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Study Guide: The Karakoram Mountain Range: Geography, History, and Significance

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The Karakoram Mountain Range: Geography, History, and Significance Study Guide

Geographical Context and Location

The Karakoram mountain range is primarily located within Pakistan, China, and India, with its northwestern edge extending into Nepal and Bhutan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that the Karakoram's northwestern edge extends into Afghanistan and Tajikistan, not Nepal and Bhutan.

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The Karakoram range measures approximately 500 miles in length.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Karakoram range extends for approximately 500 kilometers, equivalent to about 310 miles, not 500 miles.

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The Kunlun Mountains form the southern boundary of the Karakoram range.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kunlun Mountains form the northern boundary of the Karakoram range; its southern boundary is defined by the Gilgit, Indus, and Shyok rivers.

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The Indus River forms part of the northern boundary of the Karakoram range.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Indus River, along with the Gilgit and Shyok rivers, delineates the southern boundary of the Karakoram range.

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In terms of height, how does the Karakoram range rank globally?

Answer: The second-highest mountain range on Earth.

Explanation: Globally, the Karakoram range is ranked as the second-highest mountain range by elevation.

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What is the approximate length of the Karakoram range?

Answer: 500 kilometers

Explanation: The Karakoram range extends for an approximate length of 500 kilometers (310 miles).

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Which geographical feature forms the northeastern boundary of the Karakoram range?

Answer: The Tibetan Plateau

Explanation: The Tibetan Plateau forms the northeastern boundary of the Karakoram range.

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Which rivers form the southern boundary of the Karakoram range?

Answer: Indus, Shyok, and Gilgit rivers

Explanation: The southern boundary of the Karakoram range is demarcated by the Indus, Shyok, and Gilgit rivers.

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The Karakoram's northwestern edge extends into which two countries?

Answer: Afghanistan and Tajikistan

Explanation: The northwestern extent of the Karakoram range reaches into Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

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Nomenclature and Early Exploration

The name 'Karakoram' is derived from a Turkic term meaning 'black gravel,' originally used by Central Asian traders for the Karakoram Pass.

Answer: True

Explanation: The etymological origin of 'Karakoram' is indeed a Turkic term signifying 'black gravel,' historically applied by Central Asian traders to the Karakoram Pass.

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Early European explorers like Thomas Montgomerie applied the name 'Karakoram' to the mountain range west of the Karakoram Pass.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Thomas Montgomerie was instrumental in surveying and naming peaks with 'K' designations, the application of the name 'Karakoram' to the mountain range west of the pass is attributed to earlier explorers such as William Moorcroft and George Hayward.

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Thomas Montgomerie of the Survey of India assigned the designation 'K1' to the peak now known as K2.

Answer: False

Explanation: Thomas Montgomerie assigned the designation 'K1' to the peak now known as Masherbrum. The peak now known as K2 was designated 'K2' by Montgomerie.

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Traditional Indian geographical names for the Karakoram mountains include 'Krishnagiri,' meaning 'white mountains.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The traditional Indian name 'Krishnagiri' translates to 'black mountains,' not 'white mountains.'

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The Chinese name for the Karakoram translates to 'black gravel mountain range,' similar to the Tibetan name.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chinese name for the Karakoram signifies a connection to the Kunlun system ('Kara-Kunlun mountain range'), whereas the Tibetan name translates to 'black gravel mountain range.'

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The Turkic term 'Muztagh' means 'black mountain.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The Turkic term 'Muztagh' translates to 'Ice Mountain,' not 'black mountain.'

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What is the literal meaning of the Turkic name 'Karakoram'?

Answer: Black Gravel

Explanation: The Turkic appellation 'Karakoram' literally signifies 'black gravel'.

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Which of the following explorers is credited with initially applying the name 'Karakoram' to the mountain range west of the pass?

Answer: William Moorcroft

Explanation: William Moorcroft, alongside George Hayward, is credited with being among the early European explorers who applied the name 'Karakoram' to the mountain range situated west of the pass.

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What system did Thomas Montgomerie of the Survey of India use to label prominent peaks in the Karakoram?

Answer: Letter 'K' followed by numbers (K1, K2, K3...)

Explanation: Thomas Montgomerie of the Survey of India employed a system of designating prominent peaks with the letter 'K' (for Karakoram) followed by sequential numbers, such as K1, K2, and K3.

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Which traditional Indian name for the Karakoram mountains translates to 'black mountains'?

Answer: Krishnagiri

Explanation: The traditional Indian geographical name 'Krishnagiri' signifies 'black mountains' in reference to the Karakoram range.

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What does the Chinese name 'Kara-Kunlun' signify for the Karakoram range?

Answer: It links the range to the broader Kunlun mountain system.

