IESO Question Paper 2009

IESO 2009 (Theory)

The 3rd International Earth Science Olympiad

Mentors Signature:

Written Test 16 September 2009

Taipei, Taiwan

Student Name: Nationality:

3rd IESO Written Test

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To seldom speak is the essence of nature. Why the winds and storm do not last whole day? Because the earth that manifests the winds and storm is constantly changing.

Laozi Tao Te Chin 4th Century BC In the south, there was a man of extraordinary views, named Huang Liao, who asked Shi how it was that the sky did not fall nor the earth sink, and what was the cause of wind, rain, and the thunder's roll and crash. Shi made no attempt to evade the questions, and answered him without any exercise of thought, talking about all things.

Zhuangzi Tian Xia 4th Century BC.


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Instructions:

1. Please write your name and nationality in English on the cover page.

2. The time alloacted for this examination is three hours.

3. Please write your answers legibly. Illegible answers will be counted as incorrect.

4. Please keep your answers short and focus on the key points.

5. Please write your answers only on the white test booklet provided.

6. You may respond to questions either in English, your native language, or a combination of both.

7. Read the entire question group carefully before starting to answer. Each question has a point value assigned, for example, (1 pt).

8. For some questions, you will be asked to provide your answers on the figures. Please do so carefully.

9. Any inappropriate examination behavior will result in your withdrawal from the IESO.

Formulae for references:

m-M = -5+5log(d); 1 parsec (pc) = 3.26 ly; where m is apparent magnitude, M is absolute magnitude and d is distance measured in pc.

Stefan-Boltzmann Law E =T4, where is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant and T is temperature in K.


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Atmosphere and Hydrosphere (total of 35 pts)

1. The figure below is the surface weather map for the region of western North Pacific at 00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, same as the Greenwich Mean Time), 25 October 2004. Please answer the following questions:

(i) The contour lines on the map are produced by analyzing which of the following

meteorological variables? (1 pt) (A) Altitude (B) Pressure (C) Temperature (D) Humidity (E) Wind speed Answer:

(ii) The weather system labeled as X (in green color) in the above figure should be which of the following? (1 pt) (A) An extra-tropical cyclone (B) A continental anticyclone (C) A tropical cyclone (D) A migratory anticyclone (E) A front Answer:

(iii) The wind direction at point A should be close to which of the following? (1 pt) (A) Easterly wind (B) Southerly wind (C) Westerly wind (D) Northerly wind (E) The wind is calm at point A Answer:

(iv) Among the five locations labeled from A to E in the map, which should have the strongest wind of all? Please write down the letter of that location. (1 pt) Answer:


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2. Which of the following gases in the atmosphere has the largest variations in spatial and daily-time scales and has strong impact on local weather? (1 pt) (A) CO2 (B) CO (C) H2O (D) O3 (E) He Answer:

3. What is the most likely reason why typhoons are rarely observed over the ocean near the Equator? (1 pt) (A) Sea surface temperature is too high (B) Pressure gradient is too weak (C) Coriolis force is too small (D) Convection is not strong enough (E) Wind is too weak Answer:

4. Regarding the mean value and the range of annual temperature cycle, please answer all the true/false questions below. For your information, a world map is provided below and the locations of the cities mentioned in the questions are also marked.

(i) The annual temperature range in the northern hemisphere, as a whole, is larger than

that in the southern hemisphere. True or false (T/F)? (1 pt) Answer:

(ii) The annual mean temperature at Moscow (56N, 38E) is lower than that at Cairo (30N, 31E). True or false (T/F)? (1 pt) Answer:

(iii) The annual temperature range at Denver (40N, 105W) is smaller than that at Lisbon (39N, 9W). True or false (T/F)? (1 pt) Answer:

(iv) The average temperature in July at Honolulu (21N, 158W) is slightly lower than that at Johannesburg (26S, 28E). True or false (T/F)? (1 pt) Answer:


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5. Which time of a day in the lower troposphere has the highest possibility for clear air turbulence to occur? (1 pt) (A) Morning (B) Noon (C) Afternoon (D) Evening (E) Midnight Answer:

6. The figure below shows the globally-averaged vertical profile of atmospheric pressure from the sea level to 50 km in altitude. Please answer the questions below:

(i) The term pressure on the horizontal axis is equivalent to which of the following? (1 pt) (A) Force divided by area (B) Mass divided by area (C) Density multiplied by temperature (D) Mass multiplied by distance (E) Weight divided by volume Answer:

(ii) Which of the following pressure layer has the greatest altitude difference (i.e., thickness)? (1 pt) (A) 1-10 hPa (B) 101-110 hPa (C) 501-510 hPa (D) 510-1010 hPa (E) 1001-1010 hPa Answer:


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(iii)In the static atmosphere, the change in pressure with height is governed by the hydrostatic equation, expressed as p = gz, where g is the gravitational acceleration in m/s2 (g = 9.81 m/s2), is air density in kg/m3, and p and z are pressure difference in Pa and thickness in meter at two fixed altitudes. If the averaged air density from the 1000 hPa to 500 hPa (where 1 hPa = 100 Pa) is about 0.910 kg/m3, please apply this equation to find the height of the 500-hPa pressure level. Please show your calculation. (2 pts) Answer:

7. If the temperature for the air released from a bicycle tire hole is T1 and the temperature of air around this bicycle is T2, which temperature is lower? (1 pt) Answer:

8. If lots of dust is blown into the atmosphere during a volcano eruption, how will it change the atmospheric temperature in the local area surrounding the volcano due to the dust effect? (1 pt) (A) Increase (B) Decrease (C) Remain the same (D) Not certain Answer:


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9. The figure below depicts the time variation of annual global mean surface temperatures (black dots) from 1850 to 2005. The long term variation of global average surface temperature includes decadal variation (smooth blue curve) and linear trends (straight lines). The right hand axis shows estimated actual temperature. The left hand axis shows temperature anomalies relative to 1961-1990 average. Please answer the following questions.

