IESO 2011

(THEORY)
ASTRONOMY
(THEORY)
ASTRONOMY written test IESO 2011

Name__________________ Country ___________________________

1. Imagine that a new planet, named Pippo, is discovered beyond Pluto. Its revolution period is 320
years. What would be its average distance from the Sun in Astronomical Units (AU), assuming
circular orbit? _/1 pt.

a. 23.4 AU
b. 30.7 AU
c. 46.8 AU
d. 93.6 AU

2. A person weights 70 kg on Earth, if he goes to the surface of the Moon and Jupiter, he weights:
_/1 pt.

a. more on the Moon and Jupiter than on Earth

b. more on Jupiter and less on the Moon than on Earth
c. more on the Moon and less on Jupiter than on Earth
d. less on the Moon and Jupiter than on Earth

3. Given your passion for Astronomy, your friends have given you a sidereal watch as a present for
your birthday. At 10 a.m. you adjust it with the time of your clock. Following the time given by the
sidereal watch, when arriving at the railway station next day to catch the 8.00 a.m. train, you find
that the train is not there. What do you do? _/1.5 pt.

a. I wait for the train because it will be there in few minutes

b. I go home because the train has already left few minutes before my arrival
c. I wait for the train because it will be there in some hours
d. I guess the train has been cancelled today.

4. In a science fiction movie, the main character decides to look for his friends’ spaceship, lost on
Mars surface, using an optical telescope placed on the Earth. The resolution of the telescope is 1
arcsec and Mars is at a distance of 60 million km. What is the minimum size of the spacecraft to
allow him to see it? _/1,5 pt.

a. 2.90 m
b. 290.9 km
c. 290.9 m
d. 2.90 km

5. Looking at the given stellar map, can you estimate the position of the Sun as seen from Sirius,
using the same map? _/ 2 pt.

a. yes, the Sun is diametrically opposed to Sirius in the constellation of Hercules

b. no, the Sun is not visible from Sirius

1
c. yes, the Sun is diametrically opposed to Sirius in the constellation of Ursa Minor
d. yes, the Sun is diametrically opposed to Sirius in the constellation of the Octans

6. Assume the diameter of the Moon to be 20% smaller than the reality, what should the average
distance between the Earth and the Moon be, in order to still have total solar eclipses on the Earth?
_/1.5 pt.

a. 20% bigger than the reality

b. 80% smaller than the reality
c. 20% smaller than the reality
d. 80% bigger than the reality

7. The following illustration shows the Hertzsprung–Russell (H-R) diagram for an evolutionary
track of our Sun. The Sun currently locates at position A, but it will to move to position B after 5
billion years. (Assume the Sun is a blackbody and its current radius is 7x105km. 1AU=1.5x108km.)

(i) When the Sun evolves to B, what is its radius? Calculate it by using the information of the
diagram. _/1.5 pt.

a) 100 times larger

b) 57.8 times larger
c) 126.4 times larger
d) 157.3 times larger

(ii) Write your process of calculation. _/1.5 pt.

8. The synodic period of a certain asteroid is 8/7 years. Assume the Earth revolution speed is 30
km/s. Answer with the rounded-off figure below decimal point. In the assumption of circular orbit,
find:

(i) the period of the revolution of the asteroid (year) _/1 pt.

(ii) the radius of the revolution orbit (AU) _/1 pt.

2
(iii) the speed of the asteroid (km/s) _/1 pt.

TOTAL SCORE: 14.5

3
ATMOSPHERE
(THEORY)
ATMOSPHERE written test IESO 2011
Name__________________________ Country ________________________

1) The diagram bellow showed the average structures of the atmosphere based on its properties i.e.
temperature, molekular bond and electrical. Match the letter in the boxes with right option from the
list given bellow.
1. Homosphere 2. Heterosphere 3. Ionosphere 4. Exosphere
5. Troposphere 6. Stratosphere 7. Thermosphere 8. Mesosphere
. _/2 (0,25 x 8)

2) Consider the following figure where are reported the surface energy balance terms for different
surface and day/night conditions. _/3 pt.

Q* = net radiation
LE = latent heat flux
H = sensible heat flux
G = soil heat flux
Choose the correct surface description for each case:

1)
a) moist surface-day
b) moist surface-night
c) dry surface-day
d) dry surface-night

2)
a) moist surface-day
b) moist surface-night
c) dry surface-day
d) dry surface –night

3)
a) moist surface-day
b) moist surface-night
c) dry surface –night
d) dry surface-day
3) Which two gases are responsible for the absorption of very shortwave (e.g., ultraviolet) incoming
solar radiation? _/1 (0,5 x 2)

1) molecular oxygen
2) ozone
3) carbon dioxide
4) water vapour
5) nitrogen

4) Join with lines the surface types with the corresponding surface albedo _/1. (0.25 x 4)

Fresh snow 0-10 %

Soil 22-35 %
Water 80-90%
Crops 18-23 %

5) The following images represent different kinds of clouds.

Join with lines the images (from A to D) with the cloud type classification: _/1 pt. (0,25 x 4)

A STRATUS
B CUMULUS
C CUMULONIMBUS
D CIRRUS

6) What is the frictional effect on the geostrophic wind? _/1 pt.

A) In the northern hemisphere the effect of the friction is to deflect the wind in direction of
high pressure

B) In both hemispheres the effect of the friction is to deflect the wind in direction of low
pressure

C) In the southern hemisphere the effect of the friction is to deflect the wind in direction of
high pressure

D) In both hemispheres the effect of the friction is to deflect the wind in direction of high
pressure
7) An aircraft departs from A (airfield elevation 1700ft) with QFE 960 hPa set. The altimeter is not
reset. When landing at B (airfield elevation 2700ft), the QNH is 1005 hPa. What will the altimeter
read? _/3 pt
Assume that 1hPa is equivalent to 27ft and remember that

QNH = atmospheric pressure at sea level

and

QFE = atmospheric pressure at field elevation

A) 1700 ft

B) 1000 ft

C) 1485 ft

D) 2700 ft

8) With a classical warm front there are: _/1 pt.

A) high cloud with no precipitation

B) cumulus and cumulonimbus

C) no significant cloud

D) high cloud, middle cloud, mostly stratiform cloud, and light/moderate rainfall

9) According to the three cell general circulation model, in which direction do winds blow in the
upper troposphere in the tropics in the northern hemisphere? _/1 pt.
A) From SW

B) From S

C) From W

D) From SE

10) The increasing of the Earth’s rotation velocity could most likely lead to _/1 pt.

A) decreasing number of circulation cells

B) increasing number of circulation cells

C) no change in the number of circulation cells

11) Graph 1 describes data of atmospheric CO2 concentration measurements from Mauna Loa,
Hawaii.
Which of the following Earth systems and processes are responsible for the increase in CO2
concentration in the atmosphere during the period described in the graph? _/1 pt.
 a. CO2 from the geosphere to the atmosphere by volcanic activity.

b. CO2 from the geosphere to the hydrosphere and the atmosphere by erosion.

c. CO2 from the biosphere to the atmosphere and hydrosphere by respiration.

d. CO2 from the hydrosphere to the atmosphere by diffusion.

e. CO2 from the geosphere and the biosphere to the atmosphere by anthropogenic
activity.

f. CO2 from the geosphere and the hydrosphere to the atmosphere as a result of global
warming.

Graph 1:

From: Earth system research laboratory (http://www.esrl.noaa.gov)

12) Graph 2 describes the annual changes of atmospheric CO2 concentration.

