Base your answers to questions 1 through 4 on the diagram below, which shows Earth as seen from
above the North Pole. The curved arrows show the direction of Earth’s motion. The shaded portion
represents the nighttime side of Earth. Some of the latitude and longitude lines have been labeled.
Points A and B represent locations on Earth’s surface.
1. If it is 4:00 p.m. at point B, what is the time at point A?
2. Identify one possible date that is represented by the diagram.
3. On the diagram above, draw a curved arrow, starting at point B, showing the general direction that
planetary surface winds flow between 30° N and 60° N latitude.
4. Explain why the angle of insolation at solar noon is greater at point B than at point A.
Base your answers to questions 5 and 6 on the
diagram below, which shows incoming solar
radiation passing through the glass of a greenhouse
and then striking the floor.
5. Some of the incoming solar radiation is absorbed by
the floor. Identify the type of electromagnetic energy
reradiated by the floor.
6. Describe one way the glass in the greenhouse acts like
the greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere.
7. How many times will the Sun’s perpendicular rays
cross Earth’s Equator between March 1 of one year
and March 1 of the next year?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
8. 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 questions 9 through 11 on the data table below. A student recorded the hours of
daylight and the altitude of the Sun at noon on the twenty-first day of every month for one year in
Buffalo, New York.
9. The sky model diagram above shows the apparent path of the Sun on March 21 for an observer in
Buffalo, New York. Draw a line to represent the apparent path of the Sun from sunrise to sunset at
Buffalo on May 21. Be sure your path indicates the correct altitude of the noon Sun and begins and
ends at the correct positions on the horizon.
10. On the graph below, draw a line to represent the general relationship between the altitude of the Sun
at noon and the number of hours of daylight throughout the year at Buffalo.
11. On the same sky model above, place an asterisk (*) at the apparent position of the North Star as seen
from Buffalo.
Base your answers to questions 12 through 14 on
the diagram below and on your knowledge of Earth science. The diagram represents four apparent
paths of the Sun, labeled A, B, C, and D, observed in Jamestown, New York. The June 21 and
December 21 sunrise and sunset positions are indicated. Letter S identifies the Sun's position on path
C at a specific time of day. Compass directions are indicated along the horizon.
12. At what time of day is the Sun at position S?
A) 6 a.m.
B) 9 a.m.
C) 3 p.m.
D) 6 p.m.
13. The greatest duration of insolation in Jamestown occurs when the Sun appears to travel along path
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
14. When the Sun appears to travel along path D at Jamestown, which latitude on Earth receives the most
direct rays from the Sun?
A) 42° N
B) 23.5° N
C) 0°
D) 23.5° S
Base your answers to questions 15 through 18 on the diagram below. The diagram represents daytime
and nighttime on Earth. Point X is a location on Earth's surface. Earth's rotational surface velocity is
shown in miles per hour (mi/h) at specific latitudes.
15. On the grid below, draw a line to show the general relationship between distance from the equator
and Earth's rotational surface velocity.
16. Record, to the nearest hour, the duration of insolation at location X for one Earth rotation.
17. What is Earth's rotational surface velocity, in miles per hour, at 23.5° south latitude?
18. Identify the Northern Hemisphere season that is just beginning when Earth is at the position
represented in this diagram.
19. Locations in California are warmest in summer
because sunlight in summer is
A) least intense and of shortest duration
B) least intense and of longest duration
C) most intense and of shortest duration
D) most intense and of longest duration
20. Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below, which represents Earth in its orbit
around the Sun. The position of Earth on the first day of each season is labeled A, B, C, and D.
At which location are the Sun's noontime rays perpendicular to Earth's surface at the Tropic of
Cancer? (23.5° N)?
A) A
B) B
C) C
21. The ozone layer helps life on Earth because ozone
A) modifies the normal El Niño weather pattern
B) reflects insolation from the Sun
C) absorbs damaging ultraviolet radiation from
the Sun
D) deflects winds from a straight line to a curved
path
22. The amount of insolation reflected from the Earth's
surface at a particular time is most dependent on the
A)
B)
C)
D)
angle of the Sun's rays
temperature of the Earth's surface
amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere
distance from the Earth to the Sun
D) D
Base your answers to questions 23 through 25 on the graph below, which shows the amount of
insolation during one year at four different latitudes on Earth’s surface.
