GS Foundation Course
(LAKsHYA/UtKARsH)
Subject: GEOGRAPHY
Daily Practice Paper
(DPP)
[ Assignment No. 21 ]
aily MCQs
The assignment includes Guidelines to attempt the questions
(1) 5 Objective Type Questions (FOR MCQ Practice) The MCQs & subjective questions can be solved
with the help of the topics covered in the class,
(2) 2 Subjective Type Questions (For Answer Writing class notes, standard books and other sources like
newspapers, government websites etc.
Practice)
It is expected from the aspirants to attempt all the
Name: …………………………………......................... questions.
Date of submission : ………………………………...... The copies will be evaluated within 72 hours.
You are directed to use 1 page for 150 word limit
Course Name/Batch : ……………………………….... answer and 3 pages for 250 word limit answer.
Submit the answer sheet before entering the
classroom.
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Daily MCQs
Q1. Which factor does NOT affect the height of tides on Earth?
(a) Moon’s distance from Earth
(b) Earth’s rotation
(c) Shape of the coastline
(d) Sun’s magnetic field
Q2. Which ocean current flows along the western coast of South America and is influenced by El
Niño events?
(a) Humboldt Current
(b) Agulhas Current
(c) Peru Current
(d) North Equatorial Current
Q3. When do spring tides occur?
(a) During the new moon and full moon
(b) During the first quarter and third quarter moon
(c) During the waxing crescent and waning gibbous phases
(d) During the waxing gibbous and waning crescent phases
Q4. Neap tides occur when:
(a) The Sun, Earth, and Moon form a right angle
(b) The Moon is closest to the Earth
(c) The Moon is farthest from the Earth
(d) The Moon is in its full phase
Q5. What phenomenon causes the difference between spring tides and neap tides?
(a) Lunar libration
(b) Solar irradiance
(c) Gravitational interference
(d) Orbital inclination of the Moon
Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions
Q1. What are tides ? How tides are formed ? Distinguish between spring tides and neap tides.
(10 marks, 150 words)
Q2. With suitable illustrations write an account on ocean currents
(15 marks, 250 words)
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Assignment 20 answers
Daily MCQs
Q1.
Ans: b
Explanation
The Humboldt Current, also known as the Peru Current, flows northward along the western coast of
South America, influencing the climate and marine life of the region.
Q2.
Ans: a
Explanation
The Kuroshio Current in the western North Pacific is similar to the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic, both
being warm, swift currents that influence climate and ecosystems along their respective coasts.
Q3.
Ans: c
Explanation
Upwelling occurs when cold, nutrient-rich water rises from deeper layers to the surface, typically along
certain coastal areas due to wind-driven processes.
Q4.
Ans: b
Explanation
Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics, where hydrothermal
vents release hot water rich in minerals, supporting unique ecosystems.
Q5.
Ans: b
Explanation
The Ekman spiral describes the structure of currents and winds in the ocean, showing how surface
currents are deflected by the Coriolis effect and create a spiraling pattern with depth.
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Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions
Q1. Write an account on ocean bottom topography. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Model Answer
Ocean bottom topography refers to the study and mapping of the underwater features of the ocean
floor. This includes the diverse landscapes and structures beneath the sea surface, such as mountains,
valleys, plains, and volcanic formations.
1. Continental Shelf
z The continental shelf is the extended perimeter of each continent, which is submerged
under relatively shallow waters.
z It typically extends from the coastline to depths of about 200 meters.
z Examples include the North Sea shelf off Europe and the Grand Banks of Newfoundland.
2. Continental Slope
z Beyond the continental shelf, the ocean floor descends steeply, forming the continental slope.
z This region marks the boundary between continental and oceanic crusts.
z The slope can descend to depths ranging from 200 meters to over 3,000 meters.
3. Continental Rise
z At the base of the continental slope, sediments accumulate to form the continental rise.
z It consists of a thick wedge of sediment that gradually merges with the deep ocean floor.
z This feature is more pronounced in regions with significant sediment deposition from rivers.
4. Abyssal Plains
z Abyssal plains are flat, nearly featureless regions of the ocean floor.
z They are among the flattest and smoothest regions on Earth, found at depths between 3,000
to 6,000 meters.
z Examples include the Sohm Abyssal Plain in the North Atlantic Ocean.
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5. Mid-Ocean Ridges
z Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by tectonic activity.
z They are characterized by a central rift valley where new oceanic crust is created through
volcanic activity.
z The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a prominent example, stretching from the Arctic Ocean to the
Southern Ocean.
