Geography of Russia and Surrounding Regions

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What is the primary body of water that receives drainage from the West Siberian Plain?

Pacific Ocean

Caspian Sea

Arctic Ocean (correct)

Black Sea

What is the main reason for a significant population residing on the Northern European Plain?

Access to freshwater lakes

Proximity to major urban areas

Availability of rich soil (chernozem) (correct)

Mild climate conditions

Which mountain range primarily defines the southern landforms of the region?

Appalachian Mountains

Caucasus Mountains (correct)

Ural Mountains

Rocky Mountains

Which republics are included in the region of Transcaucasia?

Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines the major landforms found in Southern Russia?

High mountain ranges with altitudes of over 7,000 feet Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes a type of fertile soil found in some regions of Russia?

Chemozem Signup and view all the answers

What geographic feature primarily contributes to the dryness of Central Asia?

The expansive deserts and limited rainfall Signup and view all the answers

Which geographical region is characterized by its location in the Caucasus mountains area?

Transcaucasia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Volga River is true?

It carries about 60 percent of Russia's river traffic. Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the effect of climate being influenced by the distance from the sea?

Continentality Signup and view all the answers

What unique characteristic does Lake Baikal possess compared to other lakes?

It is the deepest lake in the world. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mountain ranges serves as a natural boundary between Europe and Asia?

Ural Mountains Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes rainfall that does not get absorbed by the soil and runs off into other areas?

Runoff Signup and view all the answers

What has contributed to the environmental issues surrounding the Aral Sea?

Irrigation projects that have reduced water levels Signup and view all the answers

What type of body of water is the Caspian Sea classified as?

A saltwater lake Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about Lake Baikal compared to other lakes in the world?

It is the deepest lake in the world. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Volga River significant to Russia's waterways?

It carries approximately 60% of Russia's river traffic. Signup and view all the answers

What makes the Caspian Sea different from other bodies of water?

It is a saltwater lake considered the largest inland sea. Signup and view all the answers

How much of the world's fresh water is held by Lake Baikal?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant environmental impact on the Aral Sea?

Irrigation projects diverting water sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of continentality in a region?

Distance from moderating oceanic influences Signup and view all the answers

How does continentality primarily influence precipitation levels in a region?

Causes air to lose moisture as it travels inland Signup and view all the answers

What significant climate feature is created in Transcaucasia due to its geographical position?

Subtropical climate zone aided by moist air from the Mediterranean Sea Signup and view all the answers

What effect does continentality have on temperature variations in a region?

Results in significant temperature differences between warmest and coldest periods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an effect of continentality on climates?

Increased precipitation along coastal regions Signup and view all the answers

What primary type of vegetation is found in the taiga region?

Coniferous trees Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of chernozem soil in the steppe region?

It is highly fertile and supports grain production. Signup and view all the answers

How did the diversion of river water in the 1950s impact the Aral Sea?

Led to a dramatic reduction in water levels. Signup and view all the answers

What problem arose from the use of pesticides and fertilizers on cotton fields feeding into the Aral Sea?

Contamination of the sea and loss of native species. Signup and view all the answers

Which regions are primarily characterized by semideserts and deserts in Central Asia?

Kara Kum and Kyzyl Kum deserts. Signup and view all the answers

What temperatures have been recorded for the Aral Sea?

From -90°F to 94°F Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does permafrost have on construction in the region?

Heated buildings can lead to ground instability as they thaw permafrost. Signup and view all the answers

What environmental issue arises from the warmer weather in the Aral Sea region?

Increased breeding grounds for mosquitoes and black flies. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Russian winter influence Napoleon's campaign in 1812?

The harsh conditions contributed to the retreat of his army. Signup and view all the answers

What type of weather conditions characterized the winter that impacted Napoleon's campaign?

Severe cold and harsh conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main advantages of the Trans-Siberian Railroad compared to existing travel methods?

It was a quicker and safer way to cross the country. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key economic goal associated with the Trans-Siberian Railroad?

To encourage settlement and exploit regional resources. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Trans-Siberian Railroad impact the demographic landscape of the region?

It led to increased migration and settlement in previously sparsely populated areas. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a reason for constructing the Trans-Siberian Railroad?

To increase military mobility across Russia. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did the Trans-Siberian Railroad aim to address?

Slow and hazardous travel conditions using existing methods. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of collective farms in the USSR?

To consolidate agricultural production under state control Signup and view all the answers

Which event directly led to the creation of the USSR?

The Bolshevik Revolution Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a command economy?

Government regulation and directive control of economic activities Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Cold War' refer to?

A period of political tension without direct military engagement Signup and view all the answers

What was the historical significance of the Silk Road?

It facilitated trade and cultural exchange across Central Asia Signup and view all the answers

What did the term 'Great Game' signify historically?

The strategic rivalry between Great Britain and Russia in Central Asia Signup and view all the answers

What type of governance does the term 'USSR' imply?

A regime led by the Communist Party with centralized control Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic correctly identifies nomads?

Individuals who travel frequently in search of resources Signup and view all the answers

What does a yurt refer to in the context of nomadic lifestyles?

A portable tent used for shelter Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the Red Army in the early 1920s?

To suppress internal dissent and control territories Signup and view all the answers

Which three large seas border Russia to the west?

Black Sea, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate difference in depth between Lake Baikal and Crater Lake?

3742 feet Signup and view all the answers

By how many times is the land area of Russia and the Republics larger than that of the United States?

Approximately what percentage of Soviet land area became independent countries after the USSR breakup?

25.1% Signup and view all the answers

Into how many independent republics did the former Soviet Union break up?

15 Signup and view all the answers

Which religious category encompasses the majority of people in Russia and the Republics?

Eastern Orthodox Christianity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary pattern observed among the ethnic groups in the republics?

Concentration in one demographic area Signup and view all the answers

How do the GDPs of Russia and the Republics compare to the GDP of the United States?

Much lower Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn about the standard of living in Russia and the republics based on television and car ownership?

Significantly lower than in the United States Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is likely the reason for the inconsistency between the infant mortality rate and the number of doctors in the republics?

Underfunding of health services Signup and view all the answers