A and B both became saturated with water. However, 10 minutes
after the storm ended, the soils appeared as shown below.
Which statement best explains the observed change in the water content of the soil samples?
1 The permeability of B is greater than the permeability of A.
2 The porosity of B is greater than the porosity of A.
3 The capillarity of B is greater than the capillarity of A.
4 The surface runoff at B is greater than the surface runoff at A.
The cross section below represents a forested area in New York State.
During heavy rainfall, the greatest amount of runoff should occur in which two sections of the forest?
(1) A and B
(2) B and D
(3) C and E
(4) D and E
The graph below shows the average temperatures for cities A and B for 1 year.
Where are these two cities most likely located?
1 Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, with city A inland and city B on the coast.
2 Both cities are in the Southern Hemisphere, with city A inland and city B on the coast.
3 Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, with city A on the coast and city B inland.
4 Both cities are in the Southern Hemisphere, with city A on the coast and city B inland.
Measurements of a stream taken over 5 years indicate that its velocity has decreased. The stream’s decreased
velocity was most likely caused by
1 an increase in atmospheric transparency
2 an increase in atmospheric surface winds
3 a decrease in gradient
4 a decrease in transpiration
Which factor most likely causes two cities at the same elevation and latitude to have different yearly average
temperature ranges?
(1) rotation of Earth
(2) duration of insolation
(3) distance from a large body of water
(4) direction of prevailing winds
Which set of surface soil conditions on a hillside would result in the most infiltration of rainfall?
(1) gentle slope, saturated soil, no vegetation
(2) gentle slope, unsaturated soil, vegetation
(3) steep slope, saturated soil, vegetation
(4) steep slope, unsaturated soil, no vegetation
Which component of Earth’s atmosphere is classified as a greenhouse gas?
(1) oxygen
(2) carbon dioxide
(3) helium
(4) hydrogen
Equal volumes of the four samples shown below were placed outside and heated by energy from the Sun’s
rays for 30 minutes.
The surface temperature of which sample increased at the slowest rate?
(1) water
(2) copper pennies
(3) basaltic sand
(4) iron fragments
Base your answers to the following 3 questions on the information below, which describes the past and
present climate of Antarctica, and on your knowledge of Earth science.
Antarctica’s ice sheet has an average thickness of 6600 feet and holds approximately 70% of Earth’s
freshwater. Ice layers in Antarctica preserve information about Earth’s history. Fossil evidence found in the
bedrock of this continent shows that Antarctica was once tropical and is a potential source of untapped
natural resources. Antarctica is now a frozen desert with very little snowfall.
Explain why Antarctica’s cold climate is responsible for its very low amount of yearly precipitation.
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What evidence is preserved in Antarctica that provides information about Earth’s past climates?
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Scientists are concerned that the Antarctic ice may melt as the result of global warming. State one effect that
this melting would most likely have on Long Island, New York.
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If Earth’s axis were tilted less than 23.5°, which seasonal average temperature change would occur in New
York State?
(1) Spring and fall would be cooler.
(2) Spring and fall would be warmer.
(3) Winter would be cooler.
(4) Summer would be cooler.
Large oceans moderate the climatic temperatures of surrounding coastal land areas because the temperature
of ocean water changes
(1) rapidly, due to water’s low specific heat
(2) rapidly, due to water’s high specific heat
(3) slowly, due to water’s low specific heat
(4) slowly, due to water’s high specific heat
The arrows in the cross section below show the prevailing winds moving across northern New York State
into Vermont during the summer.
Compared to the climate of location A, the climate of location B is
(1) warmer and wetter
(2) warmer and drier
(3) cooler and wetter
(4) cooler and drier
London, England, is located at approximately 51° 30' north latitude and 0° longitude. Elmira, New York, is
located at approximately 42° 10' north latitude and 76° 54' west longitude. What is one reason why London
has a warmer average winter temperature than Elmira?
(1) London is located closer to the equator.
(2) London is located at a higher elevation.
(3) London’s climate is modified by the North Atlantic Ocean Current.
(4) London’s climate is modified by its longer duration of insolation.
In which diagram is the observer experiencing the greatest intensity of insolation?
Base your answers to the following 2 questions on the two graphs below, which show the relationship
between the amount of rainfall during a storm and the amount of discharge into a nearby stream. Letter A
represents the time when approximately 50% of the precipitation from the storm has fallen. Letter B
represents the time when peak runoff from the storm is flowing into the stream. The delay is the difference in
time between letters A and B on the graph. Graph I shows data before urbanization in an area. Graph II shows
data after urbanization in the same area.
The delay time between points A and B on both graphs is due mainly to the time needed for
(1) groundwater to evaporate
(2) precipitation water to move into the streams
(3) green plants to absorb precipitation
(4) rainfall rate to decrease
How did urbanization affect delay time between points A and B and the maximum stream discharge?
(1) The delay time decreased, and the maximum discharge decreased.
(2) The delay time decreased, and the maximum discharge increased.
(3) The delay time increased, and the maximum discharge decreased.
(4) The delay time increased, and the maximum discharge increased.
Base your answers to the following 2 questions on the cross section below, which represents part of Earth’s
water cycle. Letters A, B, C, and D represent processes that occur during the cycle. The level of the water
table and the extent of the zone of saturation are shown.
Which two letters represent processes in the water cycle that usually cause a lowering of the water table?
(1) A and B
(2) A and C
(3) B and D
(4) C and D
What are two water cycle processes not represented by arrows in this cross section?
(1) transpiration and condensation
(2) evaporation and melting
(3) precipitation and freezing
(4) runoff and infiltration
When electromagnetic energy travels from air into water, the waves are bent due to the density differences
between the air and water. This bending is called
1 reflection
2 refraction
3 scattering
4 absorption
Why are carbon dioxide and water vapor called the greenhouse gases?
1 They are found in varying amounts in Earth’s atmosphere.
2 They are found in fixed amounts in Earth’s bedrock.
3 They are good reflectors of infrared radiation.
4 They are good absorbers of infrared radiation.
Base your answers to the following 2 questions on the diagram below. Soil and water were heated for 10
minutes from a starting temperature of 20°C.
What were the rates of heating for the soil and Water?
1 soil: 1.8°C/min; water: 0.4°C/min
2 soil: 9°C/min; water: 2°C/min
3 soil: 20°C/min; water: 20°C/min
4 soil: 38°C/min; water: 24°C/min
After the heat lamp is turned off and removed from the area, how will the cooling rates of the soil and water
compare?
1 The soil will cool faster because it is a good reflector.
2 The soil will cool faster because it has a lower specific heat.
3 The water will cool faster because it is a good absorber.
4 The water will cool faster because it has a higher specific heat.
Insolation is often converted into potential energy by
1 evaporation of water from the oceans
2 formation of fog in a valley
3 freezing of water droplets on a highway
4 precipitation of rain from a thunderstorm
The diagram below shows Earth as viewed from space on December 21.
The longest duration of insolation on December 21 will occur at
(1) 90° N
(2) 30° N
(3) 30° S
(4) 90° S
The flowchart below shows one process by which moisture enters the atmosphere.
The last step of this process is known as
1 condensation
2 convection
3 radiation
4 transpiration
Surface runoff is most likely to be greatest when rainfall lands on a soil surface that is
1 porous and flat
2 porous and gently sloping
3 impermeable and gently sloping
4 unsaturated and flat
The map below shows the major climate zones on Earth.
The primary factor controlling these climate zones is
1 elevation
2 solar time
3 latitude
4 longitude
Which soil-property measurement usually is greater when particles are fine than when particles are coarse?
1 infiltration
2 capillarity
3 porosity
4 permeability rate
Humus, which is formed by the decay of plant and animal matter, is important for the formation of most
1 soils
2 minerals
3 sediment
4 surface bedrock
Base your answers to the following 5 questions on the water budget table shown below and on your
knowledge of Earth Science. The table contains part of the data for the months of May, June, July, and
August. The values shown are in millimeters of water. Maximum storage is 100 millimeters.
The major moisture source for all water budgets is
1 vegetation
2 precipitation
3 ground water
4 stream discharge
Which month has the potential for evaporating and transpiring the most water?
1 May
2 June
3 July
4 August
The difference between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration in May is shown as a surplus of 15
millimeters. This 15-millimeter surplus of water usually becomes part of the
1 bedrock
2 vegetation
3 soil storage
4 stream discharge
What is the actual evapotranspiration at this location during July?
(1) 0 mm
(2) 85 mm
(3) 128 mm
(4) 176 mm
What is a characteristic of the water budget at this location in the month of August?
1 A deficit occurs.
2 Soil moisture is recharged.
3 Change in storage is 76 mm of water.
4 Actual evapotranspiration is equal to potential evapotranspiration.
Base your answers to the following 5 questions on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the diagram and table
below, and your knowledge of Earth science. The diagram shows a cross section of a solar-energy collecting
system constructed as a portion of a wall of a house. The table gives the house temperatures during a spring
day. No other heat source is available for the house.
For maximum absorption of solar radiation, the energy-absorbing surface should be
1 smooth and light colored
2 smooth and dark colored
3 rough and light colored
4 rough and dark colored
What is the purpose of the clear glass covering of this solar collector?
1 The glass radiates infrared energy.
2 the glass radiates ultraviolet energy.
3 The glass allows short-wave radiation to enter and traps long-wave reradiation.
4 The glass allows long-wave radiation to enter and traps short-wave reradiation.
In New York State, on which exterior wall should the solar collector be placed to receive the most
insolation?
1 a north-facing wall
2 a south-facing wall
3 an east-facing wall
4 a west-facing wall
When did the maximum air temperature occur in the house?
1 just before sunrise
2 just before the time of maximum angle of insolation for the day
3 just after the time of the maximum angle of insolation for the day
4 just after sunset
Which diagram best represents the direction of air flow through the system under normal solar heating
conditions?
What is the dewpoint when the dry-bulb temperature is 16°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 12°C?
(1) -19°C
(2) -16°C
(3) 7°C
(4) 9°C
Compared to an inland location, a location on an ocean shore at the same elevation and latitude is likely to
have
(1) cooler winters and cooler summers
(2) cooler winters and warmer summers
(3) warmer winters and cooler summers
(4) warmer winters and warmer summers
During nighttime cooling, most of the energy radiated by Earth’s oceans into space is
(1) ultraviolet rays
(2) gamma rays
(3) visible light rays
(4) infrared rays
Which two ocean currents are both warm currents that primarily flow away from the equator?
(1) Guinea Current and Labrador Current
(2) Brazil Current and Agulhas Current
(3) Alaska Current and Falkland Current
(4) Canaries Current and Gulf Stream Current
Base your answers to the following 2 questions on the data table below, which lists the apparent diameter of
the Sun, measured in minutes and seconds of a degree, as it appears to an observer in New York State.
(Apparent diameter is how large an object appears to an observer.)
On the grid provided below, graph the data shown on the table by marking with a dot the apparent diameter
of the Sun for each date listed and connecting the dots with a smooth, curved line.
Explain why the apparent diameter of the Sun changes throughout the year as Earth revolves around the Sun.
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Base your answers to the following 4 questions on the diagram below, which shows observations made by a
sailor who left his ship and landed on a small deserted island on June 21. The diagram represents the
apparent path of the Sun and the position of Polaris, as observed by the sailor on this island.
On the diagram provided above, draw an arrow on the June 21 path of the Sun to show the Sun’s direction of
apparent movement from sunrise to sunset.
The sailor was still on the island on September 23. On the diagram provided above, draw the Sun’s apparent
path for September 23, as it would have appeared to the sailor. Be sure your September 23 path indicates the
correct altitude of the noon Sun and begins and ends at the correct points on the horizon.
Based on the sailor’s observations, what is the latitude of this island? Include the units and the compass
direction in your answer.
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The sailor observed a 1-hour difference between solar noon on the island and solar noon at his last measured
longitude onboard his ship. How many degrees of longitude is the island from the sailor’s last measured
longitude onboard his ship?
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The diagram below shows the altitude of the Sun at solar noon on March 21, as seen by an observer at 42° N
latitude.
Compared to the altitude of the Sun observed at solar noon on March 21, the altitude of the Sun observed at
solar noon on June 21 will be
(1) 15° higher in the sky
(2) 23.5° higher in the sky
(3) 42° higher in the sky
(4) 48° higher in the sky
In the Northern Hemisphere, planetary winds blowing from north to south are deflected, or curved, toward
the west. This deflection is caused by the
(1) unequal heating of land and water surfaces
(2) movement of low-pressure weather systems
(3) orbiting of Earth around the Sun
(4) spinning of Earth on its axis
On a day with no wind, the air temperature outside a house is 10°C. The air temperature inside the house is
18°C. Which diagram best represents the air circulation pattern that is most likely to occur when a window of
the house is first opened?
Most of the Gulf Stream Ocean Current is
(1) warm water that flows southwestward
(2) warm water that flows northeastward
(3) cool water that flows southwestward
(4) cool water that flows northeastward
Snowfall is rare at the South Pole because the air over the South Pole is usually
(1) rising and moist
(2) rising and dry
(3) sinking and moist
(4) sinking and dry
Base your answers to the following 3 questions on the graph below, which shows the amount of insolation
during one year at four different latitudes on Earth’s surface.
