Diagnostic Test Topic Two Answers and Explanations

1. On the map provided, use smooth, curved, solid lines to draw the 30F, 40F, 50F isotherms

1. Answer Remember to make your lines go in between the different degrees and to only cross the 30, 40, and 50 with the isotherm.

2. What is the most probable air temperature at location A Answer: 41-49°F The answer can not be 40 or 50 because point A does not appear on one of those two isotherms. If the isotherm ran directly through point A you would know the exact temperature.

3. What is the approximate latitude of Utica, NY? Answer: (1) 43°05’ N The answer must be this choice because latitude is given in North or South. (Longitude is east and west). New York state is in the northern hemisphere. For this question, you do not need to use a map.

4. What is the gradient between points X and Y? Answer: (1) 40 m/km You take a piece of scrap paper and compare to the scale the distance, which is 2 km. Then you determine the change in gradient. Point X is located on the 380m contour line. Point Y is located on the 300m contour line. Subtract these two numbers to get 80 and divide by the 2km= 40 m/km

5. The diagram below shows an observer on Earth measuring the altitude of Polaris. What is the latitude of this observer? Answer: (2) 66.5°N The latitude of the observer is the angle of Polaris and the horizon.

6. What is the altitude of Polaris about the northern horizon for observer A? Answer: (2) 10° Observer A is located at 10°N latitude. Latitude corresponds with the altitude of Polaris.

7. Which two observers would be experiencing the same apparent solar time? Answer: (3) B and E Observers B and E are on the same line of longitude (vertical) which determines our time. Observers A and D are also experiencing the same solar time, however they are not an answer choice.

8. When the time of day for a certain ship at sea is 12 noon, the time of day at the Prime Meridian is 5pm. What is the ship’s longitude? Answer: (3) 75° W There is a 5 hour time difference in the two locations. 5 hours multiplied by the 15° per hour of time zones = 75°. You know it is west because this location is behind in time (further west). If it were east the time on the ship would be 10pm (5 hours ahead. )

Skip 9 and 10 Answer #9: (4) Hudson River Answer #10 (4) Troposphere Do not worry about these problems, we have not discussed them, they will not be on the test tomorrow.

11. An environmental scientist needs to prepare a report on the surface mine in NYS will have on the watershed where the mine will be located. In which reference material will the scientist find the most useful data with which to determine the watershed’s boundaries. Answer: (1) Topographic Maps We have not discussed the other map options given and topographic maps show the shape and how water flows.

Skip 12 Answer: (1) Oxygen You do not need to know this.

13. As a ship crosses the Prime Meridian an observer on the ship measures the altitude of Polaris at 60°. What is the ship’s location. Answer: (2) 60° N and 0° The prime meridian is 0° longitude. If the altitude of Polaris is 60, the latitude must be 60. You know it is north because Polaris is not visible in the southern hemisphere.

14. At which NYS location will an observer most likely measure the altitude of Polaris as approximately 42°? Answer: (1) Jamestown The altitude refers to the latitude, using the reference table and map of NY (the one we played bingo with today in class) you can located the only city listed on the 42° latitude.

15. The North State can be used for navigation in Earth’s Northern Hemisphere because…. Answer: (3) The altitude of Polaris is equal to the observers latitude.