23. Why is insolation 0 cal/cm 2/min from October through February at 90º N?
A) Snowfields reflect sunlight during that time.
B) Dust in the atmosphere blocks sunlight during that time.
C) The Sun is continually below the horizon during that time.
D) Intense cold prevents insolation from being absorbed during that time.
24. Why is less insolation received at the equator in June than in March or September?
A) The daylight period is longest at the equator in June.
B) Winds blow insolation away from the equator in June.
C) The Sun’s vertical rays are north of the equator in June.
D) Thick clouds block the Sun’s vertical rays at the equator in June.
25. This graph shows that insolation varies with
A) latitude and time of day
C) longitude and time of day
B) latitude and time of year
D) longitude and time of year
26. Base your answer to the following question on the field map below. The field map shows
temperatures, in degrees Fahrenheit, taken at several locations on a blacktop parking lot in New York
State. The temperatures were recorded at 11:00 a.m. in early June.
On the field map above, draw the 70°F and 80°F isotherms. The isotherms should be extended to the
edges of the map.
Base your answers to questions 27 through 30 on the graph below and on your knowledge of Earth
science. The graph shows changes in hours of daylight during the year at the latitudes of 0°, 30° N,
50° N and 60° N.
27. Estimate the number of daylight hours that occur on January 1 at 40° N latitude.
28. Identify the latitude shown on the graph that has the earliest sunrise on June 21. Include the units and
compass direction in your answer.
29. Explain why all four latitudes have the same number of hours of daylight on March 20 and
September 22.
30. The graph below shows a curve for the changing length of daylight over the course of one year that
occurs for an observer at 50° N latitude. On this same graph, draw a line to show the changing length
of daylight over the course of one year that occurs for an observer at 50° S latitude.
31. Which graph best represents the intensity of
insolation and the surface temperature for a location
at the Equator?
A)
B)
C)
D)
32. Which graph best represents the duration of
insolation during the year at the Equator?
A)
B)
C)
D)
33. In New York State, the number of hours of daylight
each day increases continuously from
A)
B)
C)
D)
March 1 to May 1
June 1 to August 1
September 1 to November 1
December 1 to February 1
Base your answers to questions 34 through 37 on
the model and data table shown below. A student constructed a model to demonstrate how water is
recycled by natural processes on Earth. The model consisted of a clear plastic tent over a pan
containing a bowl of water. The model was sealed so no air could enter or leave the tent. The data
table shows the observations recorded when the model was placed in direct sunlight for 60 minutes.
34. Identify the process that caused the water level in the bowl to decrease.
35. A student glues a Y-shaped piece of plastic, as shown below, near the top of the inside of the tent and
repeats the demonstration. Drops of water are seen dripping from the bottom of the Y after 60
minutes. Which process of the water cycle is represented by the dripping water?
36. How much heat energy, in joules per gram, is released as water droplets are formed on the inside
walls of the tent?
37. If the model is changed and the bowl of water is replaced with a green plant, by which process would
the plant supply water vapor to the air inside the tent?
Base your answers to questions 38 through 40 on the passage below.
Ozone in Earth’s Atmosphere
Ozone is a special form of oxygen. Unlike the oxygen we breathe, which is composed of two
atoms of oxygen, ozone is composed of three atoms of oxygen. A concentrated ozone layer
between 10 and 30 miles above Earth’s surface absorbs some of the harmful ultraviolet
radiation coming from the Sun. The amount of ultraviolet light reaching Earth’s surface is
directly related to the angle of incoming solar radiation. The greater the Sun’s angle of
insolation, the greater the amount of ultraviolet light that reaches Earth’s surface. If the ozone
layer were completely destroyed, the ultraviolet light reaching Earth’s surface would most
likely increase human health problems, such as skin cancer and eye damage.
38. Explain how the concentrated ozone layer above Earth’s surface is beneficial to humans.
39. Assuming clear atmospheric conditions, on what day of the year do people in New York State most
likely receive the most ultraviolet radiation from the Sun?
40. State the name of the temperature zone of Earth’s atmosphere where the concentrated layer of ozone
gas exists.
41. 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.
43. The diagram below shows Earth as viewed from
space on December 21.
