Earth Science Regents Review #1: Prologue & Earth Dimensions

Interactions in Nature

  • Observation uses senses; instruments extend senses.
  • Inference is a conclusion based on observations.
  • Classification is grouping by properties.
  • Interface: boundary where energy is exchanged.

Graphing & Relationships

  • Direct relationship: X increases, Y increases.
  • Indirect relationship: X increases, Y decreases.
  • Static relationship: X increases, Y stays the same.
  • Environmental changes are often cyclic and predictable.

Density

  • Density: how packed molecules are.
  • Same substance = same density at same temp.
  • D=M/VD = M/V (ESRT page 1)
  • Pressure increases, density increases.
  • Temperature increases, density decreases.
  • Water expands when freezes, most dense at 4°C.
  • Density > 1.0g/cm3 sinks in water.

Earth’s Shape

  • Oblate sphere (flattened poles, wider equator).
  • Evidence: sinking ship, space photos, Earth's shadow on Moon, star shift.
  • Earth's Spheres:
    • Lithosphere (solid rock)
    • Hydrosphere (water)
    • Atmosphere (gases)
  • ESRT:
    • Page 1: Composition of crust, hydrosphere, troposphere
    • Page 10: Earth’s Interior
    • Page 14: Atmosphere

Latitude, Longitude, Polaris, & Time

  • Latitude: N/S of equator (0°-90° N/S).
  • Polaris altitude = latitude in Northern Hemisphere.
    • Polaris above North Pole; facing Polaris = North.
  • Longitude: E/W of Prime Meridian (0°-180° E/W).
  • Earth rotates 15° per hour (West to East).
    • East, time increases; West, time decreases.
  • ESRT: Maps on Pages 3, 4, 5 (Latitude & Longitude)

Isolines

  • Use scale to measure distance.
  • Isolines connect equal values, never cross.
  • Contour lines: equal elevation.
    • Contour interval: line increase.
    • Line next to ocean = zero.
  • Gradient: how quickly a field changes over distance.
    • Closer isolines = steeper slope. Farther isolines = gentle slope.
    • Gradient calculation (ESRT page 1).
  • River flow: contour lines point opposite flow ("V's" point upstream).
  • Highest elevation: one less than next line.
  • Profile: side view of map.
  • Hachured lines: depression, each line decreases by interval.
  • ESRT: Page 1 (Gradient & Rate of Change)