This graph shows that insolation varies with
(1) latitude and time of day
(2) latitude and time of year
(3) longitude and time of day
(4) longitude and time of year
Why is less insolation received at the equator in June than in March or September?
(1) The daylight period is longest at the equator in June.
(2) Winds blow insolation away from the equator in June.
(3) The Sun’s vertical rays are north of the equator in June.
(4) Thick clouds block the Sun’s vertical rays at the equator in June.
Why is insolation 0 cal/cm2/min from October through February at 90° N?
(1) Snowfields reflect sunlight during that time.
(2) Dust in the atmosphere blocks sunlight during that time.
(3) The Sun is continually below the horizon during that time.
(4) Intense cold prevents insolation from being absorbed during that time.
Base your answers to the following 3 questions on the cross section and bar graph below. The cross section
shows a portion of Earth’s crust along the western coast of the United States. The points show different
locations on Earth’s surface. The arrows show the prevailing wind direction. The bar below each point shows
the yearly precipitation at that location.
Explain why the valleys have lower amounts of precipitation than points on the western slopes of the
mountain ranges.
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What is the yearly precipitation total for the four points located in the Coastal Mountain Ranges?
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State one reason why colder temperatures would be recorded at the top of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
than at the top of the Coastal Mountain Ranges.
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Which statement best explains why water in a glass becomes colder when ice cubes are added?
1 The water changes into ice.
2 Heat flows from the water to the ice cubes.
3 Water is less dense than ice.
4 Ice has a higher specific heat than water.
Which observation is a direct result of the 23½ ° tilt of Earth’s axis as Earth orbits the Sun?
1 Locations on Earth’s Equator receive 12 hours of daylight every day.
2 The apparent diameter of the Sun shows predictable changes in size.
3 A Foucault pendulum shows predictable shifts in its direction of swing.
4 Winter occurs in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time that summer occurs in the Northern
Hemisphere.
Pieces of lead, copper, iron, and granite, each having a mass of 1 kilogram and a temperature of 100°C, were
removed from a container of boiling water and allowed to cool under identical conditions. Which piece most
likely cooled to room temperature first?
1 copper
2 lead
3 iron
4 granite
Earth’s surface air temperatures change less during cloudy nights than during clear nights because clouds
reflect and water vapor absorbs
1 visible light
2 ultraviolet light
3 infrared radiation
4 gamma radiation
Locations in New York State are warmest in summer because sunlight in summer is
1 least intense and of shortest duration
2 least intense and of longest duration
3 most intense and shortest duration
4 most intense and of longest duration
A parcel of air has a dry-bulb temperature of 16°C and a wet-bulb temperature of 10°C. What are the
dewpoint and relative humidity of the air?
(1) -5°C dewpoint and 33% relative humidity
(2) -5°C dewpoint and 45% relative humidity
(3) 4°C dewpoint and 33% relative humidity
(4) 4°C dewpoint and 45% relative humidity
Base your answers to the following 5 questions on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the diagrams below,
and your knowledge of Earth science. Diagrams I shows a house located in New York State. Diagram II
shows a solar collector that the homeowner is using to help heat the house.
Air leaves the outlet of the solar collector because the air within the solar collector becomes
1 cooler and less dense
2 cooler and more dense
3 warmer and less dense
4 warmer and more dense
The homeowner decides to install carpet on the floor in the room that receives the most sunlight. A carpet
with which characteristics would absorb the most insolation?
1 smooth texture and light color
2 smooth texture and dark color
3 rough texture and light color
4 rough texture and dark color
Which sequence best describes the pattern of energy transfer affecting the solar collector?
1 Sun (radiation)  collector panel (conduction and radiation)  air in collector (convection)
2 Sun (convection)  collector panel (convection and radiation)  air in collector (radiation)
3 Sun (conduction)  collector panel (conduction and convection)  air in collector (conduction)
4 Sun (conduction and convection)  collector panel (radiation)  air in collector (radiation)
For the angle of the Sun’s rays shown, which side view best represents the correct placement of the solar
collector to absorb the maximum amount of insolation?
Which diagram best represents the apparent path of the Sun on June 21 for this location?
What is the total number of calories required to melt 100 grams of ice at 0°C to liquid water at 0°C?
(1) 5,400 cal
(2) 8,000 cal
(3) 54,000 cal
(4) 80,000 cal
Which process requires the most absorption of energy by water?
1 melting 1 gram of ice
2 condensing 1 gram of water vapor
3 vaporizing 1 gram of liquid water
4 freezing 1 gram of liquid water
A barefoot student steps on a hot concrete surface. Most of the heat transferred to the student’s skin by this
contact is by the process of
1 convection
2 conduction
3 vaporization
4 radiation
How do the rates of warming and cooling of land surfaces compare to the rates of warming and cooling of
ocean surfaces?
1 Land surfaces warm faster and cool more slowly.
2 Land surfaces warm more slowly and cool faster.
3 Land surfaces warm faster and cool faster.
4 Land surfaces warm more slowly and cool more slowly.
Which current is a cool ocean current that flows completely around Earth?
1 California Current
2 Gulf Stream
3 West Wind Drift
4 North Equatorial Current
The cross section below represents a portion of the coastal mountains in the western United States. Location
X is near the shore of the Pacific Ocean, and location Y is on the eastern slope of the mountains. Prevailing
winds are from west to east.
Compared to the climate at location X, the climate at location Y is
1 warmer and drier
2 warmer and wetter
3 cooler and drier
4 cooler and wetter
The diagram below shows the relative thickness of soil and major vegetation at various latitudes on Earth.
The development of thick soils is most closely associated with areas that have a
1 small amount of vegetation and low yearly precipitation
2 small amount of vegetation and high yearly precipitation
3 large amount of vegetation and low yearly precipitation
4 large amount of vegetation and high yearly precipitation
Base your answers to the following five questions on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the table below,
and your knowledge of Earth Science. The table is a summary of soil water budget information for four
United States cities, represented by letters W, X, Y, and Z. Symbols in the table indicate water budget
activity during each month.
For which city did ground-water storage become full in August?
(1) W
(2) X
(3) Y
(4) Z
The water budgets of cities X and Y have
1 surplus, but no deficit
2 deficit, but no surplus
3 surplus and deficit, but no recharge and usage
4 usage, deficit, recharge, and surplus
Which conditions caused the moisture deficits in these water budgets?
1 Precipitation was more than potential evapotranspiration, and ground storage was empty.
2 Precipitation was more than potential evapotranspiration, and ground storage was full.
3 Precipitation was less than potential evapotranspiration, and ground storage was empty.
4 Precipitation was less than potential evapotranspiration, and ground storage was full.
What is the most likely moisture source for these soil water budgets?
1 nearby lakes
2 precipitation
3 ground water
4 runoff
The four cities have their highest potential evapotranspiration values in July. Which statement best explains
this observation?
1 The lowest temperatures occur in July.
2 The highest temperatures occur in July.
3 The ground-water storage capacity is lowest in July.
4 The ground-water storage capacity is highest in July.
A parcel of air has a dry-bulb temperature of 18°C and a wet-bulb temperature of 10°C. What are the
dewpoint and the relative humidity?
(1) 5°C and 19%
(2) -5°C and 19%
(3) 2°C and 33%
(4) -2°C and 33%
Equal masses of granite, iron, basalt, and liquid water are at room temperature. Each substance then absorbs
the same amount of additional heat energy. Assuming no phase change, which substance would change least
in temperature?
1 granite
2 iron
3 basalt
4 liquid water
The temperature of water in a container was 60°C. Ten minutes later, the water temperature was 35°C. What
was the rate of cooling of the water?
(1) 25 C°/min
(2) 2.5 C°/min
(3) 35 C°/min
(4) 3.5 C°/min
What is the dewpoint when the dry-bulb temperature is 14°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 8°C?
(1) 1°C
(2) –9°C
(3) 6°C
(4) 22°C
The same amount of heat energy is added to equal masses of lead, iron, basalt, and water at room
temperature. Assuming no phase change takes place, which substance will have the smallest change in
temperature?
1 lead
2 iron
3 basalt
4 water
Earth’s coldest climates are near the North Pole and the South Pole mainly because, compared to the rest of
Earth’s surface, these regions
1 receive more total hours of daylight
2 receive less intense insolation
3 absorb a greater amount of insolation
4 are farther from the Sun
Which of the following Earth surfaces usually reflects the most incoming solar radiation?
1 snow cover
2 green grass
3 dark soil
4 lake water
The diagram below represents a plastic hemisphere upon which lines have been drawn to show the apparent
paths of the Sun at a location in New York State on the first day of each season. Letters A through I represent
points on the paths.
Which point represents the sunrise location on the first day of winter?
(1) G
(2) F
(3) E
(4) D
The graph below shows atmospheric temperature variations on Earth between 1956 and 1993. The dates of
three major volcanic eruptions are indicated.
What is the most probable reason that Earth’s atmospheric temperature decreased shortly after each major
volcanic eruption?
1 Water droplets produced by the eruptions absorbed terrestrial reradiation.
2 Ozone produced by the eruptions absorbed ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
3 Volcanic dust from the eruptions blocked insolation.
4 Carbon dioxide gas from the eruptions blocked terrestrial reradiation.
A container of water is placed in an open outdoor area so that the evaporation rate can be observed. The
water will most likely evaporate fastest when the weather is
1 cool, humid, and windy
2 cool, dry, and calm
3 warm, humid, and calm
4 warm, dry, and windy
Adjacent water and land surfaces have the same temperature at sunrise on a clear, calm day. A surface wind
develops after the water and land are heated by the Sun for a few hours. On which map do the arrows best
represent the direction of this wind?
The table below shows the relationship between total yearly precipitation (P) and potential
evapotranspiration (Ep) for different types of climates.
The total yearly precipitation (P) for a city in Texas is 218 millimeters. The total yearly potential
evapotranspiration (Ep) is 951 millimeters. Which type of climate does this city have?
1 humid
2 subhumid
3 semiarid
4 arid
What is the name of the cool ocean current that flows along the west coast of South America?
1 Brazil Current
2 Peru Current
3 South Equatorial Current
4 North Pacific Current
Base your answers to the following two questions on the graph below, which shows the average monthly
temperature of two cities, A and B.
The temperature in city B is highest in January and lowest in July because city B is located
1 on the side of a mountain
2 on an island
3 in the Southern Hemisphere
4 at the North Pole
Both cities have an average yearly temperature of 11°C, but city A has a much greater temperature range than
city B has because city A most likely
1 is closer to the Equator
2 is farther from a large body of water
3 has more rainfall
4 has stronger prevailing winds
A desert often forms on the leeward side of a mountain range, as shown in the cross section below.
After most of the moisture is removed from the air on the windward side, deserts form on the leeward side
because the sinking air
1 compresses and warms
2 compresses and cools
3 expands and warms
4 expands and cools
Base your answers to the following five questions on the diagram below and on your knowledge of Earth
science. The diagram represents four stations, A, B, C, and D, in a laboratory investigation in which equal
volumes of sand at the same starting temperature were heated by identical light sources. The light sources
were the same distance from each station, but at different angles to the surfaces. Two thermometers were
used at each station, one just above the surface and the other just below the surface. The lights were turned
on for 30 minutes and then removed for the next 30 minutes. Temperatures were recorded each minute for
the 60 minutes.
Most of the energy from the light sources was transferred to the sand by the process of
1 conduction
2 convection
3 radiation
4 transpiration
Which type of sand surface would most likely absorb the most radiation?
1 dark-colored smooth surface
2 dark-colored rough surface
3 light-colored smooth surface
4 light-colored rough surface
Which station received the least intense light energy?
(1) A
(2) B
(3) C
(4) D
After the light sources were removed, the electromagnetic energy radiated by the cooling sand was mostly
1 infrared rays
2 ultraviolet rays
3 gamma rays
4 visible light rays
Which graph best represents the temperatures that would be shown by thermometers 1 and 2 at station A?
Which process requires water to gain 540 calories of energy per gram?
(1) vaporization
(2) condensation
(3) melting
(4) freezing
Compared to the climate conditions of dry inland locations, the climate conditions of locations influenced by
a nearby ocean generally result in
(1) hotter summers and colder winters, with a larger annual range of temperatures
(2) hotter summers and colder winters, with a smaller annual range of temperatures
(3) cooler summers and warmer winters, with a larger annual range of temperatures
(4) cooler summers and warmer winters, with a smaller annual range of temperatures
Base your answers to the following four questions on the water cycle diagram shown below. Some arrows
are numbered 1 through 4 and represent various processes.
Which numbered arrow best represents the process of transpiration?
(1) 1
(2) 2
(3) 3
(4) 4
The clouds have formed primarily because moist air
(1) rises, expands, and cools
(2) rises, expands, and warms
(3) sinks, compresses, and cools
(4) sinks, compresses, and warms
For infiltration to occur, the ground must be
(1) permeable and saturated
(2) permeable and not saturated
(3) impermeable and saturated
(4) impermeable and not saturated
Which atmospheric condition is most likely responsible for the wind blowing the clouds from the sea toward
the land?
