Earth Science Regents Exam Review

Introduction

• Review session for January 21, 2025, Earth Science Regents Exam.
• Focus on quick walkthrough and problem-solving on the fly.
• Assumes background knowledge of the curriculum.

Key Topics and Sample Questions

1. Celestial Objects

• Dwarf Planet Ceres: Located 413 million km from the Sun, between Mars and Jupiter.
• Red Shift in Galaxies: Light from galaxies mostly shows red shift indicating they are moving away.

2. Planetary Characteristics

• Terrestrial vs. Jovian Planets: Terrestrial planets are small, rocky, and high density compared to large, low-density Jovian planets.

3. Earth's Motions

• Foucault Pendulum: Demonstrates Earth's rotation.
• Constellations: Change due to Earth's revolution around the Sun.

4. Latitude and Polaris

• Difference in the altitude of Polaris determined by change in latitude.

5. Water Cycle and Weather

• Water Cycle Processes: Transpiration and evaporation add water vapor to the atmosphere.
• Relative Humidity and Dew Point Questions: Utilize reference tables to find specific values.

6. Weather Systems

• Station Models: Barometric pressure coding.
• Star Trails: Polaris remains stationary, others appear to rotate.

7. Time Zones

• Time difference calculations based on longitude.

8. Weather Phenomena

• Jet Stream: West to east flow in the U.S.
• Greenhouse Gases: Pollution and burning fossil fuels.
• Specific Heat: Oceans moderate temperature ranges due to high specific heat.

9. Geologic Time and Features

• Geologic Time Divisions: Based on fossil evidence.
• Earthquake Waves: S-waves cannot travel through liquids, indicating outer core is liquid.

10. Geological Structures and Erosion

• Glaciers: Create parallel scratches.
• Faults and Unconformities: Determine rock layer sequences.

11. Rock and Mineral Identification

• Mineral Hardness: Most resistant minerals have highest hardness values.
• Metamorphic Rocks: Banded rocks are foliated.

12. Environmental and Climate Factors

• Insulation: Affected by cloud cover.
• Jet Streams and Ocean Currents: Influence on climate patterns.

13. Astronomy

• Solar System Objects: Impact craters formed by asteroids or meteors.

14. Test Strategies

• Use reference tables extensively for calculations and confirmations.
• Memorize key facts like specific heat, planetary characteristics, and rock types.

Conclusion

• Exam was rated as generally easy with a few challenging questions.
• Continuous practice and familiarity with reference material are crucial.
• Encouragement to review key areas of difficulty and employ strategic problem-solving techniques.