The data shown indicates a minimal concentration in October and maximal in June.
The reason for that change is: _/1 pt.

a. Increased CO2 flux from the geosphere to the atmosphere as a result of change in fossil
fuel consumption between summer and winter.
b. CO2 flux between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere as a result of temperature
differences.

c. CO2 flux between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere as a result of wind speed and
direction.
 d. CO2 flux between the atmosphere and the biosphere as a result of changes in
photosynthesis activity.

e. CO2 flux between the atmosphere and the biosphere as a result of forest fires.

f. Changes in CO2 flux between the geosphere and the atmosphere as a result of changes in
sedimentation rates.

Graph 2:

MONTH From: Earth

system research laboratory (http://www.esrl.noaa.gov)

13) Many scientists conclude that the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration is a major factor in
global warming. The results of continous monitoring of atmospheric CO2 concentration indicates
that some CO2 from the atmosphere is absorbd by the oceans. What would happen if CO2 in the
atmosphere increases? (Mark all correct answers) _/3 pt. (0,30 x 10)

Hydrosphere:
a. The pH of ocean water will become higher / lower
b. The temperature of ocean water will increase / decrease
c. The amount of sea-ice in the Arctic will increase / decrease
d. Ocean capacity to absorb CO2 will increase / decrease
Biosphere
e. The amount of organisms with carbonate skeleton will increase / decrease
f. The distribution of marine organisms will change as result of the changes in water
temperature. True / false.
g. The change in water pH will expand / reduce coral reefs

Geosphere
 h. The changes in ocean temperature will affect volcanic activity in ocean ridges. . True / false.
i. The changes in ocean water pH will increase / decrease the rate of CaCO3 sedimentation in
the continental shelf.
j. The changes in ocean water pH will increase / decrease the rate of CaCO3 sedimentation
below the Calcium Carbonate Compensation Depth (CCD). True/false

TOT. PT. = 20
HYDROSPHERE
(THEORY)
HYDROSPHERE written test IESO 2011

Name______________________ Country________________________

1. Tides in the Earth system.

The Figure illustrates two (labelled A and B) different configurations of the Earth-moon-sun system.
Which of the three statements below is correct? _/1 pt

a. Configuration A represents a spring tide, while configuration B represents a neap tide

b. The two configurations represent a spring tide
c. Configuration B represents a spring tide, while configuration A represents a neap tide
d. The two configurations represent a neap tide

1
2. Water Masses in the Atlantic Ocean

i) Match the corresponding water masses listed below by letter (a-e) to the correct
location in the map. Each water mass category applies only to a single color
(grey excluded since it indicates the bottom topography) _/1 pt (0.20x5)

a. North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW)

b. Antartic Intermediate Water (AAIW)
c. Mediterranean Water (MedW)
d. Surface Water (SW)
e. Antartic Bottom Water (AABW)

ii) Oceanographers were able to collect two water samples as reported in the table
below. Indicate in the two circles in the figure which is Station A and which is
Station B. _/0.5 pt

Station Temperature (C) Salinity

A -2 34.6
B 8 35.4

2
3. Climate feedbacks in the Earth system

1. Put the correct arrow heads to complete the albedo feedback loop sketched in the figure above
_/0,5pt.

2. The feedback is _/0,5 pt.

a. Always positive
b. Always negative
c. Neutral
d. Some times positive and some times negative

3
4. The global carbon cycle.

This is a schematic picture of the global carbon cycle with some estimates of the major carbon (C)
reservoirs and fluxes from IPCC (2007).

1. What are the units of the values on the graph? (C is the symbol for carbon) _/1 pt.

a. kg C m-3
b. Pg C
c. mol C
d. Gt C
e. answers b. and d. are true
f. answers b. and c. are true

2. Indicate the estimated direction(s) of the flux by circling the correct arrow head. _/1,5 pt. (0,25 x 6)

3. Label the fluxes in the four blank boxes by writing the corresponding letter from the list below:
_/1 pt. (0,25 x 4)

a. ocean pump
b. terrestrial net production
c. anthropogenic emissions
d. soil respiration
e. land-use change
f. weathering

4. The present atmosphere contains about 700 … C in the form of CO2. Estimated fossil fuel reserves
contain at least 4200 … C, mostly in the form of coal. At present, about half the CO 2 produced by
the burning of fossil fuels remains in the atmosphere. If this ratio remained constant and we burned
up all of our fossil fuels instantaneously, by how much would atmospheric CO 2 rise in the longer
term? (Express the answer in terms of the new CO 2 stock divided by the current one) _/1.5 pt.

4
 Question 5

The graph represents the mean daily discharges, expressed in m 3/s, of a spring in the Central Apennines
registered between March 29 and April 17. The table shows the data used to build the graph. Compute in the
most accurate way the water volume coming from the spring between April 12 and April 17. _/2 pt.

0,22 Date
0,20 dd-mm Discharge (m3/s)
0,18 29-03 0.100
0,16 30-03 0.135
0,14
31-03 0.180
flow (m3/s)

0,12
01-04 0.205
0,10
02-04 0.180
0,08
0,06
03-04 0.170
0,04 04-04 0.162
0,02 05-04 0.157
0,00 06-04 0.145
01-04

05-04

09-04
29-03
30-03
31-03

02-04
03-04
04-04

06-04
07-04
08-04

10-04
11-04
12-04
13-04
14-04
15-04
16-04
17-04
07-04 0.130
date (day) 08-04 0.128
09-04 0.139
10-04 0.120
a) 39700 m3 11-04 0.115
b) 48700 m3 12-04 0.112
c) 0.5 m3 13-04 0.100
d) 0.6 m3 14-04 0.095
15-04 0.090
16-04 0.086
17-04 0.081

5
GEOSPHERE
(THEORY)
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

GEOSPHERE written test IESO 2011

Name__________________________
Country ________________________
1. Based on Ruddiman (2001), the global temperature fluctuation can be
distinguished into four different time scales due to different mechanisms. Use the
following figures provided. Which figure best shows the fluctuation of temperature in
Antarctica ice core records during more than one interglacial phase.? _/1 pt
(A) Fig. A (B) Fig. B (C) Fig. C (D) Fig. D

2. Seafloor drilling and seismic analysis reveal a thick layer of salt at a certain depth
in a very large part of the Mediterranean Sea. What can you conclude from these
observations? _/0.5 pt

1
a) The Mediterranean Sea has an important economic value that has not been
exploited yet.
b) There was a period when the Mediterranean Sea almost dried
out.
c) The Mediterranean Sea is very young.
d) The Mediterranean Sea is a relic of the Tethys Sea.

3. In the field, you found an outcrop with three horizontal undeformed layers, one
above the other. The lower unit is a layer of Dolomite, the middle layer is basalt, and
the upper layer is Limestone . Which of the following observations would lead you to
the conclusion that the basalt is a lava flow? _/1 pt

a) There are “baking signs” only in the lower part of the limestone layer.
b) There are “baking signs” in the lower part of the dolomite layer.
c) There are “baking signs” only in the upper part of the dolomite
layer.
d) All of the above.

4. To which cycle of matter is Limestone connected? _/0,5 pt

a) Phosphorus cycle
b) Carbon cycle
c) Sulfur cycle
d) Nitrogen cycle

5. The reason that the magnetic anomaly stripes of the same age are wider in the
Pacific ocean than the Atlantic Ocean is: _/0,5 pt

a) The rate of magmatic intrusions at the East Pacific Rise is faster

than the rate of this process at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
b) The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is located exactly in the middle of the ocean and therefore
the rate of the opening of the ridge is equal on both sides.
c) The Pacific Ocean is older than the Atlantic Ocean.
d) The ring of fire around the Pacific Ocean reduces the rate of reversals of the
Earth’s magnetic field.

