World Geography Superlatives

This mountain range, home to the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, stretches across Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Tibet. What is the highest mountain range on Earth?

• The Rockies

• The Andes

• The Himalayas

• The Alps

Answer explanation

The Himalayas is the highest mountain range on Earth, featuring Mount Everest, the tallest peak. It spans Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Tibet, distinguishing it from other ranges like the Rockies, Andes, and Alps.

Stretching along the western coast of South America, this mountain range is the longest in the world, covering over 4,300 miles. What is its name?

• The Rockies

• The Appalachian Mountains

• The Andes

• The Ural Mountains

Answer explanation

The Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, stretching over 4,300 miles along the western coast of South America. The other options, like the Rockies and the Appalachians, are shorter and located in different regions.

Though not the tallest above sea level, this Hawaiian volcano is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from its base at the ocean floor to its peak. What is its name?

• Mauna Loa

• Mauna Kea

• Kilauea

• Denali

Answer explanation

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor to its peak, despite not being the tallest above sea level. It stands at about 10,210 meters (33,500 feet) when measured this way.

Covering an area of 31,700 square miles, this lake is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Located on the U.S.-Canada border, what is its name?

• Lake Baikal

• Lake Michigan

Answer explanation

Lake Baikal, located in Siberia, Russia, is the largest freshwater lake by surface area, covering about 31,700 square miles. Lake Michigan, while large, is not the largest freshwater lake in the world.

This group of five interconnected lakes forms the largest system of freshwater lakes on Earth. What are they called?

• The Finger Lakes

• The Laurentian Lakes

• The Great Lakes

• The Baltic Lakes

Answer explanation

The Great Lakes, consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, form the largest system of freshwater lakes on Earth, making them the correct answer to the question.

Located in the Pacific Ocean, this underwater trench is the deepest known point on Earth, reaching over 36,000 feet below sea level. What is it called?

• Java Trench

• Mariana Trench

• Puerto Rico Trench

• Tonga Trench

Answer explanation

The Mariana Trench is the deepest known point on Earth, reaching depths of over 36,000 feet below sea level, making it the correct answer. The other options, while significant, do not reach such depths.

At over 1,400 feet below sea level, this body of water on the border of Israel and Jordan is both the lowest point on Earth's surface and the saltiest natural body of water. What is its name?

• The Red Sea

• The Black Sea

• The Dead Sea

• The Caspian Sea

Answer explanation

The Dead Sea is located at over 1,400 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point on Earth's surface. It is also known for its high salinity, which distinguishes it as the saltiest natural body of water.

At an altitude of 12,500 feet, this South American lake is the highest navigable lake in the world. What is its name?

• Lake Titicaca

• Lake Maracaibo

• Lake Superior

• Lake Victoria

Answer explanation

Lake Titicaca, located at 12,500 feet, is recognized as the highest navigable lake in the world. The other options, such as Lake Maracaibo, Lake Superior, and Lake Victoria, do not hold this title.

Stretching over 1,400 miles off the northeastern coast of Australia, this is the largest coral reef system in the world. What is its name?

• The Great Barrier Reef

• The Coral Triangle

• The Australian Reef

• The Red Sea Reef

Answer explanation

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 1,400 miles along the northeastern coast of Australia, making it the correct answer compared to the other options.

Plunging 3,212 feet in Venezuela, this waterfall is the tallest in the world. What is its name?

• Iguazu Falls

• Niagara Falls

• Victoria Falls

• Angel Falls

Answer explanation

Angel Falls, located in Venezuela, is the tallest waterfall in the world, plunging 3,212 feet. The other options, Iguazu Falls, Niagara Falls, and Victoria Falls, are notable but not the tallest.