1.
The true shape of the Earth is best described as a
Correct Answer
C. Slightly oblate spHere
Explanation
The true shape of the Earth is described as a slightly oblate sphere because it is not a perfect sphere but is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This shape is a result of the Earth's rotation, which causes a centrifugal force that pushes the equator outward. As a result, the Earth's polar diameter is shorter than its equatorial diameter. This shape is commonly referred to as an oblate spheroid or oblate ellipsoid.
2.
An observer watching a sailing ship at sea notes that the ship appears to be "sinking" as it moves away. Which statement best explains this observation?
Correct Answer
B. The Earth has a curved surface
Explanation
The Earth has a curved surface, which causes objects that are moving away from an observer to appear to sink. This is due to the curvature of the Earth, as the observer's line of sight to the ship becomes more parallel to the surface of the ocean. As a result, the ship appears to gradually sink below the horizon.
3.
The water sphere of the Earth is known as the
Correct Answer
D. HydrospHere
Explanation
The water sphere of the Earth is known as the hydrosphere because it refers to all the water on or near the Earth's surface. This includes water in the oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and even in the atmosphere as water vapor. The hydrosphere plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, as well as supporting various ecosystems and providing a habitat for countless species.
4.
The latitude of a point in the Northern Hemisphere may be determined by measuring the
Correct Answer
B. Altitude of Polaris
Explanation
The altitude of Polaris is used to determine the latitude of a point in the Northern Hemisphere. Polaris, also known as the North Star, is located very close to the North Celestial Pole. As a result, its altitude above the horizon changes depending on the observer's latitude. By measuring the altitude of Polaris, one can calculate their latitude using celestial navigation techniques.
5.
How are latitude and longitude lines drawn on a globe of Earth?
Correct Answer
A. Latitude lines are parallel and longitude lines meet at the poles.
Explanation
Latitude and longitude lines are used to locate specific points on the Earth's surface. Latitude lines run parallel to the equator and are used to measure distance north or south of the equator. Longitude lines, on the other hand, meet at the poles and are used to measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. Therefore, the correct answer is that latitude lines are parallel and longitude lines meet at the poles.
6.
Which reference line passes through both the geographic North Pole and the geographic South Pole?
Correct Answer
B. 0° longitude
Explanation
The reference line that passes through both the geographic North Pole and the geographic South Pole is 0° longitude. Longitude lines run from the North Pole to the South Pole and are used to measure east-west positions on the Earth's surface. The line at 0° longitude, also known as the Prime Meridian, passes through Greenwich, London and serves as the starting point for measuring longitude around the world. Therefore, 0° longitude is the correct answer to the question.
7.
Which profile best represents he topography along the dashed line from point X to point Y?Profile 1Profile 2Profile 3Profile 4
Correct Answer
B. Profile 2
8.
Base your answer to this question on the topographic map below. Points X, Y, and Z are locatons on the map. Elevations are expressed in meters.Mill River generally flows toward the
Correct Answer
C. Northeast
Explanation
Based on the topographic map, we can observe that the contour lines are closer together on the northwest side of the river and gradually spread apart towards the southeast. This indicates a steeper slope on the northwest side and a gentler slope on the southeast side. Therefore, the river is more likely to flow in the direction of the steepest slope, which is northeast.
9.
Base your answer to this question on the topographic map below. Points X, Y, and Z are locatons on the map. Elevations are expressed in meters.What is the elevation of point Z?
Correct Answer
B. 220 m
Explanation
Based on the topographic map, the elevation of point Z is 220 m. This can be determined by locating point Z on the map and identifying the contour line that intersects with it. The contour line is labeled with the elevation of 220 m, indicating that point Z is at that elevation.
10.
Base your answer to this question on the map below, which shows most of New York State. Isolines indicate the depth of the Precambrian bedrock surface below present-day sea level. Depths are in feet.Which map best shows the location of the -4,000-foot isoline?Map 1Map 2Map 3Map 4
Correct Answer
D. Map 4
11.
The diagram below represents a portion of a map of the Earth's grid
system. What is the approximate latitude and longitude of point A?
Correct Answer
D. 15° S. 30° E
Explanation
Point A is located in the southern hemisphere (15° S) and to the east of the prime meridian (30° E).
12.
The topographic map below shows a hill. Points X and Y represent locations on the hill’s surface. Elevations are shown in meters.What is the gradient between points X and Y?
Correct Answer
A. 40 m/km
Explanation
The gradient between points X and Y can be determined by calculating the change in elevation divided by the horizontal distance between the points. In this case, the change in elevation is 40 meters and the horizontal distance is 1 kilometer. Therefore, the gradient is 40 meters per kilometer, which is the correct answer.