UPSC Mains 2015 GS1 Q14 — Ocean Currents
Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation ? (Answer in not more than 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- ExplainHow do they influence
- Scope keywords
- factors responsible for the originocean currentsregional climatesfishingnavigation
- Implicit sub-parts
- Classification of factors into primary (initiating movement) and secondary (modifying the path).
- The role of the Coriolis force and continental shapes in determining current direction.
- The thermal impact of warm vs cold currents on coastal precipitation and temperature.
- The intersection of currents and plankton growth for commercial fishing.
- The kinetic and economic impact of currents on maritime logistics.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on wind and ignoring planetary factors like salinity gradients or Earth's rotation.
- Failing to give specific examples of currents (e.g., Kuroshio, Labrador) when discussing regional impacts.
- Equating 'fishing' only to 'meeting of hot and cold currents' while ignoring upwelling zones.
- Forgetting to mention the 'navigation' aspect entirely or treating it as an afterthought.
- Over-explaining the 'origin' and leaving no word count for the three specific impacts requested.
- Dimensions required
- Physical Geography (Oceanography)Climatology (Heat budget)Economic Geography (Fisheries and Trade)Spatial/Regional Analysis
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 60-70 words to the 'Origin' factors, categorized logically. Use the remaining 130 words to address the three impact areas (Climate, Fishing, Navigation) equally, ideally using 2-3 specific global examples for each to demonstrate depth within the 200-word limit.
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