10 Geographic Myths People Still Believe

Geography is full of surprises—yet many “facts” we learned in school don’t hold up under scrutiny. From Antarctica’s icy expanse to the Sahara’s rolling dunes, misconceptions about our planet persist. In this article, you’ll uncover the truth behind 10 Geographic Myths People Still Believe, backed by up-to-date research and expert insights. You’ll learn why Antarctica has time zones, what makes a desert, which mountain reigns supreme, and more.

For example, Antarctica spans about 5.5 million square miles and is officially classified as a desert—yet most people picture it as pure ice with no seasons or precipitation. Meanwhile, nearly everyone thinks rivers flow south or that the Great Wall of China can be seen from the Moon. Let’s set the record straight. 

Quick Answers: What This Article Covers

• Antarctica has no time zones.
• Russia and Turkey are the only transcontinental countries.
• The Statue of Liberty sits in New York.
• Rivers always flow south.
• The Sahara is all sand.
• Cape of Good Hope is Africa’s southern tip.
• Great Wall of China is visible from space.
• All deserts are hot.
• Everest is the tallest mountain by every measure.
• Australia is just an island, not a continent.

1. Myth: Antarctica Has No Time Zones

It’s a widespread belief that the South Pole is too remote for time zones. Still, research stations use up to nine different time zones—often matching the supporting nation’s standard time to streamline logistics and communications. 

2. Myth: Russia and Turkey Are the Only Transcontinental Countries

While Russia and Turkey straddle Europe and Asia, they’re not alone. The Asia–Europe boundary, defined by the Caucasus watershed, also bisects Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, making them transcontinental. 

3. Myth: The Statue of Liberty Sits in New York

Despite New York laying claim to Liberty Island administratively, the U.S. Geological Survey places the island in New Jersey waters—closer to Jersey’s mainland than New York’s. 

4. Myth: Rivers Always Flow South

Rivers flow downhill, not toward any compass point. Some major rivers head northward, including the Nile, Yenisey, Ob, Rhine, Lena, and Orinoco, proving direction follows elevation, not latitude. 

5. Myth: The Sahara Desert Is All Sand

The Sahara, covering about 3.6 million square miles (9.2 million km²), is the world’s largest hot desert, but roughly 80% is hard, rocky plains (regs), not dunes of sand. 

6. Myth: Cape of Good Hope Is Africa’s Southern Tip

Sailors once rounded the Cape of Good Hope thinking it marked Africa’s southernmost point, but Cape Agulhas—about 90 miles (150 km) east-southeast—holds that title.

7. Myth: The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space

Popular lore claims the Great Wall can be seen from the Moon or low-Earth orbit. In truth, it’s no more visible than a road without aid. Astronauts report it’s next to impossible to spot with the naked eye, though powerful telephoto lenses can capture it on rare clear days. 

8. Myth: All Deserts Are Hot

A desert is defined by precipitation, not temperature. Antarctica is the largest desert—averaging less than 10 inches (25 cm) of annual rainfall—even though its temperatures plunge below –100 °F (–73 °C). 

9. Myth: Mount Everest Is the Tallest Mountain by Every Measure

• Above sea level, Everest tops out at 29,029 feet (8,848 m).
• From base to summit, Mauna Kea rises ~33,500 feet (10,210 m)—more than Everest—when measured from its ocean floor base.
• Farthest from Earth’s center, Mount Chimborazo extends ~7,000 feet more than Everest, thanks to the equatorial bulge. 

10. Myth: Australia Is Just the Largest Island, Not a Continent

By geographic convention, continents sit on distinct tectonic plates and exceed any unofficial size threshold. Although surrounded by water, Australia lies on its plate and is categorized as a continent, while Greenland—at roughly one-fourth its size—is the world’s largest island.

 

FAQ

Can you see the Great Wall of China from space with the naked eye?

No. It’s barely distinguishable even from low Earth orbit without high-power lenses. Scientific American

Why do rivers flow in all directions, not just south?

Rivers follow the path of least elevation, flowing downhill regardless of compass orientation. Wikipedia

Is Antarctica a desert?

Yes. It receives less than 10 inches (25 cm) of precipitation per year, classifying it as the largest cold desert on Earth. Live Science

Which mountain is tallest from base to summit?

Mauna Kea, measured from its Pacific Ocean base, rises about 33,500 feet (10,210 m), surpassing Everest. National Ocean Service

How many time zones cover Antarctica?

Up to nine, based on the local times of various research stations and supply nations. Reader’s Digest

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Check the facts: Many geography “facts“ are rooted in old teaching or catchy trivia.
• Definitions matter: Terms like “desert“ and “mountain height“ hinge on precise criteria.
• Perspective shifts: What seems obvious—like rivers flowing south—can be overturned by simple logic.

By questioning these ten myths, you’re now armed with the real geography behind some of the planet’s most enduring misconceptions. Keep exploring the world—its truths are far more fascinating than the myths!