Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation

Q1. With reference to Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), consider the following statements:
1. It redistributes heat and regulate weather pattern around the world.
2. Weakening of AMOC may reduce the marine productivity in all seas and oceans.
3. Recently, the increase in the level of atmospheric temperature has led to the weakening of AMOC.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: c
Explanation:
Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC)
● The AMOC is a large system of ocean currents, like a conveyor belt, driven by differences in temperature
and salt content – the water’s density
● It is one of the Earth’s largest water circulation systems.
● It is the Atlantic branch of the ocean conveyor belt or Thermohaline Circulation (THC), and
distributes heat and nutrients throughout the world’s ocean basins. Hence, statement 1 is
correct.
● Working of AMOC:
⮚ AMOC carries warm surface waters from the tropics towards the Northern Hemisphere, where
it cools and sinks.
⮚ It then returns to the tropics and then to the South Atlantic as a bottom current. From
there it is distributed to all ocean basins via the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The ACC is
the most important current in the Southern Ocean, and the only current that
flows completely around the globe.
● Global warming caused by Greenhouse gasses is one of the major reasons for the slowing down of
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
● Impact of AMOC Slow Down:
i. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report suggests that AMOC has already
weakened. Any substantial weakening of the AMOC would cause a further decrease in
marine productivity in the North Atlantic. Its impact on all seas and oceans is not known.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
ii. A further slowdown of the AMOC could imply more extreme weather events like a change of the
winter storm track coming off the Atlantic.
iii. The Sahara region will become more drought prone

Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. The ocean currents in Indian ocean region are influenced by the monsoon winds.
2. During winter, the ocean currents move along the Bay of Bengal in clockwise direction whereas during
summer, in anti-clockwise direction.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: b
Explanation:
• Indian ocean is half an ocean; hence the behavior of the North Indian Ocean Currents is different from
that of Atlantic Ocean Currents or the Pacific Ocean Currents. Also, monsoon winds in the northern
Indian ocean are peculiar to the region, which directly influence the ocean surface water
movement (North Indian Ocean Currents). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The currents in the northern portion of the Indian Ocean change their direction from season to season in
response to the seasonal rhythm of the monsoons.
• During winter, the north-east monsoons drive the water along the coast of Bay of Bengal to circulate in
an anticlockwise direction. Similarly, the water along the coast of Arabian Sea also circulates in an anti-
clockwise circulation. In summer, due to the effects of the strong south-west monsoon and the absence
of the north-east trades, a strong current flow from west to east. Thus, the circulation of water in the
northern part of the ocean is clockwise during this season. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Q3. Consider the following factors:

1. Unequal distribution of land and water
2. Latitude
3. Prevailing Wind
4. Ocean currents
How many of the above affect(s) the distribution of temperature in the ocean?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: d
Explanation:
Factors which affect the distribution of temperature of ocean water are:
● Latitude: The temperature of surface water decreases from the equator towards the poles because the
amount of insolation decreases poleward. Hence, point 1 is correct.
● Unequal distribution of land and water. The oceans in the northern hemisphere receive more heat due
to their contact with larger extent of land than the oceans in the southern hemisphere. Hence, point 2 is
correct.
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation
● Prevailing Wind: The winds blowing from the land towards the oceans drive warm surface water away
from the coast resulting in the upwelling of cold water from below. It results in the longitudinal variation
in the temperature. Contrary to this, the onshore winds pile up warm water near the coast and this raises
the temperature. Hence, point 3 is correct.
● Ocean currents: Warm Ocean currents raise the temperature in cold areas while the cold currents
decrease the temperature in warm ocean areas. The Gulf stream (warm current) raises the temperature
near the eastern coast of North America and the West Coast of Europe while the Labrador current (cold
current) lowers the temperature near the north-east coast of North America. Hence, point 4 is correct.

