11. Which national park hosts the largest ice cap aside from those in Antarctica and Greenland?
[A] Los Glaciares National Park
[B] Yosemite National Park
[C] Banff National Park
[D] Zion National Park
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Los Glaciares National Park]
Notes:
Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina hosts the largest ice cap outside Antarctica and Greenland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, established in 1937, spans over 726,927 hectares and is home to 47 active glaciers, including the well-known Perito Moreno Glacier. Divided by Lake Argentino and Lake Viedma, the park holds the scenic Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre in its northern segment. The park’s varied ecosystem sustains unique species and attracts over 688,000 visitors every year, making it a favorite among nature lovers and providing a crucial research site for scientists studying climate change.
12. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched regarding the hemispheres of Earth?
- Northern Hemisphere – Contains more landmass than oceans
- Southern Hemisphere – Primarily tropical climate
- Eastern Hemisphere – Includes the entire African continent
- Western Hemisphere – Encompasses all of Antarctica
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
The Northern Hemisphere contains more landmass, including Asia, Europe, and North America. The Southern Hemisphere is known for its extensive tropical regions around the equator, though it also holds land mass like Australia and most of South America. The Eastern Hemisphere includes parts of Africa, not the entire continent. The Western Hemisphere does not include all of Antarctica; Antarctica is divided by the prime meridian and therefore spans the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
13. Consider the following pairs:
| The IceCube Neutrino Observatory | Located in Japan is primarily focused on the detection of solar and supernova neutrinos. |
| Super-Kamiokande Neutrino Observatory | Located in Antarctica, was the first observatory to detect high-energy neutrinos. |
| India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) | Aims to study atmospheric neutrinos using a giant iron calorimeter detector. |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only one pair
[B] Only two pairs
[C] All three pairs
[D] None of the pairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only one pair]
Notes:- IceCube Neutrino Observatory: Located in the ice sheets of Antarctica, it was the first observatory to detect high-energy neutrinos from cosmic sources.
- India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO): Proposed to be set up in Tamil Nadu, INO focuses on studying atmospheric neutrinos using a large iron calorimeter (ICAL).
- Super-Kamiokande Neutrino Observatory: Located in Japan, it is a water Cherenkov detector designed to study solar, atmospheric, and supernova neutrinos.
Thus, Only One Statement is correct.
14. Which one of the following is the highest peak in Antarctica?
[A] Mount Vinson
[B] Mount Kosciuszko
[C] Mount Aconcagua
[D] Mount Elbrus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mount Vinson]
Notes:
Mount Vinson is the highest peak in Antarctica, standing at 4,892 meters (16,050 feet) above sea level. It is part of the Ellsworth Mountains and is located in the remote region of Antarctica, making it a challenging climb. Kaamya Karthikeyan, at the age of 17, recently reached the summit of Mount Vinson, completing the Seven Summits Challenge, which involves climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents. This achievement indicates not only her remarkable climbing skills but also the adventurous spirit of young explorers. The Seven Summits Challenge is a prestigious mountaineering goal that tests climbers’ endurance and skills across diverse environments.
15. What atmospheric phenomenon was recently observed above Antarctica’s Pine Island Glacier by NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite?
[A] Fog bank
[B] Sea smoke
[C] Aurora borealis
[D] Dust storm
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sea smoke]
Notes:
NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite captured images of ‘sea smoke’ rising from Antarctica’s Pine Island Glacier, a phenomenon where frigid air meets warm water, creating fog-like plumes. This rare atmospheric event highlights the glacier’s vulnerability and the impact of strong winds on polar ice sheets. Sea smoke forms when cold air cools and condenses over open waters, resulting in ghostly ice crystal plumes that can influence ice mass balance. Pine Island Glacier is known for its rapid retreat and significant role in ice flow dynamics.
16. Austropallene halanychi, that was found in the Ross Sea near Antarctica recently, is a species of__?
[A] Squid
[B] Mantis Shrimp
[C] Sea spider
[D] Octopus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sea spider]
Notes:
Austropallene halanychi is the name bestowed to a newly discovered pale yellow species of sea spider found in the Ross Sea near Antarctica. It has distinct black eyes and large boxing glove-shaped claws used likely for grabbing soft prey. Over 1,000 sea spider species inhabit oceans globally but seldom before has one been spotted with such unique features. Further analysis of sea creatures can reveal evolutionary trends and biodiversity insights in relatively unexplored icy polar waters.
17. Which country has dispatched a new scientific expedition team to build its fifth research station in Antarctica?
[A] India
[B] USA
[C] China
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China has dispatched a new scientific expedition team to build its fifth research station in Antarctica. The expedition includes two Chinese icebreaker research ships and a cargo ship carrying more than 460 personnel.
The team will conduct climate change studies and help complete construction of the station. The station will provide communications for China’s scientific polar observation satellites.
18. Scientists have detected which disease in Antarctic region for the first time in Antarctica?
[A] Avian Flu
[B] Anthrax
[C] Foot-and-mouth disease
[D] Bluetongue virus
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Avian Flu]
Notes:
Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have made a significant discovery by detecting the presence of avian flu in the Antarctic region for the first time. This development has raised concerns about the health of remote populations of penguins and seals in the area.
The discovery came after reports of potentially symptomatic birds and unexplained deaths, and subsequent tests confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
19. Which of the following is an Indian Research Station in the Antarctica Region?
[A] Orcadas
[B] Maitri
[C] Hope Bay
[D] Mawson
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maitri]
Notes:Maitri is India’s second permanent research station in Antarctica.
- It was built and finished in 1989, shortly before the first station Dakshin Gangotri was buried in ice and abandoned in 1990/91.
- Maitri is situated on the rocky mountainous region called Schirmacher Oasis.
20. Name the two research stations maintained by India in Antarctica:
[A] Gangotri and Himadri
[B] Sagar Nidhi and Yamunotri
[C] None of the above
[D] Maitri and Bharti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Maitri and Bharti]
Notes:
India has three research stations in Antarctica: Dakshina Gangotri, Maitri and Bharati. India’s first committed research facility, Dakshin Gangotri, was set up in 1983. It is currently being used as a supply base. Maitri and Bharati were set up in 1989 and 2012 respectively.