(i) Linear warming trends (C/year) in global average surface temperature for the last 25, 50, 100 and 150 years are shown as yellow, orange, purple and red lines, respectively. Which period has the greatest linear warming trend? (1 pt) (A) the last 25 years (B) the last 50 years (C) the last 100 years (D) the last 150 years Answer:

(Source: IPCC AR4, 2007)


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(ii) Please calculate the linear warming trend (C/year) in global average surface temperature for the last 50 years (1956-2005), the last 100 years (1906-2005) and their ratio (the last 50 years /the last 100 years). (2 pts) Answer:


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10. The figure below shows the distribution of sea level pressure in January averaged for 40 years (climatology) over the tropical Pacific. Surface wind, ocean currents and sea surface temperature (SST) are closely related in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Please answer the following questions. (Refer to the following figure for questions 10(i), 10(ii), and 10(iii)

(i) Please plot the direction of trade wind at point labeled as c and equatorial current at point labeled as in the above figure. ( Please use the symbol for trade winds, and the symbol for equatorial currents ) (2 pts)


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(ii) Trade winds are related to the surface pressure gradient. Figure below displays the time series of sea-level pressure at Darwin (12S, 131E) and Tahiti (17S, 149W). Please write down the surface pressure gradient and the speed of the trade wind between Tahiti and Darwin in January 1998, 1999 and C (climatology) in descending order (example: 1998 > 1999 > C). (2 pts)

10041005100610071008100910101011101210131014101510161017

Jan May Sep Jan May Sep Jan May Sep1997 1998 1999

Sea

Leve

l Pre

ssur

e (h

Pa)

DarwinTahiti

Answer: Surface pressure gradient : > >

Trade winds : > >

(iii) In January of which year, 1998 or 1999, is the SST over the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean warmer? (1 pt) Answer:


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Equator

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

(E)

11. The following figure shows the long-term average temperature profiles from the surface down to the depth of 2,000 m compiled at two stations Station A in the western equatorial Pacific Ocean at 140E and Station B in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean at 120W. Which of the following statements is true? (2 pts) (A) Profiles compiled at Station A and B can be presented by X and Y respectively. (B) Profiles compiled at Station A and B can be presented by Y and X respectively Answer:

0 10 20 30Temperature (oC)

2000

1000

0D

epth

(m)

XY

XY

12. A strong ocean current flows northwards in the Northern Hemisphere as shown in the figure below. Which one of the arrows is correct? (1 pts) (A) A (B) B (C) C (D) D (E) E Answer:


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13. Mesoscale eddies in the ocean can be detected by satellite altimeters. The color figure below shows contours of the sea surface dynamic topography at an area in the western North Pacific Ocean. The contour interval is 5 cm. Generally speaking, the surface flow field of these eddies can be depicted based on geostrophic equilibrium. Please draw arrows () to indicate the directions of surface currents at the six white dots in the figure below. (3 pts)

130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140

Longitude (E)

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Latit

ude

(N)

215

220

225

230

235

240

245

250

255

260

265

270

275

280

285

290

295

Sea Surface Dynamic Topography (cm)

14. It is known that the salinity of the Mediterranean seawater is always higher than that of the Atlantic Ocean.

(i) The relation among evaporation (E), precipitation (P) and river runoff (R) for the Mediterranean can be expressed by (2 pts) (A) E > P + R (B) E < P + R (C) P > E + R (D) R > E + P Answer:

(ii) Which of the following flow patterns between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean is correct? (2 pts) Answer:


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(A) D

epth

(m)

MediterraneanAtlantic Ocean

500

1000Dep

th (m

)


500

1000

(B)

Dep

th (m

)


500

1000Dep

th (m

)


500

1000


500

1000

(C)

Dep

th (m

)


500

1000Dep

th (m

)


500

1000


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(D) D

epth

(m)


500

1000Dep

th (m

)


500

1000

(E)

Dep

th (m

)


500

1000Dep

th (m

)


500

1000


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Astronomy (total of 20 pts)

15. The diameter of the Moon is about a quarter of that of the Earth, and the diameter of the Sun is about 100 times of that of the Earth. The distance from the Earth to the Sun is about 400 times of the distance from the Earth to the Moon. At each astronomical event, which of the following bright shapes will be observed? Choose one suitable item from A to D.

(i) solar eclipse (0.5 pt) Answer:

(ii) lunar eclipse (0.5 pt) Answer:

(iii) In the future, people will be able to watch a solar eclipse on the surface of the moon. Which of A to D patterns would the shape of the Sun be observed on the moon? (0.5 pt) Answer:

(iv) Under the condition of (iii), what phenomenon is seen then from the Earth? (0.5 pt) (A) Solar eclipse (B) Lunar eclipse (C) Earth eclipse Answer:

16. At the present time, the energy of the Sun is generated by thermonuclear fusion reactions in the central core. The thermonuclear processes convert four nuclei X into a heavier nucleus and also produce energy. What is the nucleus X? (1 pt) (A) Hydrogen (B) Helium (C) Oxygen (D) Carbon (E) Uranium Answer:

17. If the temperature inside the umbra of a sunspot is 1500 K cooler than the solar photosphere (its temperature ~ 5800 K) outside the sunspot, let B1 be the energy flux out of the umbra and B2 be the energy flux from the area surrounding the sunspot. What will be the ratio, B2/B1? (1 pt) (A) 0.004 (B) 1.35 (C) 0.74 (D) 3.31 (E) 223 Answer:

18. Circle the leap year(s) in the following list. (0.5 pt)

(A) (B) (C) (D)

1890 1972 1998 2000 2002 2100


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19. There are four celestial objects shown in the following pictures. Arrange the size of objects from the smallest to the largest. Fill your answer in A, B, C and D. (1 pt) ( ) < ( ) < ( ) < ( )

(A) Pleiades Star Cluster

(B) Andromeda Galaxy

(C) Sun

(D) Saturn

20. Continued from the preceding question, arrange the objects according to their distances from the Earth in the ascending order. Fill your answer in A, B, C and D. (1 pt) ( ) < ( ) < ( ) < ( )

21. If we observe the planets through a telescope on the Earth, which planets images will appear to be similar to the lunar phase, . Circle the planets. (1 pt) Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune

22. The celestial coordinates of Vega are R.A. 18h 36m 56.2s and Dec +38 47 1. Assume the Sun passes the meridian at noon (12:00:00), on which date will Vega transit the meridian at midnight (00:00:00)? Note that the vernal and autumnal equinoxes in 2009 are March 20 and September 23, respectively. (2 pts) (Show calculation with your answer) Answer:


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23. The following photo shows the lunar surface of the side facing the Earth. Four surface features are marked and they are Mare Imbrium, Crater Tycho, Crater Copernicus and Montes Apenninus. Apply the cross-cutting principle to estimate the ages of these surface features. Determine the relative age of these features from old to young. (1.5 pts)

(A) Crater Copernicus > Mare Imbrium > Montes Apenninus > Crater Tycho (B) Crater Tycho > Crater Copernicus > Mare Imbrium > Montes Apenninus (C) Mare Imbrium > Montes Apenninus > Crater Copernicus > Crater Tycho (D) Montes Apenninus > Crater Copernicus > Mare Imbrium > Crater Tycho (E) Montes Apenninus > Mare Imbrium > Crater Copernicus > Crater Tycho Answer:

24. Any object as large as a star will collapse under its own weight unless some other force stops it. The Sun has maintained its appearance for a long time. Under what condition is the interior of the Sun in balance? (1 pt) (A) The interaction of the atoms prevents the gravitational collapse. (B) The repulsive forces between ions prevent the gravitational collapse. (C) The strong forces in nuclei prevent the gravitational collapse. (D) The thermal pressure prevents the gravitational collapse. (E) The magnetic field prevents the gravitational collapse. Answer:

The moon


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25. The synodic period for outer planets can be determined by the time interval between two successive oppositions. Based on observations, the synodic period of the Mars is about 779.9 days. The Earths revolution period is 365.2564 days. What is the revolution period of the Mars in days ? (2 pts) (Show calculation with your answer)

26. Nowadays, astronomers believe that the solar system formed from a cloud of interstellar

gas and dust about 4.6 billion years ago. The pictures below show the representative stages in the phases of the formation. Arrange the order of the pictures to demonstrate the formation process. (2 pts)

Figure (a). The Sun became hotter and drifted

the gas from the inner region, leaving heavier debris revolving in orbits.

Figure (d). The protosun has begun to

shine, with a flattened disk of gas and dust surrounding it.

Figure (b). The planets have been accreting in their orbits.

Figure (e). The protosun formed at the

center and the cloud rotated faster.

Figure (c). A cold, slowly rotating cloud began to contract under its own gravity.

Figure (f). The planets were formed and orbit the Sun.

Answer: ( c ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( f )


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27. The following diagram gives the predicted positions of the four moons relative to Jupiter. The number 1, 2, 3 and 4 indicate the tracks of Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto respectively. The width defined by the two lines marks the visual disk of Jupiter. The E and W give the east and the west as view from the Earth. The ordinate marks the date. Now, we have a photo of Jupiter and its moons taken in 2008 October but the date is unknown. Use the predicted diagram to allocate the four moons and to estimate the date for photography.

Answer: The photo was taken at the night of 2008 Oct. ( ) (1 pt) The satellites are a: ( ) ; b: ( ) ; c: ( ) ; d: ( ) (1 pt)


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28. The apparent magnitude of a star is a measure of how bright the star appears to be. This depends on its luminosity and distance. On the other hand, the absolute magnitude of a star is the brightness defined that if the star were 10 parsecs (pc) from the Earth, which is independent of the stars actual distance. The table presents apparent magnitude and distance of four stars. Calculate their absolute visual magnitude (give the answers in two decimal places, e.g. the format XX.XX) and answer the following questions.

(i) Use the data in the table to find out which star is actually the brightest? (0.5 pt) Answer:

(ii) Among these stars, which star has a luminosity about 100 times brighter than the Sun? (0.5 pt) Answer:

(iii) Star apparent visual magnitude distance(pc) absolute visual magnitude

A 2.1 29.75

B 0.5 42.94

C 0.8 19.94

D -0.7 95.09

Sun -26.7 4.83

(Each answer in the table is 0.25 pt)


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Geosphere (total of 45 pts)

29. We have four mineral specimens. All four are Mohs scale standard minerals, both topaz and apatite are absent. Hardness tests show that: (1) only one out of the four is harder than topaz, and (2) only one is softer than apatite. Furthermore, the above two are both isometric crystals. Among the four specimens, the one softer than apatite is ______. (1 pt) (A) calcite (B) gypsum (C) fluorite (D) quartz (E) talc Answer:

30. What is the major greenhouse gas trapped in the frozen soils of the tundra and continental shelf sediments? (1 pt) (A) methane (B) carbon dioxide (C) water vapor (D) ethane (E) nitrogen Answer:

31. Based on the geochemical equilibrium of the Earth system, the increase in burial rate of organic matter in the sediments could most likely result in ______. (1 pt) (A) a reduction in the Earth's atmospheric N2 and an increase in CO2 levels (B) an increase in the Earth's atmospheric N2 and reduction in CO2 levels (C) a reduction in the Earth's atmospheric CO2 and an increase in O2 levels (D) an increase in the Earth's atmospheric CO2 and a decrease in O2 levels (E) a reduction in both CO2 and O2 levels Answer:

32. When the strength of rock material is greater, it tends to fracture or break more easily; conversely, when the rock is softer, it tends to bend and change its shape more easily. Based on that, assume the outer layers in a, b and c have the same strength and are under the same stress conditions for every sample. Please rank the strength for deformation of the following geological structures (a, b and c) from low to high. (1 pt)

(A) a-b-c (B) b-a-c (C) c-b-a (D) a-c-b (E) b-c-a Answer:

a b c


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33. Circle the specimen(s) that is/are from vertebrate organisms? (2 pts) (A)

(B)

(C) (D)

(E) (F)

34. What type of material or celestial body gives us the most information in order to estimate the bulk chemical composition of the Earth? Choose the most suitable one from the list below. (1 pt) (A) comets (B) Mars (C) Moon (D) meteorites (E) oceanic crust Answer:

35. Which one of the following terms best describes the structure illustrated? (1 pt) (A) upright fold (B) antiformal anticline (C) synformal syncline (D) fault propagation fold (E) normal fault Answer:


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36. The figure below shows a type of landform which consists of sand. What is the most likely prevailing local wind direction? (1 pt) (A) from low right to upper left (B) from upper right to lower left (C) from upper left to lower right (D) from lower left to upper right (E) no prevailing wind direction can be identified.

