Washington's Natural Geography Quiz

Answer: Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains do not reach the boundaries of Washington. The two main mountain ranges featured in Washington are the Cascades and the Olympics. The Cascade Mountains are characterized by volcanic activity. The Olympic Mountains are beautifully draped by a temperate rain forest. Other regions are the Okanogan Highlands, Puget Lowland, Blue Mountains, and Willapa Hills.

Answer: Massive floods

During the end of the ice age, glaciers dammed up the Clark Fork River in Montana, creating Lake Missoula. Periodically, the water pressure burst through the dam and rushed into Washington. Scientists believe that these floods, racing toward the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean, could have been as fast as 500 miles per hour.

This build up and flooding happened repeatedly. These repeated floods carved the coulees, which means 'to flow' in French, out of the landscape. These coulees appear as deep, steep canyons.

Answer: Prairie Dog

The range of the prairie dog does not venture as far west as Washington, but is more common to the interior of the United States. Coyotes and rattlesnakes are commonplace in Eastern Washington. Rattlesnakes are nicknamed the gentlemen's snake as they politely warn before striking. With the resurgence of the endangered bald eagle population, they can be spotted all over the state.

Answer: Spirit Lake

While all of these lakes are in the state, Spirit Lake is the only one near the volcano. Helicopter pilots' efforts to rescue survivors on the mountain that day were hampered by the moving of Spirit Lake and other landmarks. The once pristine lake was devastated by the eruption, killing its inhabitants with toxic gases.

The volcano has shown scientists that major geographical changes can occur within minutes.

Answer: Columbia Plateau

These ancient lava flows were released through vents in the region. They pushed the Columbia River to her present position, but were ultimately stopped by the waterway. The mineral rich basalt provided the region with fertile soil. Well-preserved fossils, such as petrified wood and leaf impressions, can be found as remnants of the formerly active region.

Answer: All of them

The Seattle region receives 38.25 inches of rain on average each year. Philadelphia receives about 42.05, while Boston gets approximately 42.53. Miami is drowned 58.53 inches on average. The East Coast of the Unites States receives more rain than the Seattle area on average. However, the frequency of rain showers is what gives the region its rainy reputation.

Answer: Rain shadow

Some parts of Washington state qualify to be a desert from the lack of precipitation. Some of this land has been harnessed for agriculture by use of irrigation from rivers. For example, the Wenatchee Valley uses water from the Columbia River to water the apple orchards.

The Seattle area is also in rain shadow from the Olympic Mountains. Otherwise, it would be as wet as the temperate rainforest on the Olympic peninsula.

Answer: Redwood

Washington's abundance of coniferous trees has given it the nickname of the "Evergreen State". Hiking and camping in the expansive national parks has been a favorite pastime of Washingtonians for many years. Unfortunately, dry weather and the large forests often make Eastern Washington a hotbed for forest fires. Government services conduct control burns in some areas to lower the risk of dangerous fires.

Answer: False

The source of the Columbia River begins in Canada. However, it also acts as a border between Washington and Oregon at the end, before flowing out into the Pacific Ocean. The river is full of numerous salmon runs and provides a water source for the drier eastern half of the state.

Its large volume and power makes the river an ideal source for hydroelectric power. The need for this power along with potential damage to the environment has been the source of a heated debate.

Answer: Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus wins the contest with 7,980 feet. The other mountain answer choices are actually all a part of the Cascade Range. While Mount Olympus is the highest in her range, Mount Rainier is the tallest in the state. Mount Olympus is situated in the Olympic National Park, which also boasts forest and coastal landscapes. According to the official park website, Hurricane Ridge gives visitors a good view of the mountain landscape.