Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Amu Darya Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The Amu Darya River: Geography, History, and Contemporary Issues

Cheat Sheet:
The Amu Darya River: Geography, History, and Contemporary Issues Study Guide

Geographical Features and Hydrology

The Amu Darya river originates in the Ural Mountains.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Amu Darya originates in the Pamir Mountains, not the Ural Mountains. Its headwaters are formed by the confluence of the Vakhsh and Panj rivers.

Return to Game

The Amu Darya is formed by the confluence of the Vakhsh and Panj rivers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Amu Darya is formed by the confluence of the Panj River and the Vakhsh River.

Return to Game

The Amu Darya flows exclusively through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Amu Darya flows through Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, also forming borders between some of these nations.

Return to Game

The total length of the Amu Darya is approximately 2,400 kilometers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Amu Darya river has an approximate total length of 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles).

Return to Game

The Amu Darya empties into the Caspian Sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Amu Darya primarily empties into the southern remnants of the Aral Sea. Historically, it has also flowed into the Caspian Sea via the Uzboy River distributary.

Return to Game

The average discharge of the Amu Darya is less than 1,000 cubic meters per second.

Answer: False

Explanation: The average discharge rate of the Amu Darya is 2,525 cubic meters per second, significantly more than 1,000 cubic meters per second.

Return to Game

The Zeravshan River is a primary tributary that forms the Amu Darya.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Zeravshan River is a tributary of the Amu Darya basin, the primary rivers that form the Amu Darya are the Panj and Vakhsh rivers.

Return to Game

The water in the Amu Darya primarily originates from rainfall in the lowlands.

Answer: False

Explanation: The water sustaining the Amu Darya primarily originates from glacial melt from the Pamir Mountains and the Tian Shan mountain ranges, not from lowland rainfall.

Return to Game

Lake Zorkul is considered one of the potential sources of the Oxus (Amu Darya).

Answer: True

Explanation: Lake Zorkul is identified as one of the potential sources of the Oxus (Amu Darya), with the Pamir River emerging from it.

Return to Game

The Chelab stream is considered the true source of the Amu Darya because it flows entirely into Lake Chamaktin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chelab stream bifurcates, with half flowing into Lake Chamaktin and the other half into the parent stream of the Little Pamir/Sarhad River, suggesting it could be a source but not solely due to flowing into Lake Chamaktin.

Return to Game

The Pamir Mountains and Tian Shan glaciers are the primary source of the Amu Darya's water.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary source of water sustaining the Amu Darya's flow is glacial melt from the Pamir Mountains and the Tian Shan mountain ranges.

Return to Game

The Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve is where the Amu Darya empties into the Aral Sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve is the location where the Amu Darya is formed by the confluence of the Vakhsh and Panj rivers, not where it empties.

Return to Game

The Amu Darya's flow of 70 cubic kilometers per year is an average figure.

Answer: True

Explanation: The average annual discharge of the Amu Darya is approximately 70 cubic kilometers.

Return to Game

The Amu Darya's mouth where it enters the Aral Sea is at a significantly higher elevation than its source.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Amu Darya's mouth at the Aral Sea (28 meters) is at a significantly lower elevation than its source in the Pamir Mountains (over 4,000 meters).

Return to Game

The "Amu Darya delta from space" image illustrates the river's network of waterways feeding the Aral Sea.

Answer: True

Explanation: The "Amu Darya delta from space" image visually represents the river's extensive network of waterways that historically supplied the Aral Sea.

Return to Game

The majority of the Amu Darya's drainage basin is located within Tajikistan.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Tajikistan holds a portion of the basin, Afghanistan accounts for 39%, and Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan combined account for 61% of the drainage basin.

Return to Game

The Amu Darya river originates in which major mountain range?

Answer: Pamir Mountains

Explanation: The Amu Darya river originates in the Pamir Mountains.

Return to Game

Identify the two principal rivers that converge to form the Amu Darya.

Answer: Panj and Vakhsh

Explanation: The Amu Darya is formed by the confluence of the Panj River and the Vakhsh River.

Return to Game

Which nation is not among those the Amu Darya flows through or forms a border with?

Answer: Kazakhstan

Explanation: The Amu Darya flows through or borders Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. Kazakhstan is not listed among these countries.

Return to Game

What is the approximate length of the Amu Darya river?

