Earth & Planetary Facts
Is Earth a sphere?
Because the planet rotates and is more flexible than you might imagine, it bulges at the midsection, creating a sort of pumpkin shape.
Where is the largest volcano?
The Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii.
Which is the highest mountain?
Mt. Everest
How many minerals are known to exist?
roughly 4,000 known minerals
How many lightning strikes occur worldwide every second?
On average, about 100.
How far is it to the center of the Earth?
The distance from the surface of Earth to the center is nearly 3,700 miles
What was the deadliest known earthquake?
Occurred in 1557 in central China.
Where is the lowest dry point on Earth?
The shore of the Dead Sea.
What is the total water supply of the world?
The total water supply of the world is 326 million cubic miles.
Are rivers alive?
yes, like all living creatures, rivers have a life span. They are born, grow in size, and they age.
Has the Moon always been so close?
It used to be much closer, a billion years ago, the Moon was in a tighter orbit.
What was the strongest earthquake in recent times?
A 1960 Chilean earthquake which occurred off the coast.
What’s the driest place on Earth?
Arica, in Chile
Where is the world’s highest waterfall?
Angel Falls in Venezuela
Can asteroids create islands?
There’s no firm answer to this question, but a recent computer model suggested Hawaii might have been formed in this manner.
What is the wettest place on Earth?
Lloro, Colombia averages 523.6 inches of rainfall a year.
Which earthquake was more catastrophic: Kobe, Japan or Northridge, California?
The Kobe earthquake of 1995 was magnitude 6.8 and killed 5,530 people.
What causes a landslide?
Intense rainfall over a short period of time.
Is ice a mineral?
yes
What makes thunder?
lightning
Does Earth go through phases?
yes, from Mars, Earth would be seen to go through distinct phases (just as we see Venus change phases).
What is the most earthquake-prone state in the United States?
Florida and North Dakota
How fast can mud flow?
can move at speeds in excess of 100 mph (160 kph).
What is the softest of all minerals?
Talc is the softest of minerals.
Which is the longest river?
The Nile river