Answer:

37. The photographs below were taken from a low-lying basaltic island in the subtropical zone. On this island, horizons A and B in the soil profile are characterized by reddish-brown color. Which is the most important factor for such a soil to develop? (1 pt) (A) plant type (B) climate (C) relief (D) sea breeze

Answer:

(A)

(B)(C)

(D)

Horizon A & Horizon B


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38. The figure below shows the typical hill slopes developed on a massive mudstone bedrock. Two major processes could have contributed to erosion in this area and one of them is sheet wash. Please identify the other major process. (1 pt) (A) debris flow (B) rockfall (C) rill erosion (D) channel cutoff (E) river bank erosion

Answer:

39. Which type of rock is most commonly found at a mid-ocean ridge? (1 pt) (A) granite (B) rhyolite (C) dacite (D) basalt (E) sandstone Answer:

40. The figure below illustrates the empirical relationship between the earthquake magnitude and the rupture area (RA) along the fault plane. Assume that the rupture of the May 12, 2008 Wenchuan, China earthquake (M=8) occurred within a rectangular plane with a maximum depth of 15 km and a dip angle of 30. Estimate the rupture length on the surface if the fault plane penetrated the ground surface. (Show your work in the space next to the figure; 3 pts)

Answer:


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41. Assume that you are travelling along the northern margin of the Sahara Desert where vegetation cover is poor and the bedrock is exposed and readily observed (see photograph below). This rugged topography is characterized by many small ridges (indicated with arrows). Please draw a cross section to show the relationship between the lithology and topography. Use M for mudstone and S for sandstone to label the rocks. (2 pts)

ppaallmm ttrreeeess

Answer:


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42. Which one of the following is a primary structure? (1 pt) (A)fold axial plane

(B) fault

(C) mineral stretching lineation

(D) joint

(E) flame (loading) structure

Answer:

43. What is likely to occur (Highly probable H or Least probable L) in a low oxygen atmosphere environment older than 2 billion years ? (1 pts)

(i) Photosynthetic prokaryotes (ii) formation of banded-iron formations


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44. The following map shows the surface horizontal velocity obtained from GPS measurements. The vector length at each point is proportional to the magnitude of the velocity, and the arrow indicates the direction of movement. Please answer the following questions.

(i) Based on the spatial variations of velocities, which stress environment setting is

correct? (1 pt) (a) A: compressive, B: extensional, C: shearing (b) A: shearing, B: compressive, C: extensional (c) A: extensional, B: shearing, C: compressive (d) A: compressive, B: shearing, C: extensional Answer:


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(ii) According to the surface velocity, please roughly estimate the strain rate between points 1 and 2. Please show your calculations and give your answer in scientific notation in 2 significant figures. (Hint: the unit for strain rate is per year) (3 pts)

(iii) Assume higher strain rate indicates higher earthquake activities. Which area C, D, or E in map has the highest earthquake activity? (1 pt) Answer:

45. We know the pattern of radiated seismic waves depends on the fault geometry. The

polarity (direction) of the first P-wave arrival varies between seismic stations at different direction from an earthquake. Figure (a) illustrates this concept for a strike-slip earthquake on a vertical fault. The first motion is either push, for stations located such that material near the fault moves toward the station, or pull, where the motion is away from the station. The downward first motion indicates that the P-wave is radiated from a region where the focal source is being relatively compressed, as shown in the lower-right quadrant in Figure (a).

Compressional

Compressional Extensional

Auxiliary plane

Fault plane

Epicenter

Figure (a)

Pull

Push

Extensional


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Figure (b) shows 3-component seismograms recorded at a station 85 km away from the epicenter. They are east-west, north-south and up-down, respectively. Please answer the following questions according to Figures (a) and (b).

(i) Which description listed below is correct? (2 pts) (A) First direct P wave is radiated through the extensional quadrant and the first direct

S wave is radiated through the compressive quadrant. (B) First P wave is radiated through the compressive quadrant and the first S wave is

radiated through the extensional quadrant. (C) Both first P and S waves are radiated through the extensional quadrant. (D) Both first P and S waves are radiated through the compressive quadrant.

Answer:

(ii) Please infer the location of the recording station with respect to the epicenter in terms of the first motions. (2 pt) (A) North north west (B) South south west (C) North north east (D) South south east Answer:

Ampl

itude

(10-

4 cm

)

Figure (b)

2

1

0

1

-2

2

1

0

1

-2

2

1

0

1

-210 15 20 25 30 35 40


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Sand Silt

Answer: Clay

46. Choose the most characteristic rock/mineral from the list below (4 pts) a. quartz b. biotite c. hornblende d. rutile e. garnet f. orthoclase g. calcite h. halite i. beryl j. diamond k. basalt l. gabbro m. andesite n. granite o. rhyolite p. shale q. marble r. slate s. chalk t. chert

(i) ______ Pure substance; two elements; common mineral; hexagonal prismatic

crystal. (ii) ______ Subduction; eruptive rock; volcano; island arc. (iii) ______ Continental crust; felsic; batholith; coarse texture.

(iv) ______ Metamorphic; carbonate; limestone; recrystallization. 47. The table below shows the results of grain size analysis of five soil samples.

