
	Trending ▼ ICSE CBSE 10th ISC CBSE 12th CTET GATE UGC NET Vestibulares ResFinder

NSW HSC 2008 : EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

28 pages, 79 questions, 0 questions with responses, 0 total responses,

	nsw_hsc	+Fave Message
	Profile Timeline Uploads Q & A

Home > nsw_hsc >

Instantly get Model Answers to questions on this ResPaper. Try now!
NEW ResPaper Exclusive!

Formatting page ...

2008 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 9, 13, and 17 S ection I Pages 2 20 75 marks This section has two parts, Part A and Part B Part A 15 marks Attempt Questions 1 15 Allow about 30 minutes for this part Part B 60 marks Attempt Questions 16 27 Allow about 1 hour and 45 minutes for this part S ection II Pages 21 27 25 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 28 31 Allow about 45 minutes for this section 139 Section I 75 marks Part A 15 marks Attempt Questions 1 15 Allow about 30 minutes for this part Use the multiple-choice answer sheet for Questions 1 15. 1 The table gives data for an Australian stream catchment. Awaiting copyright Which of the following statements describes the changes from 1998 to 2006? (A) The number of plant species per 100 m2 increased. (B) The number of invertebrate species per 100 m2 increased. (C) Both the number of plant and invertebrate species per 100 m2 decreased. (D) The number of plant species per 100 m2 decreased but the number of invertebrate species per 100 m2 increased. 2 Which of the following is a consequence of soil compaction? (A) Increased soil salinity (B) Decreased soil fertility (C) Increased weathering of rocks (D) Decreased absorption of water 3 Which pair of gases may contribute to the formation of acid rain? (A) Methane and ozone (B) Oxygen and nitrous oxide (C) Methane and sulfur dioxide (D) Carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide 2 4 In which organism in the food web shown would biomagnification be greatest? Eagle Grasshopper Snake Rabbit Plants (A) Eagle (B) Grasshopper (C) Plants (D) Rabbit 5 Which of the following is the most likely consequence of the continuing release of CFCs into the atmosphere? (A) Global warming will decrease. (B) The upper atmosphere will disappear. (C) Sunlight intensity at the Earth s surface will decrease. (D) Ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth s surface will increase. 6 On what basis has the geological time scale been divided into eons? (A) Types of rocks (B) Thickness of rock strata (C) Fossil evidence in rock layers (D) Radio-isotopes in the different rock strata 3 7 The diagrams represent events that take place during the formation of a fossil. I II III Key Water Mudstone Sandstone Shale IV V What is the correct order of events for the formation of a fossil? Reproduced with the kind permission of Doug Mann, http://www.fossils-facts-andnds.com/fossil_formation.html (A) III, IV, II, I, V (B) III, IV, V, II, I (C) IV, I, II, V, III (D) IV, III, I, II, V 8 Why was the development of hardened body parts an advantage during the Cambrian event ? (A) The Ediacaran fauna were able to flourish. (B) Organisms were able to live in cooler environments. (C) Animals were able to grow larger than they would have otherwise. (D) Organisms were able to survive increasing oxygen concentrations. 4 9 What is the likely age of the fossil shown in the stratigraphic sequence? Jurassic sandstone fossil Limestone Permian shale (A) 100 Ma (B) 230 Ma (C) 390 Ma (D) 400 Ma 10 The effect of ozone in filtering ultraviolet light was investigated. Air UV light source Glass gas chamber Air + Ozone UV detector UV light source Step 1 Glass gas chamber UV detector Step 2 What would the detection of UV light be classified as in the above investigation? (A) The controlled variable (B) The dependent variable (C) The independent variable (D) The experimental variable 5 100 000 Distant past (long term average extinction) Recent past (current rate of extinctions) Future (projected future extinction rates) 10 000 1000 100 10 Science Foundation for Physics, The University of Sydney, reproduced with permission The graph gives information on the extinction rates of species. Extinctions per thousand species per millennium 11 1 0.1 0 Marine species Mammals Mammals Birds Amphibians All species Which of the following statements is the best inference that can be drawn from this graph? (A) There will be an increased rate of species extinction in the future. (B) Human activities have contributed to increased extinctions in the recent past. (C) Fewer mammals have become extinct in the recent past compared to the distant past. (D) The current extinction rate is one thousand times higher than the long term average extinction. 6 12 What is the best explanation for the origin of the Tonga-Kermadec deep sea trench in the Pacific Ocean? Awaiting copyright (A) Convergence of two lithospheric plates (B) North-south movement along a transform fault (C) Divergence of a lithospheric plate from the Pacific Plate (D) Subduction of the Pacific Plate below a lithospheric plate 13 A super volcano erupts ejecting material up to 50 km into the atmosphere. Which of the following results of the eruption would cause the greatest effect on global climate? (A) Acid rain (B) Tsunamis (C) Lava flows (D) Fine ash particles 7 14 During the Palaeozoic Era a series of andesitic volcanic island arcs, trending north-south, existed in what is now central NSW. Which tectonic setting best accounts for these island arcs? (A) The collision of two continental plates (B) A large transform fault with north-south motion (C) The east-west collision of Australia with an oceanic plate (D) An emergent mid-oceanic ridge with an ocean to the east of Australia 15 The diagram shows a cross-section of part of the Earth s crust. Awaiting copyright In which setting would this section be found? (A) Sea floor (B) Mid-ocean ridge (C) Continental interior (D) Fold mountain region 8 Board of Studies NSW 2008 2 008 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Centre Number Section I (continued) Part B 60 marks Attempt Questions 16 27 Allow about 1 hour and 45 minutes for this part Student Number Answer the questions in the spaces provided. Marks Question 16 (4 marks) The diagram shows a section through the Earth. Awaiting copyright (a) In which of the zones (A, B or C ) is new crust being formed? 