Q. Consider the following water bodies :
I. Lake Tanganyika
II. Lake Tonlé Sap
III. Patos Lagoon
Through how many of them does the equator pass?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All the three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (d) None
UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper's Solution
Explanation :
Lake Tanganyika: This major African Great Lake has coordinates of approximately 6°06′S 29°30′E. Since the equator is at 0° latitude, and the lake extends from 3° 20′ to 8° 48′ South, the equator does not pass through Lake Tanganyika itself.
Lake Tonlé Sap: This is a large freshwater lake in Cambodia, Southeast Asia. Cambodia is located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, significantly north of the Equator. Therefore, the Equator does not pass through Lake Tonlé Sap.
Patos Lagoon: This is the largest lagoon in South America, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Rio Grande do Sul is the southernmost state of Brazil, far south of the Equator. The Equator passes through the northern part of Brazil, but not through Patos Lagoon.