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USA Geography Trivia Quiz: 18 Questions on Natural Wonders
Test your knowledge of America’s most spectacular natural wonders with this comprehensive geography trivia quiz. From towering mountain ranges to deep canyons and unique geological formations, these 18 questions explore some of the most remarkable natural features found across the United States.
1. Grand Canyon Depth
What is the maximum depth of the Grand Canyon in Arizona? The correct answer is 6,093 feet (1,857 meters). The canyon, carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, spans 277 miles in length and up to 18 miles in width.
2. Old Faithful Timing
How often does Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park erupt? The geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes, shooting water up to 184 feet into the air. Each eruption lasts between 1.5 to 5 minutes.
3. Death Valley Location
In which two states is Death Valley located? Death Valley spans across California and Nevada, with the majority lying in California. It’s notable for containing the lowest point in North America.
4. Denali Height
What is the height of Denali, North America’s tallest peak? Denali reaches 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level, making it the highest mountain peak in North America.
5. 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.
6. Great Salt Lake Salinity
What is the average salinity of Utah’s Great Salt Lake? The lake’s salinity ranges from 12-27%, making it much saltier than the ocean’s average 3.5% salinity.
7. Niagara Falls Flow Rate
What is the average water flow rate over Niagara Falls? During peak daytime tourist hours, the flow rate is approximately 100,000 cubic feet per second.
8. Redwood Height Record
How tall is the tallest known redwood tree? Hyperion, the tallest known living tree on Earth, stands at 380.1 feet (115.92 meters) tall in California’s Redwood National Park.
9. Crater Lake Depth
What is the maximum depth of Crater Lake in Oregon? The lake reaches a depth of 1,949 feet (594 meters), making it the deepest lake in the United States.
10. Mississippi River Length
What is the total length of the Mississippi River? The river flows approximately 2,340 miles from its source at Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.
11. Badlands Formation Age
How old are the rock formations in South Dakota’s Badlands? The layers of rock in the Badlands began forming approximately 75 million years ago.
12. Carlsbad Caverns Chambers
How many known chambers are there in Carlsbad Caverns? The cave system contains more than 119 known caves, with the largest chamber being 8.2 acres in size.
13. Everglades Area
What is the total area of Florida’s Everglades? The Everglades ecosystem covers approximately 2 million acres across southern Florida.
14. 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.
15. Appalachian Trail Length
What is the total length of the Appalachian Trail? The trail extends approximately 2,190 miles through 14 states from Georgia to Maine.
16. Hawaii Volcanoes
How many active volcanoes are there in Hawaii? The Hawaiian Islands have 6 active volcanoes, with Kilauea being one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
17. Mojave Desert Size
What is the total area of the Mojave Desert? The desert covers approximately 47,877 square miles across four states: California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.
18. Great Smoky Mountains Biodiversity
How many species of native trees are found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? The park contains over 130 species of native trees, making it one of the most biodiverse temperate regions in the world.
Conclusion
These 18 questions highlight the incredible diversity and scale of natural wonders found throughout the United States. From the world’s longest cave system to the tallest trees on Earth, America’s landscape features some of the most remarkable geological and biological phenomena. Understanding these natural wonders helps appreciate the country’s unique geographical heritage and the importance of preserving these natural treasures for future generations.