UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 18 September 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 18 September 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more.We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Match List I (Ocean Current) with List II (Ocean Basin) List I (Ocean Current) List II (Ocean Basin) A. Gulf Stream 1. Pacific Ocean B. Agulhas Current 2. Atlantic Ocean C. Kuroshio Current 3. Indian Ocean D. Canary Current Select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: (a) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-2 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-1 (c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-2 (d) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-1 Correct Solution: A Gulf Stream (2. Atlantic Ocean): The Gulf Stream is a powerful, warm, and swift Atlantic Ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows into the Atlantic at the tip of Florida, accelerating along the eastern coastlines of the United States and Newfoundland. Agulhas Current (3. Indian Ocean): The Agulhas Current is a warm western boundary current of the southwest Indian Ocean. It flows south along the east coast of Africa. Kuroshio Current (1. Pacific Ocean): The Kuroshio Current (also known as the Japan Current) is a warm, north-flowing ocean current on the west side of the North Pacific Ocean. Canary Current (2. Atlantic Ocean): The Canary Current is a cold, wind-driven surface current that is part of the North Atlantic Gyre. It flows southwest along the northwest coast of Africa. Incorrect Solution: A Gulf Stream (2. Atlantic Ocean): The Gulf Stream is a powerful, warm, and swift Atlantic Ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows into the Atlantic at the tip of Florida, accelerating along the eastern coastlines of the United States and Newfoundland. Agulhas Current (3. Indian Ocean): The Agulhas Current is a warm western boundary current of the southwest Indian Ocean. It flows south along the east coast of Africa. Kuroshio Current (1. Pacific Ocean): The Kuroshio Current (also known as the Japan Current) is a warm, north-flowing ocean current on the west side of the North Pacific Ocean. Canary Current (2. Atlantic Ocean): The Canary Current is a cold, wind-driven surface current that is part of the North Atlantic Gyre. It flows southwest along the northwest coast of Africa.

#### 1. Question

Match List I (Ocean Current) with List II (Ocean Basin)

List I (Ocean Current) | List II (Ocean Basin)

A. Gulf Stream | 1. Pacific Ocean

B. Agulhas Current | 2. Atlantic Ocean

C. Kuroshio Current | 3. Indian Ocean

D. Canary Current |

Select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:

• (a) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-2

• (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-1

• (c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-2

• (d) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-1

Solution: A

• Gulf Stream (2. Atlantic Ocean): The Gulf Stream is a powerful, warm, and swift Atlantic Ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows into the Atlantic at the tip of Florida, accelerating along the eastern coastlines of the United States and Newfoundland.

• Agulhas Current (3. Indian Ocean): The Agulhas Current is a warm western boundary current of the southwest Indian Ocean. It flows south along the east coast of Africa.

• Kuroshio Current (1. Pacific Ocean): The Kuroshio Current (also known as the Japan Current) is a warm, north-flowing ocean current on the west side of the North Pacific Ocean.

• Canary Current (2. Atlantic Ocean): The Canary Current is a cold, wind-driven surface current that is part of the North Atlantic Gyre. It flows southwest along the northwest coast of Africa.

Solution: A

• Agulhas Current (3. Indian Ocean): The Agulhas Current is a warm western boundary current of the southwest Indian Ocean. It flows south along the east coast of Africa.

• Kuroshio Current (1. Pacific Ocean): The Kuroshio Current (also known as the Japan Current) is a warm, north-flowing ocean current on the west side of the North Pacific Ocean.

