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NSW HSC 2010 : EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

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2010 H I G H E R S C H O O L C E R T I F I C AT E E X A M I N AT I O N Earth and Environmental Science Total marks 100 General Instructions Reading time 5 minutes Working time 3 hours Write using black or blue pen Draw diagrams using pencil Board-approved calculators may be used A Geological Time Scale is provided at the back of this paper Write your Centre Number and Student Number at the top of pages 13, 17 and 21 Section I Pages 2 23 75 marks This section has two parts, Part A and Part B Part A 20 marks Attempt Questions 1 20 Allow about 35 minutes for this part Part B 55 marks Attempt Questions 21 30 Allow about 1 hour and 40 minutes for this part S ection II Pages 25 33 25 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 31 34 Allow about 45 minutes for this section 1110 Section I 75 marks Part A 20 marks Attempt Questions 1 20 Allow about 35 minutes for this part Use the multiple-choice answer sheet for Questions 1 20. 1 What is the most common rock type found in oceanic crust? (A) Basalt (B) Granite (C) Mudstone (D) Limestone 2 What is the major cause of earthquakes that occur on the Australian continent? (A) Stress at convergent plate boundaries (B) Continental volcanic activity (C) Thermal uplift and rifting (D) Intra-plate stress 3 Which of the following best describes the direction of the growth of the Australian continent over geological time? (A) North to south (B) South to north (C) West to east (D) East to west 4 Which of the following is true according to the convection current hypothesis of plate motion? (A) Hot spots in the mantle cause lithospheric thickening. (B) Down-welling in the mantle causes transform faults. (C) Upwelling in the mantle pushes plates apart. (D) Colder regions in the mantle attract plates. 2 5 The diagram shows the first stage of the plate tectonic supercycle. Awaiting copyright What is the correct order for the remaining stages? (A) 2, 3, 1, 4 (B) 2, 3, 4, 1 (C) 2, 1, 3, 4 (D) 2, 1, 4, 3 3 6 Scientists used temperature records to examine the effect of eight large volcanic eruptions during the past two centuries. The graph shows the average variation in temperature in the Northern Hemisphere before and after these eruptions. +0.3 Temperature variation ( C) +0.2 +0.1 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 4 3 2 1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 +5 Years before eruption Years after eruption Using the information in the graph, which of the following hypotheses is correct? (A) Volcanic eruptions influence global temperatures before and after an eruption. (B) Volcanic eruptions cause a decrease in temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere after an eruption. (C) Volcanic eruptions have no influence on temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere before or after an eruption. (D) Volcanic eruptions cause an increase in global temperatures before an eruption and a decrease in temperatures after an eruption. 7 Which of the following is used to divide the major divisions of the Geological Time Scale after the Archaean? (A) Major ice ages (B) Megafauna extinctions (C) Stratigraphic correlation (D) Appearance and disappearance of significant fossils 4 8 Why was atmospheric ozone important for the evolution of early life? (A) It led to a decrease in the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere. (B) It led to an increase in the oxygen concentration of the atmosphere. (C) It reduced the intensity of infrared radiation reaching Earth s surface. (D) It reduced the intensity of ultraviolet radiation reaching Earth s surface. 9 Which of the following is the oldest life form? (A) Algae (B) Cyanobacteria (C) Ediacaran metazoans (D) Single-celled animals 10 Which of the following ratios is used to determine the existence of early life on Earth? (A) Carbon-14 to carbon-12 (B) Carbon-13 to carbon-12 (C) Oxygen-18 to oxygen-16 (D) Carbon-14 to nitrogen-14 11 Which of the following was the critical evolutionary development that allowed animals to survive in terrestrial environments? (A) An internal skeleton for support (B) An efficient circulatory system (C) An ability to minimise water loss (D) An ability to regulate body temperature 12 Which of the following potential causes best explain the extinction of the megafauna in Australia? (A) Volcanic eruptions European settlement (B) European settlement Climate change (C) Hunting by humans Volcanic eruptions (D) Climate change Hunting by humans 5 Which graph best shows the changes in the number of species before and after the Cambrian event? Key Soft-bodied organisms Animals with hard parts Vertebrates (B) Number of species Number of species (A) an bri e Lat brian Cam am