UPSC Prelims Questions On Oceanography And Climatology :
1. Consider the following statements:
1) Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
2) More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
3) Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
Answer : (d)
2. Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following?
1) Gravitational force of the Sun
2) Gravitational force of the Moon
3) Centrifugal force of the Earth
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer : (d)
3. Consider the following statements:
1) Ocean currents are the slow-surface movement of water in the ocean
2) Ocean currents assist in maintaining the Earth’s heat balance
3) Ocean current are set in motion primarily by prevailing winds
4) Ocean current are affected by the configuration of the ocean
Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1 & 2
(b) 2,3 &4
(c) 1,3 & 4
(d) 1,2,3 & 4
Answer : (d)
4. Assertion: During the Neap Tides, the high tide is lower and the low tide is higher than usual.
Reason: The Neap Tide, unlike the Spring Tide, occurs on the New Moon instead of on the Full Moon.
(a) Both A are R are true R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer : (c)
5. The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where
(a) Warm and cold atmospheric currents meet
(b) Rivers drain out large amounts of freshwater into the sea
(c) Warm and cold oceanic currents meet
(d) Continental shelf is undulating
Answer : (c)
6. Between India and East Asia, the navigation-time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following?
1) Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
2) Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea.
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 : (b)
7. The largest coral reef in the world is found near the coast of which one of the following countries?
(a) Australia
(b) Cuba
(c) Ghana
(d) Philippines
Answer : (a), The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is the world’s largest coral reef system.
8. In which one of the following oceans is Diamantina Trench situated?
(a) Pacific Ocean
(b) Atlantic Ocean
(c) Indian Ocean
(d) Arctic Ocean
Answer : (c), Diamantina Trench is situated in south-eastern Indian Ocean seafloor.
9. The part of Earth’s lithosphere that surfaces in the ocean basins is called ?
(a) Ocean floor
(b) Ocean crust
(c) Continental slope
(d) None of the above
Answer : (b)
10. “Chukchi Sea” is the part of which among the following Oceans?
(a) Pacific
(b) Indian
(c) Atlantic
(d) Arctic
Answer : (d)
11. Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night?
(a) the Earth’s surface.
(b) Clouds reflect back the Earth’s radiation.
(c) The Earth’s surface would have low temperature on cloudy nights.
(d) Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.
Answer : (b)
12. Each day is more or less the same, the morning is clear and bright with a sea breeze; as the Sun climbs high in the sky, heat mounts up, dark clouds form, then rain comes with thunder and lightning. But rain is soon over.” Which of the following regions is described in the above passage?
(a) Savannah
(b) Equatorial
(c) Monsoon
(d) Mediterranean
Answer : (b)
13. In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason?
(a) Sea surface temperatures are low
(b) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs
(c) Coriolis force is too weak
(d) Absence of land in those regions
Answer : (b)
14. What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current?
(a) The Earth’s rotation on its axis
(b) Convergence of the two equatorial currents
(c) Difference in salinity of water
(d) Occurrence of the belt of calm near the equator
Answer : (b)
15. The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of
(a) Equatorial climate
(b) Mediterranean climate
(c) Monsoon climate
(d) All of the above climates
Answer : (c)
16. Variations in the length of daytime and night-time from season to season are due to
(a) The earth’s rotation on its axis
(b) The earth’s revolution round the sun in an elliptical manner
(c) Latitudinal position of the place
(d) Revolution of the earth on a tilted axis
Answer : (d)
17. The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons?
1) Thermal difference between land and water
2) Variation in altitude between continents and oceans
3) Presence of strong winds in the interior
4) Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1,2, 3 and 4
Answer : (a)
18. During the thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the
1) Meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky
2) Lightning that separates the nimbus clouds
3) Violent upward movement of air and water particles
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above produces the thunder
Answer : (d)
19. Consider the following factors:
1) Rotation of the Earth
2) Air pressure and wind
3) Density of ocean water
4) Revolution of the Earth
Which of the above factors influence the ocean current
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Answer : (b)
20. Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earth’s surface, because
1) The atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth’s surface.
2) There is more moisture in the upper atmosphere
3) The air is less dense in the upper atmosphere
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
Answer : (c)
21. Which one of the following is the characteristic climate of the Tropical Savannah Region?
(a) Rainfall throughout the year
(b) Rainfall in winter, only
(c) An extremely short dry season
(d) A definite dry and wet season
Answer : (d)
22. How is La Nina different from EI Nino?
1) La Nina is characterised by unusually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas EI Nino is characterised by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
2) EI Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate.
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 : (d)
23. Westerlies in southern hemisphere are stronger persistent than in northern hemisphere. Why?
1) Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to northern hemisphere.
2) Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern hemisphere
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 : (a)
24. A layer in the Earth’s atmosphere called ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why?
1) The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth,
2) Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
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 : (b)
25. What could be the main reason /reasons for the formation of African and Eurasian desert belt?
1) It is located in the sub-tropical high pressure cells.
2) It is under the influence of warm ocean currents.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct in this context?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : (a)
26. The jet aircrafts fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation?
1) There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower stratosphere.
2) There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct in this context?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : (c)
27. A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modoki appeared in the news. In this context, consider the following statements:
1) Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific ocean whereas El Nino Modoki forms in Eastern Pacific ocean
2) Normal EI Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : (b)
28. A geographic region has the following distinct characteristics:
1) Warm and dry climate
2) Mild and wet winter
3) Evergreen oak trees
The above features are the distinct characteristics of which one of the following regions?