Sample A B C D E Clay (%) 80 30 50 10 20 Silt (%) 10 40 15 20 65

Sand (%) 10 30 35 70 15

(i) Use the information in the table to complete the soil texture diagram below for A, C and D samples. Plot your answer as dots () and label with sample name (A, C, D). (2 pts)

(ii) Which sample has the highest porosity? (1 pt) Answer:


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48. (i) Hydrographs below describe discharge conditions before and after urbanization in a

drainage basin. In the following figures lag time should be noted in both hydrographs. Please indicate the lag time in both of the following hydrographs using appropriate symbols. Label them LT. Use appropriate symbols to show the lag time and the label of LT (i.e., Lag time) should be added, too. (2 pt)

(ii) Identify the hydrograph which illustrates the condition of the drainage basin before

urbanization. (1 pt) Answer:

(iii) Refer to the figures above and complete the following table using + to represent higher, longer or larger, to represent lower, shorter or smaller and 0 to represent irrelevant. (2 pts)

Table Variables before urbanization after urbanization

Rainfall intensity Lag time

Flood magnitude

Time

Flood stage

Time

Flood stage

Discharge (m3 sec-1) Rainfall (mm)

(A) (B)


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49. Connect the fault types with the correct figures. (2 pts)

Normal fault

Thrust fault

Dextral transverse fault

Sinistral transverse fault


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50. The figure below shows the variations of deuterium isotope (D), the atmospheric concentrations of the CO2, CH4, and N2O derived from air trapped within ice cores from Antarctica. The shading indicates the interglacial warm periods. The lowest panel shows the globally distributed 18O records of benthic foraminifera, a proxy for global ice volume fluctuations. Downward trends in the benthic 18O curve reflect increasing ice volumes on land. Stars of different colors are the N2O, CH4, and CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere in the year 2007. (1 ka = 1000 years ago; 0 ka = 1950 AD) (Source: IPCC AR4, 2007).

(i) Over the last 650 ka, when did the CH4 content exceed the current level? (1 pt) (A) 400 ka (B) 125 ka (C) 330 ka (D) 315 ka (E) none of these Answer:

(ii) The magnitude of 18O is directly proportional to the ice volume on land (note the scale on graph is inverted). When was the most recent time that the ice volume on land was maximum? (1 pt) (A) 420 ka (B) 220 ka (C) 125 ka (D) 20 ka (E) 0 ka Answer:

Time (ka)


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(iii) The most likely cause for the glacial-interglacial cycles shown in the figure above is ______. (1 pt) (A) fluctuations in 18O of benthic foraminifera (B) fluctuations in the Earth's orbit (C) fluctuations in plate movements of the northern landmasses (D) fluctuations in plate movements of the southern landmasses (E) burning of fossil fuel Answer:


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IESO 2009 (Practical)


Mentors Signature:

Practical Test - Astronomy 18 September 2009

Taipei, Taiwan


3rd IESO Practical Test

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Instructions for the practical test (Astronomy):

z Please write name and nationality in English on the cover page.

z The time allotted for this examination is 1.5 hours.

z Write your answers legibly. Illegible answers will not be graded.

z Keep your answers short and focus on the key points.

z Write your answers on the white test booklet provided. There is no separate answer sheet.

z You can use the calculator provided to perform the calculation.

z You may respond to questions either in English, your native language, or a combination of both.

z Read the entire question group carefully before starting to answer.

Each question has a point value assigned, for example, (1 pt).

z For some questions, you may be asked to provide your answer on the figures. Please do so carefully.

z Any inappropriate examination behavior will result in your withdrawal from IESO.


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1. The rotation of the Sun

There are sunspots on the solar surface. They can be used to calculate the rate of the solar rotation, based on a sunspots motion on the surface. The following figure shows the sunspots during June 30 - July 6, 2006 taken from the SOHO satellite images (listed in the following table). The longitude is marked on the solar disc.

Date Time(h:m) Date Time(h:m) 6/30 17:36 7/04 18:05 7/01 19:02 7/05 17:36 7/02 17:36 7/06 20:12 7/03 17:36


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(1) Lets set June 30, 00:00 to be day 0.000, i.e. t = 0.000 for June 30, 00:00. Record t in Table 1. (0.6 pts)

(2) Measure the longitude of the sunspot for each date marked, and record in Table 1. (1.2 pts)

Table 1 Time t(days) Longitude Time t(days) Longitude

6/30 17:36 0.733 -42.2 7/04 18:05 7/01 19:02 7/05 17:36 7/02 17:36 7/06 20:12 7/03 17:36

(3) Using the data in Table 1, plot longitude (in degrees) vs. time (in days) on the graph paper on the next page. (4.2 pts)

(4) Draw a line of best fit on the graph.

(i) Calculate the slope of the line of best fit (straight line). (2 pts)

Answer:

(ii) Calculate the rotation period of the Sun. (2 pts)

Answer:

Note: Include the correct unit in both answers.


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2. Telescope operations

Go to the telescopes that are already set up and look for the specification of the telescope and two eyepieces.

(1) Complete the following Table. (1.2 pt)

Telescope Eyepieces

Aperture cm Type Focal length Magnification

Focal length mm mm

Focal ratio (f/) mm

** A judge will grade how you operate the telescope.

(2) Step-by-step operation (3.8 pts)

(3) Observing the Sun (3 pts)

Warning: You must not look at the Sun through a telescope or a finder scope without the solar filter! Otherwise it will cause severe damage to your eyes or permanent blindness.

If it is rainy or cloudy, find any distant building, then adjust the telescope to point to the distant building, and adjust the focus to see it clearly.

(4) Taking a photo of the Sun (2 pts)

When you have finished the above procedure, raise your hand, and the judge will let you return to your seat.


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3. Calculating the Earths precession

The Earth rotates as a top and Earths axis of rotation traces out a cone with an angle shown in Figure 1. That means the Earths axis is moving along a circle. This is called precession. The celestial pole rotates about the fixed pole of the ecliptic with a circle of radius about 23.5 and a period of about 25,800 years.

Figure 1

Figure 2 (and a transparent sheet) is the region near Polaris. Figure 3 and Figure 4 are the star tracks around Polaris on the nights of March 10, 1980 and May 20, 2009, respectively.

Figure 2

Star A

Star B


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1

Figure 4 The region of Polaris at May 20, 2009.

(1) Determine the position of the North Celestial Pole and mark it on

(i) March 10, 1980 (Figure 3) (2 pts)

(ii) May 20, 2009 (Figure 4) (2pts)

(2) Overlap the transparent sheet (Figure 2) with Figure 3, and mark the position of the North Celestial Pole determined in Figure 3 on the transparent sheet using a marker pen. (1 pt)

(3) Overlap the transparent sheet (Figure 2) with Figure 4, and mark the position of the North Celestial Pole determined in Figure 4 on the transparent sheet using a marker pen. (1 pt)

(4) Measure the interval, x, between the positions of the North Celestial Pole in 1980 and 2009 on the transparent sheet.

