UGC NET Geography Unit 2 PYQs with Answers and Explanations

UGC NET Geography Unit 2 primarily covers Geomorphology, Climatology, Oceanography, Biogeography, and Environmental Geography. Questions from this unit frequently test conceptual understanding of landforms, ocean currents, atmospheric processes, and physical geography phenomena. 

Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are one of the most effective resources for UGC NET Geography preparation. They help candidates understand the type of questions asked in the examination, identify important themes, and improve their ability to apply concepts under exam conditions. 

Regular practice with PYQs also helps in time management and self-assessment. By reviewing questions from earlier examinations, candidates can strengthen conceptual clarity, improve accuracy, and build confidence before the actual exam.

UGC NET Geography Unit 2 Previous Year Questions

The following section contains UGC NET Geography Unit 2 PYQs for practice and revision. Attempt the questions independently first, then review the explanations to understand the reasoning behind the correct answers. This approach will help maximize the learning value of each question.

1. Which of the following ocean relief features has pointed summits that rise from the seafloor but do not reach the ocean's surface, often attaining heights of 3,000–4,500 metres?

(A) Guyot
(B) Mid-oceanic ridge
(C) Seamount
(D) Continental shelf

Answer: (C) Seamount

Explanation: A seamount is an isolated underwater volcanic mountain rising from the ocean floor that has a pointed, conical summit and does not reach the surface of the sea. If the top of such an underwater mountain is flat-topped (due to marine erosion before submerging), it is instead classified as a guyot.

2. The Sargasso Sea (Weed Growing Sea) lies in the:

(A) North Pacific Ocean

(B) North Atlantic Ocean

(C) South Pacific Ocean

(D) South Atlantic Ocean

 Answer: (B) North Atlantic Ocean

Explanation: The Sargasso Sea is a unique region located entirely within the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Unlike all other seas, it has no land boundaries; instead, it is bounded dynamically by a system of four circulating ocean currents (the North Atlantic Gyre): the Gulf Stream, North Atlantic Current, Canary Current, and North Atlantic Equatorial Current. It is famous for hosting vast mats of free-floating brown seaweed called Sargassum.

3. Match the following:

Options Available:

• (A) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

• (B) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

• (C) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

• (D) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4

Answer: (C) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

Explanation:

• Mariana Trench (containing Challenger Deep) is the deepest trench on Earth, situated in the North Pacific Ocean.

• Puerto Rico Trench is located on the boundary between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean.

• Sunda Trench (traditionally the Java Trench) forms the deep floor of the northeastern Indian Ocean.

• Tonga Trench lies in the southwestern region of the South Pacific Ocean.

4. Apart from Sodium Chloride, which salt is found in the highest quantity in seawater?

(A) Magnesium Sulphate

(B) Magnesium Chloride

(C) Calcium Carbonate

(D) Calcium Sulphate

Answer: (B) Magnesium Chloride

Explanation: Magnesium chloride is the second most abundant dissolved salt in seawater after sodium chloride. It contributes significantly to the salinity and chemical composition of ocean water. 

5. Consider the following cold ocean currents:

I. Benguela

II. Falkland

III. Labrador

IV. Oyashio

How many are eastern boundary currents associated with coastal deserts?

(A) Only one

(B) Only two

(C) Only three

(D) All four

Answer: (A) Only one

Explanation: An eastern boundary current flows along the eastern margin of an ocean basin (which is the western coast of a continent). Among the choices, only the Benguela Current fits this exact definition—it flows north along the western coast of Southern Africa and stabilizes dry air masses, giving rise directly to the coastal Namib Desert. The Falkland, Labrador, and Oyashio currents are western boundary currents or subpolar sub-gyre currents flowing along eastern continental coastlines.

6. Flat topped volcanic hills submerged under ocean water are called:

(A) Seamounts

(B) Abyssal Hills

(C) Guyots

(D) Submarine Canyons

Answer: (C) Guyots

Explanation: Guyots (also known as tablemounts) are isolated underwater volcanic mountains with a flat top. Their unique flat summits were created when ancient volcanic islands were shaved level at sea level by wave action before gradually subsiding deep beneath the water's surface over geological time.

7. Which of the following statements regarding tidal phenomena are correct?

1. Spring tides occur during the conjunction and opposition stages of the Moon.

2. Neap tides occur when the Sun and the Moon are at right angles to each other relative to the Earth.

(A) Only 1

(B) Only 2

(C) Both 1 and 2

(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Spring tides (unusually high tides) occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align in a straight line. This happens during conjunction (New Moon / Amavasya) and opposition (Full Moon / Purnima), combining gravitational forces.

• Statement 2 is correct: Neap tides (unusually low tidal variation) happen during the Moon's first and third quarter phases, where the gravitational pulls of the Sun and Moon pull at $90^\circ$ (right angles), partially canceling each other out.

8. In which of the following oceans does the direction of ocean currents reverse with the season?

(A) Pacific Ocean

(B) Atlantic Ocean

(C) Indian Ocean

(D) Arctic Ocean

Answer: (C) Indian Ocean

Explanation: The North Indian Ocean is completely bounded by the massive Asian landmass, creating the monsoon climate system. Due to seasonal wind switches, the entire upper circulation system completely flips directions: it flows clockwise as the Southwest Monsoon Current in summer, and reverses to flow counter-clockwise as the Northeast Monsoon Current during winter.