(1) high air temperature over the sea and low air temperature over the land
(2) high air pressure over the sea and low air pressure over the land
(3) low air density over the sea and high air density over the land
(4) low visibility over the sea and high visibility over the land
The diagram below represents a beaker of water that is being heated. As the colored dye pellet dissolves, the
dye will show the movement of water in the beaker. On the diagram, draw arrows in the water to show the
direction the colored dye will move when the water is heated as shown.
Base your answers to the following four questions on the three western New York State snowfall maps
below and on your knowledge of Earth science. The three maps represent three different winter seasons. The
isolines show the total inches of snowfall received each winter season. Some western New York State
counties are labeled on each map. The dotted line AB has been drawn on the 1991–1992 winter season map
Calculate the average snowfall gradient along the dotted line between points A and B on the 1991–1992
winter season map, and label your answer with the correct units.
Once the surface of Lake Erie completely freezes over with ice, the amount of snow from each snowstorm is
usually reduced. Explain why a covering of ice on Lake Erie may cause the amount of snow from
snowstorms to be reduced.
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On the grid below, draw a line graph to show the general relationship between the amount of snowfall
recorded in northern Erie County with the amount of snowfall recorded in southern Erie County, as shown on
the three snowfall maps.
On the map below that shows the total inches of snowfall received at various locations for the 1984–1985
winter season, draw the 120-inch snowfall isoline.
What is the relative humidity when the air temperature is 29°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 23°C?
(1) 6%
(2) 20%
(3) 54%
(4) 60%
The diagram below represents an aneroid barometer that shows the air pressure, in inches of mercury.
When converted to millibars, this air pressure is equal to
(1) 1009.0 mb
(2) 1012.5 mb
(3) 1015.5 mb
(4) 1029.9 mb
Which diagram best shows the Sun’s apparent path, as seen by an observer on July 21 in New York State?
The diagram below shows wind flowing over a mountain range.
As the wind flows down the leeward side of the mountain range, the air becomes
(1) cooler and drier
(2) cooler and wetter
(3) warmer and drier
(4) warmer and wetter
The cross section of a house is shown below. Open stairways allow air to move from one floor to another.
The ridge vent is an opening in the roof that allows air to move in or out of the attic.
During a windless summer day, the air inside this house is warmed by the Sun. In which cross section do the
arrows show the most likely air movement when the windows are opened?
Under identical conditions, which surface will reflect the greatest amount of insolation?
(1) a basaltic sand beach
(2) a pine tree forest
(3) a glacial ice sheet
(4) a blacktop parking lot
The diagram below shows a model of the water cycle. The arrows show the movement of water molecules
through the water cycle. The circled numbers represent the processes that occur as the water molecules reach
the different stages of the water cycle.
Complete the table below by identifying the name of the water cycle process occurring at each number.
Base your answers to the following five questions on the map and data tables below. The map shows the
location of Birdsville and Bundaberg in Australia. Data table 1 shows the average monthly high temperatures
for Birdsville. Data table 2 includes the latitude and longitude, elevation above sea level, and the average
rainfall in January for Birdsville and Bundaberg.
On the grid below, plot with an X the average monthly high temperatures for Birdsville, Australia. Connect
the Xs with a line. The average monthly high temperatures for Bundaberg have already been plotted on the
graph for you.
State one factor that could account for the difference between the average high temperatures recorded in
December for Birdsville and Bundaberg.
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State one reason for the difference in the average January rainfall for Birdsville and Bundaberg.
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Explain why Bundaberg will experience solar noon before Birdsville each day.
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On the map below, draw the 30° S latitude line.
How many calories are required to evaporate 1 gram of boiling water?
(1) 1
(2) 80
(3) 540
(4) 620
The diagram below shows how prevailing winds cause different weather conditions on the windward and
leeward sides of a mountain range.
Clouds usually form on the windward sides of mountains because this is where air
(1) rises and cools
(2) rises and warms
(3) sinks and cools
(4) sinks and warms
Which ocean current brings warm water to the western coast of Africa?
(1) Agulhas Current
(2) North Equatorial Current
(3) Canaries Current
(4) Guinea Current
What is the relative humidity if the dry-bulb temperature is 22°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 17°C?
(1) 5%
(2) 14%
(3) 60%
(4) 68%
Base your answers to the following two questions on the graph below, which shows air temperature,
dewpoint, and present weather conditions for a 23-hour period at Dallas, Texas.
The thunderstorm that occurred between 11 p.m. and 12 midnight was most likely the result of
(1) the arrival of a warm front
(2) the arrival of a cold front
(3) an increase in the difference between air temperature and dewpoint
(4) an increase in both air temperature and dewpoint
Which weather condition was reported at Dallas when the air temperature was equal to the dewpoint?
(1) fog
(2) rain
(3) thunderstorm
(4) drizzle
Base your answers to the following two questions on the isoline map below, which shows the average yearly
precipitation, in inches, across New York State.
Which New York State landscape region receives the greatest average yearly precipitation?
(1) Catskills
(2) Tug Hill Plateau
(3) Adirondack Mountains
(4) Taconic Mountains
Approximately how many inches of average yearly precipitation does Rochester, New York, receive?
(1) 26
(2) 30
(3) 38
(4) 42
Base your answers to the following three questions on the graph below, which shows the average monthly
temperatures for a year for city X and city Y. Both cities are located at the same latitude.
What was the range in the average monthly temperatures for city Y during the year?
Explain why city X has a greater difference between summer and winter temperatures than city Y.
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What evidence shown on the graph indicates that both cities, X and Y, are located in the Northern
Hemisphere?
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The cartoon below presents a humorous look at science.
The correct explanation of why ice floats is that, compared to liquid water, solid ice
1 has less mass
2 has more mass
3 is less dense
4 is more dense
The diagram below shows a melting ice cube.
Which statement best describes the energy transfer?
1 The meltwater is a heat source and the surrounding air is a heat sink.
2 The meltwater and ice cube are both heat sources.
3 The ice cube and surrounding air are both heat sources.
4 The cube is a heat sink and the surrounding air is a heat source.
Which diagram best represents the direction of convection currents around the burning wood of a campfire?
During which process would 1 gram of water gain the most energy?
1 evaporating
2 condensing
3 melting
4 freezing
At which latitude and on which date does the surface of Earth receive the greatest intensity of insolation?
1 the Tropic of Cancer (23½° N) on December 21
2 the Equator (0°) on September 23
3 the Antarctic Circle (66½° S) on June 21
4 the South Pole (90° S) on March 21
Clouds usually form when moist air rises because the air
1 contracts and cools
2 contracts and warms
3 expands and cools
4 expands and warms
What is the most effective method for increasing the rate of evaporation of a given amount of water?
1 decreasing the water’s temperature
2 decreasing the air movement over the water’s surface
3 increasing the water’s surface area
4 increasing the air pressure over the water’s surface
A sling psychrometer shows a dry-bulb reading of 14°C and a wet-bulb reading of 9°C. what are the
dewpoint and the relative humidity?
(1) -10°C and 16%
(2) -10°C and 50%
(3) 4°C and 16%
(4) 4°C and 50%
The potential evapotranspiration of an area is most dependent on the
1 amount of runoff
2 pore space in the soil
3 ground-water storage
4 insolation received
Which climate conditions are typical of regions near the North Pole and the South Pole?
1 low temperature and low precipitation
2 low temperature and high precipitation
3 high temperature and low precipitation
4 high temperature and high precipitation
Compared to land surface temperature changes, water surface temperature changes occur
1 more slowly because water has a lower specific heat
2 more slowly because water has a higher specific heat
3 faster because water has a lower specific heat
4 faster because water has a higher specific heat
The cross section below shows the flow of prevailing winds over a mountain ridge.
Which location is most likely to receive precipitation?
(1) A
(2) B
(3) C
(4) D
Base your answers to the following five questions on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the graph below,
and your knowledge of Earth science. The graph shows variations in air temperature and relative humidity
for a spring day in Oswego, New York.
What was the approximate relative humidity at 6:00 p.m.?
(1) 11%
(2) 47%
(3) 59%
(4) 71%
At what time did the air most likely have the greatest capacity to hold water vapor?
(1) 5 a.m.
(2) 10 a.m.
(3) 5 p.m.
(4) 10 p.m.
Which change most likely caused the decrease in relative humidity between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.?
1 The dewpoint increased.
2 The moisture content of the air increased.
3 The rate of evaporation increased.
4 The air temperature increased.
At what time during this spring day were the air temperature and dewpoint closest?
(1) 1 a.m.
(2) 6 a.m.
(3) noon
(4) 6 p.m.
At 7 p.m., the air temperature was 10°C and the dewpoint was calculated to be 0°C. According to the Lapse
Rate chart on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the altitude to the base of a cloud formed by air rising
from Earth’s surface was approximately
(1) 1.0 km
(2) 2.0 km
(3) 1.2 km
(4) 2.2 km
At which temperature does an object radiate the least amount of electromagnetic energy?
(1) 250 K
(2) -10°C
(3) 45°F
(4) 50°C
The graph below shows temperature readings for a day in April.
The average rate of temperature change, in Fahrenheit degrees per hour, between 6 a.m. and noon was
(1) 6°/hr
(2) 8°/hr
(3) 3°/hr
(4) 18°/hr
A student accurately measured the altitude of the noontime Sun from the same New York State location on
four days during the school year. Which sequence best shows these measurements?
The map below shows four locations in a temperature field. The temperature of each location is given in
degrees Celsius.
Heat energy will normally flow from
(1) A to B
(2) A to C
(3) B to D
(4) D to C
The lowest surface air temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere usually occur during the month of
1 January
2 April
3 July
4 October
The diagram below shows the heating of water.
The main method of heat transfer occurring within the water is called
1 conduction
2 convection
3 radiation
4 insolation
What is the relative humidity of a sample of air that has a dry-bulb temperature of 20°C and a wet-bulb
temperature of 11°C?
(1) 9%
(2) 2%
(3) 17%
(4) 30%
The diagram below shows the flow of planetary winds over a mountain ridge.
As air rises on the windward side of the mountain ridge, the air’s temperature decreases. Which process
usually causes this temperature decrease?
1 expansion of rising air
2 compression of rising air
3 precipitation from clouds
4 evaporation from clouds
Which process occurs when water vapor moves out of the leaves of a tree into the atmosphere?
1 condensation
2 infiltration
3 runoff
4 transpiration
Which two climate factors are most directly responsible for the amount of snowfall normally received in
buffalo, New York?
1 ocean currents and storm tracks
2 mountain barriers and average temperatures
3 elevation and potential evapotranspiration
4 prevailing wind direction and nearness to a large body of water
The planetary wind and moisture belts indicate that large amounts of rainfall occur at Earth’s Equator
because air is
1 converging and rising
2 converging and sinking
3 diverging and rising
4 diverging and sinking
Base your answers to the following five questions on the graph below and on your knowledge of Earth
science. The graph shows variations in Earth’s monthly temperatures from normal Earth temperatures
between January 1990 and January 1995.
The greatest temperature variation from normal occurred during
1 May 1991
2 August 1992
3 July 1993
4 March 1994
The addition of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane gas to the atmosphere changes Earth’s climate.
This change occurs primarily because these gases cause
1 cooler temperatures by absorbing infrared radiation
2 cooler temperatures by absorbing ultraviolet radiation
3 warmer temperatures by absorbing ultraviolet radiation
4 warmer temperatures by absorbing infrared radiation
According to the graph, the longest time period that average Earth temperatures were warmer than normal
was approximately
(1) 8 months
(2) 14 months
(3) 26 months
(4) 30 months
Earth’s average monthly temperature for October 1990 was approximately
(1) 0.1 C° above normal
(2) 0.2 C° above normal
(3) 0.3 C° below normal
(4) 0.4 C° below normal
In late summer 1991, Mt. Pinatubo, a volcano in the Philippines, exploded and sent thousands of tons of
volcanic dust into the atmosphere. Scientists have suggested that Earth’s average monthly temperatures for
many months after the explosion generally were
1 cooler than normal due to the reflection of sunlight by volcanic dust
2 cooler than normal due to the formation of a hole in the ozone layer by the explosion
3 warmer than normal due to the heat released into the atmosphere by the volcanic explosion
4 warmer than normal due to the heat spread by convection of the volcanic dust
Base your answers to the following five questions on the water budget data and climate classification below
and on your knowledge of Earth science. Table 1 shows water budget data for a location in New York State,
and table 2 describes climate types. All data are expressed in millimeters of water.
What is the total amount of moisture added to soil storage during October?
(1) 0 mm
(2) 30 mm
(3) 46 mm
(4) 76 mm
Surplus soil moisture exists during the month of
1 May
2 October
3 November
4 December
Stream discharge at this location would probably be lowest during
1 April
2 May
3 August
4 November
According to the information provided in table 2, the area represented by the water budget data would have a
climate classified as
1 humid
2 subhumid
3 semiarid
4 arid
The graph below shows the monthly potential evapotranspiration for this location.
Which factor is mainly responsible for the pattern of potential evapotranspiration illustrated by the graph?