Answer: 2,400 miles

Explanation: The Amu Darya river has an approximate length of 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles).

Return to Game

Into which major body of water does the Amu Darya primarily discharge its waters in the present day?

Answer: Aral Sea

Explanation: The Amu Darya primarily empties into the southern remnants of the Aral Sea.

Return to Game

What is the average discharge rate of the Amu Darya, measured in cubic meters per second?

Answer: 2,525

Explanation: The average discharge rate of the Amu Darya is 2,525 cubic meters per second.

Return to Game

The primary source of water sustaining the Amu Darya's flow is derived from:

Answer: Glacial melt from the Pamir and Tian Shan mountains

Explanation: The water sustaining the Amu Darya primarily originates from glacial melt from the Pamir Mountains and the Tian Shan mountain ranges.

Return to Game

Which geographical feature is identified as a potential claimant for the true source of the Oxus (Amu Darya)?

Answer: An ice cave in the Wakhjir valley

Explanation: An ice cave in the Wakhjir valley in the Pamir Mountains is listed as one of the potential claimants for the true source of the Oxus (Amu Darya).

Return to Game

What proportion of the Amu Darya's total drainage basin is geographically located within Afghanistan?

Answer: 39%

Explanation: Approximately 39% of the Amu Darya's drainage basin lies within Afghanistan.

Return to Game

What is the approximate elevation of the Amu Darya at its mouth as it enters the Aral Sea?

Answer: 28 meters

Explanation: The elevation of the Amu Darya at its mouth, where it enters the Aral Sea, is 28 meters (92 feet).

Return to Game

In the "Map of area around the Aral Sea," the Amu Darya's drainage basin is visually represented by which color?

Answer: Orange

Explanation: The "Map of area around the Aral Sea" highlights the Amu Darya's drainage basin in orange.

Return to Game

What does the "Amu Darya delta from space" image visually depict regarding the river's historical function?

Answer: The delta's network of waterways feeding the Aral Sea

Explanation: The "Amu Darya delta from space" image visually represents the river's extensive network of waterways that historically supplied the Aral Sea.

Return to Game

What is the geographical significance of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve concerning the Amu Darya?

Answer: It is the location where the Panj and Vakhsh rivers form the Amu Darya.

Explanation: The Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve is the location where the Amu Darya is formed by the confluence of the Vakhsh and Panj rivers.

Return to Game

What is the approximate average annual rainfall in the steppe regions traversed by the Amu Darya?

Answer: 300 millimeters

Explanation: The average annual rainfall in most of the steppe regions through which the Amu Darya flows is approximately 300 millimeters (12 inches).

Return to Game

Historical Nomenclature and Literary References

The Amu Darya river is historically recognized by which classical name?

Answer: True

Explanation: The Amu Darya river is historically known by the classical name Oxus, among other historical appellations such as Jeyhoun and Wehrōd.

Return to Game

The modern name "Amu Darya" is derived from the ancient Greek name for the river.

Answer: False

Explanation: The modern name "Amu Darya" is believed to derive from the medieval city of Āmul, not from an ancient Greek name.

Return to Game

The name "Jeyhoun" used for the Amu Darya in Islamic sources is derived from the biblical name Gihon.

Answer: True

Explanation: In medieval Arabic and Islamic sources, the Amu Darya is referred to as Jeyhoun, a name derived from the biblical Gihon.

Return to Game

The name "Gozan" is still commonly used today for the Amu Darya in Afghanistan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name "Gozan" was mentioned by 19th-century travelers as being used in Afghanistan for the river, but it is no longer in common use today.

Return to Game

The Amu Darya, referred to as Oxus, is mentioned in Matthew Arnold's poem "Sohrab and Rustum".

Answer: True

Explanation: Matthew Arnold's poem "Sohrab and Rustum" famously mentions the Amu Darya by its historical name, Oxus.

Return to Game

The "Oxus Treasure" is named after the modern name of the river.

Answer: False

Explanation: The "Oxus Treasure" is named after the historical name of the Amu Darya, which is Oxus, not its modern name.

Return to Game

What historical name, used in classical antiquity, is associated with the Amu Darya river?

Answer: Oxus

Explanation: In classical antiquity, the Amu Darya river was historically known by the name Oxus.

Return to Game

The prefix 'Amu' in the river's name, 'Amu Darya,' is etymologically linked to which medieval city?