• Canary Current (2. Atlantic Ocean): The Canary Current is a cold, wind-driven surface current that is part of the North Atlantic Gyre. It flows southwest along the northwest coast of Africa.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding ocean relief features? The continental shelf is the shallowest part of the ocean, with an average gradient of 1° or even less. Submarine canyons are typically found in the continental slope region. The abyssal plains are the flattest and smoothest regions of the world, covered with fine-grained sediments like clay and silt. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: D The continental shelf is the submerged extension of the continent and is the shallowest part of the ocean. Its gentle slope is a defining characteristic. The width of the continental shelf varies greatly, being narrow along mountainous coasts and wide along plain coasts. This region is of great economic significance due to the presence of rich fishing grounds, mineral resources (including oil and natural gas), and placer deposits. Submarine canyons are steep-sided valleys cut into the seabed of the continental slope, sometimes extending well onto the continental shelf. They are thought to be formed by turbidity currents, which are underwater avalanches of sediment-laden water. Famous examples include the Hudson Canyon off the coast of New York and the Congo Canyon. Abyssal plains are extensive, flat, and deep areas of the ocean floor, typically found at depths between 3,000 and 6,000 meters. They are among the smoothest and flattest surfaces on Earth, covered by thick layers of fine-grained sediments that have settled from the water column over millions of years. These sediments obscure the underlying basaltic crust. Incorrect Solution: D The continental shelf is the submerged extension of the continent and is the shallowest part of the ocean. Its gentle slope is a defining characteristic. The width of the continental shelf varies greatly, being narrow along mountainous coasts and wide along plain coasts. This region is of great economic significance due to the presence of rich fishing grounds, mineral resources (including oil and natural gas), and placer deposits. Submarine canyons are steep-sided valleys cut into the seabed of the continental slope, sometimes extending well onto the continental shelf. They are thought to be formed by turbidity currents, which are underwater avalanches of sediment-laden water. Famous examples include the Hudson Canyon off the coast of New York and the Congo Canyon. Abyssal plains are extensive, flat, and deep areas of the ocean floor, typically found at depths between 3,000 and 6,000 meters. They are among the smoothest and flattest surfaces on Earth, covered by thick layers of fine-grained sediments that have settled from the water column over millions of years. These sediments obscure the underlying basaltic crust.

#### 2. Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding ocean relief features?

• The continental shelf is the shallowest part of the ocean, with an average gradient of 1° or even less.

• Submarine canyons are typically found in the continental slope region.

• The abyssal plains are the flattest and smoothest regions of the world, covered with fine-grained sediments like clay and silt.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 2 and 3 only

• (c) 1 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: D

• The continental shelf is the submerged extension of the continent and is the shallowest part of the ocean. Its gentle slope is a defining characteristic. The width of the continental shelf varies greatly, being narrow along mountainous coasts and wide along plain coasts. This region is of great economic significance due to the presence of rich fishing grounds, mineral resources (including oil and natural gas), and placer deposits.

• Submarine canyons are steep-sided valleys cut into the seabed of the continental slope, sometimes extending well onto the continental shelf. They are thought to be formed by turbidity currents, which are underwater avalanches of sediment-laden water. Famous examples include the Hudson Canyon off the coast of New York and the Congo Canyon.

• Abyssal plains are extensive, flat, and deep areas of the ocean floor, typically found at depths between 3,000 and 6,000 meters. They are among the smoothest and flattest surfaces on Earth, covered by thick layers of fine-grained sediments that have settled from the water column over millions of years. These sediments obscure the underlying basaltic crust.

Solution: D

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements: Statement I: The temperature of the ocean water is not uniform across the globe. Statement II: The distribution of land and water, ocean currents, and prevailing winds are some of the factors that influence the temperature of ocean water. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: A Statement-I is a correct observation, and Statement-II provides the primary reasons for this observation, making it the correct explanation. Statement I is a fundamental concept in oceanography. The temperature of the ocean’s surface water varies significantly from the equator to the poles and also with depth. This variation is a key driver of ocean currents and weather patterns. Statement II correctly identifies the major factors that cause the temperature variation mentioned in Statement I. The unequal distribution of land and water means that the Northern Hemisphere, with more landmass, heats and cools more rapidly than the water-dominated Southern Hemisphere. Ocean currents act as conveyor belts, transporting warm water from the tropics to the poles and cold water from the poles to the tropics. For example, the warm Gulf Stream makes the climate of Western Europe milder than it would otherwise be. Prevailing winds blowing over the ocean surface also influence the temperature of the surface water by causing evaporation and driving surface currents. Other factors not mentioned but also important include latitude (insolation), cloud cover, and salinity. Incorrect Solution: A Statement-I is a correct observation, and Statement-II provides the primary reasons for this observation, making it the correct explanation. Statement I is a fundamental concept in oceanography. The temperature of the ocean’s surface water varies significantly from the equator to the poles and also with depth. This variation is a key driver of ocean currents and weather patterns. Statement II correctly identifies the major factors that cause the temperature variation mentioned in Statement I. The unequal distribution of land and water means that the Northern Hemisphere, with more landmass, heats and cools more rapidly than the water-dominated Southern Hemisphere. Ocean currents act as conveyor belts, transporting warm water from the tropics to the poles and cold water from the poles to the tropics. For example, the warm Gulf Stream makes the climate of Western Europe milder than it would otherwise be. Prevailing winds blowing over the ocean surface also influence the temperature of the surface water by causing evaporation and driving surface currents. Other factors not mentioned but also important include latitude (insolation), cloud cover, and salinity.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The temperature of the ocean water is not uniform across the globe.

