Geography Topics
Undergraduate level — Geography
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Earth Basics
Maps, Latitude & Longitude
Geomorphology
Climatology
Oceanography
Biogeography
Human Geography
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Advanced Theories and Models
Physical Geography
Indian Geography
World Geography
Geography of Bihar
Climate & Environment
quiz Questions
Q131
Which type of coastal tide cycle exhibits two high tides and two low tides of unequal heights each lunar day, common along the Pacific coast of North America?
Diurnal tide
Semidiurnal tide
Mixed semidiurnal tide
Equinoctial tide
Explanation
Mixed semidiurnal tides feature two daily high and low tides that differ significantly in height, reflecting the complex interaction of basin geometry and orbital tilt.
Q132
What physical parameter describes the distance over open water across which a wind blows continuously without direction changes, determining final wind-wave height?
Wave wavelength
Fetch
Wave amplitude
Swell dispersion length
Explanation
Fetch is the uninterrupted distance over which the wind blows in a constant direction, acting alongside wind speed and duration to govern wave growth.
Q133
Which dynamic boundary separate the central water masses of subtropical gyres from the equatorial water structures, marked by convergent downwelling lines?
Divergence zone
Oceanic front / convergence zone
Rift basin boundary
Turbidity base
Explanation
Oceanic fronts or convergence zones separate distinct water masses. Subtropical convergences align with downwelling zones at gyre boundaries.
Q134
What micro-tectonic structure is a chain of active or extinct volcanoes located on the overriding plate near an oceanic subduction zone, such as the Aleutian Islands?
Mid-ocean ridge
Volcanic island arc
Aulacogen chain
Passive marginal block
Explanation
An island arc forms a curved chain of volcanic islands on the overriding plate parallel to a deep-sea trench where subduction-related melting occurs.
Q135
Which standard molecule is the primary buffer responsible for maintaining the relatively stable pH of open-ocean seawater between 7.5 and 8.4?
Sulfate ion
Bicarbonate ion
Sodium chloride crystal
Nitrate radical
Explanation
The bicarbonate ion ($HCO_3^-$) is the core of the marine carbonate buffering system, absorbing or releasing $H^+$ ions to keep seawater alkaline.
Q136
What type of oceanic wave breaks along a steep shoreline by curling over to form an air pocket, releasing its energy instantaneously with high structural force?
Spilling breaker
Plunging breaker
Surging breaker
Capillary wave front
Explanation
Plunging breakers occur on moderately steep beaches where the wave crest curls over rapidly, trapping air and collapsing violently.
Q137
Which type of sub-marine topography is formed by hydrogenous precipitation directly onto deep pelagic sediment matrices, rich in manganese, iron, and cobalt?
Siliceous ooze
Polymetallic nodules
Turbidite sandstone
Ophiolite basalt
Explanation
Polymetallic (manganese) nodules form slowly through the concentric chemical precipitation of metals from seawater onto deep-ocean floors.
Q138
What term describes the net horizontal transport of water at 90 degrees to the wind direction, driven by the structural balance of wind stress and Coriolis force?
Geostrophic flow
Ekman transport
Upwelling plume vector
Thermohaline circulation
Explanation
Ekman transport is the net integrated water movement within the upper boundary layer, directed $90^\circ$ to the right of the wind in the Northern Hemisphere.
Q139
Which micro-oceanic mechanism explains the formation of coastal upwelling when wind blows parallel to a shoreline in the Northern Hemisphere, with the coast on its left?
Onshore Ekman transport causing downwelling
Offshore Ekman transport inducing upwelling
Geostrophic current convergence
Langmuir cell splitting
Explanation
When wind blows along a northern coast with the land to its left, Ekman transport moves water $90^\circ$ to the right (offshore), drawing cold deep water up to replace it.
Q140
Which type of subaerial coast features elongated, steep-walled, glaciated valleys that were carved during glacial maxima and subsequently drowned by eustatic sea-level rise?
Ria coast
Fjord coast
Barrier reef coast
Deltaic plain coast
Explanation
Fjords are deep, glaciated valleys submerged by post-glacial sea-level rises, featuring steep, rocky walls and deep inner basins.