GATE Overflow for GATE XE - Recent questions in Ocean Sciences

GATE XE 2026 | Question: 148

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:22:16 +0000

Which of the following statements based on the given figure is / are TRUE with respect to the upwelling process in the ocean?

Wind is northerly.
Wind is southerly.
Event occurs in the southern hemisphere.
Event occurs in the northern hemisphere.

GATE XE 2026 | Question: 155

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:18:53 +0000

From the given cases ( $\mathrm{P}, \mathrm{Q}, \mathrm{R}$ and $\mathrm{S}$), which represents the annual mean profile of dissolved oxygen in the Bay of Bengal?

$\mathrm{P}$
$\mathrm{Q}$
$\mathrm{R}$
$\mathrm{S}$

GATE XE 2026 | Question: 156

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:18:21 +0000

The given figure illustrates a subtropical gyre in the Southern Indian Ocean. Identify the currents in the correct sequence of $\mathrm{P}, \mathrm{Q}, \mathrm{R}$ and $\mathrm{S}$, respectively from the following options.

South Equatorial Current, West Australian Current, Madagascar Current and South Indian Ocean Current
South Equatorial Current, Madagascar Current, West Australian Current and South Indian Ocean Current
South Equatorial Current, Madagascar Current, South Indian Ocean Current and West Australian Current
South Equatorial Current, South Indian Ocean Current, Madagascar Current and West Australian Current

GATE XE 2026 | Question: 157

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:18:02 +0000

Which of the following is/are generally associated within a cyclonic eddy in the northern Indian Ocean?

Upwelling
Positive sea level anomaly
Negative sea level anomaly
Downwelling

GATE XE 2026 | Question: 159

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:16:57 +0000

Which of the following statements is/are correct for the Equatorial Indian Ocean during a positive Indian Ocean Dipole event?

Strong surface westerly winds
Weak surface westerly winds
Positive Sea Surface Temperature anomaly in the western region
Negative Sea Surface Temperature anomaly in the western region

GATE XE 2026 | Question: 162

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:16:35 +0000

A steady westerly wind is blowing over the ocean surface at a latitude of $30^{\circ} \mathrm{N}$ and exerting a wind stress of $0.8 \mathrm{~N} \mathrm{~m}^{-2}$.

The magnitude of net volume transport (in $m^{2} s^{-1}$) per unit width is $\_\_\_\_$. (rounded off to three decimal places)

[Density of seawater is $1025 \mathrm{~kg} \mathrm{~m}^{-3}$, angular velocity of the Earth is $\left.7.29 \times 10^{-5} s^{-1}.\right]$

GATE XE 2025 | Question: 158

Sun, 04 May 2025 15:26:58 +0000

The directions of the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre and the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre are $\_\_\_\_\_$ and $\_\_\_\_\_$, respectively.

clockwise; counter-clockwise
counter-clockwise; clockwise
clockwise; clockwise
counter-clockwise; counter-clockwise

GATE XE 2025 | Question: 160

Sun, 04 May 2025 15:26:54 +0000

Which of the following Period(s) correspond(s) to wind waves?

$5$ seconds
$20$ seconds
$6$ hours
$12$ hours

GATE XE 2025 | Question: 164

Sun, 04 May 2025 15:26:47 +0000

The sea surface height concentric isolines ($\mathbf{L1}$ and $\mathbf{L2}$ in $\mathrm{cm}$ ) and the distance between them ( $\mathbf{d} \mathbf{x}$ in $\mathrm{km}$ ) for three different eddies at the same latitude are given in the figure below. (The figures are not to scale.)

Which one of the following orders is correct about the magnitudes of the geostrophic currents within the isolines?

