RAS question
Which is the correct sequence of the highest peaks of each continent from tallest to shortest?
Correct answer: (A) Everest > Aconcagua > Denali > Kilimanjaro > Elbrus > Vinson > Puncak Jaya.
The highest continental peaks from tallest to shortest are Everest, Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson and Puncak Jaya.
Explanation
The Seven Summits must be ranked by each continent's highest peak by elevation, not by continent order or familiarity. The established sequence is Everest in Asia at 8,849 m, Aconcagua in South America at 6,961 m, Denali in North America at 6,190 m, Kilimanjaro in Africa at 5,895 m, Elbrus in Europe at 5,642 m, Vinson in Antarctica at 4,892 m and Puncak Jaya in Oceania at 4,884 m. Britannica identifies Everest as Asia's and the world's highest mountain, Aconcagua as South America's highest point, Denali as North America's highest peak, Kilimanjaro for Africa, Elbrus for Europe, Vinson for Antarctica, and Jaya Peak when Oceania is included.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Kilimanjaro cannot come before Aconcagua because Aconcagua at 6,961 m is taller than Kilimanjaro at 5,895 m.
- (C) Kilimanjaro cannot come before Denali because Denali at 6,190 m is taller than Kilimanjaro at 5,895 m.
- (D) Elbrus cannot come before Kilimanjaro, and Puncak Jaya cannot come before Vinson, because Kilimanjaro at 5,895 m is taller than Elbrus at 5,642 m, and Vinson at 4,892 m is slightly taller than Puncak Jaya at 4,884 m.
Concept
World physical geography ranks the Seven Summits and continental high points by precise elevation. RAS often uses such rankings to test precise map-based memory and the ability to separate nearby elevation values.