Oceanography

12 UPSC Mains GS I questions on Oceanography, 2013 to 2025, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Oceanography toppers answered.

1. 2025 Q14Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves ?15 marks · 250 words
2. 2024 Q4What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?10 marks · 150 words
3. 2022 Q14What are the forces that influence ocean currents ? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2021 Q15How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth ? Explain.15 marks · 250 words
5. 2019 Q4Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples.10 marks · 150 words
6. 2019 Q5Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.10 marks · 150 words
7. 2019 Q17How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment ? Give suitable examples.15 marks · 250 words
8. 2018 Q7What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem ?10 marks · 150 words
9. 2017 Q14Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.15 marks · 250 words
10. 2015 Q14Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation ?12.5 marks · 200 words
11. 2014 Q24Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world.10 marks · 150 words
12. 2013 Q21Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20–30 deg N latitudes and on the western side of the continents. Why?10 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.