1 average air temperature
2 actual evapotranspiration
3 amount of recharge
4 amount of soil moisture in storage
What is the total number of calories of latent heat that must be absorbed by 1,000 grams of ice at 0°C to
change all of the ice to liquid water at 0°C?
(1) 1,000 cal
(2) 10,000 cal
(3) 80,000 cal
(4) 540,000 cal
The arrows on the cross section below show the prevailing wind that flows over a mountain. Points A and B
represent locations on opposite sides of the mountain.
Which statement correctly describes the differences in the climates of locations A and B?
(1) Location A is warmer and drier than location B.
(2) Location A is cooler and wetter than location B.
(3) Location B is warmer and wetter than location A.
(4) Location B is cooler and drier than location A.
The average temperature at Earth’s equator is higher than the average temperature at Earth’s South Pole
because the South Pole
(1) receives less intense insolation
(2) receives more infrared radiation
(3) has less land area
(4) has more cloud cover
Which statement best summarizes the general effects of ocean currents at 20° S latitude on coastal regions of
South America?
(1) The east coast and west coast are both warmed.
(2) The east coast and west coast are both cooled.
(3) The east coast is warmed and the west coast is cooled.
(4) The east coast is cooled and the west coast is warmed.
Under which atmospheric conditions will water most likely evaporate at the fastest rate?
(1) hot, humid, and calm
(2) hot, dry, and windy
(3) cold, humid, and windy
(4) cold, dry, and calm
Which graph best represents the average monthly temperatures for one year at a location in the Southern
Hemisphere?
The diagram below shows four surfaces of equal area that absorb insolation.
Which letter represents the surface that most likely absorbs the greatest amount of insolation?
(1) A
(2) B
(3) C
(4) D
Base your answers to the following three questions on the map below, which shows Earth’s planetary wind
belts.
The curving of these planetary winds is the result of
(1) Earth’s rotation on its axis
(2) the unequal heating of Earth’s atmosphere
(3) the unequal heating of Earth’s surface
(4) Earth’s gravitational pull on the Moon
Which wind belt has the greatest effect on the climate of New York State?
(1) prevailing northwesterlies
(2) prevailing southwesterlies
(3) northeast trades
(4) southeast trades
Which climatic conditions exist where the trade winds converge?
(1) cool and wet
(2) cool and dry
(3) warm and wet
(4) warm and dry
Which ocean current flows northeast along the eastern coast of North America?
(1) Gulf Stream
(2) North Equatorial
(3) California
(4) Labrador
Which type of land surface would probably reflect the most incoming solar radiation?
(1) light colored and smooth
(2) light colored and rough
(3) dark colored and smooth
(4) dark colored and rough
Base your answers to the following three questions on the diagram below, which represents the planetary
wind and moisture belts in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere.
The climate at 90° north latitude is dry because the air at that location is usually
(1) warm and rising
(2) warm and sinking
(3) cool and rising
(4) cool and sinking
The paths of the surface planetary winds are curved due to Earth’s
(1) revolution
(2) rotation
(3) circumference
(4) size
The tropopause is approximately how far above sea level?
(1) 12 mi
(2) 12 km
(3) 60 mi
(4) 60 km
The diagram below shows warm, moist air moving off the ocean and over a mountain, causing precipitation
between points 1 and 2.
Describe two changes that occur to the warm, moist air between points 1 and 2 that would cause cloud
formation.
Base your answers to the following three questions on the map below, the graph on the next page, and your
knowledge of Earth science. The map shows the length of the growing season in New York State, expressed
in days. The growing season is the average number of days between the last frost in spring and the first frost
in fall. The graph line shows the relationship between the latitudes of Riverhead, New York; Albany, New
York; and Massena, New York; and the length of the growing season at these three locations.
For Riverhead, Albany, and Massena, state the relationship between latitude and the length of the growing
season shown by the graph.
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The data for Oswego, New York, have been plotted separately on the graph. Explain why the location of
Oswego causes it to have a growing season longer than other cities at the same latitude.
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Compare the length of the growing season in a lowland region with the length of the growing season in a
mountain region at approximately the same latitude.
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Which diagram correctly shows how surface winds are deflected (curved) in the Northern and Southern
Hemispheres due to Earth’s rotation?
The diagram below shows a greenhouse.
What is the primary function of the clear glass of the greenhouse?
(1) The glass reduces the amount of insolation entering the greenhouse.
(2) The glass allows all wavelengths of radiation to enter and all wavelengths of radiation to escape.
(3) The glass allows short wavelengths of radiation to enter, but reduces the amount of long-wavelength
radiation that escapes.
(4) The glass allows long wavelengths of radiation to enter, but reduces the amount of short-wavelength
radiation that escapes.
The cross section below shows the prevailing winds that cause different climates on the windward and
leeward sides of this mountain range.
Compared to the climate conditions on the leeward side of this mountain range, the conditions on the
windward side are usually
(1) cooler and wetter
(2) cooler and drier
(3) warmer and wetter
(4) warmer and drier
The California Ocean Current, which flows along the west coast of North America, is a
(1) cool current, flowing north
(2) cool current, flowing south
(3) warm current, flowing north
(4) warm current, flowing south
The cross sections below show different patterns of air movement in Earth’s atmosphere. Air temperatures at
Earth’s surface are indicated in each cross section. Which cross section shows the most likely pattern of air
movement in Earth’s atmosphere that would result from the surface air temperatures shown?
Which method of energy transfer is primarily responsible for energy being lost from Earth into space?
(1) conduction
(2) convection
(3) solidification
(4) radiation
Base your answers to the following two questions on the map below, which shows one method of classifying
Earth’s surface into latitudinal climate belts. In the tropical climate belt, the average monthly temperatures
never drop below 18°C. In the polar climate belts, the average monthly temperatures never rise above 10°C.
The isotherms show the average monthly temperature of the coolest and warmest months. Effects of
elevation have been omitted.
According to the isotherms on the map, locations in the mid-latitude climate belts have average monthly
temperatures between what values?
Describe a specific characteristic of insolation received in the tropical climate belt region that causes the
average monthly temperature to remain warm all year.
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Land surfaces of Earth heat more rapidly than water surfaces because
(1) more energy from the Sun falls on land than on water
(2) land has a lower specific heat than water
(3) sunlight penetrates to greater depths in land than in water
(4) less of Earth’s surface is covered by land than by water
Most of Earth’s surface ocean current patterns are primarily caused by
(1) the force of gravity
(2) the impact of precipitation
(3) prevailing winds
(4) river currents
A student uses a sling psychrometer outdoors on a clear day. The dry-bulb (air) temperature is 10°C. The
water on the wet bulb will most likely
(1) condense, causing the wet-bulb temperature to be higher than the air temperature
(2) condense, causing the wet-bulb temperature to be equal to the air temperature
(3) evaporate, causing the wet-bulb temperature to be lower than the air temperature
(4) evaporate, causing the wet-bulb temperature to be equal to the air temperature
Most water vapor enters the atmosphere by the processes of
(1) convection and radiation
(2) condensation and precipitation
(3) evaporation and transpiration
(4) erosion and conduction
The table below shows the duration of insolation at different latitudes for three different days during the year.
Which dates are represented most correctly by Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3, respectively?
(1) March 21, September 22, December 21
(2) June 21, September 22, December 21
(3) September 22, December 21, March 21
(4) December 21, March 21, June 21
Base your answers to the following three questions on the map below. The map shows an imaginary
continent on Earth. Arrows represent prevailing wind directions. Letters A through D represent locations
on the continent. Locations A and B are at the same latitude and at the same elevation at the base of the
mountains.
Over the course of a year, compared to location B, location A will have
(1) less precipitation and a smaller temperature range
(2) less precipitation and a greater temperature range
(3) more precipitation and a smaller temperature range
(4) more precipitation and a greater temperature range
The climate at location C is much drier than at location D. This difference is best explained by the fact that
location C is located
(1) farther from any mountain range
(2) closer to a large body of water
(3) at a latitude that experiences longer average annual daylight
(4) at a latitude where air is sinking and surface winds diverge
Compared to the observations made at location D, the observed altitude of Polaris at location B is
(1) always less
(2) only less from March 21 to September 22
(3) only greater from March 21 to September 22
(4) always greater
The maps below show the amount of sea ice surrounding the continent of Antarctica at two different times
of the year. Map A represents late August when the area covered by sea ice approaches its greatest extent.
Map B represents the minimum extent of sea ice.
Which month is most probably represented by map B?
(1) February
(2) May
(3) June
(4) October
Identify by name the surface ocean current that cools the climate of locations on the western coastline of
North America.
Base your answers to the following two questions on diagrams I through III below. Diagrams I, II, and III
represent the length and direction of the shadow of a vertical stick measured at noon on three different dates
at 42° N latitude.
Explain how the changing altitude (angle of incidence) of the noon Sun affects the length of the shadows
shown in the diagrams.
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On the diagram provided below, draw the direction and length of the shadow at noon that will most likely be
observed at 42° N latitude on June 21.
Which graph best shows the relationship between the probability of precipitation and the difference
between air temperature and dewpoint?
A high air-pressure, dry-climate belt is located at which Earth latitude?
(1) 0°
(2) 15° N
(3) 30° N
(4) 60° N
The Canaries Current along the west coast of Africa and the Peru Current along the west coast of South
America are both
(1) warm currents that flow away from the Equator
(2) warm currents that flow toward the Equator
(3) cool currents that flow away from the Equator
(4) cool currents that flow toward the Equator
The average temperature at Earth’s North Pole is colder than the average temperature at the Equator because
the Equator
(1) receives less ultraviolet radiation
(2) receives more intense insolation
(3) has more cloud cover
(4) has a thicker atmosphere
What is the dewpoint temperature when the dry-bulb temperature is 16°C and the wet-bulb temperature is
11°C?
(1) 5°C
(2) 7°C
(3) 9°C
(4) –17°C
A strong west wind steadily blew over Lake Ontario picking up moisture. As this moist air flowed over the
Tug Hill Plateau, the plateau received a 36-inch snowfall. This snow fell from clouds that formed when
rising air was
(1) cooled by expansion, causing water vapor to condense
(2) cooled by compression, causing water vapor to condense
(3) warmed by expansion, causing water vapor to evaporate
(4) warmed by compression, causing water vapor to evaporate
During which phase change of water is the most energy released into the environment?
(1) water freezing
(2) ice melting
(3) water evaporating
(4) water vapor condensing
The map below shows the location of four cities, A, B, C, and D, in the western United States where
prevailing winds are from the southwest.
Which city most likely receives the least amount of average yearly precipitation?
(1) A
(2) B
(3) C
(4) D
Base your answers to the following two questions on the graph below. The graph shows air temperature and
relative humidity at a single location during a 24-hour period.
What was the approximate change in relative humidity from 12 noon to 4 p.m.?
(1) 10%
(2) 15%
(3) 20%
(4) 30%
At which time would the rate of evaporation most likely be greatest?
(1) 11 p.m.
(2) 6 a.m.
(3) 10 a.m.
(4) 4 p.m.
Base your answers to the following two questions on the cross section provided below, which represents a
house at an ocean shoreline at night. Smoke from the chimney is blowing out to sea.
Label the two lines provided on the cross section below to show where air pressure is relatively “high” and
where it is relatively “low.”
Assume that the wind blowing out to sea on this night is caused by local air-temperature conditions. Label
the two lines provided on the cross section below to show where Earth’s surface air temperature is relatively
“warm” and where it is relatively “cool.”
Surface ocean currents curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere because
(1) the Moon spins on its axis
(2) the Moon travels in an orbit around Earth
(3) Earth spins on its axis
(4) Earth travels in an orbit around the Sun
What is the dewpoint temperature when the drybulb temperature is 12°C and the wet-bulb temperature is
4°C?
(1) –9°C
(2) 19°C
(3) 8°C
(4) 4°C
Adjacent land and ocean surfaces have the same temperature at sunrise on a clear, calm, summer day. Then
the land and water are heated by the Sun for several hours. Which cross section shows the most likely
direction of surface winds that will develop at this ocean shore?
Surface ocean currents located at 40º south latitude, 90° west longitude generally flow toward the
(1) northeast
(2) southeast
(3) southwest
(4) west
The arrows on the two maps below show how the monsoon winds over India change direction with the
seasons.
How do these winds affect India’s weather in summer and winter?
(1) Summer is cooler and less humid than winter.
(2) Summer is warmer and more humid than winter.
(3) Winter is warmer and less humid than summer.
(4) Winter is cooler and more humid than summer.
Most water vapor enters Earth’s atmosphere by the processes of
(1) condensation and precipitation
(2) radiation and cementation
(3) conduction and convection
(4) evaporation and transpiration
Base your answers to the following two questions on the isotherm maps below and on your knowledge of
Earth science. The maps show the average monthly air temperatures (ºF) over a portion of Earth’s surface for
January and July.
The hottest average January temperatures occur at approximately what latitude?
