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American Landmarks Trivia: 20 Questions on Natural Wonders
The United States boasts an incredible array of natural wonders that attract millions of visitors each year. From towering mountains to deep canyons, these landmarks showcase Earth’s geological masterpieces. Here are 20 fascinating trivia questions and answers about America’s most remarkable natural wonders.
1. Grand Canyon Depth
How deep is the Grand Canyon at its deepest point? The answer is 6,093 feet (1,857 meters), making it one of the most impressive geological formations in the world. The canyon stretches for 277 miles through Arizona’s colorful landscape.
2. Old Faithful’s Schedule
How often does Old Faithful geyser erupt in Yellowstone National Park? This famous geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, with remarkable predictability that earned it its name. Each eruption lasts between 1.5 to 5 minutes.
3. Denali’s Height
What is the elevation of Denali, North America’s highest peak? Denali reaches an impressive 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level, making it the tallest mountain in North America.
4. Mammoth Cave System
How long is the Mammoth Cave system in Kentucky? The cave system extends for more than 400 miles of surveyed passageways, making it the longest known cave system in the world.
5. Death Valley’s Temperature
What is the highest temperature ever recorded in Death Valley? The record stands at 134°F (56.7°C), recorded in 1913, making it the highest reliably recorded temperature on Earth.
6. Niagara Falls Flow Rate
How many gallons of water flow over Niagara Falls per second? During peak daytime tourist hours, approximately 750,000 gallons of water per second flow over the falls.
7. Crater Lake Depth
How deep is Crater Lake in Oregon? The lake reaches a depth of 1,943 feet (592 meters), making it the deepest lake in the United States.
8. Sequoia Tree Age
How old is the oldest known Giant Sequoia? The oldest known Giant Sequoia is approximately 3,200 years old, located in California’s Sequoia National Park.
9. Great Salt Lake Salinity
How much saltier is the Great Salt Lake than the ocean? The lake is 3-5 times saltier than the ocean, with an average salinity of 12%.
10. Mount St. Helens Eruption
How much elevation did Mount St. Helens lose in its 1980 eruption? The mountain lost 1,314 feet (401 meters) of elevation when its northern face collapsed.
11. Devils Tower Height
How tall is Devils Tower in Wyoming? The tower rises 867 feet (264 meters) from its base to its summit, standing as an iconic landmark in American geology.
12. Carlsbad Caverns Depth
How far below the surface does Carlsbad Caverns extend? The deepest point accessible to tourists is 1,027 feet (313 meters) below the surface.
13. Everglades Size
What is the total area of the Florida Everglades? The Everglades ecosystem covers approximately 2 million acres of southern Florida.
14. Mauna Loa Volume
What is the volume of Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano? The volcano has a volume of approximately 18,000 cubic miles (75,000 cubic kilometers).
15. Redwood Height
How tall is the tallest known Redwood tree? The current tallest known Redwood stands at 380.1 feet (115.92 meters) high.
16. Natural Bridge Span
What is the span of Utah’s Rainbow Bridge, the world’s largest natural bridge? The bridge spans 234 feet (71 meters) and stands 290 feet (88 meters) tall.
17. Kilauea Activity
How long has Kilauea volcano been continuously erupting? Prior to 2018, Kilauea had been erupting continuously since 1983, making it one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
18. Glacier National Park Ice
How many active glaciers remain in Glacier National Park? As of 2023, only 25 active glaciers remain, down from approximately 150 in 1850.
19. Yosemite Falls Height
What is the total drop of Yosemite Falls? The falls have a total drop of 2,425 feet (739 meters), making them North America’s tallest waterfall.
20. Haleakalā Crater Size
What is the size of Haleakalā’s crater in Maui? The crater is 7.5 miles long, 2.5 miles wide, and 3,000 feet deep, though it’s technically not a true crater but an erosional valley.
These natural wonders represent just a fraction of America’s diverse geological and natural heritage. From the world’s longest cave system to the tallest trees on Earth, these landmarks continue to inspire awe and wonder in millions of visitors each year. Understanding these facts helps appreciate the scale and significance of these natural treasures, which serve as reminders of Earth’s powerful geological forces and the importance of conservation efforts to preserve them for future generations.