Statement II: The distribution of land and water, ocean currents, and prevailing winds are some of the factors that influence the temperature of ocean water.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Solution: A

Statement-I is a correct observation, and Statement-II provides the primary reasons for this observation, making it the correct explanation.

• Statement I is a fundamental concept in oceanography. The temperature of the ocean’s surface water varies significantly from the equator to the poles and also with depth. This variation is a key driver of ocean currents and weather patterns.

• Statement II correctly identifies the major factors that cause the temperature variation mentioned in Statement I. The unequal distribution of land and water means that the Northern Hemisphere, with more landmass, heats and cools more rapidly than the water-dominated Southern Hemisphere. Ocean currents act as conveyor belts, transporting warm water from the tropics to the poles and cold water from the poles to the tropics. For example, the warm Gulf Stream makes the climate of Western Europe milder than it would otherwise be. Prevailing winds blowing over the ocean surface also influence the temperature of the surface water by causing evaporation and driving surface currents. Other factors not mentioned but also important include latitude (insolation), cloud cover, and salinity.

Solution: A

Statement-I is a correct observation, and Statement-II provides the primary reasons for this observation, making it the correct explanation.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Match List I with List II: List I (Ocean Relief Feature) List II (Characteristic) A. Mid-Oceanic Ridge 1. Flat-topped seamount B. Guyot 2. Steep-sided valley C. Seamount 3. Continuous underwater mountain range D. Submarine Canyon 4. A mountain rising from the seafloor that does not reach the surface of the ocean Select the correct answer using the code given below the lists (a) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2 (b) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3 (c) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2 (d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3 Correct Solution: A Mid-Oceanic Ridge: These are vast, continuous underwater mountain ranges that extend through all the major oceans. They are formed by tectonic activity at divergent plate boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created through volcanic activity. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a classic example. So, A matches with 3. Guyot: A guyot is a flat-topped seamount. It is believed that these seamounts were once volcanic islands that rose above the sea level, and their tops were eroded by waves. Subsequently, they subsided below the ocean surface. So, B matches with 1. Seamount: A seamount is a mountain that rises from the ocean floor but does not reach the water’s surface. They are typically volcanic in origin. If a seamount rises above the surface, it becomes an island. So, C matches with 4. Submarine Canyon: As discussed earlier, these are steep-sided valleys that are incised into the continental slope and, in some cases, the continental shelf. So, D matches with 2. Incorrect Solution: A Mid-Oceanic Ridge: These are vast, continuous underwater mountain ranges that extend through all the major oceans. They are formed by tectonic activity at divergent plate boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created through volcanic activity. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a classic example. So, A matches with 3. Guyot: A guyot is a flat-topped seamount. It is believed that these seamounts were once volcanic islands that rose above the sea level, and their tops were eroded by waves. Subsequently, they subsided below the ocean surface. So, B matches with 1. Seamount: A seamount is a mountain that rises from the ocean floor but does not reach the water’s surface. They are typically volcanic in origin. If a seamount rises above the surface, it becomes an island. So, C matches with 4. Submarine Canyon: As discussed earlier, these are steep-sided valleys that are incised into the continental slope and, in some cases, the continental shelf. So, D matches with 2.

#### 4. Question

Match List I with List II:

List I (Ocean Relief Feature) | List II (Characteristic)

A. Mid-Oceanic Ridge | 1. Flat-topped seamount

B. Guyot | 2. Steep-sided valley

C. Seamount | 3. Continuous underwater mountain range

D. Submarine Canyon | 4. A mountain rising from the seafloor that does not reach the surface of the ocean

Select the correct answer using the code given below the lists

• (a) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

• (b) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

• (c) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

• (d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Solution: A

• Mid-Oceanic Ridge: These are vast, continuous underwater mountain ranges that extend through all the major oceans. They are formed by tectonic activity at divergent plate boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created through volcanic activity. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a classic example. So, A matches with 3.

• Guyot: A guyot is a flat-topped seamount. It is believed that these seamounts were once volcanic islands that rose above the sea level, and their tops were eroded by waves. Subsequently, they subsided below the ocean surface. So, B matches with 1.

• Seamount: A seamount is a mountain that rises from the ocean floor but does not reach the water’s surface. They are typically volcanic in origin. If a seamount rises above the surface, it becomes an island. So, C matches with 4.

• Submarine Canyon: As discussed earlier, these are steep-sided valleys that are incised into the continental slope and, in some cases, the continental shelf. So, D matches with 2.

