Mind-Blowing Geography Facts
Our world is full of amazing surprises, and sometimes, geography can be way more fascinating than we think. Here are some super cool geography facts that will totally change the way you see the world!
Alaska’s Geography Twist:
Did you know that Alaska is both the westernmost and easternmost state in the U.S.? This happens because there’s a little island called Semisopochnoi that stretches so far west that it enters the Eastern Hemisphere.
Antarctica, the Unusual Desert:
When we hear “desert,” we usually think of hot, sandy places. But guess what? Antarctica, the icy continent, is the world’s largest desert! A desert is simply a place that gets very little rain, and Antarctica fits the bill.
Most People Live Up North:
Around 90% of the world’s population lives in the Northern Hemisphere. That’s where the majority of Earth’s 8 billion people call home.
Russia’s Time Zones Galore:
Russia is so enormous that it spans 11 different time zones! Imagine having 11 different times in one country!
Canada and Detroit’s Secret:
Parts of Canada are actually south of Detroit, a city in the United States. Windsor, Canada, dips down towards the U.S., so if you drive south in certain parts of Detroit, you’ll find yourself in Canada!
The Time Warp Islands:
Ever heard of the Diomedes Islands? They are Big Diomede (owned by Russia) and Little Diomede (owned by the U.S.). What’s fascinating is that they have a 21-hour time difference between them, so they’re jokingly called Tomorrow and Yesterday Island.
Istanbul’s Continental Split:
Istanbul, a city in Turkey, is the only place in the world that sits on two continents – Europe and Asia. You can visit two continents in one trip by crossing the Bosporus Strait.
Earth’s Peculiar Points:
Mount Chimborazo is the highest point on Earth if you consider how far it is from the center of our planet. But Mount Everest is the highest mountain above sea level. It’s like two different ways of measuring tallness!
Continents on the Move:
Believe it or not, continents move. They can shift about an inch a year, which is about the same rate that our fingernails grow. When things get really intense, they can move even faster.
Shrinking Appalachians and Growing Himalayas:
The Appalachian Mountains used to be as tall as the Himalayas, but over time, rain and wind have made them shrink. On the other hand, the Himalayas are still growing because the plates beneath India and Asia are pushing into each other. However, both ranges are also slowly getting eroded.
Sinking Dead Sea:
The Dead Sea is a remarkable place, but it’s sinking! It’s already 1,407 feet below sea level, and it’s sinking about 3 feet a year. So, the Dead Sea is slowly disappearing.
Isn’t geography amazing? It’s full of surprises and makes you see the world in a whole new light!