6. During the last three billion years the main internal energy source of the Earth
has been: _/0,5 pt

a) The pressure of columns of rock and ocean.

b) The friction that occurs at the plate boundaries.

2
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

c) Radioactive decay of isotopes.

d) The radiation of the sun.

7. In the Bottaccione Gorge, near Gubbio (Italy), there is an outcrop of interest. It

contains a thin clay layer with significant geochemical anomalies such as high iridium
concentrations. It is dated to an numerical age of 65.5 Ma. Which chronostratigraphic
boundary corresponds to this layer? _/1 pt.
a) Cretaceous/Tertiary
b) Lower Cretaceous/UpperCretaceous
c) Paleocene/Eocene
d) Cambrian/Pre-Cambrian

8. Use the two graphics below. On the left is a geologic map of a region where north is to
the top of the map. On the right is a topographic section along line a to b. Contours are
in meters. A structure is shown in grey.

3
Which of the following is the true strike, dip and thickness of grey strata from the map?
Please note that there are two methods used to show strike: quadrant method designated
by (Q) and azimuth or magnetic bearing method designated by (A). The chart shows
them both as Q and A. 2 pt .

choice Strike Dip Thickne

(degrees ss (m.)
)
A Q N-S 45 70 to 75
A 180 degrees

B Q S 60 degrees E 45 90 to 100
A 120 degrees

C Q E-W 30 70 to 75
A 90 degrees

D Q N-S 30 90 to 100
A 180 degrees

4
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

9. Which one of the following minerals is used as a gem in jewelry, is used as an

industrial abrasive, is a silicate, and has an isometric mineral symmetry. Circle the best
answer above._/0,5 pt.

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

10. The following stratigraphic sections show two cross sections which are located near
each other. Symbols a and a’ represent an igneous rock and b to e represent
sedimentary rocks. Answer the following question. _/0,5 pt

Which rock is older, a or a’? _______

11. The precipitation of which of the following minerals is regulated by the concentration
of CO2 in the solution? _/0,5 pt.

5
a) halite; b) gypsum; c) apatite; d) calcite; e) opal; f) barytes.

12. The following table shows explanation of rocks and their formation environment.
Choose the one that has the correct relationship between formation environment and rock
type. _/1 pt

Rock
Macroscopic observation Formation environment
name
1 Limeston Sand size grains, spherical to In the crust several km below the
e elliptical grain shape, bedded surface
2 Granite Fine grained, foliated, In the crust where magma cools
occurrence of light and dark slowly
grains together
3 Basalt Coarse to very coarse grained, Mid-oceanic ridge
dark color, occurrence of
vesicles
4 Sandst Medium grained, parallel River or beach
one laminae or cross bedded
5 Gneiss Alternating dark and light bands, Contact zone between magma
foliated, coarse grained and surrounding rocks near
surface

Correct answer: _________

13. The following picture shows an outcrop of Paleozoic age deposited in the ocean. The
strata largely consist of sand and shale layers. Answer the questions. _/1,5 pt (0,5 x 3)

(1) Which layer is sandstone and shale respectively in A and B?

Shale: _______________Sandstone: ___________
(2) What is the depositional process of layer A and B?
______ is deposited by settling from suspension whereas ______ is deposited by
turbidity current.
(3) Can you expect to find trilobite fossil from this outcrop? Yes/no Answers:_____

6
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

7
14. The figure below is the stratigraphic section and paleomagnetic inclination in some
area assuming the rocks were deposited from 180 million years to the present without
deformation. The paleomagnetic inclination of rock in each layer is shown within a circle.
The arrows indicate the direction of paleo-magnetization at the time of rock formation.

Calculate the average (south to north) velocity of the continent as it moved from position
B to position E. Here, we assume that the latitude difference of one degree (1°) is equal to
110 km, and we suppose that paleomagnetic inclination is equal to twice the paleo-
latitude. _/1 pt

A) 2.3 cm/yr
B) 4.4 cm/yr
C) 8.8 cm/yr
D) 9.7 cm/yr

8
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

15. The figure below shows the soil texture of samples from five farms (A~E). The soil
of which farm has the highest permeability? _/1 pt.
(A) Farm A (B) Farm B
(C) Farm C (D) Farm D
(E) Farm
E

9
16. Which type of fault is shown in the geological map below? _/0,5 pt.
a. normal
b. inverse
c. vertical
d. obtuse

10
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

17a. Examine the map above. Which of the choices best describes the type of tectonic
structures shown. _/1 pt.

a) two anticlines with an intervening syncline

b) two synclines with an intervening anticline
c) a salt dome
d) flat stratigraphy

17b. Reconstruct the stratigraphy of the region shown above choosing among the
following stratigraphic columns. _/0,5 pt.

11
12
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

18. Trace fossils are the remnants of the activities of ancient animals. According to
the patterns of trace fossils, geologists can infer the substrate condition,
sedimentation rate, water flow energy, and paleoenvironment. Figure 9 is a trace
fossil found in sandstone showing how an organism utilized the limited resource
with high efficiency. What is the most likely environment to find this kind of trace
fossil? _/1 pt.

(A)inter tidal flat (B) rivers or lakes (C) mountains (D) deep marine

9a. Trace fossil on sandstone. Scale bar is 1 cm 9b. Close up view of Fig. 9a. Each divide on the
scale bar on the bottom is 1 mm.
Fig. 9

13
19. A student used a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) to record the coordinates
of his positions. The signal and the receiving conditions were good during the
measurement. After the student entering the coordinates he got into GoogleEarth, he
noticed that the position drawn in GoogleEarth (GPS data) shifted hundred of meters
away from the true location (True Loc). However, the relative positions among different
locations measured in the same day were correct. Which of the following factors is the
most likely cause of this problem? _/0,5 pt.

(A) influence by the ionosphere

(B) malfunction of the GPS
(C) sheltered from the buildings
(D) different coordinate systems

14
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

20. The baby mammoth fossil shown below was found in Siberia in 1977. The
fossilization process it underwent is known as: _/0,5 pt.

a) carbonification
b) cryo-conservation
c) inclusion in amber
d) permineralization
e) pyritization
f) silicification

15
21. This fossil shown above is: _/0,5 pt.

a) shark (chondrycthyan)
b) a bony fish (osteichthyan)
c) an amphibian (salamander)
d) a reptile (ichthyosaur)
e) a bird (penguin)
f) a mammal (cetacean)

22. Match all of the rock features/sedimentary structures on the left with all possible
depositional environment found on the right.
_/1,5 pt. (0,25 x 6)

Rock feature/Sedimentary structure Depositional

environment

1 ___coal and siltstone with plant remains a. shallow ephemeral lake

2 ___stromatolites and intraclastic limestone b. quiet marine deep water

3 ___laminated evaporites c. delta swamp

4 ___mud cracks d. peri-glacial lake

5 ___varves e. lagoon in arid climate

6 ___thin-bedded shales f. carbonate tidal flat

23. Consider seismic waves which propagate at 4.5 km/s in the Earth crust.
a) What are the wavelengths associated to periods of T=0.1s, 1s and 100 s? _/0,5 pt.
(a) 250m, 2.5 km and 250 km.
(b) 450m, 4.5 km and 450 km.
(c) 150m, 4.5 km and 500 m.
(d) 750m, 7.5 km and 750 km.