The longest duration of insolation on December 21
will occur at
Air temperature rose slightly faster in Florida than in
New York State because Florida
A) has a lower angle of insolation
B) has a higher angle of insolation
C) is closer to the Prime Meridian
D) is farther from the Prime Meridian
42. Ozone is important to life on Earth because ozone
A)
B)
C)
D)
cools refrigerators and air-conditioners
absorbs energy that is reradiated by Earth
absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation
destroys excess atmospheric carbon dioxide
A) 90° N
B) 30° N
C) 30° S
D) 90° S
44. The diagrams below represent Earth's tilt on its axis
on four different dates. The shaded portion
represents the nighttime side of Earth. Which
diagram best represents the day on which the longest
duration of insolation occurs in New York State?
A)
B)
C)
D)
45. When part of the ozone layer is destroyed, radiation
reaches the Earth's surface in increasing amounts.
Which type of radiation increases the most?
A)
B)
C)
D)
visible light
ultraviolet radiation
infrared radiation
gamma rays
46. In New York State, the risk of sunburn is greatest
between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on summer days because
A) the air temperature is hot
B) the angle of insolation is high
C) Earth's surface reflects most of the sunlight
D) the Sun is closest to Earth
47. In the diagram below, a vertical post casts shadows
A, B, C, and D at four different times during the
day. Which shadow was cast when this location was
receiving the greatest intensity of insolation?
A) shadow A
B) shadow B
C) shadow C
D) shadow D
48. The average temperature at Earth’s equator is higher
than the average temperature at Earth’s South Pole
because the South Pole
A) receives less intense insolation
B) receives more infrared radiation
C) has less land area
D) has more cloud cover
49. The diagram below represents Earth and the Sun's
incoming rays. Letters A, B, C, and D represent
locations on Earth's surface.
Which two locations are receiving the same intensity
of insolation?
A) A and B
C) C and D
B) B and C
D) D and B
Base your answers to questions 50 through 52 on the diagrams below and on your knowledge of Earth
science. The diagrams, labeled A, B, and C, represent equal-sized portions of the Sun's rays striking
Earth's surface at 23.5° N latitude at noon at three different times of the year. The angle at which the
Sun's rays hit Earth's surface and the relative areas of Earth's surface receiving the rays at the three
different angles of insolation are shown.
50. As viewed in sequence from A to B to C, these diagrams represent which months and which change
in the intensity of insolation?
A) December
March
June; and decreasing intensity
B) December
March
June; and increasing intensity
C) June
September
December; and decreasing intensity
D) June
September
December; and increasing intensity
51. As the angle of the Sun's rays striking Earth's surface at noon changes from 90° to 43°, the length of a
shadow cast by an object will
A) decrease
B) increase
C) decrease, then increase
D) increase, then decrease
52. Which graph best shows the duration of insolation at this location as the angle of insolation changes?
A)
B)
C)
D)
53. The map below shows isolines of average daily
insolation received in calories per square centimeter
per minute at the Earth's surface. If identical solar
collectors are placed at the lettered locations, which
collector would receive the least insolation?
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
Base your answers to questions 54 and 55 on the data table below, which shows the azimuths of
sunrise and sunset on August 2 observed at four different latitudes. Azimuth is the compass direction
measured, in degrees, along the horizon, starting from north.
54. State the relationship at sunrise between the latitude and the azimuth.
55. On the outer edge of the azimuth circle below, mark with an X the positions of sunrise and sunset for
each latitude shown in the data table. Write the correct letter code beside each X. The positions of
sunrise and sunset for 30° N have been plotted and labeled with letters A and B.
56. On a given day, which factors have the most effect
on the amount of insolation received at a location on
the Earth's surface?
A) longitude and elevation
B) latitude and elevation
C) longitude and time of day
D) latitude and time of day
Base your answers to questions 57 and 58 on the passage and diagram below and on your knowledge
of Earth science. The diagram represents a house located in New York State.
Solar Heating
Solar collectors in solar heating systems harness the power of the Sun to provide thermal
energy for heating hot water and house interiors. There are several types of solar heating systems.
The best system will depend on the geographic location and the intensity of the Sun. A solar
heating system saves energy, reduces utility costs, and produces clean energy. The efficiency and
reliability of solar heating systems have increased dramatically in recent years.