(i) x = ( ) mm (1 pt)

(ii) Use thex to calculate the Earths precession ( ) mm/year. (1 pt) [show your calculation]


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(5) The angular separation of star A and star B in Figure 2 (or transparent sheet) is 6195.

Use this information to calculate the scale of Figure 2, ( ) arcsec/mm. (1 pt) [show your calculation]

(6) Use your results from the previous questions to calculate the Earths precession, ( ) arcsec/year. (1 pt) [show your calculation]


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Mentors Signature:

Practical Test-Atmosphere

( Part I ) 18 September 2009

Taipei, Taiwan



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Instructions for the practical test (Part I of Atmosphere):

1. Please write your name and nationality in English on the cover page.

2. The time allocated for this examination is 40 minutes.

3. Please write your answers legibly. Illegible answers will be counted as incorrect.

4. You may respond to questions either in English, your native language, or a combination of both.

5. Read the entire question group carefully before starting to answer. Each question has a point value assigned, for example, (1 pt).

6. For Problem 5, show all the calculations for the answers on the question paper.

7. Any inappropriate examination behavior will result in your withdrawal from the IESO.


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Display of Satellite and Radar Loops.

An example of satellite-picture loop is shown below.

An example of radar-picture loop is shown below.

The radar picture above is observed by the Wufenshan radar station in northeastern

Taiwan.

Click here to start the Practical Test


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Practical Test (Part I)

Purpose: To understand the precipitation and wind patterns in different weather conditions using satellite and radar pictures.

Below are three infrared satellite pictures associated with the same three weather conditions (cold front, typhoon, and monsoon flow of southwesterly wind).

120E

30N

20N130E

(A)

120E

30N

20N130E

(A)

120E

30N

20N130E

(H)

120E

30N

20N130E

(B)

120E

30N

20N 130E

(I)

120E

30N

20N 130E

(C)

120E

30N

20N 130E

(I)

120E

30N

20N 130E

(C)

The radar echo occurs when the electromagnetic wave emitted by a weather radar is reflected by raindrops. Stronger radar echo or reflectivity usually corresponds to larger raindrops. Below are three horizontal radar reflectivity maps associated with three weather conditions which include cold front, typhoon, and monsoon flow of southwesterly wind. The intensity of radar refractivity or echo (Z; in units of dBZ) is indicated by the color scale below and the range rings are for radius of 75 km and 150 km. The location of the radar site is indicated by the triangle symbol.

75

150

75

150

(D)

75

150

75

150

(D)

75

150

75

150(E)

75

150(F)

Using Doppler radars, we can also detect the raindrop motion along the radar beam (or radial) direction based on the Doppler-shift effect. To be specific, the radial velocity detected by a Doppler radar is negative if raindrops move toward the radar; on the other hand, the radial velocity detected by a Doppler radar is positive if raindrops move away from the radar.


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The relationship between true velocity and radar-detected radial velocity is shown in the following picture. The true velocity is indicated by the green arrow. The positive (negative) radial velocity detected by the radar is indicated by the red (blue) arrow.


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Below are three radar-observed radial velocity maps associated with the same three weather conditions (cold front, typhoon, and monsoon flow of southwesterly wind). The value of radial velocity (Vr; in units of m s-1) detected by the radar is also indicated by the color bar.

75

150

75

150

75

150

75

150(G)

75

150

75

150

(H)

Click here for the bigger Fig.(G) Click here for the bigger Fig.(H) Click here for the bigger Fig.(I)

Please answer the following questions: 1. Using Figure (A) to Figure (I), complete the table below using appropriate figure codes

A to I for different weather conditions. (18 pts)

Typhoon Cold front Monsoon flow with Southwesterly wind

Satellite picture Radar reflectivity picture Radar radial velocity picture 2. For Points X, Y, and Z on Fig. (I), which one is the most likely location for the

circulation center? You can use the enlarged version of Fig. (I) to answer this question. (6 pts) Answer:


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3. Use Fig. (I) to determine the values of the radar-observed radial velocity (Vr) at Points X and Z. You can use the enlarged version of Fig. (I) to answer this question. (10 pts)

Answer: 4. Use Fig. (I) to estimate the radius of maximum wind from the typhoon center. You can

use the enlarged version of Fig. (I) to answer this question. (6 pts) Answer: 5. The horizontal winds around a typhoon can be decomposed (vector analyzed) into the

tangential wind (VT) and radial wind (VR) components. Below are the typical tangential and radial wind components around a typhoon over the Northern Hemisphere.

VT

VRVT

VR

Assume that the radial inflow speed (VR) toward the typhoon center averaged along the dashed circle is 30 percent of that of radar-observed radial velocity (Vr) at Point Z on Fig.(I) For simplicity, the geometry of typhoon circulation can be approximated by a cylinder with radius R and vertical depth h. Assume that air density inside the cylinder remains a constant value of 0.6 kg m-3.


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The inward mass flux across the cylinder lateral surface (the gray surface in the above diagram) by the radial inflow can be expressed as

hRVM Rin )2( = ,

where is density, RV is radial inflow speed, R is radius, and h is the height. Fig. (I) shows the typhoon circulation with horizontal area indicated by dashed circles. Calculate the mass flux (Min) across the cylinder lateral surface by the radial inflow in units of kg s-1 ( 14.3= ). For your calculations, use a radius of 30 km, a vertical height of 8 km. (10 pts)

Answer:


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Mentors Signature:

Practical Test-Atmosphere

( Part II ) 18 September 2009

Taipei, Taiwan



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Instructions for the practical test (Part II of Atmosphere):

y Please write your name and nationality in English on the cover page. y The time allotted for this examination (Part II of Atmosphere) is 40

minutes.

y Please write your answers legibly. Illegible answers will be counted as incorrect.

y Please keep your answers short and focus on the key points. y Please write your answers only on the white test booklet provided. y You may respond to questions either in English, your native language,

or a combination of both.

y Read the entire question group carefully before starting to answer. Each question has a point value assigned, for example, (1 pt).

y For some questions, you will be asked to provide your answers on the figures. Please do so carefully.

y Any inappropriate examination behavior will result in your withdrawal from the IESO.