16
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

b) What are the periods and the frequencies associated to wavelengths of 1m, 1km,
100km ? _/ 1 pt. (0,5 x 2)
periods:
(e) 0.00444 s, 4.4 s and 444.4 s.
(f) 0.00034 s, 0.22 s and 24.6 s.
(g) 0.00006 s, 0.06 s and 60.0 s.
(h) 0.00022 s, 0.22 s and 22.2 s.

frequencies:
(i) 4500 Hz, 4.5 Hz and 0.045 Hz.
(j) 34 Hz, 24 Hz and 44 Hz.
(k) 1200 Hz, 1.2 Hz and 0.012 Hz.
(l) 22 Hz, 2.2 Hz and 220 Hz.

17
24. The figure above shows the observed seismogram at some earthquake observatory.
Here, the velocity of P wave (Vp) and S wave (Vs) is 7km/sec and 4km/s, respectively.
_/1,5 pt (0,5 x 3)
(a) How far the observatory is located from epicenter?
(b) What time the earthquake occurred?
(c) What time the first S wave arrive at the place 4000 km far from epicenter?

a)
(__) 3150 km
(__) 3920 km
(__) 4140 km

b)
(__) 2 h: 51 min: 40 sec;
(__) 2 h: 40 min: 33 sec;
(__) 3 h: 03 min: 22 sec.

c)
(__) 2 h: 55 min: 20 sec;
(__) 3 h: 22 min: 15 sec;
(__) 3 h: 08 min: 20 sec.

25. Volcanic eruption in a mid ocean ridge leads to matter and energy transformation
between the following earth systems (choose the most complete option): _/1 pt

a. From geosphere to atmosphere.

b. From hydrosphere to geosphere.
c. From geosphere to hydrosphere and then to biosphere.
d. Only from geosphere to hydrosphere.

18
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

26. Indicate the type of magma characteristically erupted at the following plate
tectonics volcanic environments (the same magma type can occur in more than one
environment). The choices are: Andesite, Basalt, Obsidian, and Rhyolite
_/ 1,5 pt. (0,5 x 3)

· MidOceanic ridge
· Island arc
· Withinplate – Hot spots

27. Mark three of the following phenomena that are precursors of impending volcanic
eruptions. _/ 0,5 pt.

a. Landslides
b. Anomalous seismicity
c. Heavy rains
d. Increase of temperature and chemical changes in fumarolic gases
e. Strong winds
f. Ground uplift

19
28. Looking closely at the figure representing the eruptive behavior of magmas
depending on their chemical composition and their dissolved gas content. 0,5 pt.

a Basic and de-gassed magma

b Basic magma rich in glass
c Acid magma rich in glass
d Acid and de-gassed magma

Figure A shows eruptive behavior from which type of magma?_______

Figure B shows eruptive behavior from which type of magma?_______

Figure C shows eruptive behavior from which type of magma?_______

Figure D shows eruptive behavior from which type of magma?_______

20
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

29. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) was one of the greatest sculptors of the
Renaissance. In this historical period, several discoveries and innovations in the field of
art, science, and technology were made. Michelangelo carved his statues from the
“Carrara marble” a very fine metamorphic rock characterized by a uniform white color,
coming from quarries near the town of Carrara (Italy).

Which two of the following features are NOT associated with the formation of a marble?
_/1 pt.
a) Marbles are formed by recrystallization of feldspars found in sandstones.
b) Marbles have a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
c) Marble is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcium
carbonate (CaCO3).
d) The color of marble depends on the presence of mineral impurities
(such as clay, iron oxides etc)
e) Marble is a rock resulting from metamorphism of sedimentary
carbonate rocks, such as limestone or dolomite rock.
f) Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock with a crystalline
structure.

30. How is called this geological phenomenon? _/0.5 pt.

a) Volcanic chimney
b) meteor impact crater
c) rockfalls
d) sinkhole

21
22
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

31. The north – south trending Gulf of Aqaba is located along the south part of the Dead
Sea and the Arava Rift valley. It is 15 km wide and active rift since the early Miocene.
The rift valley is the north part of the Syrian-African tectonic system.
5000 BP, 3 meters, above sea level, 5000 years old marine terraces were found 3 meters
above sea level along the east and the west margins of the gulf. These terraces are
continuously mapped for several kilometers with a constant elevation. These terraces may
represent: _/1 pt.

A. More warm climate comparing to the Late Pleistocene climate

B. Colder climate comparing to the recent climate
C. Tectonic uplifting
D. Remnants to high tide event

23
32. Tsunami waves can be generated by several natural phenomena. One of the most
frequent cause are large subduction zone earthquakes, generated at the interface between
two lithospheric converging plates where one of the two subduces beneath the other.
Central Mediterranean tectonics is dominated by the slow relative converging motion of
the African and European Plates. Italy sits on the converging plate margin, and its
volcanic and seismic activity are related to this first order phenomena. In the central
Mediterranean area subduction is continuously going on under Calabria in Southern Italy,
and to the east under the island of Crete. Here, large subduction zone earthquakes
occurred in historical times, such as in the A.D. 365 M 8+ earthquake, and generated
widespread devastating tsunami waves that hit the coasts of North Africa, mainland
Greece and Southern Italy.
Earthquake generated tsunamis are produced by the coseismic displacement of the sea
bottom. The speed of a tsunami is directly correlated to the depth of the sea, i.e. it moves
faster in deep waters and slow in shallower waters.
Early warning systems are fundamental for mitigating the tsunami hazard along the
coasts, and are based on models of tsunami generating and of propagation.

Supposing that at 06:30 am UTC a large subduction zone earthquake hits the south-
western coast of Crete, and knowing:

1) the equation of the speed of the tsunami waves

V=
where g is the gravitational costant (m/s2), and D is the depth of the water
2) the average depth of the Jonian Sea along the three sections shown in the map: Section
A, 2000 m; Section B, 2500 m; and Section C, 3000 m.

Measure on the map the distance of the three sites from the earthquake epicenter and
calculate the arrival time (UTC) of the waves at destination filling in the table. _/2 pt.

4-Time 5-
Mean 1-Mean 2-Mean 3-
to Arrival
depth speed speed Distanc
destinati time
(m) (m/s) (km/h) e (km)
on (h) (UTC)
Site A 2000
Site B 2500
Site C 3000

On the basis of your calculation the three sites will be inundated in the following order:
1) First Site A, then B and last C;
2) First Site B, then C and last A;
3) First Site C, then B and last A.

24
 Geosphere Test with answers
IESO 2011

Map of the Central Mediterranean area, showing with the black star the epicenter of the
subduction zone earthquake, and the trace of the three sections. Circles centered on the
epicenter can be used to measure the distance.

25
IESO 2011
(PRACTICAL)
ASTRONOMY
(PRACTICAL)
 IESO 2011 ASTRONOMY PRACTICAL TEST –
STOP 11
NAME:-
_______________________________________________________________

COUNTRY:_________________________________________________________
___

On Friday, September 9, 2011, you will perform 3 trials. Each trial is individual, but in
some cases you will have to work together with some of the other participants. This is
what happens every day in science: you compete and cooperate at the same time with
other scientists, to get an higher level of shared knowledge.

ACT I: THE POLE STAR FOR MARS (60 minutes for each group of individual
participants)

Materials: Pocket torch light (red), paper, pencil, rubber

Remember that the celestial poles are the projection of the geographic poles onto the
sky. At the present time there is a star, visible from Earth with the naked eye, close to
the celestial North Pole: for this reason it is called Polaris. But what if you were at the
geographic North Pole of Mars?
The celestial North Pole of the red planet is not the same of the Earth. To do the
comparison, recall that the stars are so far that the imaginary designs of the
constellations remain the same as seen both from the Earth and Mars. So the
orientation of Mars' axis is such that its celestial North Pole has Right Ascension 21h
10m 42s and Declination +52.9°. This means that is in the constellation of Cygnus.

