Q10. Which of these protected areas is a Marine National Park?
[UPPSC Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Preliminary Examination, 2015]
(A) Bhitarkanika
(B) Sundarbans
(C) Gahirmatha
(D) Gulf of Mannar
Answer: (D) Gulf of Mannar
Explanation: The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park in Tamil Nadu protects islands and shallow coastal habitats, including coral reefs and seagrasses. Bhitarkanika and Sundarbans are mainly associated with mangrove landscapes, while Gahirmatha is a marine sanctuary.
2014 — 1 questions
Q9. In which of these places are coral reefs found?
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands;
2. Gulf of Kutch;
3. Gulf of Mannar;
4. Sundarbans.
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2014]
(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 2 and 4 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: India’s major coral-reef regions include Andaman and Nicobar, the Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar and Lakshadweep. Sundarbans are primarily mangrove tidal wetlands, not a major coral-reef area, so the fourth location is excluded.
2013 — 2 questions
Q8. Why are the world’s most productive fishing grounds often found where certain ocean currents meet?
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2013]
(A) Meeting of warm and cold air currents
(B) Discharge of rivers alone
(C) Meeting of warm and cold ocean currents
(D) Irregular continental shelves alone
Answer: (C) Meeting of warm and cold ocean currents
Explanation: Convergence of contrasting currents can enhance vertical mixing and biological productivity, providing nutrients for plankton and fish. Additional factors include continental shelves and upwelling. Such zones have historically supported important commercial fisheries.
Q7. The Great Barrier Reef is located near which coast?
[RPSC Assistant Engineer, 2013]
(A) Eastern New Zealand
(B) Northeastern Australia
(C) Western United States
(D) Southeastern Africa
Answer: (B) Northeastern Australia
Explanation: The Great Barrier Reef parallels Australia’s northeastern coast in the Coral Sea. Its large reef network supports diverse marine species and tourism. Coral bleaching, poor water quality and storms threaten the integrity of this marine resource.
2012 — 1 questions
Q6. Which factors affect the movement of ocean currents?
1. Rotation of the Earth;
2. Prevailing winds and air pressure;
3. Density differences in seawater;
4. Revolution of the Earth around the Sun.
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2012]
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 1, 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 4 only
(D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (B) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Currents respond to wind, pressure patterns and density gradients, while Earth’s rotation deflects their paths. Earth’s annual revolution is not treated as a principal immediate driver of ocean circulation. These processes distribute oceanic heat and nutrients.
2004 — 1 questions
Q5. Which statement about tides and tidal waterways is NOT correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2004]
(A) Gulfs with a narrow mouth and a broad interior always experience the highest tides
(B) Tidal currents may be strong in narrow channels
(C) Tidal bores can occur in narrowing river estuaries
(D) Kolkata is a tidal port on the Hooghly
Answer: (A) Gulfs with a narrow mouth and a broad interior always experience the highest tides
Explanation: Tidal amplification depends on resonance, basin depth and geometry, not simply on having a narrow mouth and broad inner gulf. Narrow channels may accelerate tidal flow, and tidal bores occur in some estuaries. Kolkata’s Hooghly channel is tide-influenced.
2002 — 4 questions
Q4. Which of the following had the highest value among India’s agricultural exports during 1997–2000?
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2002]
(A) Cereals
(B) Marine products
(C) Spices
(D) Tea
Answer: (B) Marine products
Explanation: Marine products were the leading category among the listed export groups during the period specified in the question. Seafood exports illustrate the economic significance of fisheries, processing and cold chains, although rankings change over time with prices and trade patterns.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a lagoon?
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2002]
(A) Ashtamudi Lake
(B) Chilika Lake
(C) Periyar Lake
(D) Pulicat Lake
Answer: (C) Periyar Lake
Explanation: Chilika, Pulicat and Ashtamudi are coastal or backwater systems with lagoon characteristics and connections to marine environments. Periyar Lake is an inland artificial reservoir in Kerala, so it does not belong to the coastal lagoon group.
Q2. Which statements about ocean currents are correct?
1. They are slow movements confined to the ocean surface.
2. They help maintain Earth’s heat balance.
3. They are primarily influenced by prevailing winds.
4. Ocean-basin configuration affects their direction.
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2002]
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2, 3 and 4 only
(C) 1, 3 and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (B) 2, 3 and 4 only
Explanation: The first assertion is wrong because currents occur at depth as well as at the surface. Currents redistribute heat, surface circulation responds strongly to winds, and basin geometry guides their paths. Thus statements 2, 3 and 4 hold.
Q1. The coast of which Indian state is famous for mass nesting of Olive ridley sea turtles?
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, 2002]
(A) Goa
(B) Gujarat
(C) Odisha
(D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (C) Odisha
Explanation: Odisha’s Gahirmatha coastline is a major nesting area for Olive ridley sea turtles. Their mass nesting, known as arribada, makes the region important for marine-wildlife conservation. Fishing operations near nesting and migration routes need appropriate safeguards.