57. Explain why solar energy can still be collected on cloudy days.
58. State one advantage of using solar energy instead of burning fossil fuels to produce thermal energy
for your home.
59. In which diagram is the observer experiencing the
greatest intensity of insolation?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Base your answers to questions 60 and 61 on the table and map below. The table shows the duration
of insolation, in hours, at Barrow, Alaska, on the twentieth day of each month during 2008. The map
shows the location of Barrow at 71° N 156.5° W.
60. Explain why Barrow receives 0 hours of insolation on December 20.
61. On the grid below, construct a line graph by plotting the data for the duration of insolation at Barrow
for each date shown on the data table. Connect the plots with a line.
62. The hottest climates on Earth are located near the
Equator because this region
A)
B)
C)
D)
is usually closest to the Sun
reflects the greatest amount of insolation
receives the most hours of daylight
receives the most nearly perpendicular
insolation
63. Very cold climates occur at Earth’s North and South
Poles because the polar regions
A) are usually farthest from the Sun
B) absorb the greatest amount of insolation
C) receive the most hours of daylight
D) receive low-angle insolation
64. Base your answer to the following question on the diagrams and graphs below. The diagrams show
the general effect of the Earth's atmosphere on insolation from the Sun at middle latitudes during both
clear-sky and cloudy-sky conditions. The graph shows the percentage of insolation reflected by the
Earth's surface at different latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere in winter.
Approximately what percentage of the insolation actually reaches the ground at 45º North latitude on
a clear day?
A) 100%
B) 80%
C) 60%
D) 45%
65. Which two 23.5°–latitude locations are influenced
by cool surface ocean currents?
A) the east coast of North America and the west
coast of Australia
B) the east coast of Asia and the east coast of
North America
C) the west coast of Africa and the east coast of
South America
D) the west coast of North America and the
west coast of South America
Base your answers to questions 66 through 69 on the graph below which represents the duration of
insolation at four different latitudes on Earth on four different dates.
66. On September 23, the duration of insolation at all four locations is 12 hours. The Sun is directly
overhead at which latitude?
A) 0°
B) 23 ° N
C) 23 ° S
D) 90° N
67. Buenos Aires, located at 41° S, receives the shortest duration of insolation on
A) March 21
B) June 22
C) September 23 D) December 22
68. The total number of daylight hours during an entire year is
A) greatest at 41° N
B) greatest at 41° S
C) different at each of the four locations
D) the same at each of the four locations
69. At solar noon on June 22, the shadow of a vertical pole in Buenos Aires would point
A) northward
B) southward
C) eastward
D) westward
70. Which graph best represents the general relationship between latitude and average surface
temperature?
A)
B)
C)
D)
71. Which angle of the Sun above the horizon produces
the greatest intensity of sunlight?
A) 70° B) 60° C) 40° D) 25°
72. The diagram below indicates regions of daylight and
darkness on Earth on the first day of summer in the
Northern Hemisphere. Four latitudes are labeled A,
B, C, and D.
At which latitude is the Sun above the horizon for
the least number of hours on the day shown?
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
Base your answers to questions 73 and 74 on the experiment description and diagram below.
A student was interested in how the angle of insolation affects absorption of radiation. The
student took three black metal plates, each containing a built-in thermometer, and placed them at
the same distance from three identical lamps. The plates were tilted so that the light from the
lamps created three different angles of incidence with the center of the plates, as shown in the
diagram. The starting temperatures of the plates were recorded. The lamps were turned on for 10
minutes. Then the final temperatures were recorded.
73. The metal plate at a 90° angle of incidence represents a location on Earth at solar noon on March 21.
What is the latitude of this location?
74. Explain why the metal plate at a 90° angle of incidence had a final temperature higher than the other
two plates.
75. In Maine, which day has the shortest duration of
insolation?
A) March 21
B) June 21
C) June 21
D) December 21
76. On which date does maximum insolation usually
occur in New Jersey?
A) June 21
B) July 10
C) August 21
D) August 31
77. Each of the sunbeams in the diagrams below
contains the same amount of electromagnetic energy
and each sunbeam is striking the same type of
surface. Which surface is receiving the greatest
amount of energy per unit area where the sunbeam
strikes the surface?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Base your answers to questions 78 through 80 on the diagram below, which shows the tilt of Earth on
its axis in relation to the Sun on one particular day. Points A through E are locations on Earth’s
surface. Point D is located in Virginia. The dashed line represents Earth’s axis.