1 ............................................................................................................................... (b) Describe possible mechanisms for the movement of lithospheric plates such as those shown in the diagram. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 140 9 3 Marks Question 17 (4 marks) The diagram shows the tsunami risk for the Australian Indonesian region. M L M L L M H M H L M M MM M MH H H M M North H H M M M H L 1000 km L M L L L 0 L L L HM L L L L L LM L LL M H Key L Low risk M Medium risk H High risk Commonwealth of Australia/Australian Academy of Science Explain why there is a medium tsunami risk along the north-western margin of Australia and a low tsunami risk along the southern margin of Australia. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... 10 4 Marks Question 18 (3 marks) Complete the table to contrast the characteristics of divergent and convergent plate boundaries. Divergent plate boundary 3 Convergent plate boundary Common rock type Typical geological structure Type of volcanic activity Question 19 (4 marks) Distinguish between short-term and long-term effects of a large explosive volcanic eruption. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... 11 4 Marks Question 20 (6 marks) Using the key provided construct a sequence of labelled diagrams to describe the plate tectonic supercycle. Key Continental crust Oceanic crust Direction of plate movement 12 Board of Studies NSW 2008 6 2 008 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Centre Number Section I Part B (continued) Student Number Marks Question 21 (4 marks) (a) Identify TWO adaptations that allowed plants to colonise terrestrial environments. 2 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (b) Explain how ONE of these adaptations enabled plants to survive terrestrial environments. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 141 13 2 Marks Question 22 (6 marks) Atmospheric Oxygen Hydrospheric Oxygen 4000 3000 2000 Oxygen level Rate of BIF deposition The graph shows the level of atmospheric oxygen, hydrospheric oxygen (oxygen level in water) and deposition of Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) over time. 1000 Time before the present (million years) Commonwealth of Australia (a) Define the term Banded Iron Formation. 1 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (b) Identify the trends in oxygen levels in the graph. 2 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (c) Explain the relationship between the occurrence of simple photosynthetic organisms and BIFs. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 14 3 Marks Question 23 (4 marks) (a) According to stable isotope evidence, when did life first appear on Earth? 1 ............................................................................................................................... (b) Describe how stable isotopes can provide evidence for the first presence of life. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... Please turn over 15 3 Marks Question 24 (6 marks) Analyse TWO different hypotheses used to explain the extinction of the Australian megafauna. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... 16 Board of Studies NSW 2008 6 2 008 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Centre Number Section I Part B (continued) Student Number Marks Question 25 (5 marks) (a) Outline a strategy to rehabilitate a salt-affected area. 2 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (b) Explain the scientific principles behind this strategy. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 142 17 3 Question 26 (7 marks) The geological map shows the location of a town and an open pit gold and copper mine. Town Mine 1 kilometre Key River Granite with many ver tical fractures Fault Porous sandstone Highway Impermeable, horizontally bedded shale Limestone with numerous underground caves Question 26 continues on page 19 18 Marks Question 26 (continued) (a) (i) On the map on page 18, mark with an X the best locality for a waste disposal site. 1 (ii) Justify your choice of the site selected. 2 ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... (b) The town council asked an environmental scientist to determine whether the mine could be used as a waste disposal site when mining ceases. Why should the environmental scientist recommend against this proposed use? ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... End of Question 26 19 4 Marks Question 27 (7 marks) Analyse the geological and environmental factors that contribute to the fragile nature of the Australian continent. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... 20 Board of Studies NSW 2008 7 2 008 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Section II 25 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 28 31 Allow about 45 minutes for this section Answer the question in a writing booklet. Extra writing booklets are available. Pages Question 28 Question 29 Organic Geology a Non-renewable Resource ................... 23 24 Question 30 Mining and the Australian Environment .............................. 