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UPSC Prelims 1997 · World Geography · Oceans, Seas and Straits
Which one of the following factors is responsible for the change in the regular direction of the ocean currents in the Indian Ocean?
- (a) Indian Ocean is half an ocean
- (b) Indian Ocean has monsoon drift
- (c) Indian Ocean is a land-locked ocean
- (d) Indian Ocean has greater variation in salinity
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Indian Ocean has monsoon drift
The monsoon winds reverse, so the North Indian Ocean currents reverse with the seasons.
Why the others are wrong
(a) “Half an ocean” (closed in the north) is true, but not the cause of reversal.
(c) It is not landlocked.
(d) Salinity doesn’t reverse currents.
The trap
None.
🔒 North Indian Ocean: currents clockwise in summer, anticlockwise in winter.
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