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2021 HSC Earth and Environmental Science

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
28 views38 pages

2021 HSC Earth and Environmental Science

Uploaded by

Courtney.Ranson
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 38

NSW Education Standards Authority

2021 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

Earth and Environmental


Science
General • Reading time – 5 minutes
Instructions • Working time – 3 hours
• Write using black pen
• Draw diagrams using pencil
• Calculators approved by NESA may be used
• A Geological Time Scale is provided at the back of this paper

Total marks: Section I – 20 marks (pages 2–12)


100 • Attempt Questions 1–20
• Allow about 35 minutes for this section

Section II – 80 marks (pages 13–36)


• Attempt Questions 21–33
• Allow about 2 hours and 25 minutes for this section

2050
Section I

20 marks
Attempt Questions 1–20
Allow about 35 minutes for this section

Use the multiple-choice answer sheet for Questions 1–20.

1 To which eon does the Holocene epoch belong?

A. Palaeozoic
B. Phanerozoic
C. Precambrian
D. Quaternary

2 A term is defined as ‘maintaining an ecological balance by avoiding the depletion of a


natural resource’.

To which term does this definition apply?

A. Dendrochronology
B. Superposition
C. Sustainability
D. Uniformitarianism

3 What was produced in the flask as a result of Urey and Miller’s experiment?

A. DNA
B. Amino acids
C. Living tissue
D. The first cells

4 Hard-bodied animals are most likely to have evolved in response to

A. changes in the Earth’s climate.


B. the evolution of vertebrate fauna.
C. the need for protection from predation.
D. the deposition of banded iron formations.

–2–
5 The following model shows a suggested change in thinking for solid waste management.

Due to copyright restrictions, this material


cannot be displayed until permission
has been obtained.

If this change in thinking was adopted in Australia, which row of the table shows the
most likely outcome?

Increased Decreased
A. Recycling and composting Source reduction
B. Conversion technologies Recycling and composting
C. Landfilling Source reduction
D. Source reduction Landfilling

6 Which of the following provides evidence of recent variations in global temperature?

A. Observations of fossils
B. Changes in the Earth’s orbit
C. Pollen grains in sedimentary rocks
D. Ice cores containing gas bubbles and oxygen isotopes

–3–
7 The graphic identifies trends in the composition and physical characteristics of magma.

Basaltic Rhyolitic

1200°C Temperature 600°C

48% Silica content 77%


2
, )
% Viscosity '
& (
4
Mobility 4

0.5% Gas content 5%

Explosivity

In which direction should the Explosivity arrow point and why?

A. Right, as high viscosity magma can hold more gas


B. Right, because silica content decreases to the right
C. Left, as hotter magma is more explosive than cooler magma
D. Left, as mobile magma is more explosive than less mobile magma

8 The most effective strategy for NSW to help reduce rising global temperatures would
be to

A. replace hydro power with solar.


B. buy electricity from another state.
C. replace coal-fired power stations with gas.
D. replace coal-fired power stations with wind power.

–4–
9 Which of the following most accurately identifies the relationship between plate
boundaries and the nature of eruptions and depth of earthquakes found along these
boundaries?

Boundary Nature of eruption Earthquake depth


A. Convergent Effusive Shallow
B. Convergent Explosive Deep
C. Divergent Effusive Deep
D. Divergent Explosive Shallow

10 The diagram shows a sketch of different Australian dinosaur footprints that were made
approximately 95 million years ago.

50 cm

In which type of environment were these trace fossils most likely formed?

A. Mud flats
B. Lava field
C. Sand dunes
D. Flowing river

–5–
11 The managed landfill system shown was built to service a growing city.

Gas extraction well Cap system


linked to powerplant

Surface water Gas


control system Waste and monitoring
Leachate
daily cover probe
management

Leachate
removal pipe
Upgradient
groundwater Downgradient
monitoring well groundwater
monitoring well
Gas monitoring Liner system
probe
© United Nations Environment Progarmme

Which of the following would have the greatest impact on the sustainability of this
system?

A. Air pollution
B. Volume of waste
C. Habitat destruction
D. Groundwater pollution

12 Which of the following is classified as a natural disaster?

A. An earthquake generating a tsunami


B. A severe weather system causing increased rainfall
C. Changes in the chemical composition of the atmosphere
D. An eruption causing loss of life and destruction of property

–6–
13 Which of the following is the best indication that increases in atmospheric carbon
dioxide are of anthropogenic origin?

A. Measurements of isotope ratios in cave sediments


B. Measurements of carbon dioxide content of ocean floor sediments
C. Comparing atmospheric composition from before the industrial revolution to the
present
D. Analysing ways in which human activities have contributed to the frequency and
magnitude of natural disasters

14 The eruption of Mt Pinatubo in 1991 ejected more than 5 km3 of material from the
volcano and released about 20 million tonnes of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.

