How to use natural landmarks to maintain direction
  • 1. Which natural landmark is MOST consistently reliable for navigation, especially at night?
A) A specific mountain peak
B) Prevailing wind direction
C) Local vegetation growth patterns
D) The North Star (Polaris)
  • 2. If moss is generally thicker on one side of a tree, which direction does that side typically face in the Northern Hemisphere?
A) South
B) North
C) West
D) East
  • 3. What is the term for a long, narrow ridge of sediment deposited by a glacier?
A) Esker
B) Drumlin
C) Kettle hole
D) Moraine
  • 4. How can the sun be used to determine direction without a compass?
A) By measuring the intensity of its rays
B) By looking directly at the sun
C) By only observing the sun at noon
D) Observe its position relative to the horizon at sunrise and sunset
  • 5. In which direction do most rivers generally flow?
A) Randomly, with no predictable pattern
B) Downhill, towards lower elevation
C) Uphill, towards higher elevation
D) Directly towards magnetic north
  • 6. What is the BEST way to confirm your direction using multiple landmarks?
A) Triangulation
B) Dead reckoning
C) Relying on a single prominent landmark
D) Following animal trails
  • 7. If you are navigating in a desert, what is a crucial landmark to look for to maintain direction?
A) The presence of cacti
B) The color of the sand
C) Sand dune orientation in relation to the prevailing wind
D) Mirages
  • 8. What does the term 'back azimuth' refer to?
A) The speed at which you are traveling
B) The opposite direction (180 degrees) from your current bearing
C) The measurement of the distance to a landmark
D) The angle of elevation of a landmark
  • 9. What is the most important consideration when using animal trails for navigation?
A) They are always reliable paths
B) They are always well-maintained
C) They may not lead in the direction you intend to travel
D) They are always straight and easy to follow
  • 10. How can you use a stick and the sun to find approximate north and south?
A) By using the stick's height to estimate distance
B) By observing the movement of the stick's shadow over time
C) By using the stick as a pointer towards the nearest water source
D) By burying the stick to attract insects
  • 11. What is a 'col' in mountain terminology?
A) A deep valley carved by a glacier
B) A sharp, pointed mountain summit
C) A saddle-shaped depression between two peaks
D) A field of snow on a mountain slope
  • 12. What is the danger of relying solely on landmarks seen on a map without ground truthing?
A) Landmarks are always in the exact same place they were on the map
B) Landmarks may have changed or disappeared over time
C) Maps are always perfectly accurate
D) Landmarks are always easy to identify
  • 13. Which of these is generally the LEAST reliable landmark for navigation?
A) Prominent rock formations
B) Distinctive tree shapes
C) Waterfalls
D) Temporary snow patches
  • 14. In the Southern Hemisphere, which direction does the thicker moss typically face on a tree?
A) East
B) North
C) South
D) West
  • 15. How can prevailing winds affect tree growth, and how can this be used for navigation?
A) Trees always grow perfectly straight
B) Trees only grow on the leeward side of hills
C) Trees may be bent or stunted on the windward side
D) Prevailing winds have no impact on tree growth
  • 16. What is the approximate angle change of the sun per hour?
A) 30 degrees
B) 15 degrees
C) 5 degrees
D) 45 degrees
  • 17. What is the main hazard of following a river downstream?
A) It always leads to a source of civilization
B) Rivers are always easy to cross
C) It may lead to impassable terrain like waterfalls or canyons
D) Rivers always have gentle slopes
  • 18. Which natural phenomenon can be used to navigate using the stars in the Southern Hemisphere?
A) The Southern Cross constellation
B) The Milky Way
C) The Big Dipper constellation
D) The North Star (Polaris)
  • 19. What does 'ground truthing' mean in the context of navigation?
A) Burying your map for safekeeping
B) Verifying information on a map with what you observe on the ground
C) Relying solely on landmarks on the ground
D) Ignoring your map and navigating by instinct
  • 20. When using a shadow stick, when is the shadow shortest?
A) Sunrise
B) Solar noon
C) Sunset
D) Midnight
  • 21. Which type of natural landmark is MOST resistant to change over long periods?
A) Areas of dense vegetation
B) Major mountain ranges
C) Sand dunes
D) Small streams
  • 22. What is a common characteristic of East facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere?
A) They are typically colder
B) They receive sunlight earlier in the day
C) They are drier
D) They receive less snow
  • 23. Why is it important to factor in declination when using a compass with a map?
A) To calculate your speed
B) To account for the difference between magnetic north and true north
C) To predict the weather
D) To determine the elevation of landmarks
  • 24. Which of these is NOT a reliable indicator of direction in the wilderness?
A) The flow of rivers
B) The location of the North Star
C) The direction of prevailing winds
D) The color of wildflowers
  • 25. What is one way to find direction using an analog watch and the sun?
A) The second hand always points north.
B) The date on the watch shows the degrees to magnetic north.
C) Point the 12 o'clock mark at the sun, and the hour hand points north.
D) Point the hour hand at the sun, and half the angle between the hour hand and 12 o'clock points south (in the northern hemisphere)
  • 26. What does it mean for a landmark to be 'intervisible'?
A) A landmark is made of glass.
B) A landmark is very small.
C) A landmark can only be seen at night.
D) Two landmarks can be seen from each other.
  • 27. Why should you take multiple bearings to different landmarks?
A) Taking multiple bearings does not improve accuracy.
B) To increase accuracy and provide redundancy in case one landmark is obscured.
C) To make the map more colorful.
D) To confuse potential followers.
  • 28. Which factor is MOST important when selecting a landmark?
A) Its name.
B) Its color.
C) Its proximity to water.
D) Its permanence and ease of identification.
  • 29. Why is it dangerous to only use landmarks directly behind you when navigating?
A) It's impossible to navigate using landmarks behind you.
B) You could unknowingly walk in a circle.
C) Landmarks behind you will always remain visible.
D) It's the safest way to navigate.
  • 30. When using the sun and a watch, how does the procedure change in the Southern Hemisphere?
A) The procedure is exactly the same.
B) It's impossible to use a watch to navigate in the southern hemisphere.
C) The watch must be digital.
D) Half the angle between the hour hand and 12 o'clock points NORTH.
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