US Major Mountain Ranges Quiz

US Major Mountain Ranges Quiz

Rockies, Appalachians, Cascades, Sierra Nevada, Alaska Range (10 questions).

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US Major Mountain Ranges Quiz: Quick Study Notes

This quiz tests your knowledge of the major mountain systems shaping the geography of the United States, from the ancient eastern peaks to the rugged western heights.

Rocky Mountains
The largest system in North America, spanning 3,000 miles from Canada to New Mexico.
Appalachian Mountains
The oldest chain in North America, featuring rounded peaks along the Atlantic Coast.
Sierra Nevada
A massive fault-block range in California housing Mount Whitney and Yosemite.
Cascade Range
A volcanic arc in the Pacific Northwest known for Mount Rainier and St. Helens.

Key Takeaways

  • The Rocky Mountains host the Continental Divide.
  • Denali (Alaska Range) is North America’s highest peak at 20,310 ft.
  • The Cascades are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and contain active volcanoes.
  • The Appalachians formed roughly 480 million years ago.
  • The Sierra Nevada creates a rain shadow for the Great Basin desert.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest mountain in the US?

Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) is the highest mountain in the US and North America, located in the Alaska Range.

Which US mountain range is the oldest?

The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest, formed roughly 480 million years ago during the Ordovician Period.

Where are the Great Smoky Mountains located?

The Great Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina.

Which range contains active volcanoes?

The Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest contains several active volcanoes, including Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier.

What divides the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds?

The Continental Divide generally follows the crest of the Rocky Mountains.

GeoQuizzy.com • US Major Mountain Ranges Quiz

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