The 0.5°C fall in average global temperature which lasted throughout 1991–1993 was
most likely due to the

A. amount of ash carried around the Earth.


B. production of solid material in the lower atmosphere.
C. production of sulfuric acid aerosols in the lower atmosphere.
D. stratospheric winds which carried sulfuric acid aerosols around the Earth.

–7–
15 This graph contains information about changes in atmospheric CO2 and the pH of
seawater over time.

400 8.38
Atmospheric CO2
Seawater pH 8.33
375
8.28
350 8.23
CO2
pH
ppm
325 8.18

8.13
300
8.08

275 8.03
1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Year
Courtesy of NOAA

According to the graph, which row of the table correctly identifies the changes in
atmospheric CO2 and seawater pH?

Atmospheric (CO2) Seawater (pH)


A. Increasing Decreasing
B. Increasing Increasing
C. Decreasing Increasing
D. Decreasing Decreasing

–8–
16 Students used the following source to analyse the impact that large-scale renewable
energy projects had on the Australian economy in 2017.

Large-scale renewable energy projects under


construction or starting in 2017

Western Australia
20 Megawatts
$50M Investment
100 Jobs Queensland
NT 1711 Megawatts
$3263M Investment
QLD 2330 Jobs
WA

SA
New South Wales
NSW 1016 Megawatts
$2140M Investment
ACT 1245 Jobs
VIC

South Australia Victoria


983 Megawatts 739 Megawatts TAS
$1987M Investment $1395M Investment
620 Jobs 635 Jobs
Courtesy of Clean Energy Council

Which inference could the students correctly make based on this source?

A. The source is biased towards non-renewable energy.


B. All states and territories support renewable energy projects.
C. Renewable energy projects contributed to the Australian economy.
D. Investment in renewable energy will provide more energy per invested dollar in
Queensland than in New South Wales.

–9–
17 The image shows the position of the leading edge of the Gangotri glacier in the Himalayas
since 1780.

Cross-section of Gangotri Glacier (Himalayan Mountains)

2001
1935 1950 1971
DRAWN TO SCALE
1780

KEY
Leading edge of the glacier at times indicated
Position of the ice in 2001

The glacier retreated fastest between

A. 1780 and 1935.


B. 1935 and 1950.
C. 1950 and 1971.
D. 1971 and 2001.

– 10 –
18 The following diagram shows a method for small-scale mining of a lake to extract gold.

PVC pipe
Sluice box

Pump
Barge Dirty water

Dirty water

River/lake
bed

Steel
spearhead

© Pact, Inc.

Which rehabilitation strategy would be the most environmentally sustainable at the


conclusion of mining?

A. Fill in the holes and replant native aquatic vegetation.


B. Introduce more pollution tolerant species of fish and plants.
C. Fill in the lake and use the reclaimed land as playing fields.
D. Cover the area with a thick layer of clay to seal it against leakages.

19 Technologies available for the prediction of volcanic eruptions are more effective than
those available for predicting earthquakes, because they

A. are able to analyse complex data.


B. consistently produce accurate warnings.
C. often provide sufficient warning to prepare for the disaster.
D. can identify the location, magnitude and timing of an eruption.

– 11 –
20 As part of the most recent plate tectonic supercycle, India collided with Asia forming the
Himalayan mountain range.

N EURASIAN HIMALAYAN
PLATE MOUNTAIN
RANGE

INDIAN
PLATE
ARABIAN
PLATE INDIA
today

Sri Lanka

INDIAN
OCEAN
Equator
‘India’
landmass
50 million
years ago

INDIAN
OCEAN

‘India’
landmass
70 million
years ago

© U.S. Geological Survey

Which row of the table correctly identifies the tectonic boundaries that moved India from
its location 70 million years ago to its location 50 million years ago?

Boundary south of Indian land mass Boundary north of Indian land mass

A. Divergent Continent–continent convergent

B. Divergent Ocean–continent convergent

C. Ocean–continent convergent Transform

D. Continent–continent convergent Divergent

– 12 –
© 2021 NSW Education Standards Authority
2021 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

Centre Number
Earth and Environmental
Science
Student Number
Section II Answer Booklet

80 marks
Attempt Questions 21–33
Allow about 2 hours and 25 minutes for this section
Do NOT write in this area.

Instructions • Write your Centre Number and Student Number at the top of this
page.

• Answer the questions in the spaces provided. These spaces


provide guidance for the expected length of response.

• Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations.

• Extra writing space is provided at the back of this booklet.