(i) The most brilliant star of the constellation of Cygnus could be a good choice for the
martian North Pole star. Which way the modern terrestrial astronomers indicate it? For
the Martian sky watcher, who knows… _/1 pt.

a. 1 Cyg
b. A Cyg
c. α Cyg
d. β Cyg

(ii) Look at the sky projected by the Planetarium on the inner surface of the dome. At
the zenith you have the North Pole of the ecliptic. Find Polaris and thus you know the
position of the Earth’s celestial North Pole. Please notice the scale on the celestial
meridian joining the Earth’s North Pole with the zenith: every step is 10°. There is the
same scale also on the quarter of celestial meridian joining Mars’ North Pole with the
zenith. What can you say about the axial tilt of the Earth and Mars with respect to the
North Pole of the ecliptic? _/3 pt.

a. The axial tilt of Mars is twice the axial tilt of the Earth
b. The two planets have more or less the same axial tilt, but in different directions
c. The axial tilt of Mars is one half of the axial tilt of the Earth
d. The two planets have more or less the same axial tilt, but in opposite directions

1
(iii) Considering all the information you have collected, can you say something about
the inclination of the orbital plane of Mars with respect to that of the Earth, called the
ecliptic plane? _/3 pt.

a. The orbital plane of Mars has a slight inclination with respect to the Earth’s ecliptic
b. The orbital plane of Mars is exactly the same of the Earth and all the other planets
in the Solar System
c. The orbital plane of Mars is perpendicular to the Earth’s ecliptic
d. The orbital plane of Mars has an inclination of 45° with respect to to the Earth’s
ecliptic

2
ACT II: I’LL FOLLOW THE SUN (45 minutes for each group of individual
participants)

Materials: Pencil, rubber, paper, chronometer, piece of chalk

In the Solar Laboratory in Modena you can look at the image of the Sun projected on a
blackboard without risks for your sight (remember: never look directly at the Sun!).
When the tracking of the telescope pointed toward the Sun is on, the image is still and
you can appreciate, for instance, if there are sunspots. When the tracking is off, the
Sun moves until it disappears from the blackboard. Even when not working, the
instrument is useful: the magnification of the Sun’s image allow you to measure the
time the Sun needs to cover a certain angular distance and thus the angular speed of
its apparent daily motion in the sky.

(i) The apparent angular diameter, in degrees, of the Sun as seen from the Earth is
about… _/2 pt.

(ii) After taking the measurements in the Solar Laboratory, which is the angular speed
for the daily motion of the Sun, in degrees per hour, that you have found? Write your
calculation process. _/4 pt.

3
ACT III: NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN (45 minutes for each group of
individual participants)

Materials: Pencil, rubber, paper, aligned telescope with solar filter

… Unless you use the filters as you have on your telescope for the practical test -- but
also in this case it is better not to look through it more than few seconds. This is
enough time as to point the telescope, already aligned with the celestial poles, toward
to the Sun. So you can find some quite interesting information about the position of
our star and the position of the celestial North Pole, even if it’s daytime!

(i) First complete the following scheme, inserting in the squares the cardinal points (N,
E already inserted, S, W) and in the rectangles the name of the local coordinates
(Altitude, Azimuth): _/2 pt

(ii) Now you can move the telescope, center the Sun and complete the following
table:

DATE OF THE OBSERVATION: _____________________ _/0.5 pt.

SUN’S RIGHT ASCENSION: ________________________ _/1.5 pt.

SUN’S DECLINATION: ____________________________ _/1 pt.

CELESTIAL NORTH POLE ALTITUDE: _________________ _/1 pt.

4
LATITUDE OF MODENA: __________________________ _/1 pt.

ACT II PLAN B: THE STARS LOOK DOWN (45 minutes for each group of
individual participants)

Materials: Pencil, rubber

… And you look up all the same! Unluckily, the weather is not fine, but you can see the
stars: ok, it is only a drawing on your worksheet, but these are the same constellations
and stars that will be above your head tonight in Modena -- and that those nasty
clouds probably will not allow you to see 
Can you identify the constellation indicated by the numbers?

1 is:_/1 pt. 2 is:_/1 pt. 3 is:_/1 pt. 4 is:_/1 pt. 5 is:_/1 pt.

a. Libra a. Cassiopeia a. Delphinus a. Ursa Major a. Ursa Major

b. Virgo b. Perseus b. Aquila b. Ursa Minor b. Ursa Minor
c. Scorpius c. Pegasus c. Lyra c. Draco c. Draco
5
d. Sagittarius d. Andromeda d. Cygnus d. Boötes d. Boötes

6
ACT III PLAN B: DISCOVER THE TELESCOPE (45 minutes for each group of
individual participants)

Materials: Pencil, rubber, paper, clock, aligned telescope with solar filter, ruler

Unluckily, the weather is not fine and it seems you can not use the telescope… But it
has been already aligned by the responsible of the Planetarium in Modena. You can
find very quickly and easily some quite interesting information about the telescope
itself and the position of the celestial North Pole, even if it’s daytime and clouds do not
allow to look at the sky.

(i) First complete the following scheme, in the squares insert the cardinal points (N, E
already inserted, S, W) and in the rectangles the name of the local coordinates
(Altitude, Azimuth): _/2 pt

(ii) Now complete the following table:

DATE OF THE OBSERVATION: ___________________________________ _/0.5 pt.

CELESTIAL NORTH POLE ALTITUDE: ______________________________ _/1 pt.

LATITUDE OF MODENA: ________________________________________ _/1 pt.

REFLECTOR OR REFRACTOR TELESCOPE? __________________________ _/1 pt.

7
DIAMETER AND FOCAL LENGTH (mm): ____________________________ _/1.5 pt.

8
ATMOSPHERE
(PRACTICAL)
 Practical Test Atmosphere
Name__________________ Country __________________

Fog in a jar
- Instruction sheet -
Background information
Formation of fog, cloud and several other meteorological events share the same
physical phenomenon: the condensation of water vapor that happens when water
passes from the gaseous to liquid state. During this lab you will simulate the
formation of fog in a jar through the creation of suitable conditions.

Materials
2 glass jars
1 stick of incense
1 matchbox
2 aluminum boxes previously filled with ice
1 laser pointer
Cold water
Warm water

Procedure
1. Fill jar 1 with cold water (T approx 10°C) and jar 2 with warm water (T approx
35°C).
2. Wait for 10 min approx in order to allow that the glass of both jars to come to
the same temperature of the surrounding water. This helps you to prevent
condensation inside the jars.
3. Measure the water temperature in both jars. Write the results in question 1.
4. Remove 3/4 of the water from both jars.
5. Light the stick of incense and try to put some smoke into jar 1. Blow gently the
incense smoke into the jar.
6. Quickly place the aluminum box containing ice on the top of jar.
7. Repeat the same procedure (steps 5 – 6) with jar 2.
8. Carefully observe what happens inside both jars.
9. Use the laser pointer to observe the progress of the phenomenon and try to
compare them estimating which one of the two jars produces more fog.
 Fog in a jar
− Worksheet -
Question 1: 2 point
Write down the temperatures of the water of the two jars:

Jar no. Temperature °C

1 (cold water)
2 (warm water)

Question 2: 1 point
In most climate areas fog is more common during the cold season; does this
experiment help you to understand this phenomenon?
a) yes
b) no

Question 3: 3 points
In your opinion which of the following sentences explain better the role played by the
smoke inside the jars (mark ONE of the following answers)
a) Warm up the air inside the jar further
b) Warm up the water inside the jar further
c) Give tiny particles that provide surfaces on which water vapor can condense
d) Give tiny and warm particles that increase the difference in temperature
between air and water. This affects the condensation positively.

