Regents Earth Science Test Preparation Practice Regents Test, Full Exam Practice Online: earth science June 2017

1

Evidence that the universe is expanding is best supported by the observation that the wavelengths of light from distant galaxies are shifted toward the*

(1) red end of the spectrum because they are shortened

(2) red end of the spectrum because they are lengthened

(3) blue end of the spectrum because they are shortened

(4) blue end of the spectrum because they are lengthened

2

Scientists infer that the Big Bang occurred approximately*

(1) 4.6 billion years ago

(2) 7 billion years ago

(3) 9 billion years ago

(4) 13.8 billion years ago

3

Which process produces the largest amount of energy given off by stars?*

(1) nuclear fusion of lighter elements into heavier elements

(2) nuclear fusion of heavier elements into lighter elements

(3) radioactive decay of lighter elements into heavier elements

(4) radioactive decay of heavier elements into lighter elements

4

Which two factors caused the interior layering of Earth and other planets in our solar system during their formation?*

(1) cosmic background radiation and density differences

(2) cosmic background radiation and specific heat

(3) gravity and density differences

(4) gravity and specific heat

5

The map below shows the location of the Chicxulub impact crater, which was formed in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 65.5 million years ago. With an estimated 108-mile diameter, this crater, which is now buried beneath surface crustal rocks, is one of the largest craters on Earth.

geologic-history, reference-tables, seasons-and-astronomy, asteroids-comets-and-meteors, earth-history, standard-1-math-and-science-inquery, changing-length-of-a-shadow-based-on-the-motion-of-the-sun, standard-6-interconnectedness, models fig: esci62017-exampwr_g1.png

The asteroid impact that formed this large crater is theorized to have caused*

(1) a drop in sea level from the sea water draining into the large crater

(2) warmer than normal worldwide ocean temperatures from the hot asteroid

(3) mass extinctions of many species on Earth from extreme climate changes

(4) an increase in worldwide greenhouse gases from vaporizing crustal rocks

6

The altitude of Polaris measured by an observer at the Tropic of Cancer is*

(1) 15°

(2) 23.5°

(3) 66.5°

(4) 90°

7

During which month does the Sun rise north of due east in New York State?*

(1) February

(2) July

(3) October

(4) December

8

The graph below shows the change in tide heights of the Hudson River at Newburgh, New York.

seasons-and-astronomy, earth-rotation, standard-1-math-and-science-inquery, velocity-slope-sediment-size-channel-shape-stream-valume-distance-from-the-sun-gravitational-force-period-of-revolution-speed-of-revolution, standard-6-interconnectedness, patterns-of-change fig: esci62017-exampwr_g2.png

According to the graph, the time difference between high tide and the next low tide is approximately*

(1) 2 hours

(2) 3 hours

(3) 6 hours

(4) 12 hours

9

During a rainstorm, water is flowing down the side of a hill composed of solid bedrock. What will be the effect on the relative amounts of runoff and infiltration when the water reaches an area of unsaturated soil with a gentler slope?*

(1) Runoff will decrease as infiltration decreases.

(2) Runoff will decrease as infiltration increases.

(3) Runoff will increase as infiltration decreases.

(4) Runoff will increase as infiltration increases.

10

What is the dewpoint when the dry bulb temperature is 20°C and the relative humidity is 17%?*

(1) –5°C

(2) –2°C

(3) 11°C

(4) 15°C

11

The diagram below represents the apparent changes in the direction of swing of a Foucault pendulum.

seasons-and-astronomy, earth-rotation, standard-6-interconnectedness, models fig: esci62017-exampwr_g3.png

This apparent change in direction of swing provides evidence that Earth*

(1) has a spherical shape

(2) is tilted on its axis

(3) orbits around the Sun

(4) turns on its axis

12

Which change in the heat energy content of water occurs when water changes phase from a liquid to a solid?*

(1) gain of 334 Joules of heat energy per gram

(2) release of 334 Joules of heat energy per gram

(3) gain of 2260 Joules of heat energy per gram

(4) release of 2260 Joules of heat energy per gram

13

What is the primary source of energy for Earth’s weather systems?*

(1) incoming solar radiation

(2) subtropical jet streams

(3) precipitation from clouds

(4) heat from Earth’s interior

14

The diagram below represents a view of Earth from above the North Pole. Points A and B represent locations on Earth’s surface.

seasons-and-astronomy, earth-rotation, maps-and-measurement, latitude-and-longitude, standard-6-interconnectedness, models fig: esci62017-exampwr_g6.png

Locations A and B have the same*

(1) latitude and local time

(2) latitude and elevation

(3) longitude and local time

(4) longitude and elevation

15

The diagram below shows an instrument used in weather forecasting.

reference-tables, key-to-weather-map-symbols, meteorology, measuring-weather-variables, standard-1-math-and-science-inquery, changing-length-of-a-shadow-based-on-the-motion-of-the-sun, standard-6-interconnectedness, models fig: esci62017-exampwr_g4.png

This instrument measures atmospheric*

(1) wind speed

(2) wind direction

(3) pressure

(4) temperature