(a) Mediterranean
(b) Eastern China
(c) Central Asia
(d) Atlantic coast of North America
Answer : (a)
29. What causes wind to deflect toward left in the Southern hemisphere?
(a) Temperature
(b) Magnetic field
(c) Rotation of the earth
(d) Pressure
Answer : (c)
30. Consider the following which can be found in the ambient atmosphere:
1) Soot
2) Sulphur hexafluoride
3) Water vapour
Which of the above contribute to the warming up of the atmosphere?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 , 2 and 3
Answer : (d)
31. Consider the following statements:
1) In the world, the tropical deserts occur along the western margins of continents within the trade wind belt.
2) In India, the East Himalayan region gets high rainfall from north-east winds.
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 : (a)
32. Consider the following statements:
1) The albedo of an object determines its visual brightness when viewed with reflected light.
2) The albedo of Mercury is much greater than the albedo of the Earth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both I and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer : (a)
33. Consider the following statements:
1) Either of the two belts over the oceans at about 30° N to 35° N and S Latitudes is known as Horse Latitude
2) Horse latitudes are low pressure belts.
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 : (a)
34. Consider the following statements:
1) The annual range of temperature is greater in the Pacific Ocean than that in the Atlantic Ocean
2) The annual range of temperature is greater in the Northern Hemisphere than that in the Southern
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 : (b)
35. Assertion: Wind patterns are clockwise in the northern hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
Reasons: The directions of wind patterns in the northern and the southern hemisphere are governed by the Coriolis effect.
(a) Both A are R are true R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer : (a)
36. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals
(b) Cirrus clouds exhibit a flat base and have the appearance of rising domes
(c) Cumulus clouds are white and thin, and form delicate patches and give a fibrous and feathery appearance
(d) Cumulus clouds are classified as high clouds
Answer : (a)
37. Assertion: The thickness of the atmosphere is maximum over the Equator.
Reason: High insolation and strong convection currents occur over the Equator.
(a) Both A are R are true R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer : (a)
38. Assertion: Areas lying within five to eight degrees latitude on either side of the equator receive rainfall throughout the year.
Reason: High temperature and high humidity cause convectional rain to fall mostly in the afternoons near the equator.
(a) Both A are R are true R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer : (a)
39. Consider the following statements:
1) In equatorial regions, the year is divided into four main seasons
2) In Mediterranean region, summer receives more rain
3) In China type climate, rainfall occurs throughout the year
4) Tropical highlands exhibit vertical zonation of different climates
Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 3 and 4
Answer : (d)
40. Assertion: The surface winds spiral inwards upon the centre of the cyclone
Reason: Air descends in the centre of the cyclone
(a) Both A are R are true R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Answer : (c)
41. Consider the following climatic and geographical phenomena
1) Condensation
2) High temperature and humidity
3) Orography
4) Vertical wind
Thunder Cloud development is due to which of these phenomena?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1,2 and 4
(d) 1,2, 3 and 4
Answer : (d)
42. For short-term climatic predictions, which one of the following events, detected in the last decade, is associated with occasional weak monsoon rains in the Indian sub-continent?
(a) La Nina
(b) Movement of Jet Streams
(c) El Nino and Southern Oscillations
(d) Greenhouse effect on global level
Answer : (c)
43. Cloudy nights are warmer compared to clear cloudless nights, because clouds
(a) Prevent cold waves from the sky from descending
(b) Reflect back the heat given off by earth
(c) Produce heat and radiate it towards earth
(d) Absorb heat from the atmosphere and send it towards earth
Answer : (b)
44. Which one of the following weather conditions is indicated by a sudden fall in barometer reading?
(a) Stormy weather
(b) Calm weather
(c) Cold and dry weather
(d) Hot and sunny weather
Answer : (a)
45. “Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.”
The above statements best describes which of the following regions?
(a) African Savannah
(b) Central Asian Steppe
(c) North American Prairie
(d) Siberian Tundra
Answer : (b)
46. Consider the following statements about the ‘Roaring Forties’:
1) They blow uninterrupted in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres
2) They blow with great strength and constancy
3) Their direction is generally from North West to East in the Southern Hemisphere
4) Overcast skies, rain and raw weather are generally associated with them
Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1,2 and 3
(b) 2,3 and 4
(c) 1,3 and 4
(d) 1,2 and 4
Answer : (b)
47. Which one of the following reflects back more sunlight as compared to other three?
(a) Sand desert
(b) Paddy crop land
(c) Land covered with fresh snow
(d) Prairie land
Answer : (c)
48. Most of the explosions in mines occur due to the mixing of
(a) Hydrogen with oxygen
(b) Oxygen with acetylene
(c) Methane with air
(d) Carbon dioxide with ethane
Answer : (c)
49. When there is noon at I.S.T meridian people at another place of the earth are taking their 6 O’ clock morning tea. The longitude of the place is:
(a) 17° 30’E
(b) 7°30’ W
(c)172°39’E
(d) 90°W
Answer : (d)
50. Which one of the following straits is nearest to the International Date Line?
(a) Malacca Strait
(b) Bering Strait
(c) Strait of Florida
(d) Strait of Gibraltar
Answer : (b)
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Also refer :
- Download the pdf of Important MCQs From the History Of Ancient India
- List Of Important Inscriptions In India
