MCQs on Antarctica – Geography
Q1. Which ocean surrounds Antarctica?
a) Atlantic Ocean
b) Indian Ocean
c) Arctic Ocean
d) Southern Ocean
Show Answer
Correct Answer: d) Southern Ocean
Explanation: Antarctica is surrounded by the Southern Ocean, which is also known as the Antarctic Ocean.
Q2. What is the lowest temperature ever recorded in Antarctica?
a) -89.2°C
b) -98.6°C
c) -105.8°C
d) -128.6°C
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) -89.2°C
Explanation: The lowest temperature ever recorded in Antarctica was -89.2°C at the Soviet Union’s Vostok Station in 1983.
Q3. Which treaty regulates international relations in Antarctica?
a) Antarctic Treaty
b) Treaty of Tordesillas
c) Treaty of Utrecht
d) Treaty of Versailles
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) Antarctic Treaty
Explanation: The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, regulates international relations in Antarctica and promotes scientific research on the continent. The Antarctic Treaty came into force on 23 June 1961 after ratification by the twelve countries then active in Antarctic science. The Treaty covers the area south of 60°S latitude. Its objectives are simple yet unique in international relations.
Q4. What is the largest research station in Antarctica?
a) McMurdo Station
b) Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
c) Palmer Station
d) Rothera Research Station
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) McMurdo Station
Explanation: McMurdo Station, operated by the United States, is the largest research station in Antarctica.
Q5. Which country operates the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station?
a) United States
b) Russia
c) United Kingdom
d) Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) United States
Explanation: The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is operated by the United States.
Q6. Which animal is not native to Antarctica?
a) Penguin
b) Seal
c) Polar bear
d) Albatross
Show Answer
Correct Answer: c) Polar bear
Explanation: Polar bears are native to the Arctic region, not Antarctica.
Q7. What is the name of the sea located off the coast of West Antarctica?
a) Amundsen Sea
b) Bering Sea
c) Mediterranean Sea
d) Red Sea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) Amundsen Sea
Explanation: The Amundsen Sea is located off the coast of West Antarctica.
Q8. What is the largest ice shelf in Antarctica?
a) Ross Ice Shelf
b) Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf
c) Larsen Ice Shelf
d) Amery Ice Shelf
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) Ross Ice Shelf
Explanation: The Ross Ice Shelf is the largest ice shelf in Antarctica.
Q9. Which explorer was the first to reach the South Pole?
a) Robert Falcon Scott
b) Roald Amundsen
c) Ernest Shackleton
d) Richard E. Byrd
Show Answer
Correct Answer: b) Roald Amundsen
Explanation: Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen was the first person to reach the South Pole in 1911.
Q10. What is the primary purpose of research stations in Antarctica?
a) Military operations
b) Tourism
c) Scientific research
d) Resource extraction
Show Answer
Correct Answer: c) Scientific research
Explanation: The primary purpose of research stations in Antarctica is to conduct scientific research.
Q11. Which country claims the largest territory in Antarctica?
a) United States
b) Russia
c) Australia
d) United Kingdom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: c) Australia
Explanation: Australia claims the largest territory in Antarctica, known as the Australian Antarctic Territory.
Q12. What is the name of the sea located off the coast of Antarctica?
a) Weddell Sea
b) Bering Sea
c) Mediterranean Sea
d) Red Sea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) Weddell Sea
Explanation: The Weddell Sea is located off the coast of Antarctica.
Q13. Which mountain range is located in Antarctica?
a) Andes
b) Himalayas
c) Transantarctic Mountains
d) Alps
Show Answer
Correct Answer: c) Transantarctic Mountains
Explanation: The Transantarctic Mountains are a mountain range in Antarctica.
Q14. What is the name of the plateau located in East Antarctica?
a) Antarctic Plateau
b) Deception Plateau
c) Mawson Plateau
d) Vinson Plateau
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) Antarctic Plateau
Explanation: The Antarctic Plateau is a large, high plateau located in East Antarctica.
Q15. Which lake is the largest and deepest subglacial lake in Antarctica?
a) Lake Vostok
b) Lake Ellsworth
c) Lake Whillans
d) Lake Untersee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) Lake Vostok
Explanation: Lake Vostok is the largest and deepest subglacial lake in Antarctica.
Q16. What is the name of the ice-free area in Antarctica where many meteorites have been found?
a) Allan Hills
b) Elephant Moraine
c) Lewis Cliff
d) Queen Maud Land
Show Answer
Correct Answer: a) Allan Hills
Explanation: Allan Hills is an ice-free area in Antarctica where many meteorites have been found.
Q17. Which country operates the Rothera Research Station in Antarctica?
a) United States
b) Russia
c) United Kingdom
d) Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: c) United Kingdom
Explanation: The Rothera Research Station is operated by the United Kingdom.
Q18. What is the name of the sea located between Antarctica and South America?
a) Scotia Sea
b) Drake Passage
c) Bellingshausen Sea
d) Ross Sea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: b) Drake Passage
Explanation: The Drake Passage is a body of water located between Antarctica and South America.
Q19. What is the name of the ice shelf that collapsed in 2002?
a) Larsen A Ice Shelf
b) Larsen B Ice Shelf
c) Larsen C Ice Shelf
d) Larsen D Ice Shelf
Show Answer
Correct Answer: b) Larsen B Ice Shelf
Explanation: The Larsen B Ice Shelf collapsed in 2002.
Q20. Which country operates the Scott Base in Antarctica?
a) United States
b) Russia
c) United Kingdom
d) New Zealand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: d) New Zealand
Explanation: The Scott Base is operated by New Zealand.