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NSW HSC 2003 : EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

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2003 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 Section I Pages 2 19 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 26 Allow about 1 hour and 45 minutes for this part Section II Pages 21 30 25 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 27 30 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. Select the alternative A, B, C or D that best answers the question. Fill in the response oval completely. Sample: 2+4= (A) 2 A (B) 6 (C) 8 B C (D) 9 D If you think you have made a mistake, put a cross through the incorrect answer and fill in the new answer. A B C D If you change your mind and have crossed out what you consider to be the correct answer, then indicate the correct answer by writing the word correct and drawing an arrow as follows. correct A B C 2 D 1 Volcanoes and earthquakes are common in Japan. Japan Pacific Ocean Stokes, William Lee, Essentials of Earth History, 4th edn, (c)1982. Electronically produced by permission of Pearson Education, Inc, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. What is the most likely tectonic setting of Japan? (A) An intraplate hot spot (B) A divergent plate boundary (C) A convergent plate boundary (D) A conservative plate boundary 2 Which statement summarises the plate tectonic supercycle? (A) Large continents are completely destroyed and re-formed by partial melting. (B) The positions of large continents repeatedly change but their basic shapes remain the same. (C) The magnetic poles reverse periodically, thereby changing the relative locations of the continents. (D) Large continents break up into smaller landmasses that eventually re-form into one large continent. 3 3 Which types of structures and igneous rock are most likely to be found at an ocean continent convergent plate boundary? (A) Normal faults and basalt (B) Normal faults and granite (C) Reverse faults and andesite (D) Transform faults and rhyolite 4 Which of the following contributes most to the movement of lithospheric plates? (A) Convection currents in the lithosphere (B) Convection currents in the asthenosphere (C) Crustal fracture due to tensional forces (D) Movement of molten material in the inner core 5 In June 1991, Mt Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted. The photograph shows a volcanic plume above Mt Pinatubo. Eruptions of this type can produce ash-rich volcanic plumes that reach a height of more than 40 km. Which of the following is the most likely global effect that would result from such a large explosive volcanic eruption? (A) An increase in rainfall (B) A decrease in temperature (C) An increase in temperature (D) A decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels 4 6 Which of the following practices is used to maintain an environmental flow? (A) Draining wetlands to reduce salinity levels in soils (B) Release of water from dams during heavy rainfall (C) Release of water from dams to maintain river ecosystems (D) Diversion of coastal rivers inland for use during droughts 7 The diagram shows two chemical reactions that occur in the stratosphere. + + ClO chlorine monoxide O3 Cl chlorine atom ozone oxygen molecule + + ClO chlorine monoxide O2 O Cl chlorine atom oxygen atom O2 oxygen molecule What is the combined effect of these two reactions in the stratosphere? (A) An increase in oxygen molecules and a decrease in ozone (B) An increase in ozone and a decrease in oxygen molecules (C) An increase in chlorine atoms and a decrease in oxygen atoms (D) No change in the relative amounts of ozone and oxygen molecules 8 Which of the following was a feature of the Archaean atmosphere? (A) It did not contain nitrogen. (B) It was composed only of methane and ammonia. (C) It contained more ozone than the atmosphere today. (D) It contained less oxygen than the atmosphere today. 5 9 Terrestrial plants are thought to have evolved from aquatic plants. What change would have been most significant in allowing plants to survive in terrestrial environments? (A) Development of a reproductive system that relied less on water (B) Ability to produce energy from reactions using oxygen rather than water (C) Ability to produce energy from photosynthesis rather than respiration (D) Development of larger tissues and parts composed of cells with a nucleus 10 Which of the following strategies could best reduce salinity in soils? (A) Planting native grasses (B) Planting deep-rooted trees (C) Releasing water from dams (D) Raising groundwater levels through engineering works 11 Why are the soils in eastern Australia that are formed on basalts from volcanic activity generally fertile? (A) Basaltic ash produces well-drained, silica-rich soils. (B) High relief promotes the development of fertile soils. (C) Basalt contains elements essential to healthy plant growth. (D) Steeply sloping volcanoes promote weathering and erosion. 6 12 The map shows the locations of seven megafauna fossil sites in Australia. The table shows the number and approximate age of megafauna reptile, bird and mammal species found at each site. NT QLD 6 1 WA SA 2 NSW 7 5 VIC 3 4 TAS Site Number of bird species Number of mammal species Approximate age (thousands of years) 1 7 46 2 10 52 3 1 60 19 171 4 1 5 Number of reptile species 1 60 6 7 1 10 1 80 55 What conclusion can be drawn from these data? (A) Megafauna did not exist in the areas now known as NT or TAS. (B) Mammals were better adapted to warm northerly climates than birds or reptiles. (C) At least 48 different species of megafauna mammals lived throughout Australia. (D) At least 10 different megafauna mammal species lived in the area now known as NSW approximately 52 000 years ago. 7 13 What is a cause of acid rain? (A) Gases released in combustion combining with water (B) CFCs causing the break-up of molecules to produce acid (C) The greenhouse effect warming the atmosphere and increasing rainfall (D) Radiation causing a reaction with water as a result of the hole in the ozone layer 14 During the Archaean eon, Earth s surface received higher levels of ultraviolet radiation than it does now. What is the main reason for the reduction in the level of ultraviolet radiation reaching Earth s surface today? (A) The increased greenhouse effect blocks incoming ultraviolet radiation. (B) The stratosphere contains more ozone, which absorbs the ultraviolet radiation. (C) The atmosphere contains more oxygen, which absorbs the ultraviolet radiation. (D) Two-thirds of Earth s crust is now covered by water, which absorbs the ultraviolet radiation. 15 The theory of evolution by natural selection suggests that organisms have developed from other organisms that lived in the past. Which sequence best shows how natural selection occurs? (A) Genetic variation in the population Change in the environment Survival of the fittest New species (B) Change in the environment Increase in population size Change in the species Survival of the fittest (C) Large numbers in the population Change in the environment Decrease in the population New species (D) Genetic variation in the population Decrease in the population Change in the species Increase in population size 8 Board of Studies NSW 2003 2003 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Centre Number Section I (continued) Part B 60 marks Attempt Questions 16 26 Allow about 1 hour and 45 minutes for this part Student Number Answer the questions in the spaces provided. Marks Question 16 (5 marks) Despite the dangers associated with volcanic eruptions, people still live in areas where there is volcanic activity. (a) Identify TWO hazards associated with volcanoes that might affect people living in areas of volcanic activity. 1 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (b) Describe the potential impact on people (apart from death and injury) of ONE hazard identified in part (a). 2 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (c) Explain why people would live in an area where volcanoes are active. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 140 9 2 Marks Question 17 (5 marks) The table shows data collected by satellites in orbit around Earth from 1980 to 1999. The satellites measured the ozone concentration over Antarctica. Year 1980 1982 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1993 1995 1997 1999 (a) Minimum ozone concentration (Dobson units) 209 205 146 159 120 173 124 124 88 111 90 On the grid provided, plot the points using the above data. Include a line of best fit. Question 17 continues on page 11 10 3 Marks Question 17 (continued) (b) Outline how ONE Australian scientist has contributed to the ongoing research into ozone depletion. 2 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... Question 18 (6 marks) (a) Identify ONE feature of lithospheric plates. 1 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (b) Outline briefly TWO hypotheses used to explain the movement of lithospheric plates. 2 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (c) Use ONE of the hypotheses you outlined in part (b) to explain how divergent margins form. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 11 3 Marks Question 19 (6 marks) Draw diagrams of a convergent plate boundary AND of a divergent plate boundary. Label the following features on each diagram: direction of plate movement sites of likely earthquake activity sites of likely igneous activity. Convergent Plate Boundary Divergent Plate Boundary 12 Board of Studies NSW 2003 6 2003 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Centre Number Section I Part B (continued) Student Number Marks Question 20 (5 marks) The diagram represents the eons of geological time. Phanerozoic Hadean 4500 3800 Archaean Proterozoic 2500 550 Present Time before the present (millions of years) (a) Recall the basis for the division of the geological timescale into eons. 1 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (b) Outline why the Australian Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) formed prior to the Phanerozoic eon. 2 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (c) Outline the stable isotope evidence to support the theory that life first appeared approximately 3800 million years ago. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 141 13 2 Marks Question 21 (3 marks) Outline the process by which a fish living in a freshwater lake may eventually become a fossil. 3 ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... Question 22 (3 marks) Discuss how Silurian organisms with hard body parts had an advantage over Proterozoic organisms with soft bodies in terms of predation, protection and defence. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... 14 3 Marks Question 23 (8 marks) Name a plate tectonic process that has been linked to a named extinction event, and analyse the relationship between the process and the event. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... 15 8 BLANK PAGE 16 Board of Studies NSW 2003 2003 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Centre Number Section I Part B (continued) Student Number Marks Question 24 (7 marks) In your Earth and Environmental Science course you gathered information about a pesticide, the use of which is now banned. Name the pesticide you studied ............................................................................... (a) Name ONE pest for which this pesticide was used. 1 ............................................................................................................................... (b) Outline why this pesticide is now banned. 2 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (c) Assess TWO impacts of this pesticide in the environment. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 142 17 4 Marks Question 25 (6 marks) (a) Identify ONE possible cause of soil erosion in an urban area. 1 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (b) Identify ONE possible cause of soil erosion on a farming or grazing property. 1 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (c) Explain TWO management strategies that could be used to reduce soil erosion in a national park frequently visited by people. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 18 4 Marks Question 26 (6 marks) The graphs show the concentration of compounds in the atmosphere in an urban area such as Sydney on a clear summer day. Ozone (O3) is a pollutant produced in the lower atmosphere in urban environments. Ozone is produced in a photochemical reaction. Concentration (ppm) 0.5 Key 0.4 Exhaust emissions 0.3 Ozone (O3) 0.2 Nitric oxide (NO) 0.1 Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 4 6 8 10 12 14 Time of day (h) 16 18 Reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press Australia from Urban Biophysical Environments by Bridgman, Warner and Dodson Oxford University Press, www.oup.com.au (a) Name TWO compounds found in vehicle emissions. 2 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (b) Explain the trends in exhaust emissions shown on the graph. 2 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (c) Propose a reason for the trend in ozone (O3) concentration. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 19 2 BLANK PAGE 20 Board of Studies NSW 2003 2003 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFIC ATE EXAMINATION Earth and Environmental Science Section II 25 marks Attempt ONE question from Questions 27 30 Allow about 45 minutes for this section Answer the question in a writing booklet. Extra writing booklets are available. Pages Question 27 Question 28 Organic Geology A Non-renewable Resource ................. 24 25 Question 29 Mining and the Australian Environment .............................. 26 27 Question 30 143 Introduced Species and the Australian Environment ........... 22 23 Oceanography ...................................................................... 28 30 21 Marks Question 27 Introduced Species and the Australian Environment (25 marks) (b) (i) Identify ONE way in which a non-indigenous species of animal, and ONE way in which a non-indigenous species of plant, may be accidentally introduced into Australia s coastal waters and harbours. 1 (ii) (a) Describe TWO quarantine methods used in Australia to control the introduction of non-indigenous species. 2 In your study of Introduced Species and the Australian Environment you carried out an investigation to identify and distinguish between biotic and abiotic components of the environment that may have been affected by an introduced species. (i) 2 (ii) (c) Summarise the results of your investigation. Describe how your investigation was designed to ensure the data you collected were both valid and reliable. 2 Assess the use and success of TWO strategies used as forms of biological control. 5 Question 27 continues on page 23 22 Marks Question 27 (continued) (d) The graph shows the populations of TWO non-indigenous and ONE indigenous animal species with time. 1400 1200 Population 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Time Non-indigenous animal species A Non-indigenous animal species B Indigenous animal species (i) 2 (ii) Account for ONE of these trends. 2 (iii) (e) Describe the trends for non-indigenous animal species A and the indigenous animal species. Predict what may happen to the population of non-indigenous animal species B in the future. Account for your prediction. 2 Before a new species of animal is allowed to be introduced into the Australian environment today, a detailed study of the species should be undertaken. This study should include: 7 1 Its habitat and food source 2 Its reproductive capacity 3 Dispersal techniques 4 Potential predators. Justify why each of these factors has to be included in the study. End of Question 27 23 Marks Question 28 Organic Geology A Non-renewable Resource (25 marks) (b) (i) Identify ONE renewable and ONE non-renewable energy resource. 1 (ii) (a) Choose ONE of the resources identified above and describe TWO impacts that its use would have on the Australian environment. 2 In your study of Organic Geology you carried out a first-hand investigation to identify a variety of fossil fuels and compare their properties. (i) 2 (ii) (c) Summarise the results of your investigation for TWO of these fossil fuels. Describe how your investigation was designed to ensure the data you collected were both valid and reliable. 