rec an i ovic Ord rian n an an bria e vici Siluri Lat brian Cam rdo O am rec Silu P (C) (D) Number of species P Number of species 13 n an an bria e vici Siluri Lat brian Cam rdo O cam Pre n an an bria e vici Siluri Lat brian Cam rdo O cam Pre 6 14 Four processes used in the treatment of sewage are: I II III IV Removal of harmful micro-organisms Filtration/Screening Sedimentation Bacterial digestion of organic matter What is the correct sequence of these processes in the treatment of sewage? (A) II, I, III, IV (B) II, III, IV, I (C) III, IV, II, I (D) III, II, IV, I 15 The diagram shows one step in an experiment to simulate the effectiveness of a water treatment process. Which stage in a water treatment process was being simulated with this apparatus? (A) Filtration (B) Leaching (C) Precipitation (D) Sedimentation 7 16 In the last decade the water quality of the Murray River has been deteriorating. What would be the most effective way of reversing this situation? (A) Plant more trees (B) Grant more irrigation licences (C) Increase environmental flows in the Murray River (D) Increase the number of artesian bores near the Murray River 17 Clearing vegetation for urbanisation can lead to increased exposure and compaction of soils, reduced infiltration of waters, and changed water flows. What is the main consequence of these three changes? (A) Decreased salinity (B) Increased soil erosion (C) Lowering of the water table (D) Decreased sedimentation in rivers 18 Which of the following is likely to have caused an increase in stratospheric ozone? (A) Using more nuclear power (B) Developing more efficient engines (C) Implementing the Kyoto Protocol (D) Implementing the Montreal Protocol 8 19 The sequence summarises the first stages in the depletion of ozone in the stratosphere. Awaiting copyright What is substance X? (A) CFCs (B) Ozone (C) Oxygen (D) Carbon dioxide 9 20 The graph displays results for management strategies used in wheat paddocks in western NSW. Bare fallow 50 40 Soil loss (t/ha/yr) 30 20 Stubble incorporated 10 Stubble mulch Zero tillage 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 Vegetation cover (%) Management strategy Treatment Bare fallow Burn wheat after harvesting Stubble incorporated Plough paddock after harvesting Stubble mulch Cut stubble to ground but leave it on the ground Zero tillage Leave stubble standing Using the data given, which of the following treatments would lead to least soil erosion in a wheat paddock? (A) Leave stubble standing (B) Burn wheat after harvesting (C) Plough paddock after harvesting (D) Cut stubble to ground but leave it on the ground 10 BLANK PAGE 11 BLANK PAGE 12 Board of Studies NSW 2010 2 010 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Centre Number Section I (continued) Part B 55 marks Attempt Questions 21 30 Allow about 1 hour and 40 minutes for this part Student Number Answer the questions in the spaces provided. These spaces provide guidance for the expected length of response. Question 21 (6 marks) Mount Merapi is a large composite volcano in central Java, Indonesia. More than half a million people live in towns and villages close to the volcano. Agriculture is the main land use in the area. (a) Name and describe TWO physical hazards that exist for organisms living near volcanoes such as Mount Merapi. 2 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (b) Name and explain how TWO features of volcanic regions such as Mount Merapi benefit agriculture. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 1111 13 4 Question 22 (8 marks) The diagram shows the location of major earthquakes and active volcanoes in the northern Pacific Ocean over the last 20 years. Awaiting copyright (a) Identify the type of plate boundary at Y and describe the relative motion of the plates on each side of the boundary. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... Question 22 continues on page 15 14 2 Question 22 (continued) (b) Draw a labelled cross-section across the plate boundary from A to B. 3 (c) 3 Account for the lower number of volcanoes on the west coast of North America near Y compared to the western Pacific region. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... End of Question 22 15 Question 23 (5 marks) Examples of a trilobite species are found in rocks from the beginning of the Ordovician Period to the end of the Devonian Period. (a) Using the Geological Time Scale on page 36, calculate how long this trilobite species lived on Earth. 1 ............................................................................................................................... (b) Contrast the use of relative and absolute dating techniques for determining the age of this trilobite species. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 16 Board of Studies NSW 2010 4 2 010 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Centre Number Section I Part B (continued) Student Number Question 24 (4 marks) The picture shows a fossil human footprint at Lake Mungo, dated at 20 000 years old (20ka). Showing at least THREE stages, draw a flowchart to describe how this fossil was formed. 1112 17 4 Question 25 (6 marks) (a) Identify ONE impact of saline soils on the biotic environment. 1 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (b) (i) Outline ONE rehabilitation strategy that could be used to overcome a salinity problem in a salt-affected area. 2 ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... (ii) Explain the scientific basis for the use of the strategy proposed in part (b) (i). ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... 18 3 Question 26 (9 marks) Mass extinctions occurred at the end of the Cretaceous and Permian periods. (a) Identify TWO valid hypotheses for the causes of each mass extinction. Hypothesis 1 2 Hypothesis 2 Cretaceous mass extinction Permian mass extinction (b) Assess the evidence for ONE of these four hypotheses. 4 Extinction event:............................................................................ Hypothesis: .................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (c) How does the theory of evolution explain the development of new species after a mass extinction? ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 19 3 BLANK PAGE 20 Board of Studies NSW 2010 2 010 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Centre Number Section I Part B (continued) Student Number Question 27 (4 marks) Design an investigation to determine the effect of either compaction or tracking on a soil. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... 1113 21 4 Question 28 (3 marks) Account for the low fertility of most Australian soils. 3 ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... Question 29 (2 marks) The diagram shows a food chain for a river estuary. Small phytoplankton Small zooplankton Crustaceans Fish Shark Describe the impact that pesticides may have on the river estuary food chain shown. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................ 22 2 Question 30 (8 marks) Earth s climate has varied since the Earth formed. Analyse the influence of geological processes over time, and human activity since the Industrial Revolution, on climate. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... 23 8 BLANK PAGE 24 Board of Studies NSW 2010 2 010 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Section II 25 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 31 34 Allow about 45 minutes for this section Answer parts (a) (c) of the question in a writing booklet. Answer the rest of the question in a SEPARATE writing booklet. Extra writing booklets are available. Pages Question 31 Question 32 Organic Geology a Non-renewable Resource ........................ 28 Question 33 Mining and the Australian Environment ................................... 30 Question 34 1114 Introduced Species and the Australian Environment ................. 26 Oceanography ............................................................................ 32 25 Question 31 Introduced Species and the Australian Environment (25 marks) Answer parts (a) (c) in a writing booklet. (a) Describe TWO methods used by Australian quarantine agencies to prevent the introduction of a new species into Australia. (b) 4 The graph shows the numbers of Tasmanian devils and an introduced animal pest in Tasmania. Awaiting copyright (i) (ii) (c) Describe the trends in the graph for the Tasmanian devil from 1999 to 2006. Why has the population of the introduced pest species increased in Tasmania? 3 A sensitive area of bush has been invaded by lantana and bitou bush. Only a small number of the native plants still survive. The area is to be rehabilitated. 4 Compare the Bradley method of regeneration with ONE other method of bush regeneration suitable for this area. Question 31 continues on page 27 26 1 Question 31 (continued) Answer parts (d) (f) in a SEPARATE writing booklet. (d) The table presents data from an investigation of an environment where an introduced plant species grows. Sample area Soil moisture (%) Number of introduced plants (per 100 m 2) 1 2 3 4 5 1.0 2.5 3.2 4.6 5.2 3 5 8 16 31 (i) Using the information in the table, give a valid hypothesis for the relationship between soil moisture and the number of introduced plants. 1 (ii) Design an experiment you could carry out to test the hypothesis you gave in part (i). 4 (e) Outline ONE successful method used to control the introduced species prickly pear. 2 (f) Evaluate the impact of introduced species on Australian environments. Use examples in your answer. 