__________________________
From January to July, there is a smaller temperature change in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern
Hemisphere. Explain why the Southern Hemisphere’s larger ocean-water surface causes this smaller
temperature change.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Surface winds on Earth are primarily caused by differences in
(1) air density due to unequal heating of Earth’s surface
(2) ocean wave heights during the tidal cycle
(3) rotational speeds of Earth’s surface at various latitudes
(4) distances from the Sun during the year
Base your answers to the following five questions on the two cross sections below, which represent the
Pacific Ocean and the atmosphere near the Equator during normal weather (cross section A) and during El
Niño conditions (cross section B). Sea surface temperatures (SST) are labeled and trade-wind directions are
shown with arrows. Cloud buildup indicates regions of frequent thunderstorm activity. The change from
normal sea level is shown at the side of each diagram.
Which statement correctly describes sea surface temperatures along the South American coast and Pacific
trade winds during El Niño conditions?
(1) The sea surface temperatures are warmer than normal, and Pacific trade winds are from the west.
(2) The sea surface temperatures are warmer than normal, and Pacific trade winds are from the east.
(3) The sea surface temperatures are cooler than normal, and Pacific trade winds are from the west.
(4) The sea surface temperatures are cooler than normal, and Pacific trade winds are from the east.
Compared to normal weather conditions, the shift of the trade winds caused sea levels during El Niño
conditions to
(1) decrease at both Australia and South America
(2) decrease at Australia and increase at South America
(3) increase at Australia and decrease at South America
(4) increase at both Australia and South America
During El Niño conditions, thunderstorms increase in the eastern Pacific Ocean region because the warm,
moist air is
(1) less dense, sinking, compressing, and warming
(2) less dense, rising, expanding, and cooling
(3) more dense, sinking, compressing, and warming
(4) more dense, rising, expanding, and cooling
The development of El Niño conditions over this region of the Pacific Ocean has caused
(1) changes in worldwide precipitation patterns
(2) the reversal of Earth’s seasons
(3) increased worldwide volcanic activity
(4) decreased ozone levels in the atmosphere
Earth’s entire equatorial climate zone is generally a belt around Earth that has
(1) high air pressure and wet weather
(2) high air pressure and dry weather
(3) low air pressure and wet weather
(4) low air pressure and dry weather
The graph below shows the snow line (the elevation above which glaciers form at different latitudes in the
Northern Hemisphere).
At which location would a glacier most likely form?
(1) 0° latitude at an elevation of 6,000 m
(2) 15° N latitude at an elevation of 4,000 m
(3) 30° N latitude at an elevation of 3,000 m
(4) 45° N latitude at an elevation of 1,000 m
The diagram below shows a cylinder filled with clean water. At the left of the cylinder is a light source, and
at the right of the cylinder is a meter that measures the intensity (brightness) of light as it passes through the
water. One minute after the light is turned on, a mixture of sand, silt, and clay is poured into the cylinder.
Which graph shows the probable change in light intensity (brightness) recorded during the 6-minute period
after the light is turned on?
What is the dewpoint when the dry-bulb temperature is 24°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 15°C?
(1) 8°C
(2) –18°C
(3) 36°C
(4) 4°C
The graph below shows the average monthly temperatures for two cities, A and B, which are both located at
41° north latitude.
Which statement best explains the difference in the average yearly temperature range for the two cities?
(1) City B is located in a different planetary wind belt.
(2) City B receives less yearly precipitation.
(3) City B has a greater yearly duration of insolation.
(4) City B is located near a large body of water.
The apparent daily path of the Sun changes with the seasons because
(1) Earth’s axis is tilted
(2) Earth’s distance from the Sun changes
(3) the Sun revolves
(4) the Sun rotates
Base your answers to the following four questions on the field map provided below. The field map shows air
temperature at specific locations in an area near a school in New York State. Part of this area is a blacktop
parking lot. Accurate temperature readings were taken by Earth science students at 10 a.m. on June 1. Two
reference points, A and B, are shown.
On the field map below, draw only the 15°C and the 20°C isotherms. Isotherms must be extended to the edge
of the map.
Surface temperatures are higher on the east side of the field map, where the parking lot is located. Explain
how a characteristic of the parking lot surface could cause these higher temperatures.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Calculate the temperature gradient along a straight line between point A and point B on the map by following
the directions below.
a Write the equation for determining the temperature gradient.
b Substitute the correct values into the equation.
c Solve the equation and record your answer in decimal form. Label the answer with the correct units.
Another Earth science class took accurate temperature readings at 12 noon on the same day and at the same
locations. At each location, the temperature was warmer than it had been at 10 a.m. Explain why the
temperature readings would normally increase between 10 a.m. and 12 noon.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Summer days in New York State are likely to be hotter than winter days because in summer
(1) Earth is closer to the Sun
(2) the number of sunspots increases
(3) Earth’s northern axis is tilted toward the Sun
(4) the Sun gives off more energy
Base your answers to the following two questions on the field map below, which shows the average annual
precipitation in New York State for the past 25 years. Isoline values represent inches per year.
Jamestown received more rainfall per year than Elmira. A reason for this difference is that Jamestown is
located
(1) closer to a large body of water
(2) at a higher latitude
(3) at a lower elevation
(4) in the prevailing southerly wind belt
Which of these locations had the lowest average annual precipitation?
(1) Kingston
(2) New York City
(3) Old Forge
(4) Plattsburgh
Which surface ocean current transports warm water to higher latitudes?
(1) Labrador Current
(2) Falkland Current
(3) Gulf Stream
(4) West Wind Drift
Liquid water can store more heat energy than an equal amount of any other naturally occurring substance
because liquid water
(1) covers 71% of Earth’s surface
(2) has its greatest density at 4°C
(3) has the higher specific heat
(4) can be changed into a solid or a gas
Clouds usually form when
(1) air temperature reaches the dewpoint
(2) evaporation has warmed the surrounding air
(3) relative humidity is 0%
(4) condensation nuclei have been removed from the air
Base your answers to the following three questions on the diagram below, which shows a hygrometer located
on a wall in a classroom. The hygrometer’s temperature readings are used by the students to determine the
relative humidity of the air in the classroom.
Based on the temperature readings shown in this diagram, determine the relative humidity of the air in the
classroom.
Besides relative humidity, identify another weather variable of the air in the classroom that may be
determined by using both temperature readings on the hygrometer.
____________________________________________
Describe how water evaporating from the wick attached to the wet-bulb thermometer lowers the temperature
reading of that thermometer.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Which graph best represents the relationship between the angle of insolation and the intensity of insolation?
A square meter of surface of which of these natural areas would most likely absorb the most insolation
during a clear day?
(1) a fast-moving river
(2) a dark-green forest
(3) a beach with white sand
(4) a snow-covered field
The field map below shows air temperature measurements, in degrees Celsius, taken at the same elevation
within a closed room. Two reference points, A and B, are shown.
Which temperature field map shows correctly drawn isotherms?
Base your answers to the following five questions on the map and graphs below. The map shows five climate
regions of New York State. The bar graphs show average monthly temperatures of four of these climate
regions.
The average monthly temperatures for climate regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 show a similar yearly pattern of change.
Identify one climate control factor that these four climate regions have in common that most probably causes
this similarity in temperature pattern.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
What climate variable, other than temperature, was also used to identify these areas as four different climate
regions?
__________________________________________
What landscape characteristic of climate region 3 most likely causes it to have both cooler summer
temperatures and cooler winter temperatures than climate region 2?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
On the grid provided below, construct a bar graph of the average monthly temperatures provided below for
climate region 5. January has been completed for you.
Describe how the Atlantic Ocean surrounding climate region 5 has most probably influenced the average
temperatures of this region during January, February, and March.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
The map below shows part of North America.
The arrows shown on the map most likely represent the direction of movement of
(1) Earth’s rotation
(2) the prevailing northeast winds
(3) ocean conduction currents
(4) Atlantic Ocean hurricanes
Which graph best shows the general effect that differences in elevation above sea level have on the average
annual temperature?
During which process does heat transfer occur because of density differences?
(1) conduction
(2) convection
(3) radiation
(4) reflection
Which diagram best represents visible light rays after striking a dark, rough surface?
Base your answers to the following three questions on the paragraph below, which describes some factors
that affect Earth’s climate.
Earth’s climate is in a delicate state of balance. Many factors affect climate. Any small change in the factors
may lead to long-term cooling or warming of Earth’s atmosphere. For example, during the last 100 years,
measurements have shown a gradual increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide. This change has been linked to
an increase in Earth’s average atmospheric temperature. Variations in the tilt of Earth’s axis have been
similarly linked to the occurrence of ice ages. Both the increases in temperature and the occurrence of ice
ages have been linked to changes in global sea level.
State one reason for the increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere during the last 100
years.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
State one way that the recent increase in average global temperature can cause changes in ocean water level.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
State what would happen to the average summer and winter temperatures in New York State if the tilt of
Earth’s axis were to decrease from 23 ½° to 20°.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Base your answers to the following four questions on the magazine article and diagram below.
Lake-Effect Snow
During the cold months of the year, the words “lake effect” are very much a part of the
weather picture in many locations in New York State. Snow created by the lake effect may
represent more than half the season’s snowfall in some areas.
In order for heavy lake-effect snow to develop, the temperature of the water at the surface
of the lake must be higher than the temperature of the air flowing over the water. The
higher the water temperature and the lower the air temperature, the greater the potential
for lake-effect snow.
A lake-effect storm begins when air flowing across the lake is warmed as it comes in close
contact with the water. The warmed air rises and takes moisture along with it. This moisture,
which is water vapor from the lake, is turned into clouds as it encounters much
colder air above. When the clouds reach the shore of the lake, they deposit their snow on
nearby land. A typical lake-effect storm is illustrated in the diagram below.
The area most likely to receive snow from a lake is called a “snowbelt.” Lake Ontario’s
snowbelt includes the counties along the eastern and southeastern ends of the lake.
Because the lake runs lengthwise from west to east, the prevailing westerly winds are able
to gather the maximum amount of moisture as they flow across the entire length of the lake.
There can be lake-effect snowfall anywhere around the lake, but the heaviest and most frequent
snowfalls occur near the eastern shore.
In parts of the snowbelt, the lake effect combines with a phenomenon known as orographic
lifting to produce some very heavy snowfalls. After cold air has streamed over the
length of Lake Ontario, it moves inland and is forced to climb the slopes of the Tug Hill
Plateau and the Adirondack Mountains, resulting in very heavy snowfall.
State the relationship that must exist between water temperature and air temperature for lake-effect snow to
develop.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
State why locations east and southeast of Lake Ontario are more likely to receive lake-effect snow than are
locations west of the lake.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
State the name of the New York State landscape region that includes location A shown in the diagram.
________________________________________________
State why very heavy snowfall occurs in the Tug Hill Plateau region.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
When the dry-bulb temperature is 22°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 13°C, the relative humidity is
(1) 10%
(2) 33%
(3) 41%
(4) 59%
Which characteristics of a building material would provide the most energy-absorbing exterior covering for a
house?
(1) dark colored and smooth textured
(2) dark colored and rough textured
(3) light colored and smooth textured
(4) light colored and rough textured
On a clear summer day, the surface of land is usually warmer than the surface of a nearby body of water
because the water
(1) receives less insolation
(2) reflects less insolation
(3) has a higher density
(4) has a higher specific heat
Which interaction between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere causes most surface ocean currents?
(1) cooling of rising air above the ocean surface
(2) evaporation of water from the ocean surface
(3) friction from planetary winds on the ocean surface
(4) seismic waves on the ocean surface
As air on the surface of Earth warms, the density of the air
(1) decreases
(2) increases
(3) remains the same
The cross section below shows how prevailing winds have caused different climates on the windward and
leeward sides of a mountain range.
Why does the windward side of this mountain have a wet climate?
(1) Rising air compresses and cools, causing the water droplets to evaporate.
(2) Rising air compresses and warms, causing the water vapor to condense.
(3) Rising air expands and cools, causing the water vapor to condense.
(4) Rising air expands and warms, causing the water droplets to evaporate.
Which graph best shows the average annual amounts of precipitation received at different latitudes on Earth?
Which of these characteristics identify an Earth surface that is likely to be the best absorber of insolation?
(1) light colored and smooth
(2) light colored and rough
(3) dark colored and smooth
(4) dark colored and rough
Which phase change requires water to gain 540 calories per gram?
(1) solid ice melting
(2) liquid water freezing
(3) liquid water vaporizing
(4) water vapor condensing
Which diagram best illustrates how air rising over a mountain produces precipitation?
Why are the beaches that are located on the southern shore of Long Island often considerably cooler than
nearby inland locations on hot summer afternoons?
(1) A land breeze develops due to the lower specific heat of water and the higher specific heat of land.
(2) A sea breeze develops due to the higher specific heat of water and the lower specific heat of land.
(3) The beaches are closer to the Equator than the inland locations are.
(4) The beaches are farther from the Equator than the inland locations are.
The flowchart below shows part of Earth’s water cycle. The question marks indicate a part of the flowchart
that has been deliberately left blank.
Which process should be shown in place of the question marks to best complete the
flowchart?
(1) condensation
(2) deposition
(3) evaporation
(4) infiltration
Base your answers to the following two questions on the graph below, which shows the changes in relative
humidity and air temperature during a spring day in Washington, D.C.
Which statement best describes the relationship between relative humidity and air temperature as shown by
the graph?
