Oceanography is one of the important sections of Geography Optional for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination. Outlined below are the various questions asked in the UPSC Mains from Climatology. 

Complete Syllabus for Geography Optional for UPSC CSE

Get the Geography Optional Hard Copy Notes of Shabbir Sir’s most recent batch: Here

Oceanography Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Geography Optional)

1. When corals are affected by stress it causes them to turn completely white. Explain the reasons of such
   an occurrence. (10 Marks/2022)
2. What is the relationship between ocean currents and global surface wind systems? Explain with examples
   how does the gyre in the Northern Hemisphere differ from the one in the Southern Hemisphere.
   (15 Marks/2022)
3. Discuss the hazards hazards associated with rise of sea-surface temperature. (10 Marks/2021)
4. Give a detailed account of bottom topography of the Pacific Ocean. (15 Marks/2021)
5. Maritime security is neglected. Indicate the major challenges and suggest solutions in the context of Law
   of the Sea. (15 Marks/2021)
6. Marine resources are economically very significant. Discuss citing suitable examples. (10 Marks/2020)
7. Discuss the concept of coral bleaching, its recovery and macroalgal regime shifts due to ths process.
   (15 Marks/2020)
8. Explain the currents of the North Atlantic Ocean and their significant role in the climate of Western
   Europe. (15 Marks/2020)
9. How are ocean waves formed? Distinguish between a wave of oscillation and a wave of translation.
   (15 Marks/2019)
10. Describe the causes and consequences of sea level changes. (10 Marks/2018)
11. Describe the potential marine energy resources with reference to their benefits, harvestability and
    environmental impacts. (20 Marks/2018)
12. Distinguish between low energy coasts and coral coasts. (10 Marks/2017)
13. Discuss the impacts of ocean currents on air mass behaviour. (10 Marks/2017)
14. Explain the concept of micro carbon sink and its relevance. (10 Marks/2017)
15. Describe the configuration of the Pacific Ocean floor. (15 Marks/2017)
16. Discuss Maritime Zones. (10 Marks/2016)
17. “The relationship between the winds and the currents is best seen in the Indian Ocean.” Justify.
    (15 Marks/2016)
18. Bring out the various ecological problems associated with the exploitation and use of oceans and their
    resources. (20 Marks/2016)
19. Describe the characteristics of different types of pelagic deposits. (10 Marks/2015)
20. Illustrate the origin and nature of Sargasso Sea and Lagoon. (10 Marks/2014)
21. Give a critical account of reasons and consequences of marine pollution. (15 Marks/2014)
22. Give an account of recent observations on coral bleaching with reference to Clive Wilkinson’s Report.
    (15 Marks/2014)
23. What is “Base level”? Explain the types of base level. (15 Marks/2013)
24. “Offshore Acoustic Study helped the development of the concept of sea floor spreading”. Explain.
    (20 Marks/2013)
25. Compare the Subsidence and Glacial control theories on the formation of coral reefs. (25 Marks/2013)