Solution: A

• Submarine Canyon: As discussed earlier, these are steep-sided valleys that are incised into the continental slope and, in some cases, the continental shelf. So, D matches with 2.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements: Statement I: The rate of decrease of temperature with increasing depth in the ocean is not uniform. Statement II: The ocean can be broadly divided into three layers based on the temperature profile. Statement III: The thermocline is a layer where the temperature decreases rapidly with increasing depth. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct Correct Solution: A Statement I correctly states that the temperature in the ocean does not decrease uniformly with depth. The rate of change of temperature is different in different layers of the ocean. Statement II is also correct. Based on the vertical temperature profile, the ocean is divided into three layers: The Upper Layer (Epipelagic Zone): This is the top layer of the ocean, which is relatively warm and well-mixed. Its temperature is influenced by solar radiation and atmospheric conditions. The Thermocline (Mesopelagic Zone): This is the transition layer between the warm upper layer and the cold deep layer. The Deep Layer (Bathypelagic, Abyssopelagic, and Hadopelagic Zones): This is the bottom layer of the ocean, which is uniformly cold. Statement III accurately describes the thermocline. It is a zone of rapid temperature decrease. The presence of this distinct layer is the primary reason why the overall decrease in temperature with depth is not uniform. The temperature changes very little in the upper and deep layers but changes significantly in the thermocline. Therefore, both Statement II and Statement III together explain why the rate of temperature decrease with depth is not uniform (Statement I). Incorrect Solution: A Statement I correctly states that the temperature in the ocean does not decrease uniformly with depth. The rate of change of temperature is different in different layers of the ocean. Statement II is also correct. Based on the vertical temperature profile, the ocean is divided into three layers: The Upper Layer (Epipelagic Zone): This is the top layer of the ocean, which is relatively warm and well-mixed. Its temperature is influenced by solar radiation and atmospheric conditions. The Thermocline (Mesopelagic Zone): This is the transition layer between the warm upper layer and the cold deep layer. The Deep Layer (Bathypelagic, Abyssopelagic, and Hadopelagic Zones): This is the bottom layer of the ocean, which is uniformly cold. Statement III accurately describes the thermocline. It is a zone of rapid temperature decrease. The presence of this distinct layer is the primary reason why the overall decrease in temperature with depth is not uniform. The temperature changes very little in the upper and deep layers but changes significantly in the thermocline. Therefore, both Statement II and Statement III together explain why the rate of temperature decrease with depth is not uniform (Statement I).

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The rate of decrease of temperature with increasing depth in the ocean is not uniform. Statement II: The ocean can be broadly divided into three layers based on the temperature profile. Statement III: The thermocline is a layer where the temperature decreases rapidly with increasing depth.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

• (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

• (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

• (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Solution: A

• Statement I correctly states that the temperature in the ocean does not decrease uniformly with depth. The rate of change of temperature is different in different layers of the ocean.

• Statement II is also correct. Based on the vertical temperature profile, the ocean is divided into three layers: The Upper Layer (Epipelagic Zone): This is the top layer of the ocean, which is relatively warm and well-mixed. Its temperature is influenced by solar radiation and atmospheric conditions. The Thermocline (Mesopelagic Zone): This is the transition layer between the warm upper layer and the cold deep layer. The Deep Layer (Bathypelagic, Abyssopelagic, and Hadopelagic Zones): This is the bottom layer of the ocean, which is uniformly cold.

• The Upper Layer (Epipelagic Zone): This is the top layer of the ocean, which is relatively warm and well-mixed. Its temperature is influenced by solar radiation and atmospheric conditions.

• The Thermocline (Mesopelagic Zone): This is the transition layer between the warm upper layer and the cold deep layer.

• The Deep Layer (Bathypelagic, Abyssopelagic, and Hadopelagic Zones): This is the bottom layer of the ocean, which is uniformly cold.

• Statement III accurately describes the thermocline. It is a zone of rapid temperature decrease. The presence of this distinct layer is the primary reason why the overall decrease in temperature with depth is not uniform. The temperature changes very little in the upper and deep layers but changes significantly in the thermocline. Therefore, both Statement II and Statement III together explain why the rate of temperature decrease with depth is not uniform (Statement I).

Solution: A

• Statement I correctly states that the temperature in the ocean does not decrease uniformly with depth. The rate of change of temperature is different in different layers of the ocean.

• The Upper Layer (Epipelagic Zone): This is the top layer of the ocean, which is relatively warm and well-mixed. Its temperature is influenced by solar radiation and atmospheric conditions.

• The Thermocline (Mesopelagic Zone): This is the transition layer between the warm upper layer and the cold deep layer.

• The Deep Layer (Bathypelagic, Abyssopelagic, and Hadopelagic Zones): This is the bottom layer of the ocean, which is uniformly cold.

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