78. On this day, which location has the greatest number of hours of daylight?
A) E
B) B
79. What is the latitude of location A?
C) C
D) D
A) 0°
B) 23 ° N
C) 63 ° S
D) 90° N
80. Which diagram best represents the angle of the Sun’s rays received at location C at noon on this day?
A)
B)
C)
D)
81. Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below, which 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.
Which station received the least intense light energy?
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
82. 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?
A) March 21, September 22, December 21
B) June 21, September 22, December 21
C) September 22, December 21, March 21
D) December 21, March 21, June 21
83. Compared to polar areas, why are equatorial areas of
equal size heated much more intensely by the Sun?
A) The Sun's rays are more nearly
perpendicular at the Equator than at the
poles.
B) The equatorial areas contain more water than
the polar areas do.
C) More hours of daylight occur at the Equator
than at the poles.
D) The equatorial areas are nearer to the Sun than
the polar areas are.
84. The average temperature at Earth’s North Pole is
colder than the average temperature at the Equator
because the Equator
A)
B)
C)
D)
receives less ultraviolet radiation
receives more intense insolation
has more cloud cover
has a thicker atmosphere
85. Base your answer to the following question on the
diagram below which shows a post located in the
Northern Hemisphere. Five different shadows, A', B'
, C', D', and E', are cast on a certain day by the post
when the Sun is in positions A, B, C, D, and E,
respectively.
Which statement would be true if this post were
located at the Equator on March 21?
A) There would be no shadows at sunrise or sunset.
B) There would be no shadow at solar noon.
C) Shadow C' would point north at solar noon.
D) Shadow C' would point south at solar noon.
86. At which latitude does the Earth receive the greatest
intensity of insolation on June 21?
A) 0°
C) 23 ° North
B) 23 ° South
D) 90° North
87. Which graph best shows the general relationship
between the altitude of the noontime Sun and the
intensity of insolation received at a location?
A)
88. The graph below shows the average daily
temperatures and the duration of insolation for a
location in the mid-latitudes of the Northern
Hemisphere during a year.
B)
Compared to the date of maximum duration of
insolation, the date of maximum surface temperature
for this location is
C)
D)
A) earlier in the year
B) later in the year
C) the same day of the year
Base your answers to questions 89 and 90 on the diagram and table below. The diagram shows a
cross section of a solar-energy collecting system constructed as a portion of a wall of a house. It
consists of an energy-absorbing surface, a clear glass covering, and air ducts through the wall into the
house. The table gives the house temperatures during a spring day. No other heat source is available
for the house.
89. When did the maximum air temperature occur in the house?
A) just before sunrise
B) just before the time of the maximum angle of insolation for the day
C) just after the time of the maximum angle of insolation for the day
D) just after sunset
90. In Connecticut, on which exterior wall should the solar collector be placed to receive the most
insolation?
A) a north-facing wall
C) an east-facing wall
B) a south-facing wall
D) a west-facing wall
91. When do maximum surface temperatures usually
occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
A)
B)
C)
D)
early June to mid-June
mid-July to early August
late August to mid-September
mid-September to early October
92. Base your answer to the following question on the
latitude and longitude system shown below. The map
represents a part of the Earth's surface and its
latitude-longitude coordinates. Points A through F
represent locations in this area.
Which location would have the greatest angle of
insolation on June 21?
A) A
B) E
C) C
D) F
93. In Maine, which day has the shortest period of
daylight?
A) March 21
B) June 21
C) September 21
D) December 21
94. On which day of the year would the intensity of
insolation at Kingston, New York, most likely be
greatest?
A) March 21
C) September 23
B) June 21
D) December 21
95. The graph below indicates the average number of
daylight hours and the average surface air
temperature over a 12-month period at a specific
location on the Earth.
Based on the graph, the highest average surface air
temperature occurs
A) on June 21
B) between June 21 and September 23
C) on December 21
D) between December 21 and March 21
96. A student in Georgia observed that the noon Sun
increased in altitude each day during the first part of
a certain month and then decreased in altitude each
day later in the month. During which month were
these observations made?