25 26 Question 31 143 Introduced Species and the Australian Environment ................. 22 Oceanography ............................................................................. 27 21 Marks Question 28 Introduced Species and the Australian Environment (25 marks) (i) Define the term introduced species. 1 (ii) What is the role of modern quarantine organisations? 1 (iii) Identify ONE Australian quarantine practice. 1 (iv) Outline ONE way an organism has been accidentally brought into Australia. 1 (v) Suggest ONE reason why an organism could be deliberately brought into Australia. 1 (b) Explain the conditions that allowed a named introduced animal to become a pest in Australia. 3 (c) 4 (a) Construct a flow diagram showing the history of Prickly Pear from its introduction to its successful control. 1 3 (iii) How could you assess the reliability of data obtained? (e) Identify TWO abiotic components of an environment that may have been affected by introduced species. (ii) Describe an appropriate procedure to determine how one of the abiotic factors has been affected by an introduced species. (d) 2 (i) Analyse the impacts that a named introduced animal has had on the Australian environment. End of Question 28 22 7 Marks Question 29 Organic Geology a Non-renewable Resource (25 marks) (a) (i) Identify ONE petroleum producing area. (ii) Name ONE component of coal that increases as rank increases. (iii) Define the term fossil fuel. 1 1 1 (iv) What is meant by the term non-renewable? (v) Give ONE condition that is common to the formation of both coal and petroleum. (b) 1 1 Compare TWO exploration methods used to locate coal and oil. Question 29 continues on page 24 23 3 Marks Question 29 (continued) (c) Using information in the stratigraphic column shown, construct in your writing booklet a fully labelled geological cross-section showing a structure where oil, gas and water would accumulate. 4 Key Limestone Shale Sandstone Siltstone Coal Conglomerate (d) Identify TWO products generated by complete combustion of a fossil fuel. 1 (ii) Describe an appropriate procedure to distinguish between the products of incomplete and complete combustion of a fossil fuel. 3 (iii) (e) (i) How could you assess the reliability of data obtained? 2 Analyse the effects of replacing electricity generated by fossil fuels with electricity generated from alternative sources. End of Question 29 24 7 Marks Question 30 Mining and the Australian Environment (25 marks) (a) (i) What is an ore? 1 (ii) Name ONE locality in an Australian island arc terrane where precious metals are produced. 1 (iii) Identify ONE landmark government decision that has had an impact on mining operations in Australia. 1 (iv) What is meant by the term grade of ore? 1 (v) Define the term renewable resource. 1 (b) Explain how a common gangue mineral might become an ore mineral in the future. (c) 3 The photographs show two stages in the life of a mine. Stage A Stage B Construct a flow diagram in your writing booklet showing the steps involved in getting from Stage A to Stage B. Question 30 continues on page 26 25 4 Marks Question 30 (continued) Identify TWO techniques that can be used to distinguish between waste rock and ore. 1 Describe an appropriate procedure to test for an ore or metal in a rock. 3 (iii) (e) (i) (ii) (d) How could you assess the reliability of data obtained? 2 Analyse the impacts of government policies on Australian mining operations. End of Question 30 26 7 Marks Question 31 Oceanography (25 marks) (a) (i) Name ONE type of mass motion of water in the oceans. 1 (ii) What proportion of the Earth is covered by oceans? 1 (iii) Name ONE natural substance that scavenges elements from the oceans rocks. 1 (iv) Name ONE potential mineral resource formed on the ocean floor. 1 (v) Define the term community of organisms. 1 (b) Explain the distribution of calcareous and siliceous oozes in the oceans. 3 (c) 4 Construct a table in your writing booklet to compare a food chain in the top layers of the ocean with a food chain found near a hydrothermal vent. 1 3 (iii) How could you assess the reliability of data obtained? (e) Identify TWO factors that affect the cooling rate of solids in water. (ii) Describe an appropriate procedure to assess one of the factors that affects the cooling rate of a solid in water. (d) 2 (i) Analyse the impacts that new technologies have on our understanding of ocean environments. End of paper 27 7 Geological Time Scale EON ERA PERIOD EPOCH Holocene 0 Quaternary 2 Pleistocene Pliocene 5 Cenozoic 10 20 30 Miocene Tertiary Oligocene 40 70 Palaeocene Mesozoic Ma BP 60 Phanerozoic Eocene 50 100 200 Palaeozoic 300 400 500 1000 2000 Jurassic Triassic Permian Carboniferous Devonian Silurian Ordovician Cambrian Proterozoic 600 Cretaceous 3000 Archaean 4000 Ediacaran Hadean 28 Board of Studies NSW 2008

Formatting page ...

Additional Info : New South Wales Higher School Certificate Earth And Environmental Science 2008
Tags : new south wales higher school certificate earth and environmental science 2008, nsw hsc online earth and environmental science, nsw hsc earth and environmental science syllabus, earth and environmental science model exam papers, earth and environmental science solved sample papers, earth and environmental science course., australia new south wales, nsw hsc online, nsw hsc past papers, nsw hsc papers, nsw hsc syllabus, nsw board of studies, higher school certificate new south wales, nsw australia, hsc syllabus, nsw hsc exams, nsw hsc question papers, nsw hsc solved question papers, nsw hsc previous exam papers, nsw university.

nsw_hsc chat

Horizontal lines at:
Guest Horizontal lines at:
AutoRM Data:
Box geometries: