NSW HIGH SCHOOL 2022 TRIAL HSC EXAMINATION EARTH and ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE NAME : ● ● ● ● ● ● General Instructions: Reading time – 5 minutes Working time – 3 hours Write using black pen Draw diagrams using pencil NESA approved calculators may be used A Geological Time Scale is provided at the back of this paper Section I – 20 marks ● Attempt Questions 1–20 ● Allow about 35 minutes for this section Section II – 80 marks ● Attempt Questions 21–34 ● Allow about 2 hours and 25 minutes for this section Total marks: 100 Section I /20 Section II /80 TOTAL /100 –1– Section I 20 marks Attempt Questions 1–20 Allow about 35 minutes for this section Use the multiple-choice answer sheet for Questions 1–20. 1. The principle of uniformitarianism states that geological processes acted A. in an unexplained manner in the past. B. randomly in the past as they do in the present. C. in the same manner and with the same intensity in the past as they do at present. D. in a different manner and with a different intensity in the past as they do at present. 2. The synoptic chart shows a weather system affecting NSW. © Bureau of Meteorology Which natural disaster would this weather system be most likely to cause? A. Drought B. Inland flooding –2– C. Coastal bushfires D. Severe coastal storms 3. Which of the following contributes most to the enhanced greenhouse effect? A. Carbon B. Methane C. Nitrogen D. Oxygen 4. The diagram shows a model of solar energy transformations occurring in the atmosphere, producing the natural greenhouse effect. Sun Earth X KEY W Solar radiation enters the atmosphere X Majority of solar radiation is absorbed by Earth’s surface and then re-emitted as infrared radiation Y Some infrared radiation escapes but most is trapped by the atmosphere Z Reabsorption of trapped infrared radiation by Earth’s surface Which statement correctly explains the ‘enhanced’ greenhouse effect? A. Increased melting of ice caps increased the reflection of solar radiation from the surface at X. B. Increased ozone levels led to greater absorbance of solar radiation by Earth’s surface at X. C. A hole in the ozone layer decreased the solar radiation being reflected by the atmosphere at W. D. Increased carbon dioxide levels have increased the trapping of infrared radiation in the atmosphere at Y. –3– 5 and 6 Refer to the following graph to answer Questions 5 and 6. The graph shows the changes in Earth’s global temperature from 1900−2008 followed by threedifferent climate change projections to the year 2100. The projections are derived from different greenhouse gas emission scenarios. 5 A. B. C. D. 6 A. B. C. D. Earth’s average global temperature between 1900 and 2008 was approximately 15°C.If the world follows a lower emissions scenario (X ), what would the average global temperature in 2100 be closest to? 2°C 4°C 16°C 17°C Which aspect of the graph shows the scientific uncertainty associated with each projection? The shading around each line The time scale shown in 25-year intervals Showing both observations and a trend line Many data points shown on the same graph –4– 7. Which diagram correctly represents the distribution and depth of earthquake foci at the subduction zone (dash line)? Oceanic Continental plate Oceanic Continental plate plate A plate Oceanic Continental plate B plate Oceanic Continental plate C plate D Depth of earthquake focus 0–100 km 101–300 km 301–500 km 501+ km 8. Which process increased the level of oxygen in Earth’s early atmosphere? A. Volcanic eruptions B. Lightning striking Earth C. Decaying primitive plants and animals D. Photosynthesis in organisms living in water 9. Which of the following is an effect of the evolution of photosynthesising bacteria? A. The hydrosphere became more acidified. B. Banded iron formations were formed in the geosphere. C. The gaseous composition of the hydrosphere and atmosphere changed due to the presence of oxygen gas but the geosphere was unaffected. D. The atmosphere’s gaseous composition changed as carbon dioxide decreased and oxygen increased but the hydrosphere and geosphere were unaffected. –5– 10. The most effective strategy for NSW to help reduce rising global temperatures would be to A. replace hydro power with solar. B. buy electricity from another state. C. replace coal-fired power stations with gas. D. replace coal-fired power stations with wind power. 11. Approximately 75% of the world’s energy needs are produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. Which equation summarises the combustion of fossil fuels? A. Methane + oxygen carbon monoxide + water + energy B. water + carbon dioxide C. Hydrocarbons + oxygen D. Methane + hydrocarbons + oxygen oxygen + glucose carbon dioxide + water + energy carbon dioxide + water + energy –6– 12. A recent theory for the origin of life on Earth suggests that the simple organic precursor molecules for amino acids and proteins were formed at black smokers. Which diagram best represents this theory? 13. Hard-bodied animals are most likely to have evolved in response to A. changes in the Earth’s climate. B. the evolution of vertebrate fauna. C. the need for protection from predation. D. the deposition of banded iron formations. –7– 14. Which of the following is an example of a geological hazard? A. A cyclone approaching the Australian coastline B. An active volcano that poses a threat to life and property C. An earthquake that has affected thousands of people and caused enormous damage D. A tsunami that wipes out coastal communities causing damage and loss of human life 15. Which Plate boundary Volcanic feature Ocean–continent divergent Shield volcano Ocean–ocean convergent Stratovolcano Ocean–continent convergent Stratovolcano Continent–continent divergent Continental rift volcano combination of plate boundary and volcanic feature would result in both effusive volcanic eruptions and shallow focus earthquakes? A. B. C. D. –8– 16. The graphic identifies trends in the composition and physical characteristics of magma. In which direction should the Explosivity arrow point and why? A. Right, as high viscosity magma can hold more gas B. Right because silica content decreases to the right C. Left, as hotter magma is more explosive than cooler magma D. Left, as mobile magma is more explosive than less mobile magma 17. In June 1991, Mt Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted, producing ash-rich volcanic plumes that reached a height of more than 40 km. Which of the following decreased as a result of the eruption? A. Rainfall on Mt Pinatubo B. Aerosols in the stratosphere –9– C. Carbon dioxide levels in the ocean D. Solar radiation reaching Earth’s surface 18. Technologies available for the prediction of volcanic eruptions are more effective than those available for predicting earthquakes, because they A. are able to analyse complex data. B. consistently produce accurate warnings. C. often provide sufficient warning to prepare for the disaster. D. can identify the location, magnitude and timing of an eruption. 19. The graph below compares the accuracy of several weather broadcasting services. A. When the observed frequency of rainfall is low, local TV meteorologists are themost accurate. B. The National Weather Service is the least accurate predictor of rainfall. C. Weather forecasters tend to predict a higher probability of rain than is observed. – 10 – D. National Weather Service have the most accurate predictions of rainfall. 20. Which chemicals react with each other to form a greenhouse gas? A. Iron and water B. Nitrous oxides and water C. Sulfur trioxide and water D. Hydrocarbons and oxygen – 11 – Section II Answer Booklet 80 marks Attempt Questions 21–34 Allow about 2 hours and 25 minutes for this section Question 21 (6 marks) a. Using examples, explain why models are useful for studying the development of Earth. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... b. Outline two features of the plate tectonic supercycle which affect the climate. 2 ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... – 12 – 4 Question 22 (5 marks) The table gives information on the depth and location of five earthquakes near the Tonga Trench in the south-west Pacific Ocean. (a) Focus depth (km) Longitude (°W) 270 176.2 590 178.8 350 177.0 650 179.2 460 177.8 The positions of five additional earthquakes have been plotted on the graph. Complete the graph by plotting the positions of the earthquakes given in the table. – 13 – 2 b. Using the information from part (a), construct a detailed labelled cross-section to illustrate the tectonic process occurring at the Tonga Trench. 3 – 14 – Question 23 (3 marks) Explain TWO factors which allowed animals to move from an aquatic environment onto land. 3 ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... Question 24 (3 marks) Explain how TWO conditions present at ‘Black Smokers’ may have resulted in the origin of organic molecules. 3 ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... – 15 – Question 25 (7 marks) (a) Using examples, describe human activities that have negatively affected the sustainability of Australian resources. 3 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... (b) Explain why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples can be described as sustainable resource managers. 4 ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... – 16 – ............................................................................................................................... Question 26 (3 marks) Describe the use of index fossils in the development of a Geological Time Scale. 3 ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... Question 27 (4 marks) How does scientific evidence contribute to our understanding of ancient variations in global temperature? Support your answer using TWO specific examples. 4 ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... – 17 – ......................................................................................................................................... Question 28 (4 marks) The graph shows the short-term and long-term averages of the ᵹ18O isotope over time. With reference to the graph, explain how the isotope levels reflect past temperatures. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... – 18 – Question 29 (9 marks) Answer this question with reference to the case study that you carried out to investigate one volcanic eruption that had a significant effect on the biosphere and atmosphere. Name of volcanic eruption ............................................................................. eruption: ...... Contrast the short-term impact and longer-term impact of the volcanic eruption on the biosphere and atmosphere. ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................................... 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Analyse the effects of BOTH natural processes and anthropogenic activities on the Australian environment. 7 …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... 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Question 31 (6 marks) Analyse the use of TWO strategies in mitigating global temperature increases. 6 …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... 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…...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... – 22 – Question 33 (7 marks) Evaluate technologies used in meteorology to predict extreme weather events. 7 …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... …...................................................................................................................................... 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A B C 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 – 28 – D