UPSC Prelims 2006 Q26: Geography – Oceanography
In which one of the following oceans is Diamantina Trench situated?
- (a) Pacific Ocean
- (b) Atlantic Ocean
- (c) Indian Ocean
- (d) Arctic Ocean
Answer: (c) Indian Ocean
Explanation
Location of the Diamantina Trench
The Diamantina Trench (Diamantina Fracture Zone) lies in the south-eastern Indian Ocean, south-west of Australia.
| Ocean | Well-known deeps |
|---|---|
| Pacific Ocean | Mariana Trench |
| Atlantic Ocean | Puerto Rico Trench |
| Indian Ocean | Diamantina Trench, Java (Sunda) Trench |
| Arctic Ocean | Eurasian Basin, no major trench |
Answer: (c) Indian Ocean.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Pacific Ocean holds the Mariana and Tonga trenches, not Diamantina.
- (b) Incorrect. The Atlantic holds the Puerto Rico Trench, not Diamantina.
- (c) CORRECT. The Diamantina Trench lies in the south-eastern Indian Ocean off Western Australia.
- (d) Incorrect. The Arctic Ocean has no well-known trench of this name.
Key point
The Diamantina Trench is in the south-eastern Indian Ocean, south-west of Australia.
Remember
Diamantina Trench: Indian Ocean.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all famous trenches are in the Pacific.
- Confusing it with the Java Trench, also Indian Ocean.
- Not tying the name to Australia's south-west coast.
Exam tip
Indian Ocean deeps: Java (Sunda) Trench and Diamantina Trench.
Sources
- General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) — Gazetteer of Undersea Feature Names (Diamantina Fracture Zone)
- NCERT Class XI Geography — Fundamentals of Physical Geography — Water (Oceans)