$\textbf{(i) > (ii) > (iii)}$
$\textbf{(ii) >(iii) >(i)}$
$\textbf{(iii) >(i) >(ii)}$
$\textbf{(iii) > (ii) >(i)}$

GATE XE 2025 | Question: 165

Sun, 04 May 2025 15:26:45 +0000

The vertical (depth) profiles for three parameters $\mathbf{P1}$, $\mathbf{P2}$, and $\mathbf{P3}$ in the northern Indian Ocean are given in the figure below. The values along the $\text{x}$-axis are the normalized values of the parameters and $\text{y}$-axis is the depth ($\text{m}$).

Identify the parameters $\mathbf{P1}$, $\mathbf{P2}$, and $\mathbf{P3}$ from the options given below.

$\mathbf{P1}$: Dissolved Oxygen; $\mathbf{P2}$: Nitrate; $\mathbf{P3}$: Chlorophyll
$\mathbf{P1}$: Nitrate; $\mathbf{P2}$: Chlorophyll; $\mathbf{P3}$: Dissolved Oxygen
$\mathbf{P1}$: Dissolved Oxygen; $\mathbf{P2}$: Chlorophyll; $\mathbf{P3}$: Nitrate
$\mathbf{P1}$: Chlorophyll; $\mathbf{P2}$: Nitrate; $\mathbf{P3}$: Dissolved Oxygen

GATE XE 2025 | Question: 166

Sun, 04 May 2025 15:26:42 +0000

The zonal gradient of meridional current and the meridional gradient of zonal current is $-0.3 \times 10^{-3} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ and $0.3 \times 10^{-3} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$, respectively, at a location $\mathrm{P}\left(87^{\circ} \mathrm{E}\right.$, $\left.15^{\circ} \mathrm{N}\right)$. Which one of the following best explains the nature of the flow?

The flow is non-divergent in nature.
The flow is non-rotational in nature.
The flow is counter-clockwise in nature.
The flow is clockwise in nature.

GATE XE 2025 | Question: 167

Sun, 04 May 2025 15:26:40 +0000

The north-Atlantic deep-water is associated with $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_$

low temperature and low salinity
high temperature and high salinity
high temperature and low salinity
low temperature and high salinity

GATE XE 2025 | Question: 175

Sun, 04 May 2025 15:26:26 +0000

The Sea Surface Temperature, Air Temperature and $10 \: m$ Wind Speed at the locations $\textsf{P}$ and $\textsf{Q}$ are given in the table below.

[Assume the density of air, specific heat capacity, and sensible heat transfer constant are the same at both locations.]

$$\begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|} \hline \textbf{Location} & \textbf{Sea Surface} & \textbf{Air Temperature} & \textbf{Wind Speed} \\ & \textbf{temperature} \left({ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right) & \left({ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right) & \textbf{at 10m} \: \left(\mathbf{m ~ s}^{\mathbf{- 1}}\right) \\ \hline \textsf{P} & 28 & 35 & 4 \\
\hline \textsf{Q} & 30 & 32 & 7 \\ \hline \end{array}$$

The sensible heat $\textsf{(SH)}$ flux at the locations $\textsf{P}$ and $\textsf{Q}$ are $\mathrm{SH}_{P}$ and $\mathrm{SH}_{\mathrm{Q}}$, respectively. The value of $\left(\frac{\mathrm{SH}_{\mathrm{P}}}{\mathrm{SH}_{\mathrm{Q}}}\right)$ is $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_$. (in integer)

GATE XE 2024 | Question: 144

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:40:49 +0000

A westerly wind is blowing in the Northern Hemisphere. What is the direction of net mass transport in the Ekman layer?

Southward
Northward
North-Eastward
South-Westward

GATE XE 2024 | Question: 148

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:40:46 +0000

Transfer of energy between ocean and atmosphere in the form of sensible heat flux is due to

difference in specific humidity between ocean and atmosphere
difference in temperature between upper surface of the ocean and lower part of the atmosphere
difference in density between upper surface of the ocean and lower part of the atmosphere
difference in partial pressure of $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ between ocean and atmosphere

GATE XE 2024 | Question: 152

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:40:44 +0000

Density of sea-water does not directly depend on __________.

temperature of sea water
salinity of sea water
pressure of sea water
vorticity of sea water

GATE XE 2024 | Question: 151

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:40:44 +0000

Upwelling region has __________.

low sea surface height
high sea surface height
decrease in primary production
low nutrients

GATE XE 2024 | Question: 153

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:40:43 +0000

Which of the following is/are true about ocean circulation?