2 Assess the relative importance and potential of TWO alternative energy sources. 5 Question 28 continues on page 25 24 Marks Question 28 (continued) (d) The graph shows the geological log for a drill-hole that intersected nine coal seams. The upper eight coal seams were analysed, and the values for some of their properties are shown. Depth (metres) 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 0 4 6 8 % or kcal/kg 10 12 Key Coal Specific energy (kcal/kg) Conglomerate Hydrogen content (%) Mudstone Mineral matter (%) Sandstone (i) 2 (ii) Account for ONE of these trends. 2 (iii) (e) Describe TWO trends shown by the graph. Predict the approximate values for specific energy and hydrogen content for coal intersected at 5000 m in this drill-hole. Account for your prediction. 2 Before locating and developing a fossil fuel resource, a detailed study should be undertaken. This study should include: 7 1 2 3 4 An exploration program Determining the geology of the deposit Determining the uses of the resource Consideration of the environmental issues. Justify why each of these factors has to be included in the study. End of Question 28 25 Marks Question 29 Mining and the Australian Environment (25 marks) (b) (i) Identify ONE renewable and ONE non-renewable resource. 1 (ii) (a) Choose ONE of the resources identified above, and describe TWO impacts that its use would have on the Australian environment. 2 In your study of Mining and the Australian Environment you carried out an investigation to test for the presence of ore minerals or metals using a geophysical method OR a geochemical method. (i) 2 (ii) (c) Summarise the results of your investigation. Describe how your investigation was designed to ensure the data you collected were both valid and reliable. 2 Name a major landmark court decision that has impacted on mining operations in Australia and name an ore body affected by this decision. 5 Assess the present and future implications of this decision on the mining of the ore body you named. Question 29 continues on page 27 26 Marks Question 29 (continued) (d) A copper and gold mine commenced production in 1990 with an expected life of 30 years. The graph shows the metal grades, annual ore production and profits from 1990 to 2002. 8 7 (Grade) (tonnes) (profit) 6 5 4 3 2 1 1990 1992 1994 Key Average copper grade (%) 1996 Year 1998 2000 2002 Annual ore production (tonnes 10 000) Annual profit ($ 106) Average gold grade (ppm) (i) Describe the trends for annual production and annual profits over the period shown. 2 (ii) Account for ONE of these trends. 2 Predict approximate gold and copper grades for the next five years. Give geological reasons to explain the grades you predicted. 2 Before locating and developing an ore body, a detailed study should be undertaken. This study should include: 7 (iii) (e) 1 An exploration program 2 Determining the size and nature of the ore body 3 Determining the economic viability of the ore body 4 Consideration of the environmental issues. Justify why each of these factors has to be included in the study. End of Question 29 27 Marks Question 30 Oceanography (25 marks) (b) (i) Identify the probable origins of the oceanic waters. 1 (ii) (a) Describe the link between the evolution of the atmosphere and the evolution of the oceanic waters. 2 In your study of Oceanography you carried out an investigation to determine the relationship between the rate of hatching of brine shrimp, and salt-water concentration and temperature. (i) 2 (ii) (c) Summarise the results of your investigation. Describe how your investigation was designed to ensure the data you collected were both valid and reliable. 2 Explain the distribution on the ocean floor of calcareous ooze and siliceous ooze. Include in your answer the origin of each sediment type. 5 Question 30 continues on page 29 28 Marks Question 30 (continued) (d) The maps show the Marmara Sea in Turkey. Water flows from the Black Sea through the Marmara Sea to the Aegean Sea. The graphs show salinity data taken at five sites in the Black Sea, Marmara Sea and Aegean Sea. 28 E 42 N 29 E 30 E 42 N Black Sea a Se an spi Ca Black Sea 1 0 Marmara Sea km 50 Bosphorus Aegean Sea Marmara Sea 41 N 2 3 s lle 40 N e an rd Da 4 Sample site 15 20 Salinity ( ) 25 30 35 40 N 40 Depth (m) 0 39 N Aegean Sea 100 5 38 N 25 E 26 E Sample site 1 2 3 27 E 4 5 (i) Describe trends shown by the curves for data at Sites 1 and 3. 2 (ii) Account for the trend shown by the curve for data at Site 3. 2 (iii) Predict how salinity levels in the Marmara Sea would change if it was no longer connected to the Black Sea. Give reasons for your prediction. 2 Question 30 continues on page 30 29 Marks Question 30 (continued) (e) Hydrothermal metal deposits can form in ocean environments. In order to locate such deposits, a detailed study should be undertaken. This study should include: 1 Determining the likely tectonic setting 2 Determining the mode of formation of the deposit 3 Describing the type of sediment associated with the deposit 4 Choosing appropriate technology to assist the search. Justify why each of these factors has to be included in the study. End of paper 30 7 BLANK PAGE 31 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 Proterozoic 600 Cretaceous 3000 Archaean 4000 Hadean 32 Board of Studies NSW 2003

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Additional Info : New South Wales Higher School Certificate Earth And Environmental Science 2003
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