Paper II · Part B — Geography

Tides and Ocean Currents

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Concept

Tides are the periodic rise and fall of sea level caused mainly by the gravitational pull of the Moon (and Sun). Ocean currents are large-scale movements of seawater that redistribute heat around the globe.

Spring and neap tides depend on the Sun–Moon alignment.

Key Points & Formulas

Tides are caused chiefly by the Moon's gravitational pull.
Spring tides (highest): Sun, Moon and Earth in line (full/new Moon).
Neap tides (lowest): Sun and Moon at right angles (quarter Moon).
Warm currents (e.g., Gulf Stream) raise coastal temperatures; cold currents lower them.

Worked Example

Q. When do spring tides occur?

Spring tides occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth are aligned.

This happens at full Moon and new Moon.

The combined pull produces the highest tides.

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Reading the prompt too quickly and missing a qualifier.
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Skipping units, signs, chronology or the final reasonableness check.

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Eliminate impossible options before doing full calculation.

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5 NDA questions

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Question 1

NDA Practice 2026

The Gulf Stream is an example of a

Question 2

NDA II 2025

Which of the following factors influence the ocean currents?

1. Coriolis force

2. Gravity

3. Heating by solar energy

4. Wind

Select the answer using the code given below:

Question 3

NDA II 2024

Which one among the following statements with reference to Benguela current is NOT correct ?

Question 4

NDA I 2023

Which one of the following is NOT a cold current?

Question 5

NDA I 2023

Which of the following positions of Sun, Earth and Moon is/are suitable for Spring Tide?
1. SYZYGY Conjunction
2. SYZYGY Opposition
3. Quadrature
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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