RAS question
Consider the following statements about the Channel Tunnel (Chunnel): 1. It connects the United Kingdom to France under the English Channel. 2. It was opened in 1994. 3. The Eurostar train service uses the Channel Tunnel. 4. It is the world's longest underwater tunnel. Which of the above statements is/are CORRECT?
Correct answer: (C) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The Channel Tunnel is a rail tunnel under the English Channel linking the United Kingdom and France; it opened in 1994, carries Eurostar services, and has the world's longest undersea tunnel section.
Explanation
All four statements are correct. The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory page describes the Channel Tunnel as a 50.5 km rail tunnel beneath the English Channel at the Straits of Dover, connecting England with northern France. The tunnel was officially opened in 1994, and Eurostar passengers use it. The fourth statement needs careful reading: the Channel Tunnel is not being tested as the longest tunnel in every possible category, but for its undersea stretch. Its 37.9 km undersea section is treated as the world's longest undersea tunnel section and is unsurpassed in length worldwide.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) A leaves out statement 3, although Eurostar passenger services use the Channel Tunnel.
- (B) B leaves out statement 4, although the undersea section is unsurpassed in length worldwide.
- (D) D leaves out statement 1, even though the tunnel is expressly described as running beneath the English Channel and linking England with northern France.
Concept
This tests transport geography, especially strategic transnational links and major engineering corridors. RAS often asks such questions because tunnels, straits, canals and rail links connect physical geography with economic and geopolitical movement.