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Question

Which one of the following is not correct about Sargasso Sea?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2019 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (03-Feb-2019)
The correct answer is

It is located west of Gulf Stream and east of Canary Current.

Understanding the Sargasso Sea and its Characteristics

The question asks us to identify the statement that is NOT correct about the Sargasso Sea. Let's examine each statement based on known characteristics of this unique marine region.

What is the Sargasso Sea?

The Sargasso Sea is a vast patch of ocean in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is the only sea on Earth that is not bounded by landmasses; instead, it is defined by four ocean currents that form the North Atlantic Gyre. This gyre circulates clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, trapping water and algae, primarily of the genus Sargassum, within it.

Analyzing Each Statement about the Sargasso Sea

Let's break down each option provided in the question:

  1. It is characterized with anticyclonic circulation of ocean currents.

    This statement refers to the movement of water within the Sargasso Sea. The sea is located at the center of the North Atlantic Gyre. In the Northern Hemisphere, gyres are large systems of rotating ocean currents. The North Atlantic Gyre is a prominent example, and its rotation is clockwise. This clockwise rotation is known as anticyclonic circulation. Therefore, this statement is correct.

  2. It records the highest salinity in Atlantic Ocean.

    The Sargasso Sea is known for its high salinity. Several factors contribute to this: high rates of evaporation exceeding precipitation, relatively weak currents within the gyre leading to less mixing with surrounding waters, and its location in a subtropical zone. While pinpointing the absolute highest salinity can vary slightly with data, the Sargasso Sea is widely recognized as having among the highest surface salinities in the Atlantic Ocean, often exceeding 37 parts per thousand (\(\text{ppt}\)). This statement is generally considered correct.

  3. It is located west of Gulf Stream and east of Canary Current.

    This statement describes the location of the Sargasso Sea relative to two major currents. As mentioned, the Sargasso Sea is defined by the currents of the North Atlantic Gyre. Let's look at the boundaries of this gyre:

    Boundary Ocean Current
    Western Boundary Gulf Stream
    Northern Boundary North Atlantic Current
    Eastern Boundary Canary Current
    Southern Boundary North Atlantic Equatorial Current

    From this table, we can see that the Sargasso Sea is located *east* of the Gulf Stream (which forms its western boundary) and *west* of the Canary Current (which forms its eastern boundary). Therefore, the statement "It is located west of Gulf Stream and east of Canary Current" is incorrect. It should be the other way around.

  4. It confined in gyre of calm and motionless water.

    The Sargasso Sea is indeed located in the center of the North Atlantic Gyre. The waters within the center of a gyre are typically relatively calm compared to the strong currents forming its boundaries. While not entirely motionless, the water movement is much slower and less turbulent than the surrounding currents like the Gulf Stream or Canary Current. It is often described as an area of calm or stagnant water. This statement is generally considered correct in describing the nature of the water within the gyre's core.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of each statement, the incorrect statement about the Sargasso Sea is that it is located west of the Gulf Stream and east of the Canary Current. Its actual location is east of the Gulf Stream and west of the Canary Current.

Revision Table: Key Sargasso Sea Facts

Feature Description
Location Part of North Atlantic Ocean, defined by currents of the North Atlantic Gyre
Boundaries Gulf Stream (West), North Atlantic Current (North), Canary Current (East), North Atlantic Equatorial Current (South)
Circulation Anticyclonic (clockwise) within the gyre
Salinity Very high compared to surrounding waters
Water Movement Relatively calm and slow within the core of the gyre
Defining Feature Large amounts of free-floating Sargassum seaweed

Additional Information: The Significance of the Sargasso Sea

The Sargasso Sea is not just a patch of calm water; it's a unique ecosystem. The floating Sargassum seaweed provides a habitat for a diverse range of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and other organisms that are specially adapted to live among the seaweed. It is also a crucial spawning ground for several species, including the European Eel and the American Eel. Due to the gyre's circulation, it unfortunately also tends to accumulate marine debris, including plastics, making it a focal point for ocean pollution studies.

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