1.
Antarctica is home to over 90% of the Earth's supply of which substance?
Correct Answer
B. Ice
Explanation
Antarctica is home to over 90% of the Earth's supply of ice. This is because Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth, with extremely low temperatures that allow for the accumulation and preservation of ice over long periods of time. The ice in Antarctica is in the form of glaciers, ice sheets, and ice shelves, and it plays a crucial role in regulating global climate and sea levels.
2.
Which of the Earth's five oceans covers the smallest area?
Correct Answer
D. Arctic
Explanation
The Arctic Ocean covers the smallest area among the Earth's five oceans. It is located at the northernmost part of the planet, surrounding the North Pole. The Arctic Ocean is relatively smaller compared to the other oceans, namely the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific. It is mainly covered by ice throughout the year, which limits its surface area. The Arctic Ocean is known for its extreme cold temperatures and unique ecosystem, including species such as polar bears, seals, and whales.
3.
The Dead Sea, the land point lying lowest below sea level, is between which two countries?
Correct Answer
C. Jordan and Israel
Explanation
The Dead Sea, the land point lying lowest below sea level, is located between Jordan and Israel. The Dead Sea is a saltwater lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the west. It is known for its high salt concentration, which makes it impossible for aquatic life to survive in its waters. The unique geographical location of the Dead Sea, between Jordan and Israel, has made it a popular tourist destination for its therapeutic properties and the opportunity to float effortlessly in its buoyant waters.
4.
Which European body of water is the largest lake in the world by square mile?
Correct Answer
D. Caspian Sea
Explanation
The Caspian Sea is the correct answer because it is the largest lake in the world by square mile. It is located between Europe and Asia and has a surface area of about 143,000 square miles. Despite being called a sea, it is technically a lake because it is not connected to any oceans. The Caspian Sea is bordered by several countries including Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan. It is an important body of water for the region, providing valuable resources such as oil and natural gas.
5.
Seismologist Charles F. Richter's scale measures which natural phenomenon?
Correct Answer
B. Earthquake magnitude
Explanation
The correct answer is earthquake magnitude. The Richter scale, developed by seismologist Charles F. Richter, is used to measure the magnitude or strength of earthquakes. It quantifies the amount of energy released during an earthquake by measuring the amplitude of seismic waves. The scale is logarithmic, meaning that each whole number increase on the scale represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude and approximately 31.6 times more energy release.
6.
What lies between San Juan, Puerto Rico, the island of Bermuda and Miami, Florida?
Correct Answer
D. Bermuda Triangle
Explanation
The Bermuda Triangle is the correct answer because it is an area in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean where numerous aircraft and ships have mysteriously disappeared. It is located between San Juan, Puerto Rico, the island of Bermuda, and Miami, Florida. The Bermuda Triangle has gained a reputation for unexplained phenomena and has been the subject of many theories and speculations.
7.
Where would you find the Marianas Trench?
Correct Answer
D. The ocean floor
Explanation
The Marianas Trench is located in the ocean floor. It is the deepest part of the world's oceans, reaching a depth of about 36,070 feet (10,994 meters). This trench is located in the western Pacific Ocean, east of the Mariana Islands. It is known for its extreme depth and unique marine life that has adapted to survive in the extreme conditions of the deep sea.
8.
Where would you have to travel to visit the longest unbroken mountain chain in the world?
Correct Answer
D. The Atlantic Ocean floor
Explanation
The correct answer is the Atlantic Ocean floor. This is because the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which runs along the floor of the Atlantic Ocean, is the longest unbroken mountain chain in the world. It stretches for about 16,000 kilometers from the Arctic Ocean to the southern tip of Africa. The ridge is formed by tectonic activity, where the Eurasian and North American plates are moving apart, creating new oceanic crust and pushing up the underwater mountains.
9.
Which natural peak stands 29,029 feet above sea level?
Correct Answer
B. Mt. Everest
Explanation
Mt. Everest is the correct answer because it is the highest peak in the world, standing at 29,029 feet above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and China. Mt. Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania and is the highest peak in Africa, but it is not as tall as Mt. Everest. Mt. Mitchell is the highest peak in the eastern United States, but it is not as tall as Mt. Everest. Mt. Etna is a volcano in Italy, but it is not a peak that stands as high as Mt. Everest.
10.
At 3,614 feet deep, which state's Kazamura Cave is the deepest cave in the United States?
Correct Answer
B. Hawaii
Explanation
Kazamura Cave in Hawaii is the deepest cave in the United States, reaching a depth of 3,614 feet. This cave surpasses the depth of any other cave in the country, making Hawaii the state with the deepest cave. California, Alaska, and Delaware do not have caves that reach this depth, making them incorrect options.
11.
The Kohinoor, a 105 carat cut diamond, belongs to which group?
Correct Answer
B. British crown jewels
Explanation
The Kohinoor, a 105 carat cut diamond, belongs to the British crown jewels. This means that it is part of the collection of precious jewels and regalia that are owned by the British monarchy. The British crown jewels are a symbol of the British monarchy's power and wealth, and they are kept in the Tower of London. The Kohinoor diamond has a long and controversial history, having been passed down through various rulers and empires before coming into the possession of the British crown.
12.
Which continent, the smallest in area, covers only 3 million square miles?
Correct Answer
A. Australia
Explanation
Australia is the correct answer because it is the smallest continent in terms of land area, covering only 3 million square miles. This is significantly smaller than the other continents listed, such as Asia, Europe, and Africa, which have much larger land areas.
13.
Which 1,600 mile reef is the largest coral reef in the world?
Correct Answer
C. The Great Barrier Reef
Explanation
The Great Barrier Reef is the correct answer because it is widely recognized as the largest coral reef in the world, stretching over 1,600 miles along the coast of Australia. It is home to a diverse range of marine life and is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. The reef is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, further highlighting its significance and importance in the world.
14.
The Bentley Subglacial Trench is an 8,383-foot thick sheet of which substance?
Correct Answer
A. Ice
Explanation
The Bentley Subglacial Trench is a massive sheet that is 8,383 feet thick. The only substance that can form such a thick sheet is ice. Ice sheets can accumulate over time in areas where temperatures are consistently below freezing, such as in polar regions. The weight of the accumulated snow compresses the lower layers, turning them into ice. In the case of the Bentley Subglacial Trench, the thick sheet is composed of ice.