NCERT Summary: Oceans and Continent | Social Studies for Class 6 PDF Download

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Introduction

• Earth is often called the "blue planet" because about three-fourths of its surface is covered by water.
• Land, which covers a little over one-fourth of the surface, also plays a crucial role in human life.
• Oceans and continents influence climate, living organisms, and human history.

The Indian Navy's Emblem:

• The emblem of the Indian Navy features the motto "Sam noh Varunah," a prayer to Varuna, the Vedic deity associated with oceans, sky, and water.

Distribution of Water and Land on Earth:

• Asia is the largest continent in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Northern Hemisphere: More land than water.
• Southern Hemisphere: More water than land.

Understanding Maps:

• Maps provide a visual representation of Earth’s surface, with blue areas indicating oceans and smaller water bodies like seas, bays, and gulfs.
• Oceans: Large bodies of saltwater covering most of Earth's surface.
• Seas, Bays, and Gulfs: Smaller extensions or inlets of the ocean.

Question for NCERT Summary: Oceans and Continent

Try yourself:

What covers about three-fourths of Earth's surface?

• A.

  Land
• B.

  Ice
• C.

  Water
• D.

  Forest

Explanation

- The text states that approximately three-fourths of Earth's surface is covered by water.
- This includes oceans, which are large bodies of saltwater.
- In contrast, land only covers a little over one-fourth of the Earth's surface.
- Therefore, the correct answer is that water covers the majority of the Earth's surface.

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The Five Major Oceans:

• Pacific Ocean - Largest.
• Atlantic Ocean - Second largest.
• Indian Ocean - Third largest.
• Southern Ocean - Fourth largest.
• Arctic Ocean - Smallest.
• Oceans are interconnected despite being divided by man-made lines.

Marine Life and Biodiversity:

• Oceans are home to a vast variety of life forms, from tiny algae to large marine animals like whales.
• The oceans contribute to the biodiversity of both plants (marine flora) and animals (marine fauna).

Oceans and Disasters:

• Clouds and Rain: Oceans play a role in creating rain through clouds.
• Ocean-Related Storms: Cyclones and tsunamis can cause significant damage.
• Tsunami: A massive wave often triggered by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
• 2004 Tsunami: A massive disaster that hit many countries, including India, with over 200,000 casualties.

Water Bodies:

• Seawater is salty due to the salt washed into the oceans by rivers.
• Freshwater (from rivers, lakes, and glaciers) is clean and used for drinking and other needs.
• Oceans contain most of Earth’s water, but it is salty and unsuitable for direct consumption.

Question for NCERT Summary: Oceans and Continent

Try yourself:Which ocean is the largest?

• A.

  Atlantic Ocean
• B.

  Indian Ocean
• C.

  Pacific Ocean
• D.

  Arctic Ocean

Explanation

 The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean. It is important to know that the Atlantic Ocean is the second largest, the Indian Ocean is third, the Southern Ocean is fourth, and the Arctic Ocean is the smallest. This information helps us understand the size ranking of the oceans in relation to each other.

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Continents and Islands:

• Continents: There are different ways to count continents, with the most common model listing seven continents (Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America).
• Islands: Smaller land masses surrounded by water, such as Greenland (the largest island) and India's many small islands (e.g., Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep).
• Antarctica: Explored by India since 1981, with a scientific base called 'Dakshin Gangotri.'

Role of Oceans in the Environment:

• Oceans help produce rain and regulate the Earth's climate.
• They provide more than half of the world’s oxygen through marine plant life, earning them the title of "the planet’s lungs."
• Oceans also play a key role in maintaining Earth's environmental balance.

Impact of Oceans on Human History:

• Oceans have influenced migration, trade, and military campaigns.
• Coastal cultures are shaped by the sea, with many legends and stories surrounding it.

World Oceans Day:

• Celebrated on June 8 to highlight the importance of oceans and the need to protect them.
• Pollution, overfishing, and plastic waste are major threats to marine life.
• Collective efforts are necessary to protect oceans for future generations.