Explanation: The Chinese designation 'Kara-Kunlun mountain range' signifies a connection between the Karakoram and the larger Kunlun mountain system.

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What does the Turkic term 'Muztagh' translate to?

Answer: Ice Mountain

Explanation: The Turkic term 'Muztagh' translates to 'Ice Mountain'.

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Geology and Glaciology

During the last Ice Age, Karakoram glaciers flowed down to elevations as low as 6,600 meters.

Answer: True

Explanation: Evidence indicates that during the last Ice Age, glaciers in the Karakoram extended to elevations as low as 2,000 meters (6,600 ft).

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The snowline elevation in the Karakoram during the last Ice Age was significantly higher than it is today.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the snowline elevation in the Karakoram during the last Ice Age was approximately 1,300 meters (4,300 ft) lower than present-day levels.

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Karakoram glaciers are generally advancing rapidly due to climate change, similar to glaciers in the Alps.

Answer: False

Explanation: Current observations suggest that Karakoram glaciers are generally experiencing slight retreat, rather than rapid advancement, a trend that differs from some glaciers in other regions.

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Glaciers cover a significantly smaller percentage of the Karakoram's area compared to the Alps.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Karakoram range exhibits a substantially greater glacial coverage, estimated at 28-50% of its area, compared to the Alps, where glacial cover is approximately 2.2%.

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The Karakoram range is situated in a geologically stable region, far from major tectonic plate boundaries.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Karakoram range is situated in a region of significant geological activity, precisely at the convergence zone of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

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According to the source, what percentage of the Karakoram's area is covered by glaciers, compared to the Alps?

Answer: Karakoram 28-50%, Alps 2.2%

Explanation: The Karakoram's glacial coverage is estimated at 28-50% of its area, substantially exceeding the approximately 2.2% coverage found in the Alps.

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The Karakoram range is located at the boundary of which two major tectonic plates?

Answer: Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates

Explanation: The Karakoram range is situated at the convergence boundary of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

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What is the primary characteristic of Karakoram glaciers mentioned regarding their melting behavior compared to other glaciers?

Answer: Melting is slowed by insulating debris layers, though retreat occurs where absent.

Explanation: Karakoram glaciers often exhibit slowed melting due to insulating debris layers, although retreat is observed where such insulation is lacking.

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The Karakoram is described as the most heavily glaciated region outside of which areas?

Answer: The Earth's polar areas

Explanation: The Karakoram is characterized as the most heavily glaciated region on Earth, with the exception of the polar areas.

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During the last Ice Age, the glacier snowline in the Karakoram was approximately how much lower than today?

Answer: 1,300 meters (4,300 ft) lower

Explanation: During the last Ice Age, the glacier snowline in the Karakoram was approximately 1,300 meters (4,300 ft) lower than its current elevation.

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Key Features: Peaks, Passes, and Glaciers

The Karakoram is the highest mountain range on Earth, surpassing even the Himalayas.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Karakoram is recognized as the second-highest mountain range globally, ranking below the Himalayas in overall elevation.

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Four peaks in the Karakoram range exceed 8,000 meters in elevation, including K2, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum II.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Karakoram range is distinguished by four peaks that surpass 8,000 meters in elevation: K2, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum II.

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K2, the highest peak in the Karakoram, is the tallest mountain in the world.

Answer: False

Explanation: While K2 is the highest peak within the Karakoram range, it is the second-highest mountain globally, with Mount Everest being the tallest.

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The Siachen Glacier, located in the Karakoram, is the longest glacier outside the polar regions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Siachen Glacier is identified as the second longest glacier outside the Earth's polar regions, with the Biafo Glacier being the third longest.

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The Batura Muztagh and the Rakaposhi-Haramosh Mountains are two subranges within the Karakoram system.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Batura Muztagh and the Rakaposhi-Haramosh Mountains are indeed recognized as distinct subranges within the broader Karakoram mountain system.

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The Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved international border crossing in the Karakoram range, connecting Pakistan and China.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Khunjerab Pass holds the distinction of being the highest paved international border crossing within the Karakoram range, facilitating transit between Pakistan and China.

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The Shimshal Pass is the only other pass besides Khunjerab that is currently in regular use for international travel across the Karakoram.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Shimshal Pass is in regular use, it does not facilitate international travel; the Khunjerab Pass is the primary route for international transit across the Karakoram.

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Over 100 peaks in the Karakoram, particularly in the Baltistan region, exceed an elevation of 7,000 meters.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Karakoram boasts over 100 peaks exceeding 6,100 meters and eighteen peaks above 7,500 meters, the source does not specify that over 100 peaks exceed 7,000 meters.

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The Karakoram range contains eighteen summits higher than 7,500 meters (24,600 ft).

Answer: True

Explanation: The Karakoram range is characterized by eighteen summits that exceed an elevation of 7,500 meters (24,600 ft).

