2008 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies
Question 52: Geography
Which one of the following straits is nearest to the International Date Line?
aMalacca Strait
bBering Strait
cStrait of Florida
dStrait of Gibraltar
AnswerThe answer is (b).
The International Date Line runs roughly along 180 degrees longitude, with bends to avoid splitting land areas. It passes through the Bering Strait, between Russia and Alaska, so that strait is the nearest of the four. The Strait of Gibraltar is near 5 degrees west, the Strait of Florida near 80 degrees west and the Malacca Strait near 100 degrees east.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The Malacca Strait is near 100 degrees east, far from 180 degrees.
- (b) The Date Line passes through the Bering Strait.
- (c) The Strait of Florida is near 80 degrees west.
- (d) Gibraltar is near the prime meridian, on the opposite side of the globe from the Date Line.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2008, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.