UPSC Prelims 2000 · General Studies
Question 12: Geography
Consider the following statements: I. Tides are of great help in navigation and fishing. II. High tide enables big ships to enter or leave the harbour safely. III. Tide prevents siltation in the harbours. IV. Kandla and Diamond Harbour are tidal ports. Which of these statements are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
All four statements are correct. Tides raise water levels in channels and river mouths, helping navigation and fishing. High tide lets deep-draught ships enter or leave harbours safely. The flow of tidal water scours the channel and carries silt out to sea, preventing siltation. Kandla in Gujarat and Diamond Harbour on the Hooghly are tidal ports, so they depend on tides for shipping.
- I. Tides help navigation by raising water levels, and fishing is helped by tidal movement.
- II. High tide lets big ships enter or leave a harbour safely.
- III. Tidal flow scours the channel and carries silt out to sea.
- IV. Kandla and Diamond Harbour are tidal ports.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right as far as it goes, but II and III are also correct, so it is incomplete.
- (b) II, III and IV are correct, but it leaves out I, which is also correct.
- (c) I, II and III are correct, but it leaves out IV; Kandla and Diamond Harbour are tidal ports.
- (d) Right: all four statements are correct.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2000, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.