Q4. Consider the following pairs:

Ocean current Type

1. Canaries Cold

2. Cayenne Warm

3. Kurile Cold

4. North Atlantic drift Warm

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: d
Explanation:
• Pair 1 is correctly matched: The Canary Current is a wind-driven surface current that is part of
the North Atlantic Gyre. It is a very deep, cold, and relatively slow current, but it carries a vast mass
of water, about twice the volume of the Gulf Stream.
• Pair 2 is correctly matched: South Equatorial Current bifurcates at the Current protruding landmass
of northeast Brazil into warm northern Cayenne Current and the southern Brazilian Current (South
Atlantic Ocean).
• Pair 3 is correctly matched: Okhotsk or the Kurile current, is a cold subarctic ocean current that
flows south and circulates counter-clockwise in the western North Pacific Ocean.
• Pair 4 is correctly matched: The North Atlantic Current (NAC), also known as North Atlantic Drift and
North Atlantic Sea Movement, is a powerful warm western boundary current within the Atlantic
Ocean that extends the Gulf Stream north-eastward.

Q5. Arrange the following reservoirs of water on the Earth’s surface in decreasing order of quantity of water present
in them:
1. Icecaps and Glaciers
2. Groundwater
3. Lakes
4. Soil Moisture
5. Atmosphere
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1-2-3-4-5
(b) 2-1-4-3-5
(c) 3-1-2-4-5
(d) 5-2-1-3-4
Answer: a
Explanation:
WATER AVAILABLE ON THE EARTH’S SURFACE
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation

Reservoir Water Available (%)

Oceans 97.25
Icecaps and Glaciers 2.05
Groundwater 0.68
Lakes 0.01
Soil Moisture 0.005
Atmosphere 0.001
Streams and Rivers 0.0001
Biosphere 0.00004

Q6. With reference to the Oceanography, consider the following statements:

1. Continental slope is the gently sloping seaward extension of a continental plate.
2. Continental slope connects the continental shelf and the ocean basins.
3. Continental Shelves are the flattest and smoothest regions of the world.
How many of the above statements are incorrect?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: b
Explanation:
Continental Shelf
• Statement 1 is incorrect: It is the gently sloping (gradient of 1° or less) seaward extension of a
continental plate.
• Continental Shelves cover 7.5% of the total area of the oceans.
• Shallow seas and gulfs are found along the continental shelves.
• The shelf typically ends at a very steep slope, called the shelf break.
Continental slope
• Statement 2 is correct: It connects the continental shelf and the ocean basins.
• The gradient of the slope region varies between 2-5°.
• The depth of the slope region varies between 200 and 3,000 m.
• The seaward edge of the continental slope loses gradient at this depth and gives rise to continental rise.
• The continental slope boundary indicates the end of the continents.
• Canyons and trenches are observed in this region.
Deep Sea Plain or Abyssal Plain
• Deep sea planes are gently sloping areas of the ocean basins.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: These are the flattest and smoothest regions of the world because of
terrigenous (marine sediment eroded from the land) and shallow water sediments that buries the
irregular topography.
• It covers nearly 40% of the ocean floor.
• The depths vary between 3,000 and 6,000 m.
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation

Q7. With reference to ‘Rift Valleys,’ consider the following statements:

1. It is found both on land and at the bottom of the sea.
2. It is the result of the process of seafloor spreading.
3. It is also formed by water, snow, and wind erosion.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: b
Explanation:
● Rift Valley formation is a geological process in which a single tectonic plate is split into two or more
plates separated by divergent plate boundaries. The Earth’s lithosphere, comprised of the crust and upper
part of the mantle, is divided into several tectonic plates that are not stationary and move in relation to
each other, at varying speeds which causes them to rupture, resulting in the formation of Rift Valleys and
potentially creating new plate boundaries.
● Rift valleys are found both on land and at the bottom of
the ocean, where they are created by the process of
seafloor spreading. Earth’s deepest rift valleys are found
underwater, dividing long mountain ranges called Mid-Ocean
Ridges. As tectonic plates move away from one another at
mid-ocean ridges, molten rock from the mantle may well up
and harden as it contacts the sea, forming new oceanic crust
at the bottom of the rift valley. The East Pacific Rise has
created rift valleys where the Pacific plate is separating from
the North American plate, Cocos plate, Nazca plate, and
Antarctic plate. The East African Rift, the Baikal Rift Valley,
the West Antarctic Rift, and the Rio Grande Rift are examples
of the Earth’s major active Continental Rift Valleys. Hence,
statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is correct.
● Rift valleys differ from river valleys and glacial valleys in that
they are created by tectonic activity and not the process of
erosion. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation
Q8. Consider the following pairs:
Ocean relief Description
1. Seamount Flat-topped mountain
2. Submarine Canyons Steep-sided valleys incised into
the continental shelf and slope
3. Guyots Mountain with pointed summits
4. Atoll Low islands found in the Oceans
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: b
Explanation:
MINOR RELIEF FEATURES
Seamount
• Pair 1 is incorrect: It is a mountain with pointed summits, rising from the seafloor that does not
reach the surface of the ocean.
• Seamounts are volcanic in origin.
• These can be 3,000-4,500 m tall.
• The ‘Emperor Seamount,’ an extension of the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean, is a good example.
Submarine Canyons
• Pair 2 is correct: These are deep valleys, some comparable to the Grand Canyon of the Colorado
river.
• They are sometimes found cutting across the continental shelves and slopes, often extending from the
mouths of large rivers.
• The Hudson Canyon is the best-known submarine canyon in the world.
Guyots
• Pair 3 is incorrect: It is a flat-topped seamount.
• They show evidences of gradual subsidence through stages to become flat topped submerged mountains.
• It is estimated that more than 10,000 seamounts and guyots exist in the Pacific Ocean alone.
Atoll
• Pair 4 is correct: These are low islands found in the tropical oceans consisting of coral reefs
surrounding a central depression.
• It may be a part of the sea (lagoon), or sometimes form enclosing a body of fresh, brackish, or highly
saline water.

Q9. With reference to the World Oceans, consider the following statements:
1. The enclosed seas in the low latitudes record relatively higher temperature than the open seas.
2. The enclosed seas in the high latitudes have lower temperature than the open seas.
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:
• Statements 1 and 2 are correct: The enclosed seas in the low latitudes record relatively higher
temperature than the open seas; whereas the enclosed seas in the high latitudes have lower
temperature than the open seas.
• Additional Information: The factors which affect the distribution of temperature of ocean water are:
o Latitude: Temperature of surface water decreases from the equator towards the poles because
the amount of insolation decreases poleward.
o Unequal distribution of land and water: Oceans in the northern hemisphere receive more heat
due to their contact with larger extent of land than the oceans in the southern hemisphere.
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation
o Prevailing wind: Winds blowing from the land towards the oceans drive warm surface water away
from the coast resulting in the upwelling of cold water from below. It results into the longitudinal
variation in the temperature. Contrary to this, the onshore winds pile up warm water near the
coast and this raises the temperature.
o Ocean currents: Warm Ocean currents raise the temperature in cold areas while the cold
currents decrease the temperature in warm ocean areas. Gulf stream (warm current) raises the
temperature near the eastern coast of North America and the West Coast of Europe while the
Labrador current (cold current) lowers the temperature near the north-east coast of North
America.

Q10. Consider the following statements with reference to the temperature-depth profile for the ocean water:
1. The thermocline layer is characterized by rapid decrease in temperature with increasing depth.
2. The thermocline layer is less than 500m thick.
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
Explanation:
TEMPERATURE-DEPTH PROFILE FOR THE OCEAN WATER
• First layer: Represents the top layer of warm oceanic water and it is about 500m thick with
temperatures ranging between 20° and 25° C.
o This layer, within the tropical region, is present throughout the year but in mid latitudes it
develops only during summer.
• Statement 1 is correct: Second layer (Thermocline): Lies below the first layer and is characterised by
rapid decrease in temperature with increasing depth.
o Statement 2 is incorrect: The thermocline is 500 -1,000 m thick.
• Third layer: It is very cold and extends up to the deep ocean floor.
o In the Arctic and Antarctic circles, the surface water temperatures are close to 0° C and so the
temperature change with the depth is very slight.
o Here, only one layer of cold water exists, which extends from surface to deep ocean floor.
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation
Q11. With regard to distribution of temperature in the oceans, consider the following statements:
1. The rate of decrease of temperature of surface water of the oceans with increasing latitude is 6.5°C per
latitude.
2. The oceans in the northern hemisphere record relatively higher temperature than in the southern
hemisphere.
3. The highest temperature is not recorded at the equator but slightly towards south of it.
4. The temperature of the ocean water decreases uniformly with the increasing depth.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: b
Explanation:
DISTRIBUTION OF TEMPERATURE IN THE OCEANS
• The average temperature of surface water of the oceans is about 27°C and it gradually decreases from the
equator towards the poles.
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The rate of decrease of temperature with increasing latitude is generally
0.5°C per latitude. The average temperature is around 22°C at 20° latitudes, 14° C at 40° latitudes and
0° C near poles.
• Statement 2 is correct: The oceans in the northern hemisphere record relatively higher
temperature than in the southern hemisphere.
• Statement 3 is correct: The highest temperature is not recorded at the equator but slightly
towards north of it. The average annual temperatures for the northern and southern hemisphere are
around 19° C and 16° C respectively. This variation is due to the unequal distribution of land and water
in the northern and southern hemispheres.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: The maximum temperature of the oceans is always at their surfaces because
they directly receive the heat from the sun and the heat is transmitted to the lower sections of the oceans
through the process of convection. It results into decrease of temperature with the increasing depth,
but the rate of decrease is not uniform throughout.
• The temperature falls very rapidly up to the depth of 200 m and thereafter, the rate of decrease of
temperature is slowed down.