If you use this space, clearly indicate which question you are
answering.

Please turn over

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2690310371
2051 15100
Question 21 (4 marks)

Rubbish, packaging and discarded household goods resulting from online shopping, 4
home renovations and general clean-ups has increased in recent years.

Describe one sustainable and one unsustainable management option for different
types of household solid waste.

Waste type one:.............................................................................

Sustainable: .....................................................................................................................

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Waste type two: ............................................................................

Unsustainable: .................................................................................................................

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Question 22 (7 marks)

(a) Identify an important Australian resource. The resource may be renewable OR 1


non-renewable.

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(b) Outline how this resource is found and extracted/harnessed. 3


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(c) Explain the importance of this resource to Australians. 3


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Question 23 (4 marks)

Identify TWO hazards associated with earthquakes and explain the effect that each 4
has on the environment.

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Question 24 (4 marks)

As climate continues to change, many people believe human behaviour must also 4
change to build climate resilience. One model for building climate resilience is shown
below.

Building Climate Resilience

Mitigation Adaptation
Action to reduce Action to manage
emissions that cause the risks of climate
climate change Water change impacts
conservation
Disaster
management
New energy Agricultural
Sustainable systems and business
practices continuity
transportation

Urban Geo Flood


Alternative protection
energy sources forests engineering
Do NOT write in this area.

strategies

Energy Urban
Education design
efficiency

© The City of Calgary. All rights reserved. Use subject to license

Choose one of the strategies identified in the above model. Discuss its usefulness in
the mitigation of, and/or adaptation to, increased global temperatures.

Strategy: ....................................................................................................................

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Question 25 (7 marks)

Assess the extent to which human activities have affected the sustainability of 7
Australian resources. Support your answer with examples.

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Question 26 (8 marks)

(a) Modelling can be used to describe the causes of the natural greenhouse effect. 4

Describe one model and include a labelled diagram of the model.

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4973310377
Question 26 (continued)

(b) How does the anthropogenic greenhouse effect differ from the natural 4
greenhouse effect?

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End of Question 26

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Question 27 (5 marks)

How does scientific evidence contribute to our understanding of ancient variations in 5


global temperature? Support your answer using TWO specific examples.

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Question 28 (7 marks)

Scientists have been monitoring and recording volcanic activity in Hawaii for more
than 100 years.

Graph 1 shows the summit tilt of the Hawaiian volcano Kilauea and a record of
ground movement data measured in microradians collected from tilt meters at the
summit of Kilauea from 1958–2000.

Graph 2 shows detailed volcanic and seismic data for the period between January and
June of 1986.

Graph 1 – Summit Tilt of Kilauea 1958–2000


800
Microradians

600
400
200
0

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1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

Graph 2 – 1986 Eruptions, January–June


Microradians

30
20
10
0

Number of tectonic
2500
1000
earthquakes

earthquakes
Number of

2000
volcanic

800
No data
No data

No data

1500 600
1000 400
500 200
0 0
January February March April May June

KEY
Continuous eruptions Tectonic earthquakes

Summit tilt Volcanic earthquakes

Eruption

© Robert I. Tilling

(a) Outline the relationship between changes in summit tilt and eruptions on 1
Kilauea.

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Question 28 continues on page 23


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2178310372
Question 28 (continued)

(b) Using Graph 2, describe ONE indicator other than tilt of an impending eruption. 2
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(c) Assess the importance of historical data like that shown in the graphs in making 4
predictions that a volcano is about to erupt.
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Question 29 (7 marks)

Diagram A provides a model which explains differences in chemical composition of


mafic, intermediate and felsic magmas.

Diagram A
Temperature Minerals Magma type
High temperature
of crystallisation Olivine Calcium rich
1200°C
Mafic
Cooling of magma

Plagioclase
feldspar
Pyroxene

Amphibole Biotite Intermediate


mica
Sodium rich

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Low temperature Potassium feldspar
Felsic
600°C Quartz

Adapted from Bowen's Reaction Series

(a) Use diagram A and your own knowledge to complete the following table. 3

Magma
Mafic Intermediate Felsic
Minerals Olivine, pyroxene Pyroxene,
present amphibole, biotite
mica

Source of Upper mantle and Continental crust


minerals continental crust

Tectonic Mid-ocean ridge Continental hot


setting spot

Question 29 continues on page 25

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9362310374
Question 29 (continued)

Diagram B shows the progressive crystallisation of minerals in a magma to alter its


composition.

Diagram B

Magma X Magma Y Magma Z

Mineral

1 2 3
1200°C 600°C

Cooling
© Woudloper
Do NOT write in this area.

(b) Use diagrams A and B to account for the differences in the mineral composition 4
of Magma X and Magma Z.