Answer: Āmul

Explanation: The name 'Amu' is believed to originate from the medieval city of Āmul.

Return to Game

In medieval Arabic and Islamic texts, the Amu Darya is referred to by which name, derived from a biblical river?

Answer: Jeyhoun

Explanation: In medieval Arabic and Islamic sources, the Amu Darya is referred to as Jeyhoun, a name derived from the biblical Gihon.

Return to Game

Which notable literary work prominently features the Amu Darya, referencing it by its historical name, Oxus?

Answer: Sohrab and Rustum

Explanation: Matthew Arnold's poem "Sohrab and Rustum" famously mentions the Amu Darya by its historical name, Oxus.

Return to Game

The "Oxus Treasure," a collection of ancient artifacts, derives its name from:

Answer: The historical name of the Amu Darya

Explanation: The "Oxus Treasure" is named after the historical name of the Amu Darya river, Oxus.

Return to Game

What was the stated objective of Robert Byron's journey documented in "The Road to Oxiana"?

Answer: To see famous monuments, traveling towards Afghanistan

Explanation: The stated goal of Robert Byron's journey in "The Road to Oxiana" was to visit famous monuments, traveling towards Afghanistan, with the Oxus river serving as a significant reference point.

Return to Game

Historical Significance and Course Dynamics

Historically, the Amu Darya served as a boundary between Greater Iran and Turan.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, the Amu Darya was considered the boundary between Greater Iran and Turan, a region roughly corresponding to present-day Central Asia.

Return to Game

The Amu Darya historically flowed into the Caspian Sea via the Uzboy River distributary.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, the Amu Darya's course shifted, and it reached the Caspian Sea via a distributary known as the Uzboy River during certain periods.

Return to Game

The destruction of the Gurganj Dam in 1221 caused the Amu Darya to stop flowing towards the Aral Sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: The destruction of the Gurganj Dam in 1221 caused the Amu Darya to revert to distributing its flow more equally between its main stem and the Uzboy River, not to stop flowing towards the Aral Sea.

Return to Game

The Uzboy River historically carried water from the Amu Darya into the Aral Sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Uzboy River historically carried water from the Amu Darya into the Caspian Sea, not the Aral Sea.

Return to Game

Historically, the Amu Darya served as a significant geographical boundary between which two major cultural and geographical regions?

Answer: Greater Iran and Turan

Explanation: Historically, the Amu Darya was considered the boundary between Greater Iran and Turan.

Return to Game

The destruction of which historical structure by Genghis Khan's troops in 1221 caused the Amu Darya to revert its flow distribution?

Answer: The destruction of the Gurganj Dam by Genghis Khan's troops

Explanation: The destruction of the Gurganj Dam in 1221 led to the Amu Darya reverting to distributing its flow between its main stem and the Uzboy River.

Return to Game

What is the historical significance of the Uzboy River in relation to the Amu Darya?

Answer: Carried Amu Darya water into the Caspian Sea at times

Explanation: The Uzboy River historically served as a distributary that carried water from the Amu Darya into the Caspian Sea during certain periods.

Return to Game

Environmental Impact and Water Management

Soviet irrigation projects significantly contributed to the shrinking of the Aral Sea.

Answer: True

Explanation: The large-scale diversion of water from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya for Soviet irrigation projects is a major factor contributing to the shrinking of the Aral Sea.

Return to Game

The Qaraqum Canal was a proposed project that was never built.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Qaraqum Canal is a major irrigation canal that was built using Amu Darya water, primarily located in Turkmenistan. The Main Turkmen Canal was a proposed project that was never built.

Return to Game

Water resource sharing in the Amu Darya basin improved significantly after the Soviet Union's collapse.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the Soviet Union's collapse, the established water resource-sharing system disintegrated, and the Central Asian nations have struggled to reinstate it effectively.

Return to Game

The Main Turkmen Canal was intended to divert Amu Darya water along the Uzboy River bed.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Main Turkmen Canal was a proposed project designed to divert Amu Darya water along the dry Uzboy River bed into central Turkmenistan for irrigation.

Return to Game

Which political entity was primarily responsible for the large-scale diversion of Amu Darya water for cotton irrigation?

Answer: The Soviet Union

Explanation: The Soviet Union primarily undertook the large-scale diversion of Amu Darya water for cotton irrigation.

