CBSE Class 6 Social Science Important Questions Chapter 2 - Oceans and Continents

1. What is the most widespread colour seen from space on Earth?
Ans: The most widespread colour seen from space on Earth is blue, which represents water, covering almost three-fourths of the Earth's surface.

2. Why is the Earth called the "blue planet"?
Ans: The Earth is called the "blue planet" because of the vast amount of water, mainly oceans, that cover the majority of its surface.

3. What is a large body of land called?
Ans: A large body of land is called a "landmass," and a continuous expanse of land is referred to as a "continent."

4. What does the brown colour on the Earth's surface represent?
Ans: The brown colour on the Earth's surface represents land.

5. What are oceans?
Ans: Oceans are the largest water bodies on Earth, covering most of the planet's surface.

6. Why is water scarcity a global concern despite the abundance of water on Earth?
Ans: Water scarcity is a global concern because most of Earth's water is in the form of saltwater in oceans, which is not fit for human consumption. Freshwater, needed for drinking and other uses, makes up only a small fraction of Earth's water and is found in glaciers, rivers, lakes, and underground sources. Increasing pollution and wastage exacerbate the scarcity issue.

7. Name the five oceans of the world.
Ans: The five oceans of the world are:

• Pacific Ocean (the largest)

• Atlantic Ocean

• Indian Ocean

• Southern (Antarctic) Ocean

• Arctic Ocean (the smallest)

8. What is the significance of oceans to human life?
Ans: Oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate, providing food through fishing, facilitating trade, and producing over half of the world’s oxygen. They are also a source of rain and support a rich diversity of marine life, which impacts human culture and economies worldwide.

9. How do continents and oceans influence the Earth's climate?
Ans: Continents and oceans shape the Earth's climate by influencing wind patterns, ocean currents, and precipitation. Oceans act as heat reservoirs, distributing heat across the planet, while continents affect the distribution of land and sea breezes, impacting temperature and rainfall patterns.

10. Why are oceans referred to as the "lungs of the planet"?
Ans: Oceans are referred to as the "lungs of the planet" because marine plants like algae and phytoplankton produce over half of the world’s oxygen, which is essential for life on Earth.

11. What are the main environmental challenges facing oceans today?
Ans: The main environmental challenges facing oceans today include pollution, particularly from plastic waste, which harms marine life and ecosystems. Overfishing has led to a decline in fish populations, disrupting food chains. Climate change is causing ocean acidification, rising sea levels, and increased temperatures, further threatening marine biodiversity. Human activities such as coastal development and oil spills also contribute to the degradation of ocean habitats. Protecting the oceans through sustainable practices is crucial for maintaining their health and the global environment.

12. Explain how oceans are interconnected and why they are considered one global system.
Ans: Oceans are interconnected as one global system because seawater flows freely across different ocean basins without strict boundaries. Ocean currents circulate water between the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic Oceans, transporting heat, nutrients, and marine life. This global circulation plays a vital role in regulating Earth’s climate, supporting ecosystems, and sustaining a diverse range of marine species across the globe. This fluid connection makes the oceans an essential part of the Earth's environmental balance.

13. How do oceans influence human culture and trade?
Ans: Oceans have significantly influenced human culture and trade throughout history. Coastal communities have relied on oceans for fishing, sustenance, and inspiration for myths and legends. Oceans have also been vital for exploration and trade, allowing people to travel, exchange goods, and spread cultures across continents. The development of major trade routes through oceans has shaped global economies and facilitated the movement of resources, helping societies to grow and connect with distant regions.

14. What causes a tsunami, and why are they so destructive?
Ans: A tsunami is caused by an underwater earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide that displaces a large volume of water, resulting in a series of powerful waves. These waves travel across oceans at high speeds and can reach coastal areas with immense force. When they hit land, tsunamis can cause widespread destruction by flooding coastal regions, destroying infrastructure, and causing significant loss of life. Their unpredictability and the sheer size of the waves make tsunamis one of the most destructive natural disasters.

15. How do oceans and seas contribute to the water cycle?
Ans: Oceans and seas play a crucial role in the water cycle by serving as the primary source of evaporation. Sunlight heats ocean surfaces, causing water to evaporate and rise into the atmosphere as water vapor. This vapor condenses into clouds and eventually falls back to the Earth's surface as precipitation (rain or snow). Some of this water returns to the oceans via rivers and streams, completing the cycle. This process is vital for replenishing freshwater sources and maintaining global water balance.

16. How do oceans regulate the Earth's climate?
Ans: Oceans regulate the Earth's climate by absorbing and redistributing heat through ocean currents. They act as heat sinks, storing solar energy and releasing it slowly over time, which helps maintain stable temperatures on land. Ocean currents transport warm and cold water across the globe, influencing weather patterns, rainfall, and storm formation.

17. What steps can be taken to protect the world's oceans from pollution?
Ans: Steps to protect the world's oceans from pollution include reducing plastic usage, improving waste management systems, preventing industrial runoff, and promoting recycling. Governments and organisations should implement stricter regulations to prevent ocean dumping and control overfishing. Public awareness campaigns can also encourage responsible consumption and environmental stewardship.