(1) Relative humidity decreases as air temperature decreases.
(2) Relative humidity decreases as air temperature increases.
(3) Relative humidity increases as air temperature increases.
(4) Relative humidity remains the same as air temperature decreases.
What were the relative humidity and air temperature at noon on this day?
(1) 47% and 32°F
(2) 65% and 32°F
(3) 47% and 48°F
(4) 65% and 48°F
Water Cycle and Climates Test Prep
Teacher Answer Key – Guide
Changing the color of the roof of a house from light to dark would probably increase the amount of solar
energy that is
4 absorbed
The graph below shows air temperatures on a clear summer day from 7 a.m. to 12 noon at two locations, one
in Florida and one in New York State. Air temperature rose slightly faster in Florida than in New York State
because Florida
2 has a higher angle of insolation
The cross section below shows two compartments of water of equal volume insulated by Styrofoam and
separated by a metal dividing wall, forming a closed energy system. When the temperature of the water in
compartment A decreases by 10 C°, the temperature of the water in compartment B will
4 increase by approximately 10 C°
During a heavy rainstorm, soil samples A and B both became saturated with water. However, 10 minutes
after the storm ended, the soils appeared as shown below. Which statement best explains the observed
change in the water content of the soil samples?
1 The permeability of B is greater than the permeability of A.
During heavy rainfall, the greatest amount of runoff should occur in which two sections of the forest?
(2) B and D
The graph below shows the average temperatures for cities A and B for 1 year. Where are these two cities
most likely located?
3 Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, with city A on the coast and city B inland.
Measurements of a stream taken over 5 years indicate that its velocity has decreased. The stream’s decreased
velocity was most likely caused by
3 a decrease in gradient
Which factor most likely causes two cities at the same elevation and latitude to have different yearly average
temperature ranges?
(3) distance from a large body of water
Which set of surface soil conditions on a hillside would result in the most infiltration of rainfall?
(2) gentle slope, unsaturated soil, vegetation
Which component of Earth’s atmosphere is classified as a greenhouse gas?
(2) carbon dioxide
Equal volumes of the four samples shown below were placed outside and heated by energy from the Sun’s
rays for 30 minutes. The surface temperature of which sample increased at the slowest rate?
(1) water
Explain why Antarctica’s cold climate is responsible for its very low amount of yearly precipitation.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— Cold air holds very little water vapor.
— Very little evaporation takes place in Antarctica.
— Antarctica is in a region where air is sinking, therefore, clouds seldom form.
— Very little precipitation occurs in a high-pressure area.
What evidence is preserved in Antarctica that provides information about Earth’s past climates?
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— fossils
— volcanic dust
— pollen
— trapped gases
— microbes
Scientists are concerned that the Antarctic ice may melt as the result of global warming. State one effect that
this melting would most likely have on Long Island, New York.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— Sea level would most likely rise.
— The shape of Long Island would change.
— submergence
— Long Island would become smaller.
— Buildings would be flooded.
If Earth’s axis were tilted less than 23.5°, which seasonal average temperature change would occur in New
York State?
(4) Summer would be cooler.
Large oceans moderate the climatic temperatures of surrounding coastal land areas because the temperature
of ocean water changes
(4) slowly, due to water’s high specific heat
The arrows in the cross section below show the prevailing winds moving across northern New York State
into Vermont during the summer. Compared to the climate of location A, the climate of location B is
(3) cooler and wetter
London, England, is located at approximately 51° 30' north latitude and 0° longitude. Elmira, New York, is
located at approximately 42° 10' north latitude and 76° 54' west longitude. What is one reason why London
has a warmer average winter temperature than Elmira?
(3) London’s climate is modified by the North Atlantic Ocean Current.
In which diagram is the observer experiencing the greatest intensity of insolation?
The delay time between points A and B on both graphs is due mainly to the time needed for
(2) precipitation water to move into the streams
How did urbanization affect delay time between points A and B and the maximum stream discharge?
(2) The delay time decreased, and the maximum discharge increased.
Which two letters represent processes in the water cycle that usually cause a lowering of the water table?
(1) A and B
What are two water cycle processes not represented by arrows in this cross section?
(4) runoff and infiltration
When electromagnetic energy travels from air into water, the waves are bent due to the density differences
between the air and water. This bending is called
2 refraction
Why are carbon dioxide and water vapor called the greenhouse gases?
4 They are good absorbers of infrared radiation.
What were the rates of heating for the soil and Water?
1 soil: 1.8°C/min; water: 0.4°C/min
After the heat lamp is turned off and removed from the area, how will the cooling rates of the soil and water
compare?
2 The soil will cool faster because it has a lower specific heat.
Insolation is often converted into potential energy by
1 evaporation of water from the oceans
The diagram below shows Earth as viewed from space on December 21. The longest duration of insolation
on December 21 will occur at
(4) 90° S
The flowchart below shows one process by which moisture enters the atmosphere.
The last step of this process is known as
4 transpiration
Surface runoff is most likely to be greatest when rainfall lands on a soil surface that is
3 impermeable and gently sloping
The map below shows the major climate zones on Earth.
The primary factor controlling these climate zones is
3 latitude
Which soil-property measurement usually is greater when particles are fine than when particles are coarse?
2 capillarity
Humus, which is formed by the decay of plant and animal matter, is important for the formation of most
1 soils
The major moisture source for all water budgets is
2 precipitation
Which month has the potential for evaporating and transpiring the most water?
3 July
The difference between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration in May is shown as a surplus of 15
millimeters. This 15-millimeter surplus of water usually becomes part of the
4 stream discharge
What is the actual evapotranspiration at this location during July?
(3) 128 mm
What is a characteristic of the water budget at this location in the month of August?
1 A deficit occurs.
For maximum absorption of solar radiation, the energy-absorbing surface should be
4 rough and dark colored
What is the purpose of the clear glass covering of this solar collector?
3 The glass allows short-wave radiation to enter and traps long-wave reradiation.
In New York State, on which exterior wall should the solar collector be placed to receive the most
insolation?
2 a south-facing wall
When did the maximum air temperature occur in the house?
3 just after the time of the maximum angle of insolation for the day
Which diagram best represents the direction of air flow through the system under normal solar heating
conditions?
What is the dewpoint when the dry-bulb temperature is 16°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 12°C?
(4) 9°C
Compared to an inland location, a location on an ocean shore at the same elevation and latitude is likely to
have
(3) warmer winters and cooler summers
During nighttime cooling, most of the energy radiated by Earth’s oceans into space is
(4) infrared rays
Which two ocean currents are both warm currents that primarily flow away from the equator?
(2) Brazil Current and Agulhas Current
On the grid provided below, graph the data shown on the table by marking with a dot the apparent diameter
of the Sun for each date listed and connecting the dots with a smooth, curved line.
Example Response:
Note: Allow credit if the student-drawn line is dot-to-dot or a smooth curve. Also allow credit if a
symbol other than a dot is used.
Explain why the apparent diameter of the Sun changes throughout the year as Earth revolves around the Sun.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
Earth has an elliptical orbit.
The distance between the Sun and Earth varies in a cyclic manner.
Earth is closest to the Sun during New York State’s winter.
The Sun is farthest from Earth during New York State’s summer.
On the diagram provided above, draw an arrow on the June 21 path of the Sun to show the Sun’s direction of
apparent movement from sunrise to sunset.
Student must draw one or more arrows pointing in the correct direction. If more than one arrow is
drawn, all arrows must be correct to receive credit.
The sailor was still on the island on September 23. On the diagram provided above, draw the Sun’s apparent
path for September 23, as it would have appeared to the sailor. Be sure your September 23 path indicates the
correct altitude of the noon Sun and begins and ends at the correct points on the horizon.
A path must be drawn that starts on the horizon due east of the observer and ends due west of the
observer and if the Sun’s apparent path is drawn, the altitude of the Sun at noon is 66.5° (±2°).
An example of correctly drawn arrows to the previous questions and the apparent September 23 path
are shown below
Based on the sailor’s observations, what is the latitude of this island? Include the units and the compass
direction in your answer.
The correct compass direction and units must be included.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
23°30' N (±1°)
23.5° N (±1°)
23 ° N (±1°)
The sailor observed a 1-hour difference between solar noon on the island and solar noon at his last measured
longitude onboard his ship. How many degrees of longitude is the island from the sailor’s last measured
longitude onboard his ship?
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
15
15° E
15° W
The diagram below shows the altitude of the Sun at solar noon on March 21, as seen by an observer at 42° N
latitude. Compared to the altitude of the Sun observed at solar noon on March 21, the altitude of the Sun
observed at solar noon on June 21 will be
(2) 23.5° higher in the sky
In the Northern Hemisphere, planetary winds blowing from north to south are deflected, or curved, toward
the west. This deflection is caused by the
(4) spinning of Earth on its axis
On a day with no wind, the air temperature outside a house is 10°C. The air temperature inside the house is
18°C. Which diagram best represents the air circulation pattern that is most likely to occur when a window of
the house is first opened?
Most of the Gulf Stream Ocean Current is
(2) warm water that flows northeastward
Snowfall is rare at the South Pole because the air over the South Pole is usually
(4) sinking and dry
This graph shows that insolation varies with
(2) latitude and time of year
Why is less insolation received at the equator in June than in March or September?
(3) The Sun’s vertical rays are north of the equator in June.
Why is insolation 0 cal/cm2/min from October through February at 90° N?
(3) The Sun is continually below the horizon during that time.
Explain why the valleys have lower amounts of precipitation than points on the western slopes of the
mountain ranges.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— The air on the western slopes of the mountains is rising.
— The valleys are located on the eastern side of mountain ranges where air is sinking.
— Air is warmed by compression as it descends the mountain slopes, so relative humidity decreases.
What is the yearly precipitation total for the four points located in the Coastal Mountain Ranges?
precipitation total of 134 in ± 4 in
State one reason why colder temperatures would be recorded at the top of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
than at the top of the Coastal Mountain Ranges.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is higher in elevation.
— Higher elevations have lower temperatures.
— Expansional cooling increases with higher mountains.
Which statement best explains why water in a glass becomes colder when ice cubes are added?
2 Heat flows from the water to the ice cubes.
Which observation is a direct result of the 23½ ° tilt of Earth’s axis as Earth orbits the Sun?
4 Winter occurs in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time that summer occurs in the Northern
Hemisphere.
Pieces of lead, copper, iron, and granite, each having a mass of 1 kilogram and a temperature of 100°C, were
removed from a container of boiling water and allowed to cool under identical conditions. Which piece most
likely cooled to room temperature first?
2 lead
Earth’s surface air temperatures change less during cloudy nights than during clear nights because clouds
reflect and water vapor absorbs
3 infrared radiation
Locations in New York State are warmest in summer because sunlight in summer is
4 most intense and of longest duration
A parcel of air has a dry-bulb temperature of 16°C and a wet-bulb temperature of 10°C. What are the
dewpoint and relative humidity of the air?
(4) 4°C dewpoint and 45% relative humidity
Air leaves the outlet of the solar collector because the air within the solar collector becomes
3 warmer and less dense
The homeowner decides to install carpet on the floor in the room that receives the most sunlight. A carpet
with which characteristics would absorb the most insolation?
4 rough texture and dark color
Which sequence best describes the pattern of energy transfer affecting the solar collector?
1 Sun (radiation)  collector panel (conduction and radiation)  air in collector (convection)
For the angle of the Sun’s rays shown, which side view best represents the correct placement of the solar
collector to absorb the maximum amount of insolation?
Which diagram best represents the apparent path of the Sun on June 21 for this location?
What is the total number of calories required to melt 100 grams of ice at 0°C to liquid water at 0°C?
(2) 8,000 cal
Which process requires the most absorption of energy by water?
3 vaporizing 1 gram of liquid water
A barefoot student steps on a hot concrete surface. Most of the heat transferred to the student’s skin by this
contact is by the process of
2 conduction
How do the rates of warming and cooling of land surfaces compare to the rates of warming and cooling of
ocean surfaces?
3 Land surfaces warm faster and cool faster.
Which current is a cool ocean current that flows completely around Earth?
3 West Wind Drift
Compared to the climate at location X, the climate at location Y is
1 warmer and drier
The development of thick soils is most closely associated with areas that have a
4 large amount of vegetation and high yearly precipitation
For which city did ground-water storage become full in August?
(4) Z
The water budgets of cities X and Y have
4 usage, deficit, recharge, and surplus
Which conditions caused the moisture deficits in these water budgets?
3 Precipitation was less than potential evapotranspiration, and ground storage was empty.
What is the most likely moisture source for these soil water budgets?
2 precipitation
The four cities have their highest potential evapotranspiration values in July. Which statement best explains
this observation?
2 The highest temperatures occur in July.
A parcel of air has a dry-bulb temperature of 18°C and a wet-bulb temperature of 10°C. What are the
dewpoint and the relative humidity?
(3) 2°C and 33%
Equal masses of granite, iron, basalt, and liquid water are at room temperature. Each substance then absorbs
the same amount of additional heat energy. Assuming no phase change, which substance would change least
in temperature?
4 liquid water
The temperature of water in a container was 60°C. Ten minutes later, the water temperature was 35°C. What
was the rate of cooling of the water?
