Greenland, the world’s largest non-continental island, is strategically important due to its location between North America and Europe. Once a Danish colony, it’s now an autonomous province. Rich in rare earth minerals, its melting ice and proximity to the Arctic make it significant for global geopolitics, especially for the U.S.
Kilauea, located on Hawaii’s Big Island, is one of the world’s most active shield volcanoes. Known for frequent eruptions, it has a summit caldera and significant mythological importance. Its eruptions, typically non-explosive, have shaped the island, making it a key geological feature in the Pacific region.
Lesotho, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is known for its mountainous terrain and high-altitude climate, with the entire nation situated above 1,000 meters. Its capital is Maseru, and it is bordered only by South Africa. The country is rich in water resources and diamonds, with a temperate highland climate.
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US President-elect Donald Trump has once again expressed interest in buying Greenland, and Greenland has again stated it is not for sale.
Highest point: Gunnbjorn's Fjeld
Capital: Nuuk
It is the largest (non-continental) island in the world, located between the continents of North America and Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Geographically, it is considered part of the North American continent.
To the north it is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean; by the Greenland Sea to the east; by the North Atlantic Ocean to the southeast; Davis Strait to the southwest and Baffin Bay to the west.
Greenland was once a Danish colony and is now an autonomous province of Denmark.
Climate: Greenland is located in the polar zone, where winter temperatures reach as low as -50 °C and summer temperatures rarely exceed 10–15 °C. Due to its size, however, temperatures can vary widely in individual parts of the country.
Its strategic importance increased during the Cold War and the US has a large air base there, Pituffik Space Base, formerly Thule Air Base. From Greenland, the US can monitor and intercept any missile coming at it from Russia, China or even North Korea.
Greenland is rich in rare earth minerals, which are used in mobile phones, electric vehicles and other consumer electronics, as well as bombs and other weapons.
As global warming leads to melting ice, new waterways may open up in the Arctic region, and all major powers want to strengthen their presence there.
The US would like to prevent a larger Russian or Chinese role in Greenland and its neighborhood.
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Lava began bubbling through the crust of one of the world’s most active volcanoes — Kilauea, on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Location: Southern part of Hawaii's Big Island, within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, USA.
Type: The youngest and most active Hawaiian shield volcano, known for frequent eruptions.
Eruption Zones: Eruptions from vents at the top of the caldera or along rift zones.
Mythological Significance: The central crater, Halemaumau, is believed to be the home of the Hawaiian fire goddess Pele.
Summit Caldera: Kilauea's summit caldera, a large depression created by the partial collapse of the volcano after releasing most of its magma chamber, is approximately 3 miles long by 2 miles wide and covers an area of over 4 square miles.
Proximity to Mauna Loa: The slopes of Kilauea merge seamlessly with those of Mauna Loa, another massive shield volcano, making the area home to the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes.
A type of volcano characterized by broad, gentle slopes formed from highly fluid basaltic lava. Unlike the cone-shaped summits of composite volcanoes, shield volcanoes appear elongated and dome-shaped.
Eruptions are usually of low explosiveness, forming cinder cones and spatter cones at vents. Explosions only occur if water gets into the vent.
Examples: Hawaiian shield volcanoes such as Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
Volcanoes in India
Barren Island (Andaman Islands): The only active volcano in India.
Narcondam (Andaman Islands): A dormant volcano.
Baratang (Andaman Islands): Known for mud volcanoes.
Deccan Traps (Maharashtra): A vast volcanic plateau formed by ancient eruptions.
Dhinodhar Hills (Gujarat): An extinct volcano.
Dhosi Hill (Haryana): An ancient volcanic site of historical importance.
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Batting for Global South, India dispatches 1000 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Lesotho.
Capital: Maseru
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Location |
A landlocked country in Southern Africa, completely surrounded by South Africa. |
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Elevation |
The entire country lies above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet); known as the "Kingdom in the Sky." |
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Highest Point |
Thabana Ntlenyana (3,482 meters or 11,423 feet) |
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Lowest Point |
Junction of Orange and Makhaleng Rivers (1,400 meters or 4,593 feet) |
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Climate |
Temperate highland climate; cold winters with snow, cool summers. |
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Major Rivers |
Orange (Senqu), Caledon (Mohokare), and Makhaleng Rivers. |
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Mountain Ranges |
Maloti Mountains, Drakensberg Range. |
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Natural Resources |
Water (highlands serve as a water source for South Africa), diamonds. |
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Biodiversity |
Endemic species adapted to high-altitude environments; grasslands dominate. |
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Land Use |
76% grasslands, 11% arable, and limited forests. |
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Population Distribution |
The majority reside in lowland areas, valleys, and foothills; sparsely populated highlands. |
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Neighboring Country |
South Africa (only border). |
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements regarding Greenland:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: c Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Greenland is the largest island that is not part of a continent and is located between North America and Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean. Statement 2 is correct: Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, after which it became an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. |
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