📘 Question Bank – Oceans and Continents

A. Multiple Choice Questions (30)

(Each question has 4 options; correct answer marked in bold)

What proportion of Earth’s surface is covered with water?
a) One-fourth
b) Half
c) Three-fourths
d) Two-thirds
Why is Earth called the "blue planet"?
a) It has blue atmosphere
b) Most of its surface is covered by water
c) It has blue mountains
d) Because astronauts named it so randomly
The largest water bodies on Earth are called:
a) Seas
b) Lakes
c) Oceans
d) Rivers
A large continuous expanse of land is called:
a) Island
b) Continent
c) Peninsula
d) Plateau
Which ocean is the largest?
a) Atlantic Ocean
b) Indian Ocean
c) Pacific Ocean
d) Arctic Ocean
Which is the smallest ocean?
a) Atlantic
b) Southern
c) Indian
d) Arctic
The Arabian Sea lies on which side of India?
a) East
b) West
c) North
d) South
The Bay of Bengal lies on which side of India?
a) West
b) East
c) North
d) South
Which ocean surrounds Antarctica?
a) Atlantic Ocean
b) Pacific Ocean
c) Southern Ocean
d) Indian Ocean
Which natural disaster originates in oceans due to undersea earthquakes or volcanoes?
a) Cyclone
b) Tsunami
c) Flood
d) Tornado
Which disaster is caused by strong winds and rainfall from the ocean?
a) Cyclone
b) Earthquake
c) Avalanche
d) Volcano
The tsunami of 26 December 2004 affected India mainly in:
a) Gujarat and Rajasthan
b) Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
c) Odisha and West Bengal
d) Maharashtra and Goa
The Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System helps:
a) Predict rainfall
b) Stop volcanoes
c) Detect and warn about tsunamis
d) Study stars
How many continents are most widely accepted?
a) 5
b) 6
c) 7
d) 8
Which of these is the largest continent?
a) Africa
b) Asia
c) North America
d) Antarctica
Which is the smallest continent?
a) Europe
b) South America
c) Africa
d) Australia
Which two continents are sometimes considered as one called “Eurasia”?
a) Europe and Asia
b) Asia and Africa
c) North and South America
d) Australia and Asia
Which is the largest island in the world?
a) Iceland
b) Madagascar
c) Sri Lanka
d) Greenland
How many islands does India approximately have?
a) 500
b) More than 1300
c) 2000
d) 300
Which Indian islands are in the Bay of Bengal?
a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
b) Lakshadweep
c) Maldives
d) Sri Lanka
Which Indian islands are in the Arabian Sea?
a) Andaman & Nicobar
b) Lakshadweep
c) Maldives
d) Greenland
India’s first scientific base in Antarctica was:
a) Maitri
b) Bharati
c) Dakshin Gangotri
d) Himadri
Oceans produce more than half of Earth’s:
a) Rainfall
b) Oxygen
c) Nitrogen
d) Energy
Oceans are often called:
a) Earth’s deserts
b) Earth’s factories
c) Earth’s lungs
d) Earth’s shelters
The emblem of the Indian Navy invokes which deity?
a) Indra
b) Agni
c) Surya
d) Varuna
Which continent is fully covered with ice?
a) North America
b) Antarctica
c) Europe
d) Africa
World Oceans Day is observed on:
a) June 5
b) June 8
c) July 11
d) September 16
Which type of pollution most threatens marine life?
a) Air
b) Noise
c) Plastic waste in oceans
d) Soil erosion
Which hemisphere has more land?
a) Northern Hemisphere
b) Southern Hemisphere
c) Both equal
d) None
Without oceans, Earth would become a:
a) Forest
b) Mountain
c) Desert
d) Ice land

B. Very Short Answer Questions (20)

(Answer in 1–2 sentences)

Why is Earth called the Blue Planet?
→ Because about three-fourths of its surface is covered with water, which looks blue from space.
What is a continent?
→ A large continuous landmass.
What is an ocean?
→ The largest water body on Earth.
Which is the largest ocean?
→ Pacific Ocean.
Which is the smallest ocean?
→ Arctic Ocean.
Name two oceans around India.
→ Arabian Sea (west) and Bay of Bengal (east).
Define island.
→ A landmass surrounded by water on all sides.
Which is the largest island in the world?
→ Greenland.
How many continents are widely accepted today?
→ Seven.
Name the smallest continent.
→ Australia.
Which two continents together are called Eurasia?
→ Europe and Asia.
When was the 2004 tsunami in India?
→ 26 December 2004.
Where was India’s first Antarctic base established?
→ Dakshin Gangotri (1983).
What percentage of Earth’s water is freshwater?
→ A very small proportion (mostly in glaciers, rivers, lakes, atmosphere, groundwater).
What does ocean flora mainly include?
→ Algae and seaweeds.
What is marine fauna?
→ Animal life in the oceans (e.g., fish, dolphins, whales).
What are cyclones?
→ Violent storms with heavy rains and strong winds from the ocean.
What is a tsunami?
→ A giant sea wave caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea.
Which day is observed as World Oceans Day?
→ June 8.
Why are oceans called Earth’s lungs?
→ Because they produce more than half of the world’s oxygen.