(2) 2.5 C°/min
What is the dewpoint when the dry-bulb temperature is 14°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 8°C?
(1) 1°C
The same amount of heat energy is added to equal masses of lead, iron, basalt, and water at room
temperature. Assuming no phase change takes place, which substance will have the smallest change in
temperature?
4 water
Earth’s coldest climates are near the North Pole and the South Pole mainly because, compared to the rest of
Earth’s surface, these regions
2 receive less intense insolation
Which of the following Earth surfaces usually reflects the most incoming solar radiation?
1 snow cover
Which point represents the sunrise location on the first day of winter?
(4) D
What is the most probable reason that Earth’s atmospheric temperature decreased shortly after each major
volcanic eruption?
3 Volcanic dust from the eruptions blocked insolation.
A container of water is placed in an open outdoor area so that the evaporation rate can be observed. The
water will most likely evaporate fastest when the weather is
4 warm, dry, and windy
Adjacent water and land surfaces have the same temperature at sunrise on a clear, calm day. A surface wind
develops after the water and land are heated by the Sun for a few hours. On which map do the arrows best
represent the direction of this wind?
The total yearly precipitation (P) for a city in Texas is 218 millimeters. The total yearly potential
evapotranspiration (Ep) is 951 millimeters. Which type of climate does this city have?
4 arid
What is the name of the cool ocean current that flows along the west coast of South America?
2 Peru Current
The temperature in city B is highest in January and lowest in July because city B is located
3 in the Southern Hemisphere
Both cities have an average yearly temperature of 11°C, but city A has a much greater temperature range than
city B has because city A most likely
2 is farther from a large body of water
After most of the moisture is removed from the air on the windward side, deserts form on the leeward side
because the sinking air
1 compresses and warms
Most of the energy from the light sources was transferred to the sand by the process of
3 radiation
Which type of sand surface would most likely absorb the most radiation?
2 dark-colored rough surface
Which station received the least intense light energy?
(4) D
After the light sources were removed, the electromagnetic energy radiated by the cooling sand was mostly
1 infrared rays
Which graph best represents the temperatures that would be shown by thermometers 1 and 2 at station A?
Which process requires water to gain 540 calories of energy per gram?
(1) vaporization
Compared to the climate conditions of dry inland locations, the climate conditions of locations influenced by
a nearby ocean generally result in
(4) cooler summers and warmer winters, with a smaller annual range of temperatures
Which numbered arrow best represents the process of transpiration?
(1) 1
The clouds have formed primarily because moist air
(1) rises, expands, and cools
For infiltration to occur, the ground must be
(2) permeable and not saturated
Which atmospheric condition is most likely responsible for the wind blowing the clouds from the sea toward
the land?
(2) high air pressure over the sea and low air pressure over the land
The diagram below represents a beaker of water that is being heated. As the colored dye pellet dissolves, the
dye will show the movement of water in the beaker. On the diagram, draw arrows in the water to show the
direction the colored dye will move when the water is heated as shown.
Arrows should exhibit clockwise convective circulation.
Example student response:
Calculate the average snowfall gradient along the dotted line between points A and B on the 1991–1992
winter season map, and label your answer with the correct units.
Allow credit for 4 or 4.0 (±0.2) and allow credit for the correct unit.
Acceptable unit responses include, but are not limited to:
— inches/mile
— in/mi
Once the surface of Lake Erie completely freezes over with ice, the amount of snow from each snowstorm is
usually reduced. Explain why a covering of ice on Lake Erie may cause the amount of snow from
snowstorms to be reduced.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— When Lake Erie is covered with ice, the air moving over it will pick up less moisture.
— Less evaporation will take place.
— When Lake Erie is covered with ice, the air is heated less.
On the grid below, draw a line graph to show the general relationship between the amount of snowfall
recorded in northern Erie County with the amount of snowfall recorded in southern Erie County, as shown on
the three snowfall maps.
The line graph should show that southern Erie County has more snowfall than northern Erie County.
Example response:
On the map below that shows the total inches of snowfall received at various locations for the 1984–1985
winter season, draw the 120-inch snowfall isoline.
Student should draw a correct 120-inch snowfall isoline.
Note: If additional isolines are drawn, all isolines must be correct to receive credit.
Example response:
What is the relative humidity when the air temperature is 29°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 23°C?
(4) 60%
When converted to millibars, this air pressure is equal to
(2) 1012.5 mb
Which diagram best shows the Sun’s apparent path, as seen by an observer on July 21 in New York State?
As the wind flows down the leeward side of the mountain range, the air becomes
(3) warmer and drier
During a windless summer day, the air inside this house is warmed by the Sun. In which cross section do the
arrows show the most likely air movement when the windows are opened?
Under identical conditions, which surface will reflect the greatest amount of insolation?
(3) a glacial ice sheet
Complete the table below by identifying the name of the water cycle process occurring at each number.
Example response:
On the grid below, plot with an X the average monthly high temperatures for Birdsville, Australia. Connect
the Xs with a line. The average monthly high temperatures for Bundaberg have already been plotted on the
graph for you.
State one factor that could account for the difference between the average high temperatures recorded in
December for Birdsville and Bundaberg.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— Birdsville is located inland near the center of the continent.
— Bundaberg is located near a large body of water (the ocean) that moderates climate
temperatures.
State one reason for the difference in the average January rainfall for Birdsville and Bundaberg.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— Bundaberg is located near the ocean.
— Birdsville is located inland.
— The warm ocean current affects the climate of Bundaberg.
— Bundaberg is located on the windward side of the mountain.
Explain why Bundaberg will experience solar noon before Birdsville each day.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— Bundaberg is located east of Birdsville.
— Birdsville is west of Bundaberg.
— Earth rotates west to east.
On the map below, draw the 30° S latitude line.
How many calories are required to evaporate 1 gram of boiling water?
(3) 540
Clouds usually form on the windward sides of mountains because this is where air
(1) rises and cools
Which ocean current brings warm water to the western coast of Africa?
(4) Guinea Current
What is the relative humidity if the dry-bulb temperature is 22°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 17°C?
(3) 60%
The thunderstorm that occurred between 11 p.m. and 12 midnight was most likely the result of
(2) the arrival of a cold front
Which weather condition was reported at Dallas when the air temperature was equal to the dewpoint?
(1) fog
Which New York State landscape region receives the greatest average yearly precipitation?
(1) Catskills
Approximately how many inches of average yearly precipitation does Rochester, New York, receive?
(2) 30
What was the range in the average monthly temperatures for city Y during the year?
10°C to 15°C
Explain why city X has a greater difference between summer and winter temperatures than city Y.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— City X is located farther inland from the ocean.
— City Y is located closer to a large body of water.
What evidence shown on the graph indicates that both cities, X and Y, are located in the Northern
Hemisphere?
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to:
— Both cities have their highest temperatures in June, July, and August.
The correct explanation of why ice floats is that, compared to liquid water, solid ice
3 is less dense
Which statement best describes the energy transfer?
4 The cube is a heat sink and the surrounding air is a heat source.
Which diagram best represents the direction of convection currents around the burning wood of a campfire?
During which process would 1 gram of water gain the most energy?
1 evaporating
At which latitude and on which date does the surface of Earth receive the greatest intensity of insolation?
2 the Equator (0°) on September 23
Clouds usually form when moist air rises because the air
3 expands and cools
A sling psychrometer shows a dry-bulb reading of 14°C and a wet-bulb reading of 9°C. what are the
dewpoint and the relative humidity?
(4) 4°C and 50%
The potential evapotranspiration of an area is most dependent on the
4 insolation received
Which climate conditions are typical of regions near the North Pole and the South Pole?
1 low temperature and low precipitation
Compared to land surface temperature changes, water surface temperature changes occur
2 more slowly because water has a higher specific heat
Which location is most likely to receive precipitation?
(2) B
What was the approximate relative humidity at 6:00 p.m.?
(2) 47%
At what time did the air most likely have the greatest capacity to hold water vapor?
(3) 5 p.m.
Which change most likely caused the decrease in relative humidity between 6:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.?
4 The air temperature increased.
At what time during this spring day were the air temperature and dewpoint closest?
(2) 6 a.m.
At 7 p.m., the air temperature was 10°C and the dewpoint was calculated to be 0°C. According to the Lapse
Rate chart on the Earth Science Reference Tables, the altitude to the base of a cloud formed by air rising
from Earth’s surface was approximately
(3) 1.2 km
At which temperature does an object radiate the least amount of electromagnetic energy?
(1) 250 K
The average rate of temperature change, in Fahrenheit degrees per hour, between 6 a.m. and noon was
(3) 3°/hr
A student accurately measured the altitude of the noontime Sun from the same New York State location on
four days during the school year. Which sequence best shows these measurements?
Heat energy will normally flow from
(1) A to B
The lowest surface air temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere usually occur during the month of
3 July
The main method of heat transfer occurring within the water is called
2 convection
What is the relative humidity of a sample of air that has a dry-bulb temperature of 20°C and a wet-bulb
temperature of 11°C?
(4) 30%
As air rises on the windward side of the mountain ridge, the air’s temperature decreases. Which process
usually causes this temperature decrease?
1 expansion of rising air
Which process occurs when water vapor moves out of the leaves of a tree into the atmosphere?
4 transpiration
Which two climate factors are most directly responsible for the amount of snowfall normally received in
buffalo, New York?
4 prevailing wind direction and nearness to a large body of water
The planetary wind and moisture belts indicate that large amounts of rainfall occur at Earth’s Equator
because air is
1 converging and rising
The greatest temperature variation from normal occurred during
2 August 1992
The addition of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane gas to the atmosphere changes Earth’s climate.
This change occurs primarily because these gases cause
4 warmer temperatures by absorbing infrared radiation
According to the graph, the longest time period that average Earth temperatures were warmer than normal
was approximately
(2) 14 months
Earth’s average monthly temperature for October 1990 was approximately
(2) 0.2 C° above normal
In late summer 1991, Mt. Pinatubo, a volcano in the Philippines, exploded and sent thousands of tons of
volcanic dust into the atmosphere. Scientists have suggested that Earth’s average monthly temperatures for
many months after the explosion generally were
1 cooler than normal due to the reflection of sunlight by volcanic dust
What is the total amount of moisture added to soil storage during October?
(2) 30 mm
Surplus soil moisture exists during the month of
4 December
Stream discharge at this location would probably be lowest during
3 August
According to the information provided in table 2, the area represented by the water budget data would have a
climate classified as
1 humid
Which factor is mainly responsible for the pattern of potential evapotranspiration illustrated by the graph?
1 average air temperature
What is the total number of calories of latent heat that must be absorbed by 1,000 grams of ice at 0°C to
change all of the ice to liquid water at 0°C?
(3) 80,000 cal
Which statement correctly describes the differences in the climates of locations A and B?
(2) Location A is cooler and wetter than location B.
The average temperature at Earth’s equator is higher than the average temperature at Earth’s South Pole
because the South Pole
(1) receives less intense insolation
Which statement best summarizes the general effects of ocean currents at 20° S latitude on coastal regions of
South America?
(3) The east coast is warmed and the west coast is cooled.
Under which atmospheric conditions will water most likely evaporate at the fastest rate?
(2) hot, dry, and windy
Which graph best represents the average monthly temperatures for one year at a location in the Southern
Hemisphere?
Which letter represents the surface that most likely absorbs the greatest amount of insolation?
(4) D
The curving of these planetary winds is the result of
(1) Earth’s rotation on its axis
Which wind belt has the greatest effect on the climate of New York State?
(2) prevailing southwesterlies
Which climatic conditions exist where the trade winds converge?
(3) warm and wet
Which ocean current flows northeast along the eastern coast of North America?
(1) Gulf Stream
Which type of land surface would probably reflect the most incoming solar radiation?
(1) light colored and smooth
The climate at 90° north latitude is dry because the air at that location is usually
(4) cool and sinking
The paths of the surface planetary winds are curved due to Earth’s
(2) rotation
The tropopause is approximately how far above sea level?
(2) 12 km
Describe two changes that occur to the warm, moist air between points 1 and 2 that would cause cloud
formation.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Air rises.
Air expands.
Air cools.
The temperature reaches the dewpoint.
Water vapor condenses.
For Riverhead, Albany, and Massena, state the relationship between latitude and the length of the growing
season shown by the graph.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
The lower latitudes have longer growing seasons.
As latitude increases, the length of the growing season decreases.
The data for Oswego, New York, have been plotted separately on the graph. Explain why the location of
Oswego causes it to have a growing season longer than other cities at the same latitude.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
modifying influence of a large body of water
Prevailing winds off the lake keep temperatures warmer.
nearness to a large body of water
Compare the length of the growing season in a lowland region with the length of the growing season in a
mountain region at approximately the same latitude.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
As elevation increases, the growing season is shorter.
The growing season is shorter in the mountain region than in the lowland region.
Which diagram correctly shows how surface winds are deflected (curved) in the Northern and Southern
Hemispheres due to Earth’s rotation?
What is the primary function of the clear glass of the greenhouse?
(3) The glass allows short wavelengths of radiation to enter, but reduces the amount of longwavelength radiation that escapes.