Q12. Consider the following factors:

1. Evaporation
2. Thawing of ice
3. Wind
4. Ocean currents
5. Density of water
How many of the above affect ocean salinity?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five
Answer: d
Explanation:
FACTORS AFFECTING OCEAN SALINITY ARE:
• Point 1 is correct: The salinity of water in the surface layer of oceans depend mainly on
evaporation and precipitation.
• Point 2 is correct: Surface salinity is greatly influenced in coastal regions by the fresh water flow from
rivers, and in polar regions by the processes of freezing and thawing of ice.
• Point 3 is correct: Wind, also influences salinity of an area by transferring water to other areas.
• Point 4 is correct: The ocean currents contribute to the salinity variations.
• Point 5 is correct: Salinity, temperature and density of water are interrelated. Hence, any change in
the temperature or density influences the salinity of water in an area.
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation
Q13. Consider the following statements with reference to the horizontal distribution of salinity in the ocean waters:
1. Ocean salinity gradually decreases towards the north.
2. The North Sea records higher salinity due to more saline water brought by the North Atlantic Drift.
3. Baltic Sea records low salinity due to influx of river waters in large quantity.
4. The Arabian Sea shows higher salinity due to less evaporation and low influx of fresh water.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: c
Explanation:
HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION OF SALINITY IN THE OCEAN WATERS
• The salinity for normal open ocean ranges between 33 ‰ and 37 ‰. In the land locked Red Sea, it is as
high as 41‰, while in the estuaries and the Arctic, the salinity fluctuates from 0 - 35 ‰, seasonally.
• In hot and dry regions, where evaporation is high, the salinity sometimes reaches to 70 ‰. The salinity
variation in the Pacific Ocean is mainly due to its shape and larger areal extent.
• Salinity decreases from 35 ‰ - 31 ‰ on the western parts of the northern hemisphere because of the
influx of melted water from the Arctic region. In the same way, after 15° - 20° south, it decreases to 33
‰. The average salinity of the Atlantic Ocean is around 36 ‰.
• Statement 1 is correct: The highest salinity is recorded between 15° and 20° latitudes. Maximum
salinity (37 ‰) is observed between 20° N and 30° N and 20° W - 60° W. It gradually decreases towards
the north.
• Statement 2 is correct: The North Sea, in spite of its location in higher latitudes, records higher
salinity due to more saline water brought by the North Atlantic Drift.
• Statement 3 is correct: Baltic Sea records low salinity due to influx of river waters in large
quantity.
• The Mediterranean Sea records higher salinity due to high evaporation. Salinity is, however, very low in
Black Sea due to enormous fresh water influx by rivers.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: The average salinity of the Indian Ocean is 35 ‰. The low salinity trend is
observed in the Bay of Bengal due to influx of river water. On the contrary, the Arabian Sea shows
higher salinity due to high evaporation and low influx of fresh water.