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End of Question 29

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9827310370
Question 30 (5 marks)

Examples of all stages of the plate tectonic supercycle currently taking place on Earth
are indicated by the letters A–F on Map 1.

Map 1

C B
See
Map 2
D
E

Do NOT write in this area.


(a) Use the letters to identify the correct order of the plate tectonic supercycle. 2
Begin with the break-up of a super continent.
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Question 30 continues on page 27

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0660310376
Question 30 (continued)

(b) Twenty million years ago, North and South America were not joined, and the 3
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were able to mix. Over time, the plates drifted
closer and the strip of land shown below (known as the Isthmus of Panama)
formed. It joins the continents of North and South America.

Map 2

Atlantic
Ocean

Panama

Pacific Ocean
North
South
Do NOT write in this area.

America
America

Describe possible changes in either climate OR evolutionary processes resulting


from the formation of the Isthmus of Panama.

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Question 31 (11 marks)

The images below show the shape of burrows made by an unknown organism
that lived in the sea floor sediment of ancient seas. This trace fossil is known as
Treptichnus pedum. Fossils of the unknown organism that formed the burrows have
never been found.

The organism, perhaps a type of worm, would push through the sediment on the floor
of the shallow sea and then push upwards, possibly looking for food or checking
for predators. It would then move back down and repeat this behaviour, making a
complicated path within the sea floor sediment.

Do NOT write in this area.


1 cm
scale
© Aleksey Nagovitsyn
Approved under CC SA License

Image A Image B
Burrow known as Cast of burrow know as
Treptichnus pedum in Treptichnus pedum
three dimensions

Question 31 continues on page 29

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Question 31 (continued)

(a) Using a sequence of at least THREE labelled cross-sectional diagrams, show 3


how a trace fossil such as Treptichnus pedum could have formed.
Do NOT write in this area.

Question 31 continues on page 30

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Question 31 (continued)

(b) This stratigraphic sequence can be used to date the Treptichnus pedum shown.
Age
Ma BP
505 KEY

Fossil

Treptichnus pedum

Dickinsonia

Trilobite
620

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Cloudina

KEY (continued)

Rock types

Volcaniclastics Mudstone Siltstone

Sandstone Basalt Shale

(i) Describe how scientists would use this sequence to determine the age of 3
the Treptichnus pedum as accurately as possible.
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5148310372
Question 31 (continued)

(ii) Treptichnus pedum marks a significant boundary in the geological time 1


scale. Using the Geological Time Scale provided, name the period
boundary marked by the first occurrence of this trace fossil.

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(iii) Treptichnus pedum is thought to indicate a new complexity of animal 4


behaviour that had not been seen up to this point in the fossil record.
They are found worldwide and while they are not found earlier than
indicated in the geological timescale, they continue to be found up until
about 99 Ma BP.

Justify whether Treptichnus pedum could be considered an index


fossil. Support your answer with reference to the information provided
throughout Question 31.
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Question 32 (3 marks)

Explain how TWO conditions present at ‘Black Smokers’ may have resulted in the 3
origin of organic molecules.

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6604310370
Question 33 (8 marks)

‘Some scientists are predicting the possibility of a new mass extinction event as a 8
result of the impact of human activities.’

Analyse this statement with reference to any TWO of the following modules of the
Earth and Environmental Science course:
Earth Processes, Hazards, Climate Science, Resource Management.

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End of paper
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9668310373
Section II extra writing space
If you use this space, clearly indicate which question you are answering.

Do NOT write in this area.

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4258310373
Section II extra writing space
If you use this space, clearly indicate which question you are answering.
Do NOT write in this area.

– 35 –
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2402310372
Section II extra writing space
If you use this space, clearly indicate which question you are answering.

Do NOT write in this area.

– 36 – © 2021 NSW Education Standards Authority

Office Use Only – Do NOT write anything, or make any marks below this line.
0968310377
2021 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

Earth and Environmental Science


Geological Time Scale

EON ERA PERIOD EPOCH


Holocene
0
Quaternary Pleistocene
2
Pliocene
5
Neogene
10
Miocene
Cenozoic

20

30 Oligocene

40
Paleogene Eocene
50
Phanerozoic

60 Palaeocene
Ma BP

70
Mesozoic

Cretaceous
100
Jurassic
200
Triassic
Permian
300
Carboniferous
Palaeozoic

Devonian
400
Silurian
Ordovician
500
Cambrian
Neopro-
terozoic

Ediacaran
600
Proterozoic
Precambrian

1000

2000

3000 Archaean

4000
Hadean

2052 –1–
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–2–
© 2021 NSW Education Standards Authority

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