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2009 IESO Practical Test (Atmosphere, Part II)

Atmospheric Humidity Measurement and Calculation (50 pts total)

Water vapor (H2O) in our atmosphere leads to cloud formation and precipitation in the hydrological cycle. It is also an important greenhouse gas. Therefore, the ability to measure the amount of water vapor (i.e., atmospheric humidity) accurately is very important. In this practical test, you will use a psychrometer to measure the humidity and answer a total of 6 related questions.

You will need to complete the following tasks: [Task A] measure dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures and calculate the wet-bulb depression, [Task B] calculate the actual vapor pressure from your data, and [Task C] express your result as different humidity variables. All of the methods and variables involved will be explained as you follow the procedure described below. [Task A] Measure dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures (T and Tw) and calculate the

wet-bulb depression (D, and D = T Tw) using a psychrometer.

A psychrometer (shown in Fig. 1) is a common instrument used to measure humidity. It consists of two identical thermometers, one measures the dry-bulb (actual) temperature (T) and the second is wrapped in a porous wick (i.e. threads of cloth). When in use, the wick of this second thermometer is moistened and exposed in air stream, and its reading is called the wet-bulb temperature (Tw). Please follow the steps below to measure T and Tw (see Fig. 2): During this process, great care should be taken to avoid any influence on the readings by your presence. Also, be careful that the dry-bulb thermometer must remain dry.

Step 1: Open the small container at the bottom, and drip (add) water with the pipette to fully

Figure 1

dry-bulb thermometer

wet-bulb thermometer

wick

Figure 2a Figure 2b Figure 2c


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moisten the wick inside (Fig. 2a). Then close the cap. Step 2: Pull and rotate the handle outward to 90 degrees. Swing the psychrometer gently (for

about 10 rounds) to increase airflow (Fig. 2b). Now the web-bulb temperature (Tw) should drop gradually.

Step 3: When the wet-bulb reading becomes steady, read both the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures (T and Tw, both in C, Fig. 2c).

Question 1 (exercise): (20 pts) Please repeat steps 1 to 3 three times and complete the table below (Table 1). Then,

calculate the mean values of T and Tw, and use them to determine the web-bulb depression D (where D = T Tw). Please use C for all units, and take the readings to one decimal place. (2 pts each reading of T and Tw, 4 pts for D)

Answer: Table 1: Result of psychrometer measurements (all in C). First reading Second reading Third reading Mean

T Tw D

Question 2: (6 pts)

From your measurements, it should be clear that Tw < T (i.e., D > 0). Which of the following processes do you think is responsible for this result?

(A) Freezing (B) Condensation (C) Deposition (D) Melting (E) Evaporation (F) Sublimation

Answer:

[Task B] Find the saturation vapor pressure (es) at Tw and calculate the actual vapor pressure (e).

Humidity is measured by the vapor pressure (e) which is the partial pressure of water

vapor in the air. The value of e (in hPa, where 1 hPa = 100 Pa) can be determined from the following equation:

Dee sw = , Equation (1) where esw is the saturation vapor pressure (in hPa) at web-bulb temperature Tw, D is the wet-bulb depression (in C), and is a constant at 0.66 hPa K1 at sea level.


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Question 3: (6 pts) Please find esw from Table 2, and calculate the actual vapor pressure (e) using Equation

(1). Note that the saturation vapor pressure (es) is only a function of temperature, as shown in Table 2. Show your method and calculations clearly. Please include units in your calculation, and give your answer to one digit below the decimal (1 decimal place).

Answer:

Table 2: Saturation vapor pressure over water (from Smithsonian Meteorological Tables) * Example of how to read Table 2: For instance, to find out the saturation vapor pressure at 17.3C, go to the

row labeled 17 and the column labeled .3, so es = 19.74 hPa.


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60

55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 10 20 30 40

Temperature (C)

Vapo

r pre

ssur

e (h

Pa)

Curve of saturation

Question 4: (6 pts) Assume that point A represents the initial state and point B represents the final state of

the cooling process of the air measured by the wet-bulb thermometer. In Fig. 3 below, please plot the locations of points A and B with crosses (x). Then, draw an arrow connecting them to indicate the cooling process. Please label both points and the direction of the arrow clearly.

Figure 3: The cooling process of air measured by the wet-bulb thermometer. [Task C] Convert the humidity into mixing ratio (r) and relative humidity (RH).

Several other variables can also indicate atmospheric humidity, such as mixing ratio (r) and relative humidity (RH). You will need to use the information provided below to calculate r and RH. Show your method and calculations as clearly as possible. Include all appropriate units.

Question 5: (6 pts)

The mixing ratio (r) is the ratio of the mass of water vapor to that of dry air. It is therefore dimensionless. The relationship between r and vapor pressure (e) is:

eper =

Equation (2) where p is 1013.25 hPa, and is the ratio of the molecular weight of water vapor to that of dry air ( = 0.622). In the space below, please calculate r and express it in units of g kg1 (grams per kilogram). Give your answer to one digit below decimal (1 decimal place).

Answer:


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Question 6: (6 pts)

The relative humidity (RH) is the ratio of actual vapor pressure (e) to the saturation vapor pressure at the actual temperature (es). It is expressed as a percentage (%) and

%100=seeRH . Equation (3)

In the space below, please use Equation (3) to calculate RH (in %), and give your answer to one digit below decimal (1 decimal place).

Answer:


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Mentors Signature:

Practical Test Geosphere 18 September 2009

Taipei, Taiwan



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Field survey is one of the essential activities in geological and physical geographical studies. Depending upon research purposes, geologists and/or geographers would select field sites to investigate. After site selection, researchers would: sketch the topography, observe the sedimentary structures, classify the rocks consisted in the strata, identify the fossils they observed, measure the strike and dip of the strata, and the structures and label them on the geological map. They would use all these data to interpret and reconstruct the geological history.

