Regents Earth Science 3

Question 1

Two igneous rocks form from the same magma, but one cools slowly underground and one cools quickly at the surface. How will their textures differ?

Accepted Answer

The slow-cooled rock will have larger crystals

Answer

Slow cooling underground allows more time for crystals to grow, resulting in coarse-grained (phaneritic) texture like granite.

Question 2

Which type of front forms when a cold air mass overtakes and lifts a warm air mass, often producing heavy thunderstorms?

Accepted Answer

Cold front

Answer

A cold front occurs when dense, cold air pushes under and lifts warm air rapidly, creating steep pressure gradients and severe weather.

Question 3

On a topographic map, which spacing of contour lines indicates the steepest slope?

Accepted Answer

Closely spaced contour lines

Answer

Closely spaced contour lines indicate a rapid change in elevation over a short horizontal distance, meaning a steep slope.

Question 4

What is the most abundant gas in Earth's current atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen

Answer

Nitrogen (N₂) makes up approximately 78% of Earth's atmosphere, making it by far the most abundant gas.

Question 5

Which evidence best supports the theory of continental drift?

Accepted Answer

Identical rock types and fossils found on opposite sides of the Atlantic

Answer

Matching fossils and rock formations on the coasts of South America and Africa indicate these landmasses were once joined and drifted apart.

Regents Practice Test