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Which continent has the largest difference in elevation? The smallest?

A. Asia, Antarctica
B. South America, Australia
C. Africa, Europe
D. North America, Antarctica

User Shmn
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Asia has the largest difference in elevation due to Mount Everest and the Dead Sea shore. Australia has the smallest elevation difference. Antarctica and South America also have notable elevation features, but they are not the extremes in terms of difference.

Step-by-step explanation:

The continent with the largest difference in elevation is Asia, as it is home to both the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest at 29,029 feet above sea level, and the Dead Sea shore, the lowest point on land at approximately -1,410 feet below sea level. Conversely, Australia is the continent with the smallest difference in elevation. Australia's highest point is Mount Kosciuszko at 7,310 feet, and its lowest point is Lake Eyre at approximately -49 feet below sea level.

Furthermore, Antarctica is notable for its high average elevation and numerous mountain ranges, including the Trans-Antarctic Mountain range, even if it does not have the largest elevation difference. It is the highest continent in average elevation and also contains active volcanoes and permanent glaciers.

South America has prominent elevation features as well. Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, which is the highest point in the Western Hemisphere at 22,841 feet, indicates significant vertical relief, along with the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, Laguna del Carbon, at -344 feet below sea level.

User Pete Wilson
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