Question 4: 4 points
In the atmosphere which one of the following processes, in your opinion and most
likely, emits substances that could play the same role of the smoke you use in this
lab? (mark no more then TWO of the following answers)
a) The erosion of a river
b) A volcanic eruption
c) The respiration of living organisms
d) Fossils fuels burning
e) An earthquake

Question 5: 4 points
Which of the following situations, in your opinion, is more suitable for fog
formation? (mark ONE of the following answers)
a) Close to a shoreline there is an upwelling of a deep and cold ocean current.
Here the water meets warm air coming from the inland area covered with
forest
b) An hilly area has no vegetation cover since is quite arid, ther are only rock
 outcrops facing south forming very warm air masses meeting cool ones
coming from the adjacent peaks
c) A very wide area is covered with snow in the mid of winter season. Here
cold air masses meet slightly cool ones coming from an adjacent and dense
woods

Question 6: 2 points
One of the conditions that helps the formation of fog is the ice presence that
decreases the temperature of air inside the jar. Which one of the following conditions
could lead to the formation of fog? (mark ONE of the following answers)
a) increasing of air pressure inside the jar
b) decreasing of air pressure inside the jar
c) An increase or decrease of the air pressure inside the jar leads to fog
formation
d) An increase of the pressure coupled with heating of the air inside the jar

Question 7: 2 points
Which one of the following substances of the atmosphere does NOT act as
condensation nucleus? (mark ONE of the following answers)
a) marine aerosol made by waves
b) carbon dioxide
c) particles lifted during a sand storm
d) particles emitted during a forest fire

Question 8: 2 points
Mark on the following graph two points that represent the conditions of the water
inside the two jars (mark the point 1=cold jar; mark the point 2=warm jar).
OCEANOGRAPHY
(PRACTICAL)
 IESO 2011
PRACTICAL TEST
“Oceanography”
Temperature and Depth Measurements
- Instruction sheet -

During this practical test you will measure the temperature of water at different depths at a sampling
site. With the data collected, you will construct a thermal profile and conduct an investigation based
on the data.
You will use thermometers fastened at fixed distances along a line called “mooring rope” ending
with a weight. The upper end will be fixed to the boat. This system is called “mooring system”.
During scientific measurements, it is generally fixed to a floating buoy.
The thermometers are actually micro-data-loggers that measure and record temperature data at
desired time intervals. This operation is called a “mission”. The data loggers and the computers
have already been configured for this mission.

Materials
 Temperature micro-data-loggers (thermochron iButton, Dallas-Maxim model DS1921G)
 Data-logger/PC cabling system (named LinkUSB)
 Computer with drivers and software already installed (named OneWireViewer)

Procedure
• PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Preparation phase. Using the hardware and software provided, you have to program all the
data loggers in order to start your “mission” with the following characteristics:
Measurement rate: 1 min.
Format of temperature data: °C.
Alarm: off
• Start the “mission” of each data logger.
• Preparation of the mooring line. Put the data loggers inside the chambers. Tightly close
the chamber with a suitable o-ring using the given keys. Then fix the thermochrons at the
following depths: sea floor, +10m above sea floor (asf), +20m asf, +30m asf.
• Measurement. Put the mooring line in the water following the instructions from the staff of
the boat. Pay special attention to them!
• Leave the mooring line in the water for at least 10 minutes.
• Carefully raise the mooring line. Collect all the data from the loggers following the
instructions provided by the student staff. For each data logger you have to choose (among
all the collected values) a single value of temperature that, in your opinion, is representative
of the temperature of the water at that depth where the thermometer was placed.
• Go to the worksheet and answer the questions.
 IESO 2011
PRACTICAL TEST
“Oceanography”
Temperature and Depth Measurements
NAME____________________ ____________________ country ________________

- Worksheet –
Question 1
Record the data in the following table:
Depth (meter below sea level) Temperature (°C)
0 m (sea level)
- m
- m
- m (sea floor)
5 points
Question 2
Draw a graph using the data you collected. Place the temperature on the horizontal axis (Scale the
axis from -5°C to +30°C). Place the depth on the vertical axis. Be sure to place the sea surface at
the top and the sea floor at the bottom of the axis.
5 points
Question 3
According to the data collected, this water mass is characterized by: (Choose only ONE of the
following answers)
a) no thermal stratification
b) strong thermal stratification
c) weak thermal stratification
d) I would need more data to say something definitively.
5 points
Question 4
In your opinion, which of the following statements is most likely the main cause of the present
condition of the water column; This should reflect your answer to question 3. (Choose only ONE of
the following answers)
1. absence/presence of differences in density as a consequence of differences in temperature
and/or salinity.
2. differences in the concentration of dissolved oxygen.
3. differences in the phytoplankton concentration.
4. Wave action
5. Non-natural causes such as the transit of boats and ships.
5 points

Question 5
Which of the following events, in your opinion, COULD CERTAINLY NOT affect the present
situation of stratification. (Choose ONE of the following answers)
a) inflow of water with a different salinity
b) inflow of water with a different temperature
c) a very strong wind
d) inflow of water with similar salinity and temperature
e) release of phosphorous from the sediment 5 points

Question 6
Which of the following best explains the importance of the stratification of a water mass? (Choose
ONE of the following answers)
a) Because stratification affects the erosional processes carried on by the water mass
b) Because stratification and the temperature of the water affect only the primary production.
(warm water means more productivity)
c) Because stratification could affect anoxic conditions at the bottom.
5 points

Question 7
Using the graph that you prepared for question 2, draw a thermal profile of this water mass during a
hypothetical winter when the sea surface had frozen.
8 points

NAME____________________ ____________________ country ________________

GEOSPHERE
(PRACTICAL)
Stop 01

IESO 2011 – Practical test Geosphere – Mineralogy

Name and surname of the Partecipant: ________________________________________
Nationality: ______________________________________________________________
Duration time 10 min.

Identification of mineral species

Given five different mineral samples, the candidate is requested to identify
each mineral species with the aid of basic chemical/physical tests or
macroscopic observations. Each mineral species holds at least one unique
feature or character which discriminate it from the others (for example, it is the
only one reacting with acids, it is the hardest one, it is the most symmetric one,
it is the only one exhibiting metallic luster …). The tests recommended for the
identification are: (i)
reactivity to hydrochloric acid attack; (ii) determination of the relative Mohs
hardness; (iii) crystal habit indicative of the crystal symmetry; (iv) metallic
luster.
The candidate should associate the code number (from 1 to 5) of the mineral
sample to the mineral name. (2 points for each right answer)

� calcite
�quartz
�fluorite
�hematite
� sulphur
 STOP 2 15’ Name_____________________ Country ____________________
Practical test: Preda Ringadora

1) Connect the fossil names with the corresponding figure.