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Which of the following is NOT one of the four highest peaks in the Karakoram range exceeding 8,000 meters?

Answer: Nanga Parbat

Explanation: Nanga Parbat is a prominent peak in the Himalayas; the four peaks exceeding 8,000 meters within the Karakoram are K2, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum II.

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Which Karakoram glacier is mentioned as the second longest outside the Earth's polar regions?

Answer: Siachen Glacier

Explanation: The Siachen Glacier is identified as the second longest glacier outside the Earth's polar regions, following the Biafo Glacier as the third longest.

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Which pass serves as the highest paved international border crossing in the Karakoram range?

Answer: Khunjerab Pass

Explanation: The Khunjerab Pass is recognized as the highest paved international border crossing within the Karakoram range.

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How many peaks in the Karakoram, particularly in the Baltistan region, are noted to exceed 6,100 meters (20,000 ft)?

Answer: Over 100

Explanation: The Baltistan region of the Karakoram contains more than 100 peaks that exceed an elevation of 6,100 meters (20,000 ft).

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K2, the highest peak in the Karakoram, has an elevation of approximately:

Answer: 8,611 meters (28,251 ft)

Explanation: K2, the highest peak in the Karakoram, has an approximate elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet).

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a subrange of the Karakoram system?

Answer: Annapurna Massif

Explanation: The Annapurna Massif is part of the Himalayas; the Hispar Muztagh, Baltoro Muztagh, and Masherbrum Mountains are recognized subranges of the Karakoram system.

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Which of the following is the only motorable pass across the Karakoram range mentioned in the text?

Answer: Khunjerab Pass

Explanation: The Khunjerab Pass is identified as the sole motorable pass traversing the Karakoram range.

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What is the elevation of the Khunjerab Pass?

Answer: Approximately 4,693 meters (15,397 ft)

Explanation: The Khunjerab Pass is situated at an approximate elevation of 4,693 meters (15,397 ft).

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Human Interaction and Cultural Significance

The Karakoram Pass was historically a vital part of an active trade route connecting Ladakh and Yarkand.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Karakoram Pass historically served as a crucial link for trade between Ladakh and Yarkand, the route is presently inactive.

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China nominated the Tashkurghan National Nature Reserve and the Pamir Wetlands National Nature Reserve for UNESCO status in 2010.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2010, China nominated the Tashkurghan National Nature Reserve and the Pamir Wetlands National Nature Reserve, located within the Karakoram and Pamir regions, for UNESCO World Heritage status.

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Rudyard Kipling mentioned the Karakoram range in his novel 'The Jungle Book.'

Answer: False

Explanation: Rudyard Kipling referenced the Karakoram mountain range in his novel 'Kim,' not in 'The Jungle Book.'

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The 1936 French expedition film 'Karakoram,' directed by Marcel Ichac, won an award at the Venice Film Festival.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1936 French expedition film 'Karakoram,' directed by Marcel Ichac, was honored with the Silver Lion award at the Venice Film Festival in 1937.

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Greg Mortenson's book 'Three Cups of Tea' focuses on the Karakoram's geography and the efforts to build schools there.

Answer: True

Explanation: Greg Mortenson's 'Three Cups of Tea' provides detailed accounts of the Karakoram region, including its geography and his initiatives in establishing schools for the local populace.

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The Karakoram Highway is sometimes referred to as the '7th wonder of the world.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The Karakoram Highway is commonly referred to as the '8th wonder of the world,' not the 7th.

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Historically, the Karakoram Pass connected which two regions?

Answer: Ladakh and Yarkand

Explanation: Historically, the Karakoram Pass served as a crucial connection point for trade between the regions of Ladakh and Yarkand.

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In which Rudyard Kipling novel is the Karakoram mountain range mentioned?

Answer: Kim

Explanation: Rudyard Kipling mentioned the Karakoram mountain range in his novel 'Kim'.

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The film 'Karakoram,' documenting a French expedition, won which award?

Answer: Silver Lion at Venice

Explanation: The 1936 French expedition film 'Karakoram' was awarded the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

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What is the primary focus of Greg Mortenson's book 'Three Cups of Tea' concerning the Karakoram?

Answer: Detailing the region's history and Mortenson's school-building efforts.

Explanation: Greg Mortenson's 'Three Cups of Tea' primarily focuses on the history of the Karakoram region and his endeavors in establishing educational facilities there.

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The Karakoram Highway is also known by what other name?

Answer: The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway

Explanation: The Karakoram Highway is also commonly known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway.

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The Karakoram Pass is currently:

Answer: An inactive route historically used for trade between Ladakh and Yarkand.

Explanation: The Karakoram Pass, while historically vital for trade between Ladakh and Yarkand, is currently an inactive route.

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