Wind driven circulation, with constant Coriolis force, can produce narrow and fast western boundary currents.
Wind driven circulation, with Coriolis force varying with latitude, can produce narrow and fast western boundary currents.
The eastern boundary currents of subtropical gyres are wide and slow.
Wind driven circulation leads to Ekman transport.

GATE XE 2024 | Question: 154

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:40:42 +0000

Svedrup's equation deals with:

curl of wind stress
pressure gradient force
variation of Coriolis force with latitude
meridional transport of sea water

GATE XE 2024 | Question: 155

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:40:42 +0000

pH of the water in the oceans is/are directly affected by:

water temperature
water salinity
total alkalinity
water pressure

GATE XE 2024 | Question: 160

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:40:37 +0000

During summer monsoon season, water from Arabian Sea spreads over the southwestern Bay of Bengal. This leads to

formation of salt fingers
upwelling
western boundary current
downwelling

GATE XE 2024 | Question: 162

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:40:36 +0000

A homogeneous, incompressible, steady ocean of mixed layer depth of $20$ m has a velocity gradient $-5 \times 10^{-8} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ and $-8.3 \times 10^{-8} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ along zonal and meridional directions, respectively. The vertical mass flux $\text{(in $\mathrm{kg} \mathrm{s}^{-1}$ )}$ at the base of the mixed layer of $100 \mathrm{~km} \times 100 \mathrm{~km}$ area is __________ is $1025 \mathrm{~kg} \mathrm{~m}^{-3}$ ). $\text{(Rounded off to 1 decimal place)}$

GATE XE 2024 | Question: 163

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:40:35 +0000

Wind blows over the ocean surface at a speed of $10 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$. Calculate the magnitude of wind stress, in Pa , using bulk formulation. $\text{(Drag coefficient is $1.4 \times 10^{-3}$ and density of air is $1.3 \mathrm{~kg} \mathrm{~m}^{-3}$ )}$ $\text{(Rounded off to 3 decimal places)}$

GATE XE 2024 | Question: 164

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 16:40:35 +0000

Two stations 'A' and 'B', present at a latitude of $30^{\circ} \mathrm{N}$ are separated by a distance of $10$ km . If the difference in sea surface height between these two stations is 1 m , what will be the magnitude of geostrophic current velocity in SI units? $\text{(Assume the angular velocity of earth is}$ $\left.10^{-4} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}\right)$ $\text{(Answer in integer)}$

GATE XE 2023 | Question: 144

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:08:04 +0000

\begin{tabular}{l|l}
Q.154 & The net water level elevation near the coast arising due to a tropical-cyclone- \\
induced storm is a combination of the following factors \\

& astronomical tides, and distant cyclonic storm \\
\hline
& wind-induced waves, astronomical tides, and distant cyclonic storm \\
\hline
& astronomical tides, coastal currents, and distant cyclonic storm \\
\hline
& riverine flow, astronomical tides, and distant cyclonic storm \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

GATE XE 2023 | Question: 145

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:08:03 +0000

\begin{tabular}{l|l}
Q. 155 & \begin{tabular}{l}
The typical speeds of a tsunami wave in water depths of $10 \mathrm{~m}, 100 \mathrm{~m}$, and 1000 \\
$\mathrm{~m}$, respectively, are
\end{tabular} \\

& approximately $100 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}, 31 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ and $10 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ \\
\hline
& approximately $50 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}, 75 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ and $100 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ \\
& approximately $10 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}, 31 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ and $100 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ \\
& approximately $100 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}, 10 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$ and $31 \mathrm{~m} \mathrm{~s}^{-1}$
\end{tabular}