1) AMMONITE

2) BELEMNITE

3) CORAL (SCLERACTINIAN)

4) CRINOID

5) GASTROPOD

6) RUDIST
1 - __

2 - __

3 - __

4 - __

5 - __

6 - __

(0.2 pt for each right answer)

2) Inside the squares A and B there are two of the fossils illustrated above. Write the name of the
fossils:

A) ________________________ (1 pt)

B) ________________________ (1 pt)

3) The geological feature labelled on the stone as C is a: (0.8 pt)

a) cross bedding

b) flute cast

c) ripple mark

d) stylolite
STOP 3, 20’ Put a cross above the letter of the right column (5 pt) Name_____________________
Country _____________
STOP 4, 20’ Name ___________________________ Country
__________________
Cathedral, northern side

Identify the stones in the boxed wall portion using the given samples for comparison:
fill the slab contour with the appropriate color.
Legend and color key:

Not to be identify Score

Marble
Correct points
all 5
Gray calcarenite
1 wrong 4
2
Yellow-white3calcarenite
wrong
3 wrong 2
4 wrong rock
Magmatic 1
(trachyte)

Pink-red limestone
STOP 5, 15’ Name __________________________Country
________________________
Roman Lapidary Museum (Lapidario Romano, Museo Civico Archeologico Etnologico)
(1pt for each right answer)

Identify the stones of the following Roman monuments using the given samples for
comparison: write the stone letter into the appropriate monument box.

Stone samples
A) Limestone (biocalcarenite)
B) Brecciated marble (“arabesque”)
C) Foliated marble
D) Limestone (biocalcarenite-biocalcirudite)
E) Limestone (rudist mudstone)

N. 9: Altar (ara) of Marcus Numisius Castor

N. 10 Altar (no inscription)

N. 11 Altar of Publius Clodius

N. 19 Stele of Caius Fadius Amphio

N. 29 Lion
STOP 6, 15’ Name ______________________________ Country _________________

QUESTION 1
What is the attitude (strike, dip direction, angle of
dip at clockwise measurement) of the exposed
surface A : (3pt)

1. 110° - 20° - 65°

2. 340° - 250° - 65°
3. 20° - 110° - 25°
4. 170° - 80° - 25°
5. 250° - 340° - 25°
6. 110° - 20° - 65°
7. 200° - 290° - 65°
8. 20° - 110° - 65°
9. 110° - 200° - 25°
10. 200° - 290° - 25°

QUESTION 2
On the surfaces (A, B, C, D) what geological features can you identify (one or more answers may
be correct): (0,5 points for each right answer)

1. wawe ripple marks

2. groove casts
3. flute casts
4. tectonic lineation
5. stylolites
6. fossil traces
7. tool marks
8. fossil shells
STOP 7 25’

Practical test 2011 – Comparison of sediments and hydrographic basins

Equipment:

• Geological map 1 (Friuli Venezia Giulia), with a simplified legenda

• Geological map 2 (Lombardia), with a simplified legenda

• Pebble samples A and B

• Sand samples 1 and 2

• Stereomicroscope

• Dilute hydrochloric acid.

Exercises:

• Two geological maps are provided (1 and 2)

• Two pebble samples ( A and B ) are provided

• On each map, two sites (X and Y) along the river are shown. Pebbles and sand
samples have been collected from these locations.

• In site X pebbles from the Oglio hydrographic basin have been collected.

• In site Y pebbles from the Isonzo hydrographic basin have been collected.

1) Recognize the rock types of the pebbles, by completing the following table (it’s
possible to use the diluted HCl solution): (1,5 points)

Choose among: limestone, sandstone, dolomite rock, diorite, gneiss/micaschist

Number of pebble Rock type

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

B3
2) Match correctly the pebble samples with the geological maps.

(1,25 points)

Pebble sample Geological map

number ……….
A

Pebble sample Geological map

number ………
B

3) Observe carefully the two sand samples (1 and 2) at the stereomicroscope.

Which minerals are present in each sample? You could tick more than one option.

(1 point)

Calcite Quartz Quartz very Biotite

present abundant rare present

Sand sample
1

Sand sample
2

4) Which of the two sand sample comes from site X and which from site Y ?

(1,25 points)

Sand sample Site ……….

Sand sample Site ………

2
 GEOLOGICAL MAP OF LOMBARDIA - SIMPLIFIED LEGENDA stop 7a

Important note: during past glacial periods, alpine glaciers transported and accumulated
sediments to form morains in the pedemontane zone of Alps.
Since the end of the last glaciation, river Oglio carries to site X sediments already deposited by
alpine glaciers in the past in the pedemontane zone, south of lake Iseo.

Quaternary covers

4
5

Igneous rocks

9: granite

10: diorite

11: diorite and gabbro

13: rhyolite

16: granite

17: diorite and gabbro

Sedimentary covers:
different types of limestone, sandstone,
dolomite rock and shale
19b

22a 22b

23
24
25
26
27a
28
29
30
31a
32a
33a
34
35
37a
39
41a
43a
44
45
46b

Crystalline rocks
48: gneiss
49: schist and phyllite
50: quartzite
Crystalline rocks

64: gneiss

65: schist and phyllite

66: schist

67: gneiss
 Geological map of Friuli Venezia Giulia – SIMPLIFIED LEGENDA stop 7b

Important note:

It’s possible to assume that the litological formation in the Slovenian

side of the hydrographic basin of river Isonzo (called Soca in Slovenia) are the same
found

in the Italian side.

Quaternary covers

26

25

24

23

Cenozoic sequence
19 b : sandstone and shale

19 a: sandstone, breccias and shale

18: limestone

Mesozoic sequence

17 c: limestone

16 c: limestone

16 b: limestone

15 a: limestone
14: limestone

13 c: dolomite rock

13 a: dolomite rock

12 c: dolomite rock and limestone

9: dolomite rock and limestone

Stop 8, 15’
Name_________________ Country____________
In this test you are expected to recognize the minerals of the rock,
estimate their abundance and classify the rock based on the
Strekeisen diagram.
Fill all tables and Strekeisen plot. Report the name of the rock.

Characters of the rock forming minerals (not all are present in the
rock):
Plagioclase: White milky appearance, anhedral to subhedral
(elongate prismatic habit), sometimes twinning and
cleavage detectable.
Quartz: Colourless to greyish, is the most transparent, often
anhedral interstitial, conchoidal fractures, no cleavage.
Biotite: Black-dark brown, vitreous lustre, thin cleavage system,
hexagonal euhedral sections are in general subequant..
Pyroxene: Black, prismatic elongated, cleavage parallel to the
elongation.
Olivine: Green, dark green, prismatic subequant, no cleavage.
Oxides: Equant, fine grained, black metallic lustre.
Tourmaline: Strongly elongated to acicular habit, light brown to
greenish.
K-Feldspar: Orange to reddish, forms large crystals, anhedral to
subhedral, sometimes twinning and cleavage detectable.

In the following table select the minerals you recognize on the

selected areas of the pillar, then indicate the amount of each phase.
Minerals not recognized must be indicated as 0%. To evaluate the
amount of each mineral phase use the reference grids in the next
page. Note that indicating the amount of minor phases as <10%
means total is not expected to be 100%.

0 <10% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Tourmali
ne
K-
feldspar
Olivine
Oxides
Quartz
Pyroxene
Biotite
Plagiocla
se

Reference grids

In order to define the rock you must recalculate the relative amount
of Q, A and P

Estimated Recalc to 100

value
Q (Quartz)
A (K-feldspar)
P (Plagioclase)
Sum Q+A+P Sum =100
Plot in Q-A-P by colouring the compositional field
You can use the triangular plot aside to help in
finding the correct position

The observed rock is: ________________________________

Score:

Plot in the right field: 4 points

Plot in the fields adjacent to the correct one: 1 points

 STOP 9, 20’ Records from the past
- Instruction sheet -
Background information
To help to make climate forecasts for the future, it is useful to study past climate. The field of science which aims to gain better
insight into past climate on Earth and the mechanisms that are causing climate change is called palaeoclimatology.

The floors of oceans and lakes are covered with various layers of mud-like sediments, which contain fossils. One type of fossil
from lake or ocean sediments that is often used by palaeoclimatologists is diatoms. Each kind of diatom has a different shape
of its skeleton. This difference is used to identify the various fossil types of diatom.