Instructions:

1. Please follow the instructors instruction when traveling between stops for your and others safety. The rocks will be slippery and potentially dangerous. Please move with caution. Absolute No Running! Absolute No Reading while Walking!

2. You will be visiting a geological sanctuary. We urge you not to damage or take away geological material during your field investigations

3. In this practical test, you will be a geologist and a geographer studying a small area.

4. There are six stops (1 to 6).The sequence of visit to the six stops is not important, as long as all six sites are visited.

5. You will have 15 minutes at each site for making your observations.

6. Please record your observations and answers on your test sheets.

7. No discussion among students.

8. Please keep your test sheets carefully. If you lose any of them, there will be no score will be granted for that section.

9. Hard hats are provided at STOPs 4 and 6 because possible injury. Please wear a hard hat at these stops and return it later.

10. Please read questions 1 and 2 first. Do not answer them until you have visited all six stops. You will need to get a whole picture of this area to understand the geology and structure of the area.


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1. What is the most likely depositional environment of the strata of this Bitou Cape area? (1 pt) (A) freshwater lake environment (B) desert and arid basin environment (C) fluvial environment (D) coastal environment (E) deep marine environment. Answer:

2. Please look at your map on the last page. Consider the strike and dip data

provided along with your own measurements. Assuming that all the strikes and dips were measured on the same continuous plane, what is the most likely macro-scale geological structure of the Bitou Cape area? (1 pt) (A) anticline (B) syncline (C) volcanic crater (D) normal fault (E) reverse fault. Answer:


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STOP 1 3. What is the most likely depositional environment for the sedimentary structure

observed within the red frame at this outcrop? (1 pt) (A) riverine environment (B) lacustrine environment (C) deep sea with turbidity current (D) intertidal zone. Answer:

4. Please locate your current position using the GPS provided, and record it below at

(i). Refer to the map (last page). Using the GPS position you obtain, select the correct spot from spots I to V. Record this answer at (ii) below. (i) GPS readout (1 pt):

(ii) Circle the correct spot (1 pt): I, II, III, IV, V

5. Please measure the dip direction and dip angle of the assigned bedding surface at STOP 1 and plot them within the corresponding white circle on the map. Ticks around the white circles are 10 apart. Symbol indicates a stratum with a dip direction of 045 and a dip angle 20. (i) dip direction: ; dip angle: (2 pts)

(strike = dip direction 090) (ii) Label the dip direction and dip angle symbol in the corresponding white circle

on the map on the last page. (1 pt)

20


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STOP 2 6. What is the most dominant sedimentary structure that you see within the red frame

at STOP 2? (1 pt) (A) ripple mark (B) cross bedding (C) slump structure (D) load structure (E) flame structure Answer:

7. What is the major sediment transport direction indicated according to this outcrop?

Please answer by standing on the X mark, facing toward the outcrop. Please write down the correct answer using letters A to H. (2 pts) Answer:

8. Please identify the rock type you observed within the yellow frame. (1 pt)

(A) granite (B) limestone (C) pillow lava (D) sandstone (E) shale Answer:


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STOP 3 9. What is the structure within the red frame at STOP 3? (1 pt)

(A) ripple mark (B) cross bedding (C) fault (D) plumose structure (E) flame structure Answer:

10. Please observe the fossils from the assigned five sample locations (c to g). Identify and match them with the pictures of fauna provided and circle the sample location numbers in the 2nd column. Then circle the name of the fauna corresponding to what you found. The names of fossils can be used more than once. You do not have to answer the third column (Name of fauna) if you dont find that kind of fossil. (total 4.5 pts; 0.5 pt each)

Pictures of fauna Sample location Name of fauna

c d e f g

Ans: (A) bivalve (B) brachiopod (C) cephalopod (D) crustacean (E) gastropod (F) sea urchin

c d e f g


c d e f g



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Pictures of fauna Samples location Name of fauna

c d e f g


c d e f g


c d e f g



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STOP 4 11. At STOP4, you see a fallen rock. Identify what direction was up at the time of

formation of the rock. (2 pts) Answer:

12. Please identify the type of fallen rock at this location. (1 pt)

(A) granite (B) limestone (C) pillow lava (D) sandstone (E) shale Answer:


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STOP 5 13. What is the sedimentary structure within the red frame at STOP 5? (1 pt)

(A) ripple mark (B) fold (C) slump structure (D) load structure (E) flame structure Answer:

14. Based on the sedimentary structure you identified in the previous question, what is

the most likely flow direction of water during formation? (2 pts) Answer:

15. There are five surfaces in this outcrop labeled c to g. Please identify each

surface and circle the correct options below. (2.5 pts)

Surface number

bedding plane fault plane joint plane fold axial plane

c d e f g

bedding planebedding planebedding planebedding planebedding plane

fault plane fault plane fault plane fault plane fault plane

joint plane joint plane joint plane joint plane joint plane

fold axial plane fold axial plane fold axial plane fold axial plane fold axial plane


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STOP 6 This stretch of coast is characterized by sea cliff, sea notch, wave abrasion

platform (also known as shore platform) and some micro landforms. The figure below (not to scale) shows a cross section from the ridge of the headland to the sea though it is not quite completed yet. Its location is indicated by the arrows on the ground. Between the cliff toe and sea water, five segments can be readily identified (noted as segments a-e).

Please walk along the cross section before answering the following questions. Be cautious on wet and slippery ground.

Figure 16. Sketch the segments b and e to complete the cross section. (2 pts) Please make use of observations within thirty meters on either side of the section line. 17. What major processes contributed to the landform development here? Check off

or tick the four correct answers in the following list. (2 pts)

uplift subsidence frost action wave erosion salt weathering slope failure fluvial erosion

SL

e d c b a


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Caption for the map on the last page

This is not a question!

Topographic map of the Bitou Cape region in Taipei County, northeast Taiwan. The latitudinal-longitudinal coordinates on the map are in the Taiwan Grid position format (TM2) coordinate system.


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2600

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3429

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00

2780300 2780000 2779700 2779400 279100

2780300 2780000 2779700 2779400 279100

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IESO Question Paper 2009

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Transcript of IESO Question Paper 2009