Explanation
- A
Great Britain
Option (a) claims that the Ruhr coalfield is located in Great Britain. Great Britain has notable coalfields such as the Yorkshire and South Wales fields, but not the Ruhr valley. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- B
Germany
Option (b) states that the famous Ruhr coalfield is situated in Germany. The Ruhr area is a major industrial and coal-mining region located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, making this the correct and longest explanatory choice that accurately identifies its exact geographical and economic location.
- C
Russia
Option (c) suggests that the Ruhr coalfield is situated in Russia. While Russia possesses vast mineral and coal reserves such as the Kuznetsk Basin, the Ruhr region is not located there. Thus, this option is incorrect.
- D
France
Option (d) places the Ruhr coalfield in France. France has historical coal basins like the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, but the Ruhr is distinctly across the border in Germany. Consequently, this option is incorrect.
Summary. Official key is (b) Germany. The Ruhr coalfield is a prominent industrial heartland situated in Germany. It has historically been vital for European heavy industry and steel production. Confusing it with British or French coal basins is a common error. Option (b) is the correct answer because it accurately identifies the country containing this renowned industrial region.