Regents Earth Science 4

Question 1

A geologist measures the half-life of Carbon-14 as 5,730 years. If a sample contains 25% of its original C-14, how old is the sample?

Accepted Answer

11,460 years

Answer

After one half-life (5,730 yr), 50% remains; after two half-lives (11,460 yr), 25% remains.

Question 2

What term describes the bending of rock layers caused by compressional tectonic forces?

Accepted Answer

Fold

Answer

Folds are bends in rock layers that result from compressional stress, forming structures like anticlines and synclines.

Question 3

Which ocean current transports warm water northward along the eastern coast of the United States?

Accepted Answer

Gulf Stream

Answer

The Gulf Stream is a powerful, warm Atlantic ocean current that flows northward along the U.S. East Coast and moderates climates of western Europe.

Question 4

Which factor most directly determines the climate of a region rather than its day-to-day weather?

Accepted Answer

Long-term average temperature and precipitation patterns

Answer

Climate is defined as the long-term average of atmospheric conditions including temperature and precipitation, typically measured over 30 years.

Question 5

At a divergent plate boundary in the ocean, what type of feature typically forms?

Accepted Answer

Mid-ocean ridge

Answer

At divergent oceanic boundaries, magma rises to fill the gap as plates separate, forming mid-ocean ridges.

Regents Practice Test