📚 Part of: Ancient Indian Republics And Medieval Rulers Mcqs

What is the height of the highest point in Karakoram?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: B) 8000m.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, IAS Prelims, State PSC Exams, Geography Olympiads

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Karakoram is a mountain range located in the Himalayas, spanning the borders of India, Pakistan, and China. It is home to some of the world's highest peaks, including K2, which is the second-highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest. The height of K2 is 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), making it the highest point in the Karakoram range.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing K2 with Mount Everest, which is the highest peak in the world.
  • Not knowing the exact height of K2, leading to incorrect estimations.
  • Assuming the Karakoram range is part of the Himalayas, but not knowing the specific highest peak.
Explanation:

The Karakoram is a mountain range located in the western part of the Himalayas, spanning the borders of India, Pakistan, and China. It is known for its high peaks and extensive glaciation. The Karakoram range is home to some of the world's highest mountains, including K2, which is the second-highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest.

K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori, is located on the border between Pakistan and China. It has a summit elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level. This makes K2 the highest point in the Karakoram range and one of the most challenging mountains to climb due to its steep and treacherous terrain.

The Karakoram range is part of the larger Himalayan mountain system, which includes several other high peaks such as Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, and Broad Peak. However, K2 stands out as the highest peak in the Karakoram and is a significant landmark in the region.

The height of K2 is often rounded to 8000 meters for simplicity, which is why option B (8000m) is the correct answer among the given choices. This approximation is commonly used in geographical and mountaineering contexts to provide a general idea of the peak's height without delving into the precise measurement.

Understanding the geography of the Karakoram and the significance of K2 is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations that test knowledge of Indian geography and the Himalayan region. It is important to remember that while K2 is the highest point in the Karakoram, it is not the highest mountain in the world, which is Mount Everest in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, standing at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet).

In summary, the highest point in the Karakoram is K2, with a height of 8,611 meters, making 8000m the closest approximation among the given options. This knowledge is essential for understanding the geographical features of the region and the challenges associated with mountaineering in the Karakoram.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The height of 7000m is significantly lower than the actual height of the highest point in the Karakoram, which is K2 at 8,611 meters. This might be a common misconception due to the vastness of the Karakoram range and the numerous peaks it contains, leading to an underestimation of the highest peak's height.
  • Option B: This option is correct. The highest point in the Karakoram is K2, which stands at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet). This is the second-highest mountain in the world, and it is located in the Karakoram range, making 8000m the closest approximation among the given options.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The height of 9000m is an overestimation of the highest point in the Karakoram. While the Karakoram range contains many peaks over 7000 meters, the highest peak, K2, is 8,611 meters, which is closer to 8000m than 9000m.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The height of 2500m is far too low to be the highest point in the Karakoram. This might be a common misconception due to the range containing many peaks, but the highest peak, K2, is significantly higher at 8,611 meters.

Mnemonic: Karakoram, K2, 8000m - "K2 is the key, 8000m is the height"

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