Q14. Consider the following statements regarding the salinity of oceans:

1. The water with lower salinity rests above the higher salinity dense water.
2. The salinity increases sharply at the thermocline.
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
Explanation:
VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SALINITY
• Salinity changes with depth, but the way it changes depends upon the location of the sea. Salinity at the
surface increases by the loss of water to ice or evaporation, or decreased by the input of fresh waters,
such as from the rivers.
• Salinity at depth is very much fixed, because there is no way that water is ‘lost’, or the salt is ‘added.’
There is a marked difference in the salinity between the surface zones and the deep zones of the oceans.
• Statement 1 is correct: The lower salinity water rests above the higher salinity dense water.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Salinity, generally, increases with depth and there is a distinct zone
called the halocline, where salinity increases sharply.
• Other factors being constant, increasing salinity of seawater causes its density to increase. High salinity
seawater, generally, sinks below the lower salinity water. This leads to stratification by salinity.
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation
Q15. Consider the following effects:
1. Formation of dense fog over the water surface
2. Formation of Cyclones
3. Enhanced population of the Fish
How many of the above are the effects of the meeting of warm and cold ocean currents?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: b
Explanation:
● ‘Ocean currents’ are streams of water flowing constantly on the ocean surface and depth of the ocean
in definite directions forming the Global Ocean Conveyor Belt. The primary forces that influence the
currents are heating by solar energy, wind, gravity, and Coriolis force. The ocean currents are classified as
Warm currents and Cold currents. Warm currents originate near the tropical and equatorial regions and
move towards the poles along the eastern coasts, e.g. - seas around Japan and the eastern coast of North
America. The cold currents carry water from polar or higher latitudes to tropical or lower latitudes and
exist mainly near western coasts.

● The areas where a warm and cold current meet, mainly the Sea around Japan and the East Coast of
North America, experience foggy weather because the air flowing over these currents differs in temperature
and moisture content. Hence in these areas, moisture-laden warm air cools rapidly on collision with
cold air and results in the formation of dense fog over the water's surface. Hence, point 1 is correct.
● The mixing of warm and cold currents helps to replenish the oxygen and favor the growth of plankton,
the primary food for the fish population. The best fishing grounds in the world exist mainly in these
mixing zones. Hence, point 3 is correct.
● The meeting of the warm and cold ocean currents is not the primary cause of the formation of cyclones
and anty-cyclones. Hence, points 2 is incorrect.

Q16. With reference to the tidal friction, consider the following statements:
1. Ocean tides are the effect of tidal forces.
2. The tidal forces have contributed to the bulging of the Earth.
3. The daily flexing of the Earth causes gain of energy in the Earth's rotation.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: b
Explanation:
Sources of earth’s heat Radioactive decay
• The high temperature below the crust is attributed to the disintegration of the radioactive substances.
• The nuclear decay happens primarily in the crust and the mantle.
• Scientists believe that uranium could become sufficiently concentrated at the base of Earth’s mantle to
ignite self-sustained nuclear fission, as in a human-made reactor.
• The new measurements suggest radioactive decay provides more than half of Earth's total heat. Nuclear
fusion doesn’t occur inside the earth. For nuclear fusion to occur there must be far more pressure and
temperature inside the earth. The earth is not massive enough to cause such conditions.
Primordial heat
• The rest is the heat left over from Earth's formation known as the primordial heat.
• Primordial heat is the kinetic energy transferred to Earth by external impacts of comets and meteorites
and the subsequent effects (friction caused by sinking of heavy elements like Fe, rising light elements like
Si) and latent heat of crystallisation released as the core solidifies.
• Statements 1 and 2 are correct: The ocean tides are not the only effect of tidal forces (gravitational
influence of the moon and the sun on earth; tides are explained in oceanography). The solid body of the
Earth also bulges slightly in this way.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The daily flexing of the Earth (both solid body and the oceans) causes
loss of energy of the Earth's rotation, due to friction.
• This energy goes into heat, leading to miniscule increase in the Earth's internal temperature.
• The loss of rotational energy means that the Earth is slowing down in its rotation rate, currently by about
0.002 seconds per century.
Thus option (b) is correct.