In addition to this, every species grows optimally under a certain temperature called the optimal temperature (To), so the
presence of a certain species can provide some clues about the climate at the time when the individuals were still alive.

Scientists can determine the temperature at the time of formation, which is called the balanced average temperature (Tm), by
applying the following formula:

Aim
Reconstructing a climate history by analyzing the types of diatoms from a sediment core.

Materials
10 Petri dishes that correspond to sediment samples from different parts of a sediment core. The depth and age are indicated on
each Petri dish. (BP years= years Before Present)
Sample Age (BP Depth (cm)
number years)
1 1000 5
2 2000 10
3 3000 15
4 4000 20
5 5000 25
6 6000 30
7 7000 35
8 8000 40
9 9000 45
10 10000 50
Each Petri dish contains 12 pink, green, yellow and purple beads. Each color represents a specific type of diatom that survives
best in certain temperatures (= optimal temperature, To).
Type of diatom To (°C)
pink 20
yellow 15
green 10
purple 5
Procedure
1. Color the attached diagram (on the worksheet) according to the diatom composition found in each Petri dish. Count
the amount of beads of each color found in each Petri dish and color the circles accordingly. From the bottom
(horizontal axis) to the top of each column of circles, color first the pink ones, then the yellow ones, the green ones,
and the purple ones.
2. Draw a line above the top set of pink dots ; this will give you a line with the age on the X-axis and the number of
diatoms per type on the Y-axis.
3. Calculate the balanced average temperature (Tm) for depths at 1000 years BP, 4000 years BP and 7000 years BP . Fill
the “Table of the Tm values” and answer the question according to the instructions provided.

This activity has been adapted for IESO2011 from the original version titled “Experiment from the Past” published by International Polar
Foundation http://www.educapoles.org/ (1 of 3 )
 Records from the past (2,4pt)
− Worksheet , Diagram -

Table of Tm values
Age (years BP) Tm (°C)
npink * T0,pink nyellow * T0,yellow ngreen * T0,green npurple * T0,purple ntotal
1000
4000
7000

This activity has been adapted for IESO2011 from the original version titled “Experiment from the Past” published by International Polar
Foundation http://www.educapoles.org/ (2 of 3 )
Analysis of the results
Question 1 (0,6pt)
Put the 3 time periods listed in the table above in the following ordinated list from the coldest (1) to the warmest (3)
1 (coldest) = time period________________Age (years BP)
2 = time period________________Age (years BP)
3 (warmest) = time period________________Age (years BP)

Question 2 (1,5pt)
The curves for the two warm periods show exactly the same maximum in terms of number of “pink diatoms” while the
balanced average temperature (Tm) for these periods differ, how can you explain that? (mark one correct answer)

a) The most recent warm period has more “purple diatoms”

b) The Tm takes into account the relative composition of diatoms present in each sample
c) The Tm takes into account the age of each samples
d) The optimal temperature of the “pink diatoms” changes according to the ages

This activity has been adapted for IESO2011 from the original version titled “Experiment from the Past” published by International Polar
Foundation http://www.educapoles.org/ (3 of 3 )
 STOP 10 15’
Practical activity – Remote Sensing
Processing and analysis of digital satellite imagery

Instructions Name:___________________________

• Download the data (Landsat satellite imagery of Venice) Country:_________________________

• Generate computerised colour images in
o True colour
o False colour
• Answer the questions

1) Data Download

Download all files from http://download.terra.unimore.it/ieso/ and save them on the Desktop
(double clicking on every file)

2) Open the satellite imagery

a) Start the LEOWorks3.0 programme (clicking on the Windows Start button)

b) Open the following files and press OK on the Image Preview window (cf. Fig.1):

• Venice_Band_1.tif (channel 1, blue).

• Venice_Band_2.tif (channel 2, green)

• Venice_Band_3.tif (channel 3, red)

• Venice_Band_4.tif (channel 4, near infrared NIR)

• Venice_Band_5.tif (channel 5, short wavelength infrared

SWIR)
Fig.1: Image Preview
window
• Venice_Band_7.tif (channel 7, short wavelength infrared
SWIR)

3) True-colour combination of spectral bands: generate a real colour image

• In the Menu bar click on: Image  Combine from…  [Red Green Blue], a new window
called Combine RGB appears (cf.
Fig.2)

• On the three input windows select the

bands:

a) for red (Select Red Band)

select Venice_Band_3,

b) for green (Select Green Band)

select Venice_Band_2
Fig.2: Combination of the spectral bands
c) for blue (Select Blue Band)
select Venice_Band_1.
1
Remote Sensing practical activity IESO 2011

• Clicking OK the combined true-colour image appears.

Keep it open in order to compare it with the next results.

Fig.3: False colour
4) False-colour combination: generate an infrared false colour infrared
image combination

• Repeat the steps of point 3) choosing now the following association of spectral bands (cf.
Fig.3):

a) for red select Venice_Band_4,

b) for green select Venice_Band_3
c) for blue select Venice_Band_2.
• Clicking on OK you obtain now an infrared false colour image of Venice.

Keep it open in order to compare it with the next results.

5) Try another combination: generate a different false colour image using other
spectral bands (754)

• Repeat the steps of point 3) choosing now this association of spectral

bands (cf. Fig.4):

a) for red select Venice_Band_7,

b) for green select Venice_Band_5
c) for blue select Venice_Band_4.
• Clicking on OK you obtain now a different false colour image of
Venice. Fig.4: False colour 754
combination

You have now created three different combined images of the same subject.
Observe and compare them in order to answer the following questions.

2
Remote Sensing practical activity IESO 2011

Questions
Only one answer per question is correct, mark the right one.
Every right answer corresponds to 0.35 points. 15’

The LANDSAT system constitutes the longest continuous record of the Earth surface

1) The Landsat satellite is Name:___________________________

a) polar b) geostationary
Country:_________________________
2) Landsat is used
a) for weather applications
b) land use
c) to constantly monitor a localised region on the Earth surface
d) none of them
The geometrical resolution of an image is the size of the pixels in meters.
3) Given that the Landsat images cover an area of 20 km × 20 km and that there are
500×500 pixels in the image, which is its resolution?
a) 20
b) 40
c) 400
d) no answer is correct
In this practical activity you used different spectral bands, every single image
reflects a part of the electromagnetic spectrum
4) Which of the following bands are outside the visible spectrum?
a) red
b) red and NIR
c) near and middle infrared
d) green and blue
The combined images are, respectively, true- and false-colour combinations of the
three visible channels red, green, blue, or further spectral channels of a Landsat
scene.
5) False-colour images are used to
a) increase the interpretability of satellite images
b) provide visually impaired people a mean for detecting the same features in land use
Comparing the combined images obtained from steps 3), 4), 5) in the Instruction
sheet:
6) The colours of the different features of the soil depend on the bands selected for the
combination, because every object has its own radiation characteristics
a) true; b) false
7) Which channel is best suited to give information regarding vegetation?
a) green
b) infrared
c) red
d) none of them
8) The infrared range is very useful for interpreting the Earth's surface because
a) it consists of reflected and emitted energy
b) it gives information about the vitality/health status of the vegetation
c) none of them
d) both of them
Referring to the image obtained combining the spectral bands 7, 5, 4:
9) For which application is this combination useful?
a) to detect coast lines and shores that are well defined due to this combination
b) to find textural and moisture characteristics of soils
c) both of them
d) none of them
10) In combined image 754, vegetation appears to be
a) red
3
Remote Sensing practical activity IESO 2011

b) green
c) blue

4
END