GATE XE 2023 | Question: 146

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:08:02 +0000

\begin{tabular}{|l|l}
Q.156 & Which classification of tides best represents the west coast of India? \\
\hline

& Diurnal and Mixed \\
\hline
& Semidiurnal and Mixed \\
\hline
& only Diurnal \\
\hline
& only Mixed
\end{tabular}

GATE XE 2023 | Question: 148

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:08:00 +0000

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|}
\hline Q. 158 & \begin{tabular}{l}
Consider the following options and pick out the right choice. The solubility of a \\
gas in sea water increases with
\end{tabular} \\
\hline

& the increase of temperature, salinity and pressure \\
\hline
& the decrease of temperature, salinity and pressure \\
\hline
& the increase of temperature, and the decrease of salinity and pressure \\
\hline
& the decrease of temperature and salinity, and the increase of pressure \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

GATE XE 2023 | Question: 149

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:07:59 +0000

\begin{tabular}{l|l|}
Q.159 & From the list given below, identify the organism type in the biological pump that \\
takes up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the ocean. \\
\hline

& Zooplankton \\
\hline
& Fish \\
\hline
& Phytoplankton \\
\hline
& Radiolarians
\end{tabular}

GATE XE 2023 | Question: 150

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:07:58 +0000

\begin{tabular}{|l|l}
Q.160 & \begin{tabular}{l}
The amount of $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ that can be absorbed \\
seawater decreases.
\end{tabular} \\
\hline

& Remains the same the temperature of \\
\hline
& Increases \\
\hline
& Decreases \\
\hline
& Can either increase or decrease
\end{tabular}

GATE XE 2023 | Question: 153

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:07:56 +0000

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|}
\hline Q. 163 & \begin{tabular}{l}
The following illustration depicts the circulation pattern in the North Indian Ocean \\
during the southwest (June-August) monsoon. Identify the markers numbered \\
from $1-5$ in the illustration and pick out the right choice.
\end{tabular} \\
\hline & 20N \\
\hline

& \begin{tabular}{l}
1. Great Whirl, 2. East India Coastal Current, 3. Fast African Coastal Current, 4. \\
Summer (Southwest) Monsoon Current, and 5. West India Coastal Current.
\end{tabular} \\
\hline
& \begin{tabular}{l}
1. East $\Lambda$ frican Coastal Current, 2. Summer (Southwest) Monsoon Current, 3. \\
Great Whirl, 4. South Equatorial Counter Current, and 5. East India Coastal \\
Current.
\end{tabular} \\
\hline
& \begin{tabular}{l}
1. Great Whirl, 2. Summer (Southwest) Monsoon Current, 3. West India Coastal \\
Current, 4. Somali Current, and 5. East India Coastal Current.
\end{tabular} \\
\hline
& \begin{tabular}{l}
1. East African Coastal Current, 2. West India Coastal Current, 3. Somali Current, \\
4. East India Coastal Current, and 5. South Equatorial Counter Current.
\end{tabular} \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

GATE XE 2023 | Question: 154

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:07:53 +0000

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|}
\hline Q. 164 & \begin{tabular}{l}
From the following list identify the region that has low chlorophyll and low \\
nutrients.
\end{tabular} \\
\hline

& Upwelling, anticyclonic eddy \\
\hline
& Upwelling, cyclonic eddy \\
\hline
& Downwelling, anticyclonic eddy \\
\hline
& Downwelling, cyclonic eddy \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

GATE XE 2023 | Question: 156

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:07:51 +0000

\begin{tabular}{l|l|}
Q.166 & Choose the correct statement(s) in context to Ekman spiral from the following: \\
\hline

& The balance of Coriolis force and pressure \\
\hline
& The balance of Coriolis force, wind shear, and frictional force \\
\hline
& \begin{tabular}{l}
Deflection of surface current to the right of the wind direction in the Northern \\
hemisphere
\end{tabular} \\
\hline
& The increase of current velocity with depth \\
\hline
\end{tabular}