18. In what ways can understanding ocean currents benefit human activities?
Ans: Understanding ocean currents can benefit human activities such as navigation, fishing, and climate prediction. Ocean currents influence the movement of ships and can help reduce travel time by providing favourable routes. They also affect the distribution of fish, helping fishermen identify productive areas. Moreover, ocean currents impact weather patterns, aiding meteorologists in forecasting climate events like hurricanes and El Niño.

19. Why are early warning systems important for coastal communities?
Ans: Early warning systems are important for coastal communities because they provide timely alerts about natural disasters such as tsunamis, hurricanes, and cyclones. These warnings allow people to evacuate or take protective measures, reducing the risk of loss of life and property. Early detection and communication of potential dangers help minimise the impact of such disasters.

20. How can education play a role in promoting ocean conservation?
Ans: Education can promote ocean conservation by raising awareness about the importance of oceans to the environment and human life. Schools and organisations can teach students about the effects of pollution, climate change, and overfishing on marine ecosystems. By fostering an understanding of these issues, education encourages future generations to adopt sustainable practices and become advocates for protecting the oceans.

21. What is an island, and how does it differ from a continent?
Ans: An island is a smaller piece of land completely surrounded by water, whereas a continent is a large landmass that also may be surrounded by water but is much larger. For example, Greenland is the largest island, while Africa is a continent.

22. How do oceans support marine life?
Ans: Oceans support marine life by providing habitats for a vast range of species, including fish, mammals, and plants. The ocean’s ecosystems, from shallow coral reefs to deep-sea trenches, offer diverse living conditions that support different organisms. Oceans also produce oxygen and nutrients necessary for marine life.

23. What are the different names given to smaller water bodies connected to oceans?
Ans: Smaller water bodies connected to oceans are given various names, such as:

• Sea

• Bay

• Gulf

24. What natural disasters originate in oceans?
Ans: Natural disasters that originate in oceans include:

• Tsunamis

• Cyclones

• Hurricanes

These disasters can cause widespread destruction, especially in coastal areas.

25. Why is the Indian Ocean significant for India?
Ans: The Indian Ocean is significant for India because it influences the country's climate, particularly the monsoon rains that are vital for agriculture. Additionally, it provides important trade routes, supports fishing industries, and connects India with other countries through the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Read the Extra Questions on Oceans and Continents

1. Why is Earth referred to as the 'Blue Planet'?

Ans: Earth is called the 'Blue Planet' because of the vast amount of water that covers about 71% of its surface. This large coverage of oceans, seas, and rivers makes Earth appear blue when seen from space. Water reflects blue light, which is why this color dominates Earth's appearance from afar, distinguishing it from other planets in the solar system.

2. What is the term for a large landmass, and what do we call a vast, uninterrupted stretch of land?

Ans: A large body of land is referred to as a landmass. A landmass is any substantial, continuous area of land that is distinct from bodies of water. When this landmass is vast and continuous, without major interruptions such as large seas or other geographical features, it is called a continent. Continents are large, continuous landmasses that are often divided by oceans or seas, and they are typically identified as Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.

3. Why is ocean water unsuitable for human consumption?

Ans: Ocean water is unsuitable for human consumption because it is saline, meaning it contains a high concentration of dissolved salts, primarily sodium chloride. This high salinity makes it unfit for drinking, as the human body cannot process such high levels of salt. Drinking seawater can lead to dehydration because it causes the body to lose more water as it tries to expel the excess salt. Desalination processes, which remove salt from water, are needed to make ocean water suitable for human consumption.

4. What are the primary boundaries of the Indian Ocean?

Ans: The Indian Ocean is one of the world's five major oceans, and it is bounded by several land masses and regions. To the north, it is bordered by the continents of Asia, particularly India, and the Arabian Peninsula. To the west, the Indian Ocean is bordered by Africa, including the countries along the eastern coast such as Somalia and Kenya. To the east, it is bounded by Australia, while to the south, it is connected to the Southern Ocean. The Indian Ocean serves as a major route for trade and is also home to many islands and archipelagos.

5. Which two seas are located on the eastern and western sides of India?

Ans: India is bordered by two major seas on its eastern and western coasts. To the west of India, the Arabian Sea lies, stretching along the coastline of states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, and Kerala. To the east, India is bordered by the Bay of Bengal, which lies along the coast of states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Both of these seas play an essential role in India's trade and maritime activities.

6. What is the motto of the Indian Navy, and which deity does it invoke?

Ans: The motto of the Indian Navy is "Sam noh Varunah," which translates to "Be auspicious to us, O Varuna." This motto invokes Varuna, the Vedic deity of water, who is believed to have the power to safeguard sailors and protect them while they are at sea. Varuna is also associated with the celestial ocean, symbolizing the vast, unpredictable nature of the oceans, which the Indian Navy navigates. The motto reflects the importance of divine protection in maritime endeavours.

The page on CBSE Class 6 Social Science Chapter 2 Oceans and Continents Important Questions provides a collection of short answer questions to help students prepare for their upcoming test paper.

These questions cover all the key concepts designed to help students in their upcoming test papers. Also, these extra questions are designed to evaluate your knowledge and readiness for your exam.

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