UPSC Prelims 2004 Q66: Geography – Oceanography
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
- (a) Gulfs with narrow fronts and wider rears experience high tides
- (b) Tidal currents take place when a gulf is connected with the open sea by a narrow channel
- (c) Tidal bore occurs when a tide enters the narrow and shallow estuary of a river
- (d) The tidal nature of the mouth of the river Hooghly is of crucial importance to Kolkata as port
Answer: (a) Gulfs with narrow fronts and wider rears experience high tides
Explanation
Tides in gulfs and estuaries
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. Gulfs with narrow fronts and wider rears experience high tides | Not correct — high tides occur in funnel-shaped gulfs with wide mouths and narrowing heads |
| b. Tidal currents when a gulf joins the sea by a narrow channel | Correct |
| c. Tidal bore in a narrow shallow estuary | Correct |
| d. Hooghly's tides are crucial to Kolkata port | Correct |
Statement (a) is wrong: high tides build up where a gulf is wide at the front and narrows towards the rear, as in the Gulf of Khambhat.
Answer: (a) Gulfs with narrow fronts and wider rears experience high tides.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The shape described is reversed, so this statement is not correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Tidal currents do occur in such gulfs.
- (c) Incorrect. A tidal bore occurs in a narrow, shallow estuary.
- (d) Incorrect. Hooghly's tides help Kolkata port.
Key point
Funnel-shaped estuaries and gulfs amplify tides: Bay of Fundy, Gulf of Khambhat.
Remember
High tides occur in gulfs that narrow towards the head.
Common mistakes
- Reversing the shape of the gulf for high tides.
- Forgetting that Kolkata port depends on high tide.
- Reading the question as asking for a correct statement.
Exam tip
Wide mouth, narrow head: high tides.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — Movements of Ocean Water
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — tide