Consider the following statements regarding the importance of oceans: 1. Oceans play a critical role in the hydrological cycle. 2. Ocean water is generally free from dissolved salts unlike inland lakes. 3. Their movements can be categorized into waves, tides, and currents. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Oceans cover approximately 71% of the Earth's surface and are dynamic bodies of water. Their physical and chemical properties, including salinity and movement, are fundamental to planetary geography and climate systems. - Statement 1 is Correct: Oceans are the primary reservoir of the Earth's water and play a critical role in the hydrological cycle. A vast majority of atmospheric moisture is derived from the evaporation of ocean water, which subsequently condenses and precipitates over land and sea. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ocean water is distinctively saline, containing dissolved salts such as sodium chloride. The average salinity of ocean water is approximately 35 parts per thousand. In contrast, inland lakes can be freshwater or saline, but it is factually incorrect to state that ocean water is free from dissolved salts. - Statement 3 is Correct: Ocean water is rarely static. Its movements are categorized into three main types based on the forces acting upon them: - Waves: Oscillatory movements generated mainly by wind friction. - Tides: The periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon and the sun. - Currents: The continuous flow of huge masses of water in a definite direction. Key Takeaway: Oceans are saline water bodies that drive the global hydrological cycle. Their dynamic nature is defined by three primary movements: waves, tides, and ocean currents.

NCERT Class 7 Geography — Chapter 1: Water

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements regarding the importance of oceans:

Oceans play a critical role in the hydrological cycle.
Ocean water is generally free from dissolved salts unlike inland lakes.
Their movements can be categorized into waves, tides, and currents.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Oceans cover approximately 71% of the Earth's surface and are dynamic bodies of water. Their physical and chemical properties, including salinity and movement, are fundamental to planetary geography and climate systems.

Statement 1 is Correct: Oceans are the primary reservoir of the Earth's water and play a critical role in the hydrological cycle. A vast majority of atmospheric moisture is derived from the evaporation of ocean water, which subsequently condenses and precipitates over land and sea.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ocean water is distinctively saline, containing dissolved salts such as sodium chloride. The average salinity of ocean water is approximately 35 parts per thousand. In contrast, inland lakes can be freshwater or saline, but it is factually incorrect to state that ocean water is free from dissolved salts.
Statement 3 is Correct: Ocean water is rarely static. Its movements are categorized into three main types based on the forces acting upon them:
- Waves: Oscillatory movements generated mainly by wind friction.
- Tides: The periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon and the sun.
- Currents: The continuous flow of huge masses of water in a definite direction.

Key Takeaway: Oceans are saline water bodies that drive the global hydrological cycle. Their dynamic nature is defined by three primary movements: waves, tides, and ocean currents.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Water

The process by which water continually changes its form and circulates between oceans, atmosphere, and land is best described by which of the following terms?

easy

With reference to the distribution of water on Earth, consider the following statements: 1. Groundwater has a larger volume than inland seas and salt lakes. 2. Inland seas and salt lakes contain more water than the atmosphere. 3. The volume of water in the atmosphere is greater than that in rivers. 4. Rivers hold the least volume of water among these four sources. Which of the statements given above are correct?

hard

Consider the following statements regarding the Earth's water: 1. The water cycle ensures that the water existing today is entirely different from the water that existed centuries ago. 2. The major sources of fresh water include rivers, ponds, springs, and glaciers. 3. The amount of water in the atmosphere is higher than that in fresh water lakes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

In the context of water distribution, which of the following accounts for the largest percentage of fresh water on Earth?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding salinity: 1. Salinity is defined as the amount of salt in grams present in 1000 grams of water. 2. The average salinity of the oceans is generally 45 parts per thousand. 3. Most of the salt in the ocean is sodium chloride. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: Oceans are the primary reservoir of the Earth's water and play a critical role in the hydrological cycle. A vast majority of atmospheric moisture is derived from the evaporation of ocean water, which subsequently condenses and precipitates over land and sea.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ocean water is distinctively saline, containing dissolved salts such as sodium chloride. The average salinity of ocean water is approximately 35 parts per thousand. In contrast, inland lakes can be freshwater or saline, but it is factually incorrect to state that ocean water is free from dissolved salts.
Statement 3 is Correct: Ocean water is rarely static. Its movements are categorized into three main types based on the forces acting upon them:
- Waves: Oscillatory movements generated mainly by wind friction.
- Tides: The periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon and the sun.
- Currents: The continuous flow of huge masses of water in a definite direction.

Key Takeaway: Oceans are saline water bodies that drive the global hydrological cycle. Their dynamic nature is defined by three primary movements: waves, tides, and ocean currents.