6. Oceanic Trenches
z Oceanic trenches are the deepest parts of the ocean floor, formed by subduction zones where
one tectonic plate is forced under another.
z These trenches can reach depths exceeding 11,000 meters, such as the Mariana Trench in the
Pacific Ocean.
z Trenches are associated with significant seismic and volcanic activity.
7. Seamounts and Guyots
z Seamounts are underwater mountains formed by volcanic activity, rising from the ocean
floor but not reaching the sea surface.
z Guyots are flat-topped seamounts that were once above sea level but have since been eroded.
z The Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain is a notable example.
8. Submarine Canyons
z Submarine canyons are steep-sided valleys cut into the seabed of the continental slope,
sometimes extending well onto the continental shelf.
z These canyons are often found at the mouths of large rivers and are formed by turbidity
currents.
z Examples include the Monterey Canyon off the coast of California.
9. Hydrothermal Vents
z Hydrothermal vents are found along mid-ocean ridges where seawater interacts with magma.
z These vents release mineral-rich water, supporting unique ecosystems.
z The East Pacific Rise hosts numerous hydrothermal vent fields.
The ongoing exploration and mapping of the ocean floor promise to uncover even more about this
largely uncharted frontier, contributing to our overall knowledge of Earth’s natural systems
Q2. Write an account on ocean water temperature, salinity and density. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
Model Answer
Ocean water temperature, salinity, and density are fundamental physical properties that influence
ocean circulation, climate patterns, and marine life. These characteristics vary spatially and temporally,
affecting the ocean’s role in the Earth’s climate system. Understanding these properties is crucial for
oceanography, climate science, and marine ecology.
1. Ocean Water Temperature
z Vertical Temperature Structure:
{ The ocean can be divided into three thermal layers: the surface layer (epipelagic zone),
the thermocline, and the deep ocean.
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{ The surface layer is well-mixed and directly influenced by solar radiation, typically
extending to about 200 meters.
{ The thermocline is a zone of rapid
temperature change, situated
below the surface layer.
{ The deep ocean is uniformly cold,
with temperatures near 0°C to 4°C.
z Horizontal Temperature Variations:
{ Temperature decreases from the
equator towards the poles.
{ Tropical waters can exceed 25°C,
while polar waters may be as cold
as -2°C.
{ Example: The Gulf Stream
transports warm water from the
Gulf of Mexico across the North
Atlantic, affecting climate as far as
Northern Europe.
z Seasonal and Diurnal Changes:
{ Surface temperatures fluctuate with seasons and daily cycles.
{ For instance, mid-latitude regions experience warmer waters in summer and cooler waters
in winter.
2. Salinity
z Definition and Measurement:
{ Salinity refers to the concentration of
dissolved salts in seawater, measured in
parts per thousand (ppt or ‰).
{ The average ocean salinity is about 35‰.
z Factors Influencing Salinity:
{ Evaporation and Precipitation:
High evaporation rates increase salinity,
while high precipitation rates decrease
it.
Example: The Red Sea has higher
salinity (around 40‰) due to high
evaporation.
{ River Runoff and Ice Melt:
Freshwater input from rivers and melting ice lowers salinity.
Example: The Baltic Sea has lower salinity (around 10‰) due to river runoff and
limited exchange with the open ocean.
z Horizontal and Vertical Variations:
{ Surface salinity is higher in subtropical regions and lower in equatorial and polar regions.
{ Salinity generally increases with depth as temperature decreases.
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3. Density
z Factors Affecting Density:
{ Density is determined by temperature, salinity, and pressure.
{ Cold water is denser than warm water, and salty water is denser than freshwater.
z Vertical Density Structure:
{ The ocean stratifies into layers based on
density, with the densest water at the
bottom.
{ Pycnocline is a layer where density
changes rapidly with depth, often
coinciding with the thermocline.
z Global Density Distribution:
{ Polar regions produce dense water
masses due to low temperatures and
high salinity from sea ice formation.
{ Example: The North Atlantic Deep Water
(NADW) forms in the North Atlantic
and sinks, driving global thermohaline
circulation.
z Thermohaline Circulation:
{ Density differences drive the global ocean conveyor belt, transporting heat and nutrients
around the globe.
{ Example: The Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) forms around Antarctica and spreads into
all ocean basins.
Advances in oceanographic research continue to deepen our understanding of these vital properties,
highlighting the intricate balance and complexity of the marine environment.
