Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 283

Within a stretch of roughly 50 miles (80 km), the land rises from an elevation of about 750 feet (225 metres) in the Tista River valley to nearly 28,200 feet (8,600 metres) at Kanchenjunga, India's highest peak and the world's ..... highest mountain?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the heights of the world's tallest mountains.

Correct Answer: B) Third

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The question pertains to the ranking of Kanchenjunga among the world's highest mountains. Kanchenjunga is a significant peak located on the border of India and Nepal, and it is part of the Himalayan range. The Himalayas are home to many of the world's highest peaks, and Kanchenjunga is one of the most prominent among them.

To understand the ranking of Kanchenjunga, it is essential to know the heights of the world's tallest mountains. The world's highest mountain is Mount Everest, which stands at 29,029 feet (8,848 meters). The second highest mountain is K2, located on the border of Pakistan and China, with an elevation of 28,251 feet (8,611 meters). Kanchenjunga, with its elevation of 28,200 feet (8,600 meters), is the third highest mountain in the world.

The question provides a geographical context by mentioning the Tista River valley, which is located in the northeastern part of India. The elevation of the Tista River valley is approximately 750 feet (225 meters), and within a stretch of roughly 50 miles (80 km), the land rises to the peak of Kanchenjunga. This dramatic elevation change within a relatively short distance is characteristic of the Himalayan region, which is known for its steep and rugged terrain.

It is important to note that the ranking of the world's highest mountains is based on their elevation above sea level. The heights of these mountains are measured using various techniques, including satellite imagery and ground-based surveys. The exact heights can sometimes vary slightly due to measurement techniques and the dynamic nature of the Earth's surface, but the general ranking remains consistent.

Understanding the ranking of Kanchenjunga and other high peaks is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations, as questions related to geographical knowledge and the heights of mountains are common in such exams. It is also important for climbers and mountaineers who plan to attempt these challenging peaks.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because Kanchenjunga is not the second highest mountain in the world. The second highest mountain is K2, located on the border of Pakistan and China.
  • Option B: This option is correct. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world, standing at 28,200 feet (8,600 meters).
  • Option C: This option is incorrect because the highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest, which is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because the fourth highest mountain in the world is Lhotse, which is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas.

Mnemonic: Kanchenjunga: King of the Third

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