C. Short Answer Questions with Answers

1. Explain why the Earth is called the Blue Planet.

The Earth is called the Blue Planet because nearly three-fourths of its surface is covered by water. When viewed from space, the vast oceans make the Earth look blue. This abundance of water makes Earth unique among planets and essential for life.

2. Differentiate between a continent and an island.

A continent is a very large continuous landmass, such as Asia or Africa. An island is a smaller landmass completely surrounded by water on all sides, like Greenland or the Andaman Islands. While continents shape major human civilizations, islands are smaller but often rich in biodiversity.

3. Name the five oceans of the world.

The five oceans are:

Pacific Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
Indian Ocean
Southern (Antarctic) Ocean
Arctic Ocean

4. What is the importance of the Pacific Ocean?

The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean, covering about one-third of Earth’s surface. It supports rich marine life, has many islands, and influences the climate of surrounding continents. It is also crucial for global trade and shipping routes.

5. What happened during the 2004 tsunami in India?

On 26 December 2004, a tsunami struck after a massive undersea earthquake near Indonesia. In India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala were worst affected. Thousands of people lost their lives, and property and livelihoods were destroyed.

6. List the seven continents.

The seven widely accepted continents are:

Asia
Africa
North America
South America
Antarctica
Europe
Australia

7. What is Eurasia? Why is it called so?

Eurasia is a single large landmass consisting of Europe and Asia. Geographically, they are one, but for cultural and historical reasons they are often considered separate continents. Geologists and some maps combine them as Eurasia.

8. What are the major island groups of India?

India has two major island groups:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
Together, India has more than 1,300 islands.

9. Why are oceans important for rainfall?

Oceans supply the moisture needed for clouds and rainfall through evaporation. The monsoon rains in India, for example, originate from the Indian Ocean. Without oceans, there would be no rainfall, and Earth would become a desert.

10. How do oceans regulate climate?

Oceans absorb and store heat from the sun, then distribute it across the globe through currents and winds. This helps maintain temperature balance. They also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making them vital for climate regulation.

11. Name two disasters caused by oceans.

Two major disasters caused by oceans are:

Cyclones – powerful storms with strong winds and heavy rain.
Tsunamis – giant waves usually caused by undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

12. What is the importance of the Indian Navy’s motto?

The emblem of the Indian Navy has the motto “Sam no Varunah”, which means “Be auspicious to us, O Varuna.” Varuna is the Vedic deity of the oceans, sky, and water. This motto highlights the spiritual and cultural connection of India with the oceans.

13. Why are oceans under threat today?

Oceans are under threat due to pollution, especially plastic waste, and overfishing. Oil spills and chemicals also harm marine life. Human activity is reducing biodiversity and disturbing ocean balance, creating a need for protection.

14. What is the significance of June 8?

The United Nations observes June 8 as World Oceans Day. The day reminds people of the importance of oceans for life, climate, food, and medicine. It also spreads awareness about pollution and the need to protect oceans.

15. Write one importance of Antarctica for scientific research.

Antarctica is important because scientists can study climate change, ice sheets, and environmental evolution there. India has established research bases like Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri, and Bharati. The continent’s extreme climate also helps in studying survival and adaptation.

D. Long Answer Questions with Answers

1. Describe the distribution of land and water on Earth.

The Earth’s surface is made up of land and water, but they are not evenly distributed. About three-fourths of the Earth’s surface is covered with water while a little over one-fourth is land. This is why Earth is called the “Blue Planet.” The Northern Hemisphere has more land, while the Southern Hemisphere has more water. The land areas form large continuous masses called continents, and the water bodies form oceans, seas, gulfs, and bays. This unequal distribution influences climate, human settlement, and biodiversity on Earth.

2. Explain the five oceans and their main features.

There are five major oceans on Earth:

Pacific Ocean – The largest ocean, covering one-third of Earth’s surface.
Atlantic Ocean – The second-largest, known for its busy trade routes.
Indian Ocean – The third-largest, surrounding India on the west and east by the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
Southern (Antarctic) Ocean – Surrounds Antarctica and has icy waters.
Arctic Ocean – The smallest and coldest ocean, around the North Pole.
Although maps show boundaries, these oceans are interconnected, supporting rich marine life and regulating global climate.

3. Discuss the importance of oceans for human life.

Oceans are vital for all life on Earth. They are the source of rainfall through the water cycle, without which life on land cannot survive. Oceans produce over half of the world’s oxygen, earning them the title of “Earth’s lungs.” They provide food through fishing, act as trade and migration routes, and have historically supported cultural exchanges. Oceans regulate climate by absorbing heat and circulating currents. They also inspire myths, legends, and religious practices of coastal people worldwide.