A) February
B) June
C) September
D) November
97. The table below shows the duration of insolation
(hours of daylight) measured by four observers, W,
X, Y, and Z, at four different Earth latitudes on both
March 21 and June 21. There were clear skies at all
four latitudes on both days.
Which observer was located at the Equator?
A) W
B) X
C) Y
D) Z
98. The diagram below shows the apparent path of the
Sun as viewed by an observer at a certain Earth
location on March 21.
At which latitude is the observer located?
A) the Equator (0°) B) 23 ° N
C) 66 ° N
D) 90° N
99. On June 21, some Earth locations have 24 hours of
daylight. These locations are all between the
latitudes of
A) 0° and 23 ° N
B) 23 ° N and 47° N
C) 47° N and 66 ° N D) 66 °N and 90°N
100. If Earth’s axis were tilted less than 23.5°, which
seasonal average temperature change would occur
in New York State?
A) Spring and fall would be cooler.
B) Spring and fall would be warmer.
C) Winter would be cooler.
D) Summer would be cooler.
101. Approximately how many hours of daylight are
received at the North Pole on June 21?
A) 0
B) 12
C) 18
D) 24
102. The diagram below shows the apparent path of the
Sun for an observer in New York State.
For this observer, the intensity of insolation is least
when the Sun is at point
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
103. Base your answer to the following question on the following map and passage. The map shows the
extent of summer ice-melt zones on Greenland in 1992 and 2002. The summer melt zone is an area
where summer heat turns snow and ice around the edges of the ice sheet into slush and ponds of
meltwater. Three coastal locations are shown on the map.
Arctic Meltdown
Scientists are concerned because average arctic temperatures are rising. The Greenland Ice Sheet,
the dominant area of continental ice in the arctic region, broke all previous records for melting in
2002.
In 2004, the total amount of ice resting on top of the continental crust in the arctic region was
estimated to be about 3,100,000 cubic kilometers. If all this ice were to melt, the ocean levels would
rise approximately 8.5 meters. A reduction in ice-covered areas exposes more land surfaces. This
increases absorption of insolation and accelerates arctic warming. Scientists continue to collect data
to define the role of greenhouse gases in the warming of the arctic region.
Two of the greenhouse gases that may be responsible for the increased ice melting in Greenland are
A) nitrogen and oxygen
B) oxygen and silicon
C) hydrogen and helium
D) carbon dioxide and methane
104. Which two factors determine the number of hours
106. In the middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere,
of daylight at a particular location?
the warmest month is usually
A) longitude and season
B) longitude and the Earth's average diameter
C) latitude and season
D) latitude and the Earth's average diameter
105. Which graph best shows the length of a shadow
cast from sunrise to sunset by a flagpole in New
York State?
A)
A) February
B) July
C) April
D) October
107. On which two dates could all locations on Earth
have equal hours of day and night?
A) September 23 and December 21
B) December 21 and March 21
C) March 21 and June 21
D) March 21 and September 23
108. The graph below shows the general relationship
between latitude and the duration of insolation on a
particular day of the year.
B)
Which date is represented by the graph?
C)
D)
A) March 21
B) June 21
C) September 21
D) December 21
109. The coldest climates on Earth are located at or near
the poles primarily because Earth’s polar regions
A)
B)
C)
D)
receive mostly low-angle insolation
receive less total yearly hours of daylight
absorb the greatest amount of insolation
are usually farthest from the Sun
110. A student in North Carolina observes the altitude of
the Sun at solar noon each day from January 1
through June 1. The altitude of the Sun will
A) decrease, only
B) increase, only
C) decrease, then increase
D) increase, then decrease
111. Ozone gas in the Earth's atmosphere helps to
protect life on the Earth. This protection is due to
the ability of ozone to absorb
A) radio waves
B) ultraviolet radiation
C) gamma radiation
D) visible light
112. If Earth’s axis were tilted 35° instead of 23.5°, the
average temperatures in Vermont would most
likely
A) decrease in both summer and winter
B) decrease in summer and increase in winter
C) increase in summer and decrease in winter
D) increase in both summer and winter
113. Base your answer to the following question on the field map below. The field map shows
temperatures, in degrees Fahrenheit, taken at several locations on a blacktop parking lot in New
York State. The temperatures were recorded at 11:00 a.m. in early June.
