NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 2: Movements of Ocean Water

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Deep water currents make up what percentage of the ocean water?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A10 %
B90 %
C50 %
D75 %

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Solution

The correct option is 90 %.

Explanation

Ocean currents are generally classified into two categories based on depth: surface currents and deep water currents.

Surface Currents: These constitute approximately 10 % of all the water in the ocean. They are typically found in the upper 400 meters of the ocean and are primarily driven by prevailing wind systems.
Deep Water Currents: These make up the remaining 90 % of the ocean water. These currents move around the ocean basins due to variations in density and gravity. This movement is often referred to as thermohaline circulation.

Deep waters sink into the deep ocean basins at high latitudes where temperatures are sufficiently low to increase water density, thereby driving the deep circulation mechanism.

Key Takeaway: Deep water currents constitute the vast majority (90%) of the ocean's volume and are driven by density differences, whereas surface currents account for only 10% and are wind-driven.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Movements of Ocean Water

Consider the following factors: 1. The shape of bays and estuaries has no influence on the magnitude of tides. 2. Presence of wide continental shelves. 3. Presence of mid-oceanic islands. Which of the above factors can influence the height or magnitude of tidal bulges?

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Which of the following best describes the general movement of warm ocean currents?

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With reference to the movements of ocean water, consider the following statements: 1. Ocean currents represent the horizontal motion of water while tides represent the vertical motion. 2. In waves, the water moves ahead from one place to another along with the wave train. 3. The upwelling of cold water from the subsurface is a form of horizontal motion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the characteristics of ocean waves: 1. The largest waves are typically found in open oceans rather than enclosed seas. 2. Steep waves are generally old and originate from far away places. 3. Slow and steady waves usually originate from far away places. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The maximum height of a wave is determined by which of the following factors? 1. The strength of the wind has no role in determining wave height. 2. The duration for which the wind blows. 3. The area over which the wind blows in a single direction. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

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The correct option is 90 %.

Explanation

Ocean currents are generally classified into two categories based on depth: surface currents and deep water currents.

Surface Currents: These constitute approximately 10 % of all the water in the ocean. They are typically found in the upper 400 meters of the ocean and are primarily driven by prevailing wind systems.
Deep Water Currents: These make up the remaining 90 % of the ocean water. These currents move around the ocean basins due to variations in density and gravity. This movement is often referred to as thermohaline circulation.

Deep waters sink into the deep ocean basins at high latitudes where temperatures are sufficiently low to increase water density, thereby driving the deep circulation mechanism.