4. Write about the 2004 tsunami and its impact on India.

On 26 December 2004, a massive tsunami struck countries around the Indian Ocean after a powerful undersea earthquake near Indonesia. India was badly affected — especially the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. More than 2 lakh people lost their lives across 14 countries, with thousands in India. The disaster caused large-scale destruction of homes, property, and livelihood. This tragedy highlighted the importance of early warning systems. India is now part of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System to reduce future risks.

5. Explain how oceans affect rainfall and climate.

Oceans play a major role in controlling Earth’s climate. Water evaporates from oceans, forms clouds, and falls as rain on the land. In India, for example, monsoon rains originate in the oceans and are essential for agriculture. Without oceans, Earth would become a desert with no rainfall. Oceans also act as a climate regulator by storing heat and distributing it through ocean currents. They absorb carbon dioxide, help balance temperatures, and sustain life across the globe.

6. Differentiate between the six-continent and seven-continent system.

Six-continent system: Includes Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Eurasia (Europe + Asia), North America, and South America.
Seven-continent system: Includes Africa, Antarctica, Australia, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America separately.
Although continents can be grouped in different ways, the seven-continent model is the most widely accepted in education and geography.

7. Discuss the cultural and economic importance of oceans.

Oceans are not only natural resources but also cultural treasures. Economically, they provide fish, minerals, oil, and salt, and they serve as routes for international trade. Culturally, almost every coastal community has legends, gods, and myths about the sea, such as Varuna in India. Oceans have also enabled migration, exploration, and military campaigns throughout history. Today, oceans continue to support tourism, trade, and livelihood, making them an inseparable part of human progress.

8. Write about the Indian scientific bases in Antarctica.

India has been exploring Antarctica since 1981 under the Indian Antarctic Programme. The first base station, Dakshin Gangotri, was established in 1983. Later, two more research bases, Maitri and Bharati, were built. These stations allow scientists to study climate change, glaciers, environment, and biodiversity. Life in Antarctica is very harsh, but India has built facilities including a library and even a post office for scientists. The research has helped India contribute to global knowledge about climate and environmental evolution.

9. What is the importance of islands? Give examples from India.

Islands are smaller landmasses surrounded by water on all sides. They are important for biodiversity, tourism, fishing, and strategic defense. Globally, the largest island is Greenland. India has more than 1,300 islands, including two major groups:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Bay of Bengal)
Lakshadweep Islands (Arabian Sea)
These islands not only support unique ecosystems but also hold cultural, economic, and strategic importance for India.

10. Explain how oceans are the “lungs of the planet.”

Oceans produce more than half of the world’s oxygen through marine plants like algae and phytoplankton. This makes them essential for sustaining all life on Earth. They absorb carbon dioxide and help regulate the climate. Just as lungs help humans breathe, oceans help Earth “breathe” by maintaining the oxygen–carbon balance. Without oceans, Earth’s atmosphere and life would collapse.

11. Discuss the role of oceans in trade and migration.

From ancient times, oceans have been used as routes for migration and trade. Civilizations such as the Indus Valley, Greeks, and Arabs depended on sea routes. Oceans made it possible to transport goods like spices, silk, and gold. Today, oceans still carry most of the world’s international trade through ships. They also support migration, cultural exchange, and global connectivity. In short, oceans are highways of human history and economy.

12. Explain why oceans need protection.

Oceans are under great threat from human activities. Millions of tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into them every year, choking marine life. Overfishing reduces fish populations, while oil spills, chemicals, and global warming damage marine ecosystems. If oceans are destroyed, rainfall, oxygen supply, and climate regulation will collapse, threatening all life. Protecting oceans is a collective responsibility for the survival of humanity and future generations.

13. Write about the relationship between oceans and disasters.

Oceans often cause natural disasters. Cyclones are violent storms formed over oceans with heavy rain and strong winds, which damage coastal regions. Tsunamis are giant waves caused by undersea earthquakes or volcanoes, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. While oceans are life-giving, they can also be destructive. Effective disaster management and early warning systems are crucial to reduce damage and loss of life.

14. Explain the Olympic symbol of five rings in relation to continents.

The Olympic symbol of five interlinked rings represents the union of sportspeople from five inhabited continents: Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Each ring symbolizes unity and friendship among nations of the world. Although geographers list seven continents, for the purpose of the Olympics, five were chosen to represent global participation.

15. “Without oceans, Earth would be a desert.” Discuss.

Oceans play a central role in the water cycle. They provide the moisture that turns into rainfall. Without oceans, there would be no rainfall, and the Earth would become dry like a desert. Oceans also produce oxygen, regulate climate, and support biodiversity. They provide food, trade routes, and culture. Thus, without oceans, life on Earth would not be possible. Their presence ensures that Earth remains a living, habitable planet.

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