Death Valley Geography and Climate

Death Valley is known for its extreme heat, holding the record for the highest air temperature on Earth. Its unique climate is due to a combination of geological features, such as being a rift valley with multiple faults, and climatic conditions like the rain shadow effect from surrounding mountain ranges. The lack of vegetation further intensifies the heat, as there is little to absorb solar energy. These factors create a cycle of trapped heat, making Death Valley one of the hottest places on Earth.

What is the highest recorded air temperature in Death Valley?

• 140 degrees Fahrenheit

• 150 degrees Fahrenheit

• 134 degrees Fahrenheit

• 120 degrees Fahrenheit

How many consecutive days did Death Valley experience temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in 2001?

• 154 days

• 100 days

• 200 days

• 120 days

What geological feature is Death Valley classified as?

• A graben or rift valley

• A plateau

• A mountain range

• A canyon

What is the primary cause of Death Valley's extreme dryness?

• High temperatures

• Low elevation

• Rain shadow effect

• Lack of vegetation

How many mountain ranges contribute to the rain shadow effect in Death Valley?

• Three

• Two

• One

• Four

Approximately how many plant species are found in Death Valley?

• 1000

• 2000

• 500

• 1500

What is the main reason for the lack of vegetation in Badwater Basin?

• Strong winds

• High temperatures

• Lack of water

• High elevation

What direction is Death Valley aligned in?

• East-West

• North-South

• Northeast-Southwest

• Northwest-Southeast

What prevents the hot air in Death Valley from being displaced?

• The valley's high temperatures

• The valley's alignment with the wind

• The valley's low elevation

• The valley's steep walls

Which three factors combine to create Death Valley's extreme heat?

• Rainfall, sunlight, and soil

• Elevation, latitude, and longitude

• Temperature, humidity, and wind

• Geology, climate, and vegetation