Return to Game

Identify the major irrigation canal, utilizing Amu Darya water, that is situated in Turkmenistan.

Answer: Qaraqum Canal

Explanation: The Qaraqum Canal is a major irrigation canal built using Amu Darya water and is located in Turkmenistan.

Return to Game

What challenge emerged regarding water resource sharing in the Amu Darya basin subsequent to the dissolution of the Soviet Union?

Answer: Disintegration of the previous sharing system and difficulty reinstating it

Explanation: Following the Soviet Union's collapse, the established water resource-sharing system disintegrated, and the Central Asian nations have struggled to reinstate it effectively.

Return to Game

What was the intended purpose of the proposed Main Turkmen Canal?

Answer: To irrigate land in central Turkmenistan via the Uzboy River bed

Explanation: The proposed Main Turkmen Canal was intended to divert Amu Darya water along the Uzboy River bed to irrigate land in central Turkmenistan.

Return to Game

Contemporary Projects and Geopolitics

During the Great Game, Britain feared a Russian invasion of India via the Amu Darya valley.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Great Game, British strategists harbored concerns about the potential for Russia to use the Amu Darya valley as an invasion route into British India.

Return to Game

The Qosh Tepa Canal is being built in southern Afghanistan to divert water from the Amu Darya.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Qosh Tepa Canal is being constructed in northern Afghanistan, not southern, to divert water from the Amu Darya.

Return to Game

The Taliban aims to convert desert land into farmland using the Qosh Tepa Canal.

Answer: True

Explanation: The stated objective of the Taliban's Qosh Tepa Canal initiative is to convert approximately 550,000 hectares of desert land into agricultural farmland.

Return to Game

A $720 million investment deal for oil extraction in the Amu Darya basin was signed in January 2023.

Answer: True

Explanation: In January 2023, a $720 million investment deal was signed for oil extraction activities in the Amu Darya basin.

Return to Game

The Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge spans the Amu Darya.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge spans the Amu Darya, facilitating transportation and connection between the two nations.

Return to Game

During the period known as the Great Game, what significant geopolitical concern did Britain harbor regarding the Amu Darya valley?

Answer: Fear of a Russian invasion route into British India

Explanation: Britain's geopolitical concern during the Great Game was the potential for a Russian invasion route into British India via the Amu Darya valley.

Return to Game

What is the stated primary objective of the Qosh Tepa Canal, currently under construction in Afghanistan?

Answer: To convert desert into farmland

Explanation: The stated primary purpose of the Qosh Tepa Canal is to convert approximately 550,000 hectares of desert land into agricultural farmland.

Return to Game

Uzbekistan has voiced concerns that the construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal will adversely affect which aspects of its environment and economy?

Answer: Its agriculture and worsen the Aral Sea disaster

Explanation: Uzbekistan has expressed concern that the Qosh Tepa Canal will negatively impact its agriculture and exacerbate the Aral Sea disaster.

Return to Game

What was the financial value of the investment deal finalized in January 2023 for oil extraction activities within the Amu Darya basin?

Answer: $720 million

Explanation: The investment deal signed in January 2023 for oil extraction in the Amu Darya basin is valued at $720 million.

Return to Game

Based on Chinese assessments, the Amu Darya basin is recognized for its potential as the world's:

Answer: Third-largest potential gas field

Explanation: According to Chinese assessments, the Amu Darya basin holds potential as the world's third-largest potential gas field.

Return to Game

Ecological Considerations

The Amu Darya basin is considered the world's largest potential gas field by Chinese assessment.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to Chinese assessments, the Amu Darya basin is considered the world's third-largest potential gas field, not the largest.

Return to Game

The Amu Darya delta was deemed a suitable site for Siberian tiger reintroduction in the short term.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Amu Darya delta was considered unsuitable for Siberian tiger reintroduction in the short term due to the lack of sufficient contiguous habitat with a rich prey base.

Return to Game

What was the primary reason cited for the Amu Darya delta being deemed unsuitable for the short-term reintroduction of Siberian tigers?

Answer: Insufficient contiguous habitat with rich prey

Explanation: The Amu Darya delta was considered unsuitable for Siberian tiger reintroduction in the short term due to the lack of sufficient contiguous habitat with a rich prey base.

Return to Game

General Information and Resources

No questions available for this topic.