The vertical relief of the Earth (highest point to lowest point) is approximately
A) 5 km (3.1 mi).
B) 10 km (6.2 mi).
C) 20 km (12.4 mi).
D) 30 km (18.6 mi).

Question

The vertical relief of the Earth (highest point to lowest point) is approximately
A) 5 km (3.1 mi). 
B) 10 km (6.2 mi). 
C) 20 km (12.4 mi). 
D) 30 km (18.6 mi).

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The highest point on Earth is Mount Everest, which is approximately 8.85 km (5.5 mi) above sea level, and the lowest point is the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, which is approximately 10.9 km (6.8 mi) below sea level. Thus, the vertical relief of the Earth is approximately 8.85 km + 10.9 km = 19.75 km (12.3 mi), which rounds up to 20 km (12.4 mi) as the most appropriate answer.

The Vertical Relief of the Earth (Highest Point to Lowest