Explain why the surface of this parking lot usually becomes warmer from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon
each day.
114. 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
117. The diagram below shows the noontime shadow
cast by a vertical post located in New Jersey.
Which letter indicates a location south of the post?
A) receive more total hours of daylight
B) receive less intense insolation
C) absorb a greater amount of insolation
D) are farther from the Sun
115. Which diagram shows the position of the Earth
relative to the Suns rays during a winter day in the
Northern Hemisphere?
A)
B)
C)
D)
116. The diagram below shows a classroom
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
118. Base your answer to the following question on the
demonstration. Two identical flashlights were
diagram below, which represents a cross section of
placed in the positions shown and they illuminated
the shoreline of Lake Erie.
areas of varying size, A and B, on a classroom
globe. Thermometers were then placed at the center
of each illuminated area to measure the rate of
temperature increase. Readings were taken over a
period of 30 minutes.
Students most likely observed that the temperature
of area A increased at a
A) slower rate than the temperature of area B
because area A received rays that were less
concentrated
B) slower rate than the temperature of area B
because area A received rays that were more
slanted
C) faster rate than the temperature of area B
because area A received rays that were
more perpendicular to the surface
D) faster rate than the temperature of area B
because area A received rays with less total
energy
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, the land surface
temperature will usually
A) rise, then fall
B) fall, then rise
C) rise steadily
D) fall steadily
119. The factor that contributes most to the seasonal
temperature changes during 1 year in North
Carolina is the changing
A) speed at which the Earth travels in its orbit
around the Sun
B) angle at which the Sun's rays strike the
Earth's surface
C) distance between the Earth and the Sun
D) energy given off by the Sun
120. The diagram below represents Earth at a specific
position in its orbit as viewed from space. The
shaded area represents nighttime.
Which Earth latitude receives the greatest intensity
of insolation when Earth is at the position shown in
the diagram?
A) 0
B) 23 °N
C) 55 °N
D) 90°N
121. Base your answer to the following question on the map below, which shows the location of the Heat
Equator for July and January. A Heat Equator is a line connecting the locations of the highest
average monthly temperatures.
What would be the effect on the positions of the Heat Equators in July and January if the tilt of
Earth's axis increased to 33.5º?
A)
B)
C)
D)
The Heat Equator would move farther north in July and farther south in January.
The Heat Equator would move farther south in July and farther north in January.
Both Heat Equators would be identical to the geographic Equator at 0º latitude.
The positions of both Heat Equators would remain in the locations shown.
122. Which graph best represents the relationship
between the angle of insolation and the intensity of
insolation?
125. Which factor has the greatest influence on the
number of daylight hours that a particular Earth
surface location receives?
A)
B)
A) longitude
B) latitude
C) diameter of Earth
D) distance from the Sun
126. What happens to the angle of insolation on June 21
between solar noon and 6 p.m. in New York State?
C)
D)
A) It decreases steadily.
B) It increases steadily.
C) It remains the same.
D) It first increases and then decreases.
127. Equal areas of which surface will absorb the most
insolation?
123. To an observer in Pennsylvania, the Sun appears to
rise each day somewhere along the
A) northern horizon B) southern horizon
C) eastern horizon D) western horizon
124. The diagram below shows Earth revolving around
the Sun.
A) partially melted snowfield
B) blacktop parking lot
C) white sand beach
D) lake surface
128. The diagram below shows the position of the Earth
in relation to rays of light from the Sun. A, B, and
C are three positions on the Earth's surface.
Which graph best shows the relationship between
intensity of insolation and position on the Earth's
surface?
A)
At which location in Earth's orbit will the
maximum surface temperatures occur in Earth's
Northern Hemisphere?
A) at A
B) between B and C
C) between D and A D) at D
B)
C)
D)
129. The diagram below shows the noontime shadow
cast by a vertical post located in New York State.
130. In New York State, summer is warmer than winter
because in summer New York State has
A) fewer hours of daylight and receives
low-angle insolation
B) fewer hours of daylight and receives
high-angle insolation
C) more hours of daylight and receives low-angle
insolation
D) more hours of daylight and receives
high-angle insolation
Which letter indicates a location west of the post?
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D