Q17. Consider the following:

1. Higher surface temperature of Bay of Bengal
2. Higher salinity of Bay of Bengal
3. Lower stratification in Bay of Bengal
How many of the above are the reasons for the fact that the Arabian Sea witnesses very few cyclones as compared
to the Bay of Bengal?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: a
Explanation:
Some of the reasons for the fact that the Arabian Sea witnesses very few cyclones as compared to the Bay of Bengal
are as follows:
Point 1 is correct: The surface temperature of Bay of Bengal is higher
• Surface temperature in the Bay of Bengal is usually between 22 °C and 31 °C. It is cooler by 1-2 °C in the
Arabian Sea because of the monsoon winds. The Arabian Sea surface has higher salinity.
• Salinity near the surface in the northern Bay of Bengal can be as low as 31 ppt because the bay receives
lots of freshwater from the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Godavari, and others.
• Point 2 is incorrect: Salinity near the surface in the Arabian Sea is much higher than in the Bay of
Bengal because evaporation over the Arabian Sea is much greater than precipitation and river runoff (it
loses more freshwater than it receives).
Point 3 is incorrect: Higher stratification in Bay of Bengal
• If all the freshwater that the bay receives during a year is accumulated and spread uniformly over its
entire surface, it would form a layer over a meter thick.
• Freshwater is less dense compared to saline water. Hence vertical mixing is inhibited in the Bay of
Bengal.
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation
• On the other hand, high evaporation and low inflow of fresh water increases salinity (water becomes
denser) at the surface in the Arabian Sea, and this increases vertical mixing. Monsoon winds drive away
moisture.
• Though the monsoon winds increasing evaporation in the Arabian Sea, the moisture is constantly driven
away by the winds towards India.
Thus option (a) is correct.

Q18. Consider the following statements with reference to the temperature distribution in the oceans:
1. High specific heat brings the highest annual and diurnal range of temperatures for interior regions.
2. In oceans, the lowest annual range of temperature occurs due to continentality and mixing of water.
3. Warm ocean currents bring low temperature gradients over the eastern margin of continents.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: a
Explanation:

General Temperature Distribution

● The highest temperatures occur over tropics and subtropics.
● The lowest temperatures occur in polar and sub-polar regions and the interiors of large continental
subpolar regions due to the effect of continentality (far from the moderating effect of the seas).
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Diurnal (daily) and annual range of temperatures are highest in the
interiors of continents due to continentality.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Diurnal and annual range of temperatures are least in oceans because of
high specific heat and mixing.
● The northern hemisphere is warmer because of the predominance of land over water in the north.
● Low-temperature gradients are observed over tropics (sun is almost overhead the entire year).
● High-temperature gradients are observed over middle and higher latitudes (sun’s apparent path varies
significantly from season to season).
● Statement 3 is correct: Temperature gradients are usually low over the eastern margins of
continents because of warm ocean currents.
● While passing through an area with warm ocean currents, the isotherms show a poleward shift.
● E.g. North Atlantic Drift and Gulf Stream in Northern Atlantic; Kurishino Current and North Pacific
current combined in Northern Pacific.
● Temperature gradients are usually high over the western margins of continents because of cold ocean
currents.
● Mountains also affect the horizontal distribution of temperature. For example, the Himalayas insulate
India from the cold winds of Siberia, the Rockies and the Andes block the oceanic influence from going
inwards into North and South America.
Thus option (a) is correct.

Q19. Consider the following statements with reference to Horizontal distribution of Salinity of oceans:
1. North Sea records low salinity due to its location in higher latitudes.
2. The Mediterranean Sea records higher salinity due to high evaporation.
3. Arabian Sea shows higher salinity than Bay of Bengal.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: b
Explanation:
● The salinity for normal open ocean ranges between 33 ‰ and 37 ‰.
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation
● In the land-locked Red Sea, it is as high as 41 ppt while in the estuaries and the Arctic, the salinity
fluctuates from 0-35 ppt seasonally.
● In hot and dry regions, where evaporation is high, the salinity sometimes reaches 70 ppt.
● The salinity variation in the Pacific Ocean is mainly due to its shape and larger areal extent.
● Salinity decreases from 35 ppt- 31 ppt on the western parts of the northern hemisphere because of the
influx of melted water from the Arctic region. In the same way, after 15° - 20° south, it decreases to 33 ppt.
● The average salinity of the Atlantic Ocean is around 36 ppt. The highest salinity is recorded between 15°
and 20° latitudes. Maximum salinity (37 ‰) is observed between 20° N and 30° N and 20° W - 60° W. It
gradually decreases towards the north.
● The North Sea, in spite of its location in higher latitudes, records higher salinity due to more saline
water brought by the North Atlantic Drift. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
● The Baltic Sea records low salinity due to the influx of river waters in large quantities.
● The Mediterranean Sea records higher salinity due to high evaporation. Hence, statement 2 is
correct.
● Salinity is, however, very low in Black Sea due to enormous freshwater influx by rivers.
● The average salinity of the Indian Ocean is 35 ‰. The low salinity trend is observed in the Bay of
Bengal due to influx of river water. On the contrary, the Arabian Sea shows higher salinity due to
high evaporation and low influx of fresh water. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Q20. Consider the following statements:

1. Ocean currents are the continuous flow of huge amount of water in a definite direction.
2. Steep waves originated from distant places, possibly from another 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
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: The horizontal and vertical motions are common in ocean water bodies. The
horizontal motion refers to the ocean currents and waves. The vertical motion refers to tides. Ocean
currents are the continuous flow of a huge amount of water in a definite direction while the waves
are the horizontal motion of water. Water moves ahead from one place to another through ocean currents
while the water in the waves does not move, but the wave trains move ahead.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Waves are actually the energy, not the water as such, which moves across the
ocean surface. Wind provides energy to the waves. Wind causes waves to travel in the ocean and the energy
is released on shorelines. When the depth of water is less than half the wavelength of the wave, the wave
breaks. The largest waves are found in the open oceans. Waves continue to grow larger as they move and
absorb energy from the wind. When a breeze of two knots or less blows over calm water, small ripples form
and grow as the wind speed increases until white caps appear in the breaking waves. A wave’s size and
shape reveal its origin. Steep waves are fairly young ones and are probably formed by local wind. Slow and
steady waves originate from distant places, possibly from another hemisphere.

Q21. Consider the following statements:

1. The continental rise connects the continental shelf and the ocean basins.
2. The continental slope is a ridge lying generally between the foot of a continental rise and a mid-ocean ridge.
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
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The continental rise is a sediment underwater feature found between the
continental slope and the abyssal plain.
 Geography Test 7 (PODP 2024) Explanation
● Statement 2 is incorrect: The continental slope connects the continental shelf and the ocean basins.
It begins where the bottom of the continental shelf sharply drops off into a steep slope. The continental
slope connects the continental shelf and the ocean basins.

Q22. Which of the following is the deepest oceanic trench in the world?
(a) Philippines Trench
(b) Tonga Trench
(c) Mariana Trench
(d) Kuril-Kamchatka Trench
Answer: c
Explanation:
The Mariana Trench off the Guam Islands in the Pacific Ocean is the deepest trench with a depth of more than
11 kilometers.

Q23. Consider the following statements regarding Oceanic Deeps:

1. They are associated with active volcanoes and strong earthquakes.
2. Highest number of Oceanic deeps can be found in the Indian Ocean.
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
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Oceanic Deeps/Trenches are associated with active volcanoes and strong
earthquakes (Deep Focus Earthquakes like in Japan). This makes them very significant in the study of
plate movements.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: As many as 57 deeps have been explored so far; of which 32 are in the Pacific
Ocean; 19 in the Atlantic Ocean and 6 in the Indian Ocean.

Q24. Consider the following statements:

1. A seamount is a flat-topped mountain.
2. A valley is a low area between hills or mountains or a depression
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: b
Explanation:
● Seamount: It is a mountain with pointed summits, rising from the seafloor that does not reach the
surface of the ocean. Seamounts are volcanic in origin. These can be 3,000-4,500 m tall. Hence,
statement 1 is incorrect.
● VALLEY: a low area between hills or mountains or a depression, typically with a river or stream flowing
through it. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Q25. With reference to oceanography, what is a shoal?

(a) A flat-topped elevation located in the continental margins.
(b) A detached elevation with shallow depths.
(c) A predominantly organic deposit made by living or dead organisms that forms a mound or rocky elevation
like a ridge.
(d) Low islands found in the tropical oceans consisting of coral reefs.
Answer: b
Explanation:
A shoal is a detached elevation with shallow depths. Since they project out of water with moderate heights, they
are dangerous for navigation.