Compared to the climate conditions on the leeward side of this mountain range, the conditions on the
windward side are usually
(1) cooler and wetter
The California Ocean Current, which flows along the west coast of North America, is a
(2) cool current, flowing south
The cross sections below show different patterns of air movement in Earth’s atmosphere. Air temperatures at
Earth’s surface are indicated in each cross section. Which cross section shows the most likely pattern of air
movement in Earth’s atmosphere that would result from the surface air temperatures shown?
Which method of energy transfer is primarily responsible for energy being lost from Earth into space?
(4) radiation
According to the isotherms on the map, locations in the mid-latitude climate belts have average monthly
temperatures between what values?
Allow credit for 10°C and 18°C or 18°C and 10°C.
Describe a specific characteristic of insolation received in the tropical climate belt region that causes the
average monthly temperature to remain warm all year.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
This region receives a high angle of insolation each day.
High-intensity insolation is received all year.
The Sun is higher in the sky all year.
The tropical region receives more intense sunlight.
Note: Do not allow credit for “The region is near the Equator (0° latitude),” or “receives more
sunlight” because the response does not describe a specific characteristic of insolation.
Land surfaces of Earth heat more rapidly than water surfaces because
(2) land has a lower specific heat than water
Most of Earth’s surface ocean current patterns are primarily caused by
(3) prevailing winds
A student uses a sling psychrometer outdoors on a clear day. The dry-bulb (air) temperature is 10°C. The
water on the wet bulb will most likely
(3) evaporate, causing the wet-bulb temperature to be lower than the air temperature
Most water vapor enters the atmosphere by the processes of
(3) evaporation and transpiration
Which dates are represented most correctly by Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3, respectively?
(2) June 21, September 22, December 21
Over the course of a year, compared to location B, location A will have
(3) more precipitation and a smaller temperature range
The climate at location C is much drier than at location D. This difference is best explained by the fact that
location C is located
(4) at a latitude where air is sinking and surface winds diverge
Compared to the observations made at location D, the observed altitude of Polaris at location B is
(4) always greater
Which month is most probably represented by map B?
(1) February
Identify by name the surface ocean current that cools the climate of locations on the western coastline of
North America.
California Current
Explain how the changing altitude (angle of incidence) of the noon Sun affects the length of the shadows
shown in the diagrams.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
the higher the Sun, the shorter the shadow
the greater the angle, the shorter the shadow
the lower the Sun’s angle, the longer the shadow
On the diagram provided below, draw the direction and length of the shadow at noon that will most likely be
observed at 42° N latitude on June 21.
Allow credit for drawing a shadow shorter than the height of the vertical stick. The shadow must be
drawn extending north, parallel to the north arrow.
Which graph best shows the relationship between the probability of precipitation and the difference
between air temperature and dewpoint?
A high air-pressure, dry-climate belt is located at which Earth latitude?
(3) 30° N
The Canaries Current along the west coast of Africa and the Peru Current along the west coast of South
America are both
(4) cool currents that flow toward the Equator
The average temperature at Earth’s North Pole is colder than the average temperature at the Equator because
the Equator
(2) receives more intense insolation
What is the dewpoint temperature when the dry-bulb temperature is 16°C and the wet-bulb temperature is
11°C?
(2) 7°C
A strong west wind steadily blew over Lake Ontario picking up moisture. As this moist air flowed over the
Tug Hill Plateau, the plateau received a 36-inch snowfall. This snow fell from clouds that formed when
rising air was
(1) cooled by expansion, causing water vapor to condense
During which phase change of water is the most energy released into the environment?
(4) water vapor condensing
Which city most likely receives the least amount of average yearly precipitation?
(1) A
What was the approximate change in relative humidity from 12 noon to 4 p.m.?
(2) 15%
At which time would the rate of evaporation most likely be greatest?
(4) 4 p.m.
Label the two lines provided on the cross section below to show where air pressure is relatively “high” and
where it is relatively “low.”
Allow credit for showing “high” air pressure over the land and “low” air pressure over the ocean.
Assume that the wind blowing out to sea on this night is caused by local air-temperature conditions. Label
the two lines provided on the cross section below to show where Earth’s surface air temperature is relatively
“warm” and where it is relatively “cool.”
Allow credit for showing “warm” air temperature over the ocean and “cool” air temperature over the
land.
Surface ocean currents curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere because
(3) Earth spins on its axis
What is the dewpoint temperature when the drybulb temperature is 12°C and the wet-bulb temperature is
4°C?
(1) –9°C
Adjacent land and ocean surfaces have the same temperature at sunrise on a clear, calm, summer day. Then
the land and water are heated by the Sun for several hours. Which cross section shows the most likely
direction of surface winds that will develop at this ocean shore?
Surface ocean currents located at 40º south latitude, 90° west longitude generally flow toward the
(1) northeast
How do these winds affect India’s weather in summer and winter?
(2) Summer is warmer and more humid than winter.
Most water vapor enters Earth’s atmosphere by the processes of
(4) evaporation and transpiration
The hottest average January temperatures occur at approximately what latitude?
20º south (±8º). The correct compass direction must be included.
From January to July, there is a smaller temperature change in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern
Hemisphere. Explain why the Southern Hemisphere’s larger ocean-water surface causes this smaller
temperature change.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Water has a higher specific heat than the land.
Water takes a longer time to heat up and cool down than land.
Surface winds on Earth are primarily caused by differences in
(1) air density due to unequal heating of Earth’s surface
Which statement correctly describes sea surface temperatures along the South American coast and Pacific
trade winds during El Niño conditions?
(1) The sea surface temperatures are warmer than normal, and Pacific trade winds are from the west.
Compared to normal weather conditions, the shift of the trade winds caused sea levels during El Niño
conditions to
(2) decrease at Australia and increase at South America
During El Niño conditions, thunderstorms increase in the eastern Pacific Ocean region because the warm,
moist air is
(2) less dense, rising, expanding, and cooling
The development of El Niño conditions over this region of the Pacific Ocean has caused
(1) changes in worldwide precipitation patterns
Earth’s entire equatorial climate zone is generally a belt around Earth that has
(3) low air pressure and wet weather
At which location would a glacier most likely form?
(1) 0° latitude at an elevation of 6,000 m
Which graph shows the probable change in light intensity (brightness) recorded during the 6-minute period
after the light is turned on?
What is the dewpoint when the dry-bulb temperature is 24°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 15°C?
(1) 8°C
Which statement best explains the difference in the average yearly temperature range for the two cities?
(4) City B is located near a large body of water.
The apparent daily path of the Sun changes with the seasons because
(1) Earth’s axis is tilted
On the field map below, draw only the 15°C and the 20°C isotherms. Isotherms must be extended to the edge
of the map.
Allow credit if both required isotherms are drawn correctly and touch the borders of the map. If more
than the two required isotherms are drawn, all isotherms must be correct for credit. Isotherms need
not be labeled.
Surface temperatures are higher on the east side of the field map, where the parking lot is located. Explain
how a characteristic of the parking lot surface could cause these higher temperatures.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Dark surfaces are better absorbers of radiant energy.
The parking lot reflects less sunlight than the surrounding area.
The parking lot has a darker and rougher surface.
Calculate the temperature gradient along a straight line between point A and point B on the map by following
the directions below.
a Write the equation for determining the temperature gradient.
b Substitute the correct values into the equation.
c Solve the equation and record your answer in decimal form. Label the answer with the correct 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. Allow ±5 m for distance; temperature must be 2°.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, this example:
c Allow credit for correctly calculating the gradient, based on the student’s answer in part b.
and
Allow credit for recording the proper units, based on the student’s answer in part b.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Another Earth science class took accurate temperature readings at 12 noon on the same day and at the same
locations. At each location, the temperature was warmer than it had been at 10 a.m. Explain why the
temperature readings would normally increase between 10 a.m. and 12 noon.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
The angle of insolation or intensity of sunlight normally increases between 10 a.m. and noon.
The area continues to absorb more energy than it radiates.
Summer days in New York State are likely to be hotter than winter days because in summer
(3) Earth’s northern axis is tilted toward the Sun
Jamestown received more rainfall per year than Elmira. A reason for this difference is that Jamestown is
located
(1) closer to a large body of water
Which of these locations had the lowest average annual precipitation?
(4) Plattsburgh
Which surface ocean current transports warm water to higher latitudes?
(3) Gulf Stream
Liquid water can store more heat energy than an equal amount of any other naturally occurring substance
because liquid water
(3) has the higher specific heat
Clouds usually form when
(1) air temperature reaches the dewpoint
Based on the temperature readings shown in this diagram, determine the relative humidity of the air in the
classroom.
69%
Besides relative humidity, identify another weather variable of the air in the classroom that may be
determined by using both temperature readings on the hygrometer.
dewpoint
Describe how water evaporating from the wick attached to the wet-bulb thermometer lowers the temperature
reading of that thermometer.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Evaporation is a cooling process.
Water evaporating from a wet wick takes energy from the wet-bulb thermometer.
Which graph best represents the relationship between the angle of insolation and the intensity of insolation?
A square meter of surface of which of these natural areas would most likely absorb the most insolation
during a clear day?
(2) a dark-green forest
Which temperature field map shows correctly drawn isotherms?
The average monthly temperatures for climate regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 show a similar yearly pattern of change.
Identify one climate control factor that these four climate regions have in common that most probably causes
this similarity in temperature pattern.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
similar latitudes
similar duration of insolation
similar intensity of insolation
similar monthly changes in the altitude of the Sun
What climate variable, other than temperature, was also used to identify these areas as four different climate
regions?
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
humidity
precipitation
moisture
What landscape characteristic of climate region 3 most likely causes it to have both cooler summer
temperatures and cooler winter temperatures than climate region 2?
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
The elevation of area 3 is higher.
Climate region 3 is located in a mountainous region.
On the grid provided below, construct a bar graph of the average monthly temperatures provided below for
climate region 5. January has been completed for you.
Allow credit if ten or eleven bars are correctly drawn (±2ºF).
An example of an acceptable response is shown below.
Describe how the Atlantic Ocean surrounding climate region 5 has most probably influenced the average
temperatures of this region during January, February, and March.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
The ocean has moderated temperatures, making the temperatures warmer.
It has increased the temperatures during these months.
The arrows shown on the map most likely represent the direction of movement of
(4) Atlantic Ocean hurricanes
Which graph best shows the general effect that differences in elevation above sea level have on the average
annual temperature?
During which process does heat transfer occur because of density differences?
(2) convection
Which diagram best represents visible light rays after striking a dark, rough surface?
State one reason for the increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere during the last 100
years.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
burning fossil fuels
population increases
State one way that the recent increase in average global temperature can cause changes in ocean water level.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
Global warming melts glaciers, causing a rise in sea level.
Increased evaporation could lower sea level.
State what would happen to the average summer and winter temperatures in New York State if the tilt of
Earth’s axis were to decrease from 23 ½° to 20°.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
warmer winter temperatures and cooler summer temperatures
smaller temperature range
State the relationship that must exist between water temperature and air temperature for lake-effect snow to
develop.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
The temperature of the lake water at the surface must be higher than the temperature of the
air flowing over the water.
Water temperature is warmer than air temperature.
State why locations east and southeast of Lake Ontario are more likely to receive lake-effect snow than are
locations west of the lake.
Acceptable responses include, but are not limited to, these examples:
prevailing winds
Lake Ontario runs lengthwise from west to east, and the prevailing winds pick up moisture as
they flow across the entire length.
State the name of the New York State landscape region that includes location A shown in the diagram.
Erie-Ontario Lowlands
State why very heavy snowfall occurs in the Tug Hill Plateau region.
rising or cooling air or increased condensation or orographic lifting
When the dry-bulb temperature is 22°C and the wet-bulb temperature is 13°C, the relative humidity is
(2) 33%
Which characteristics of a building material would provide the most energy-absorbing exterior covering for a
house?
(2) dark colored and rough textured
On a clear summer day, the surface of land is usually warmer than the surface of a nearby body of water
because the water
(4) has a higher specific heat
Which interaction between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere causes most surface ocean currents?
(3) friction from planetary winds on the ocean surface
As air on the surface of Earth warms, the density of the air
(1) decreases
Why does the windward side of this mountain have a wet climate?
(3) Rising air expands and cools, causing the water vapor to condense.
Which graph best shows the average annual amounts of precipitation received at different latitudes on Earth?
Which of these characteristics identify an Earth surface that is likely to be the best absorber of insolation?
(4) dark colored and rough
Which phase change requires water to gain 540 calories per gram?
(3) liquid water vaporizing
Which diagram best illustrates how air rising over a mountain produces precipitation?
Why are the beaches that are located on the southern shore of Long Island often considerably cooler than
nearby inland locations on hot summer afternoons?
(2) A sea breeze develops due to the higher specific heat of water and the lower specific heat of land.
Which process should be shown in place of the question marks to best complete the
flowchart?
(3) evaporation
Which statement best describes the relationship between relative humidity and air temperature as shown by
the graph?
(2) Relative humidity decreases as air temperature increases.
What were the relative humidity and air temperature at noon on this day?
(3) 47% and 48°F