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Topography Hunt

Astronauts see some spectacular views in space.

Do you think you can test your topography and geography skills while being a Virtual Astronaut?

You won't be disappointed.

In this activity, you will locate landmarks the world over. Then, you get to view them from space!

A topographical map of the world with different colors representing different elevations.

Below you will find text descriptions of each feature in the activity.


Number One - Locate a peninsula on the east coast of the United States.

An orbital view of the Florida peninsula surrounded by the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Answer - The Florida Peninsula, Florida, U.S.A. (October 1998)

You have found the Gulf of Mexico! Do you see the Florida Peninsula?

The lighter blue in the Gulf is due to shallower water in the continental shelf.

The darker blue water is where water is deeper, up to 2,000 feet, or 610 meters.

Lake Okeechobee is visible in the south central part of Florida.


Number Two - Find a mountain range in North America.

An orbital view of a segment of the Canadian Rockies D

Answer - The Rocky Mountains, Canada (October 1994)

This is a color infrared image of a portion of the Rocky Mountains and the Columbia River.

The red color you see is actually green tree covered slopes.

When the photo was taken, snow covered the higher elevations 9,000 feet, or 2,740 meters above sea level.


Number Three - Locate the world's longest river. It runs through a desert in North Africa.

An orbital view of a segment of the Nile River D

Answer - The Nile River, Southern Egypt (October 1988)

This bend in the Nile River of North Africa is home to many historical points.


Number Four - Locate a glacier in the US's forty-ninth state.

An orbital view of Brady Glacier showing a network of rivers flowing around large broken-up areas of white (snow) and light blue (ice) coloration.

Answer - Brady Glacier and Glacier Bay, Alaska, U.S.A. (October 1994)

This is Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

It is named for Glacier Bay.

The park has about 16 tidewater glaciers.

It is accessible by plane or boat.


Number Five - This fiftieth state has active volcanoes.

An orbital view of the coast of Hawaii and the Pacific ocean with the shadowed view of Kilauea and Mokuaweoweo Craters along the top of the picture.

Answer - Kilauea and Mokuaweoweo Craters, Hawaii, U.S.A. (September 1993)

This is the summit and southeast portion of Mauna Loa Volcano.

Mauna Loa is a shield volcano because its low angle cone shape resembles that of a warrior's shield.

Two of the most active volcanic craters are located in this area.

They are Mokuaweoweo Crater and Kilauea Crater.


Number Six - Locate the tallest mountain peak on Earth.

An orbital view of Mount Everest. D

Answer - Mount Everest, Tibet and Nepal (November 1994)

You have found Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

Mount Everest is located on the border between Tibet and Nepal in the central Himalayan Mountains.

Mount Everest boasts a height of 29,028 feet, or 8854 meters, above sea level.


Number Seven - Locate the largest coral reef on Earth.

An orbital view of a segment of the Australian coastline next to the Great Barrier Reef. D

Answer - Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia (August 1992)

You have found the Great Barrier Reef, Australia's treasure.

Hundreds of varieties of coral grow on this reef.

The Great Barrier Reef is recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Because of this, national and international ethical guidelines protect the reef system.

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