Earth Science Regents January 2011

If an observer on Earth views Polaris on the horizon, the observer is located at the

• (1) equator (0°)

• (2) North Pole

  (90° N)

• (3) Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N)

• (4) Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S)

The theory that the universe is expanding is supported by the

• (1) blue shift of light from distant galaxies

• (2) red shift of light from distant galaxies

• (3) nuclear fusion occurring in the Sun

• (4) radioactive decay occurring in the Sun

During which month does the Sun appear to rise farthest north of due east for an observer in New York State?

• (1) December

• (2) January

• (3) June

• (4) July

Most scientists believe Earth’s Early Archean atmosphere was formed primarily by gases released from

• (1) stream erosion spiration

• (2) chemical weathering

• (3) volcanic eruptions

• (4) plant transpiration

How many degrees does the Sun appear to move across the sky in four hours?

• (1) 60°

• (2) 45°

• (3) 15°

• (4) 4°

Which type of land surface will most likely absorb the greatest amount of incoming solar radiation?

• (1) rough, dark-colored surface

• (2) rough, light-colored surface

• (3) smooth, dark-colored surface

• (4) smooth, light-colored surface

Which weather variable is measured by a barometer?

• (1) dewpoint

• (2) wind speed

• (3) air pressure

• (4) visibility

The least amount of surface water runoff will occur when soil pore spaces are

• (1) saturated and the slope is steep

• (2) saturated and the slope is gentle

• (3) unsaturated and the slope is steep

• (4) unsaturated and the slope is gentle

The formation of soil is primarily the result of

• (1) stream erosion and mass movement

• (2) stream deposition and runoff

• (3) precipitation and wind erosion

• (4) weathering and biological activity

Sediments found in glacial moraines are best described as

• (1) sorted and layered

• (2) sorted and not layered

• (3) unsorted and layered

• (4) unsorted and not layered