1. This type of map uses shading, tinting or batching as well as vivid colors to represent the elevation of the world's terrain. Cartographers term this type of map as what?

2. In 1890, this U.S. president established the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to resolve all unsettled questions concerning geographic names, both domestic and foreign. Name the president.

3. The largest and the second largest countries in South America are named after natural minerals/resources. Name the two countries and the related natural resources.

4. Alexander Graham Bell is well-known for his invention of the telephone in 1876, and National Geographic magazine has been "Inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888." What is the common link between Bell and National Geographic?

5. These islands have the unique distinction of being both the westernmost and easternmost location in the United States. Name them.

6. This U.S. president was the first to leave the country for an official visit during his time in office when he visited Panama in 1906. Name him.

7. This 16th century cartographer and geographer was the first to formally suggest that the Americas were "torn away from Europe and Africa ... by earthquakes and floods" and "The vestiges of the rupture reveal themselves, if someone brings forward a map of the world and considers carefully the coasts of the three (continents)." Name him. For bragging rights, also name this theory.

8. This term is used as an arbitrary but mutually accepted reference for the 0 (zero) meridian or longitude line. It is opposite the 180th meridian or longitude line. Both lines form a circle around the Earth, which divides it into Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Name both meridians.

9. What is the unique aspect of roads in two of the national capitals in Asia: Thimphu, Bhutan, and Pyongyang, North Korea?

10. This country contains both the highest and lowest points in the Americas. Name the country. For bragging rights, also name the high and low points.

Answers

1. Hypsometric maps.

2. Benjamin Harrison, 23rd president of the United States.

3. Brazil obtained its name from the Brazil wood tree. Argentina is derived from the poetic Spanish word "argento," which means silver.

4. Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor (Oct. 28, 1875, - Feb. 4, 1966), the father of photojournalism. He was the first full-time editor of National Geographic Magazine, serving from 1899 to 1954. He was also the son-in-law of Alexander Graham Bell.

5. Attu Island and Semisopochnoi Island, both part of the Near Islands group of the Aleutian Islands of Alaska.

6. Theodore Roosevelt.

7. Abraham Ortelius, Continental Drift.

8. 0 (zero) meridian or longitude is referred to as the prime meridian and 180th meridian or longitude is the international date line.

9. They do not have traffic lights. Instead of traffic lights, the city takes pride in its traffic police. They direct the oncoming traffic with their dance-like movements and waving of their arms and hands.

10. Argentina. Aconcagua, Argentina: 22,834 feet / 6960 meters is the highest point in South America and Laguna del Carbon (located between Puerto San Julian and Comandante Luis Piedra Buena in the province of Santa Cruz): 344 feet / 105 meters below sea level is the lowest.

The Answer Man would like to thank "Answer-Man-ers" Somjit Amrit and Surajit Amrit for their contributions to this week's Answer Man

Take "The Answer Man" to work or to school. Challenge your friends for "Bragging Rights."

Send your questions and answers to: The Answer Man, Dawn Seamans-Shook. [email protected]