SSC CGL Preparation – Day 5

Geography: Continents and Oceans

Understanding continents and oceans is a foundational aspect of world geography and often asked in SSC CGL exams in the form of map-based or static questions. Here’s a detailed explanation:

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🌐 I. Continents of the World

There are 7 continents on Earth:

1. Asia

• Largest continent (≈30% of total land area).
• Includes countries like China, India, Japan, Russia.
• Home to the highest peak: Mount Everest.
• Rivers: Ganga, Yangtze, Indus.
• Densely populated.
• Countries with ancient civilizations (e.g., Indus Valley, Mesopotamia).

2. Africa

• Second-largest continent.
• Divided by the Equator; lies in all four hemispheres.
• Sahara Desert (world’s largest hot desert).
• Nile River – the longest river in the world.
• Rich in minerals (diamond, gold).
• Known for wildlife and savannas.

3. North America

• Includes countries like the USA, Canada, Mexico.
• Surrounded by Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
• Famous features: Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes, Mississippi River.
• Technologically and economically advanced region.

4. South America

• Home to Amazon Rainforest and Amazon River.
• Countries: Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile.
• Andes Mountains – longest continental mountain range.
• Lies mostly in the Southern Hemisphere.

5. Antarctica

• Coldest continent.
• Covered by ice sheets.
• No permanent residents (only research stations).
• Located around the South Pole.
• No time zones and no countries.

6. Europe

• Western extension of Eurasia.
• Countries: UK, France, Germany, Italy.
• Important rivers: Danube, Rhine, Volga.
• Historical significance (Industrial Revolution, World Wars).
• Shared landmass with Asia (Eurasia).

7. Australia (Oceania)

• Smallest continent.
• Includes Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Pacific Islands.
• Known for unique flora and fauna (Kangaroos, Koalas).
• Surrounded entirely by oceans.

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🌊 II. Oceans of the World

There are 5 major oceans, covering about 71% of Earth’s surface:

1. Pacific Ocean

• Largest and deepest ocean.
• Mariana Trench – deepest point on Earth.
• Lies between Asia/Australia and the Americas.
• Prone to earthquakes and tsunamis due to “Ring of Fire”.

2. Atlantic Ocean

• Second-largest.
• Lies between Europe/Africa and the Americas.
• S-shaped and busy sea route for trade.
• Contains Bermuda Triangle.

3. Indian Ocean

• Third-largest.
• Lies between Africa, Asia, Australia.
• Only ocean named after a country.
• Important for monsoon winds and global trade.

4. Southern (Antarctic) Ocean

• Encircles Antarctica.
• Recognized as the 5th ocean.
• Formed by merging southern portions of Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
• Coldest ocean.

5. Arctic Ocean

• Smallest and shallowest.
• Lies within the Arctic Circle.
• Covered with sea ice year-round.
• Rich in oil and gas reserves.

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🗺️ Key Concepts for SSC CGL

Topic	Key Points
Total Continents	7
Total Oceans	5
Largest Ocean	Pacific
Smallest Ocean	Arctic
Highest Peak	Mt. Everest (Asia)
Longest River	Nile (Africa)
Most Populated Continent	Asia
Least Populated Continent	Antarctica

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🌟 Tips for MCQ Preparation

• Learn locations of continents/oceans on the map.
• Focus on superlatives (largest, deepest, longest, highest).
• Remember which oceans touch India (Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal).
• Understand tricks like “PAISA” – Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, Arctic.