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Awesome Antarctica! Trivia Quiz

The mysterious and widely unexplored continent of Antarctica is filled with natural wonders. How much do you know about this unique landmass?

A multiple-choice quiz by AlMonkey. Estimated time: 6 mins.

Author
AlMonkey

Time
6 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
70,281

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Difficult

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
1874

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Antarctica is: Hint

the driest continent

all of these

the highest continent

the continent with the lowest surface point

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which country has the largest claim in Antarctica? Hint

Australia

United States

New Zealand

Chile

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Question 3 of 10

3. What is the name of the largest glacier in Antarctica - and the world? Hint

Beardmore Glacier

South Pole Glacier

Ross Ice Shelf

Lambert Glacier

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Question 4 of 10

4. What is Deception Island, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, famous for? Hint

It appears and disappears with the tide

It's really a huge iceberg that resembles an island

It is the southernmost island in the world

People can swim there

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Question 5 of 10

5. The ALH 84-001 meteorite was named for the area of Antarctica in which it was found - the Allan Hills. What is the meteorite's claim to fame? Hint

It is the largest known meteorite

It was the first artificial meteorite

It is made of a previously unknown substance

It is the best evidence of life on Mars

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Question 6 of 10

6. What are the cold, dry winds that blow downhill at up to 300 km (180 mi) per hour called? Hint

penguin-pulverizers

polar trade winds

katabatic winds

Santa Ana winds

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Question 7 of 10

7. What is the largest Antarctic land animal? Hint

polar bear

penguin

midge

seal

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Question 8 of 10

8. Which Antarctic research base is located at the South Pole? Hint

Casey

Amundsen-Scott

Polar Base

Bellingshausen

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Question 9 of 10

9. Which Antarctic base is located above a subglacial lake the size of Lake Ontario? Hint

Bellingshausen

Vostok

McMurdo Sound

Erebus

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Question 10 of 10

10. This mountain, the southernmost volcano in the world, is located on Ross Island and rises 3794 meters.

Answer: (Two Words)

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Antarctica is:

Answer: all of these

The whole of Antarctica is a polar desert, with an average precipitation amount similar to that of the Sahara. Its thick ice sheet gives it the highest average elevation of all the continents. Finally, there is a spot in West Antarctica 2550 meters below sea level. However, it is covered by 4347 meters of ice.

2. Which country has the largest claim in Antarctica?

Answer: Australia

There are no countries in Antarctica, but, under the Antarctic treaty of 1958, it is divided into territorial claims by several countries. The Australian claim makes up almost half of the continental landmass.

3. What is the name of the largest glacier in Antarctica - and the world?

Answer: Lambert Glacier

Lambert even has several large tributary glaciers. It flows into the Indian Ocean.

4. What is Deception Island, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, famous for?

Answer: People can swim there

Deception Island is the semi-submerged summit of an active volcano. The waters around the island are geothermally heated and warm enough to swim in. The island is a popular tourist destination. It must be an awe-inspiring experience - swimming among glaciers, seals, penguins...

5. The ALH 84-001 meteorite was named for the area of Antarctica in which it was found - the Allan Hills. What is the meteorite's claim to fame?

Answer: It is the best evidence of life on Mars

This tiny piece of space rock, proven to come from Mars, contained fossilized bacteria. Scientists have not yet proven, however, that the bacteria were not terrestrial bacteria that somehow found their way into the meteorite.

6. What are the cold, dry winds that blow downhill at up to 300 km (180 mi) per hour called?

Answer: katabatic winds

A scientific term for extremely cold wind that form when frigid air descends from the polar plateau. Because of convection, the cold air stays close to the ground and moves downhill quickly. Katabatic winds make Antarctica the windiest continent.

7. What is the largest Antarctic land animal?

Answer: midge

The midge Parochlus Steineni produces a natural antifreeze which helps it to survive in Antarctica's frigid interior. The other animals, while much larger, live and feed mainly in the water. The polar bear does not live anywhere near Antarctica.

8. Which Antarctic research base is located at the South Pole?

Answer: Amundsen-Scott

This base is named for the first two explorers to reach the South Pole, Roald Amundsen and Robert F. Scott.

9. Which Antarctic base is located above a subglacial lake the size of Lake Ontario?

Answer: Vostok

Vostok base also experienced the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth, -89 C.

10. This mountain, the southernmost volcano in the world, is located on Ross Island and rises 3794 meters.

Answer: Mt. Erebus

This highly active volcano is sandwiched between the Ross Ice Shelf and McMurdo Sound, the major base of Antarctic exploration.

Source: Author AlMonkey

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Tizzabelle before going online.
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