6 End of Question 31 27 Question 32 Organic Geology a Non-renewable Resource (25 marks) Answer parts (a) (c) in a writing booklet. (a) Name ONE renewable and ONE non-renewable resource. Describe how each is used as an energy source. (b) The graph shows the relationships between vitrinite reflectance and carbon content of a coal. 4 Vitrinite reflectance (%) 10 8 6 4 2 0 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 Carbon content (%) (i) 1 (ii) (c) Describe the trend in the graph for vitrinite reflectance. What changes, apart from vitrinite reflectance, occur during coalification? 3 (i) Identify ONE geophysical method used to locate potential hydrocarbon deposits. 1 (ii) How does petroleum accumulate? 3 Question 32 continues on page 29 28 Question 32 (continued) Answer parts (d) (e) in a SEPARATE writing booklet. (d) The table presents data for an investigation carried out to test the energy yield of various fuel types. Fuel type Wood Black coal LPG Petroleum Alcohol Carbon content (%) Energy output (MJ/kg) 45 68 82 85 88 16 26 48 49 50 (i) Using the information in the table, give a valid hypothesis for the relationship between carbon content and energy output. (ii) Design an experiment you could carry out to test the hypothesis you gave in part (i). 4 (iii) Outline TWO ways of limiting emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels. (e) 1 2 Evaluate the potential of other energy sources as alternatives to fossil fuels. Use examples in your answer. 6 End of Question 32 29 Question 33 Mining and the Australian Environment (25 marks) Answer parts (a) (c) in a writing booklet. (a) Name and describe TWO geophysical methods for locating ore deposits. (b) 4 The map shows the location of iron ore deposits and several mineral provinces in Australia. N Sydney Bowen Basin Pilbara Craton New England Fold Belt Yilgarn Craton Key Gawler Craton Sydney Lachlan Fold Belt Iron ore deposit (i) 1 (ii) (c) State the relationship between the location of the iron ore deposits and the age of the enclosing rocks. Outline ONE model for the genesis of iron ore. 3 (i) Define the terms waste rock and ore. 2 (ii) Outline TWO ways in which gangue minerals may become economically viable. 2 Question 33 continues on page 31 30 Question 33 (continued) Answer parts (d) (f) in a SEPARATE writing booklet. (d) Samples of ore from a mine containing an iron mineral and silicates were tested with a magnetometer. Results of the tests are given in the table. Ore sample Iron content (%) Magnetic intensity (SI units) 1 2 3 4 5 0.01 0.5 1 6 13 1 6 12 71 150 (i) Using the information in the table give a valid hypothesis for the relationship between iron content and magnetic intensity. 1 (ii) Design an experiment you could carry out to test the hypothesis you gave in part (i). 4 (e) Why is an Environmental Impact Statement carried out before mining a mineral deposit? 2 (f) Evaluate the role of non-geological factors in determining the future expansion of the mining industry in Australia. Use examples in your answer. 6 End of Question 33 31 Question 34 Oceanography (25 marks) Answer parts (a) (c) in a writing booklet. (a) (b) Describe deep-sea and continental margin sediments in the Pacific Ocean. 4 The diagram shows major currents in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Awaiting copyright (i) 1 (ii) (c) Describe the main circulation pattern of water in the Pacific Ocean. Outline how the oxygen supply on the ocean floor is renewed. 3 (i) Explain why the margins of ocean basins are older than their centres. 2 (ii) Outline how ONE technological development has improved our understanding of the age of the sea floor. 2 Question 34 continues on page 33 32 Question 34 (continued) Answer parts (d) (e) in a SEPARATE writing booklet. (d) The table presents data for a region in the Southern Ocean. Sample Water temperature ( C) 1 2 3 4 5 1.0 2.5 3.2 4.6 5.2 Potassium chloride solubility (g/L) 5 10 16 20 39 (i) Using the information in the table, give a valid hypothesis for the relationship between water temperature and potassium chloride solubility. (ii) Design an investigation you could carry out to test the hypothesis you gave in part (i). 4 (iii) Apart from temperature, outline how TWO other factors affect salinity in oceans. (e) 1 2 Evaluate the impact of laws to regulate society s use of the oceans. Use examples in your answer. 6 End of paper 33 BLANK PAGE 34 BLANK PAGE 35 Geological Time Scale EON ERA PERIOD EPOCH Holocene 0 Quaternary 2 Pleistocene Pliocene 5 Cenozoic 10 20 30 Miocene Tertiary Oligocene 40 Ma BP 60 70 Palaeocene Mesozoic 50 Phanerozoic Eocene 100 200 Palaeozoic 300 400 500 1000 2000 Jurassic Triassic Permian Carboniferous Devonian Silurian Ordovician Cambrian Ediacaran Proterozoic 600 Cretaceous 3000 Archaean 4000 Hadean 36 Board of Studies NSW 2010

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Additional Info : New South Wales Higher School Certificate Earth And Environmental Science 2010
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