Physical Aspects (Mountains, Plateaus, Plains, Deserts) MCQ — 172 Practice Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Peru (Humboldt) Current is a cold current flowing northward along Chile and Peru. By cooling the air above, it prevents moisture from reaching the land, contributing to the extreme aridity of the Atacama Desert. It also supports one of the world's richest marine ecosystems.

Explanation

The Antarctic Desert (14.2 million sq km) is the largest desert in the world (a cold desert). The Sahara (9.2 million sq km) is the largest hot desert. A desert is defined by low precipitation, not just heat.

Explanation

Fold mountains form when two tectonic plates converge and compress rock layers into folds. Examples: Himalayas (Indian + Eurasian plates), Andes (Nazca + South American), Alps (African + Eurasian). They are geologically young mountains.

Explanation

Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in Tanzania is the highest peak in Africa. It is a dormant stratovolcano and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.

Explanation

Asia is the most populous continent with approximately 4.7 billion people, accounting for about 60% of the world's population. China and India together contribute over 2.8 billion people.