Geography Desert Quiz Questions

1. Which is the world's largest, coldest desert?

Gobi Desert, Asia

Antarctica

Simpson Desert, Australia

Black Rock Desert, North America

Antarctica is the world's largest, coldest desert because it meets the criteria of a desert, which is an area that receives very little precipitation. Despite its icy appearance, Antarctica is considered a desert because it receives less than 10 inches of precipitation per year. Additionally, it is the largest desert in the world, covering an area of approximately 14 million square kilometers. Its extreme cold temperatures, with an average of -49 degrees Celsius (-56 degrees Fahrenheit), further support its classification as the coldest desert.

Explanation

Antarctica is the world's largest, coldest desert because it meets the criteria of a desert, which is an area that receives very little precipitation. Despite its icy appearance, Antarctica is considered a desert because it receives less than 10 inches of precipitation per year. Additionally, it is the largest desert in the world, covering an area of approximately 14 million square kilometers. Its extreme cold temperatures, with an average of -49 degrees Celsius (-56 degrees Fahrenheit), further support its classification as the coldest desert.

2. How much rain would you get in a desert? (in inches)

5 or less inches

10 or less inches

15 or less inches

None

In a desert, the amount of rain is typically very low. The correct answer, "10 or less inches", indicates that the maximum amount of rainfall in a desert would be 10 inches or less. This suggests that deserts receive very little precipitation, with some areas potentially receiving no rain at all.

Explanation

In a desert, the amount of rain is typically very low. The correct answer, "10 or less inches", indicates that the maximum amount of rainfall in a desert would be 10 inches or less. This suggests that deserts receive very little precipitation, with some areas potentially receiving no rain at all.

3. How much of the world is covered with deserts?

1/5

2/5

3/5

4/5

Approximately one-fifth of the world is covered with deserts. This means that around 20% of the Earth's land surface consists of desert regions. Deserts are characterized by their arid climate, low precipitation, and sparse vegetation. They can be found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, North America, and Australia. The vast expanse of deserts plays a crucial role in the global ecosystem and has unique plant and animal adaptations to survive in such harsh environments.

Explanation

Approximately one-fifth of the world is covered with deserts. This means that around 20% of the Earth's land surface consists of desert regions. Deserts are characterized by their arid climate, low precipitation, and sparse vegetation. They can be found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, North America, and Australia. The vast expanse of deserts plays a crucial role in the global ecosystem and has unique plant and animal adaptations to survive in such harsh environments.

4. How Big is the Sahara Desert? (square kilometers)

7,000,000 square kilometers

8,000,000 square kilometers

9,000,000 square kilometers

10,000,000 square kilometers

The Sahara Desert is estimated to cover an area of 10,000,000 square kilometers. This vast desert spans across several countries in North Africa, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. It is the largest hot desert in the world, characterized by its extreme heat, arid climate, and vast stretches of sand dunes. The expansive size of the Sahara makes it a prominent feature on the African continent and a significant geographical landmark.

Explanation

The Sahara Desert is estimated to cover an area of 10,000,000 square kilometers. This vast desert spans across several countries in North Africa, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. It is the largest hot desert in the world, characterized by its extreme heat, arid climate, and vast stretches of sand dunes. The expansive size of the Sahara makes it a prominent feature on the African continent and a significant geographical landmark.

5. Which country is the Mojave Desert in?

Asia

New Zealand

Europe

America

The Mojave Desert is located in America. It is a vast desert that spans across parts of the states of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. It is known for its extreme temperatures, unique desert wildlife, and iconic landscapes such as Joshua Tree National Park.

Explanation

The Mojave Desert is located in America. It is a vast desert that spans across parts of the states of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. It is known for its extreme temperatures, unique desert wildlife, and iconic landscapes such as Joshua Tree National Park.