PNG Geography Questions for Grades 10 to 12

Answering these questions is vital for PNG Grade 10 and Grade 12 students because they cover key syllabus topics commonly tested in national examinations, especially in Geography, Science, and Environmental Studies. They help students understand how natural processes and human activities affect Papua New Guinea, using real local examples that examiners expect students to know. Mastering these areas improves students’ ability to explain causes and effects, apply knowledge in exam answers, and achieve higher marks while building awareness of environmental issues important for PNG’s future.

1. Why does Papua New Guinea experience frequent earthquakes?

Because of strong winds
Because it lies on active tectonic plate boundaries
Due to high rainfall
Because of volcanic soil

2. Which natural feature mainly causes landslides in the PNG Highlands?

Strong sunshine
Flat terrain
Steep slopes combined with heavy rainfall
Ocean waves

3. What natural process formed many of Papua New Guinea’s mountains?

Plate collision and uplift
River erosion only
Wind deposition
Coral growth

4. Which activity increases river flooding in many PNG communities?

Fishing
Cloud formation
Coral bleaching
Deforestation along river banks

5. Why are mangrove forests important to coastal areas in PNG?

They attract earthquakes
They reduce coastal erosion and storm damage
They increase saltwater flooding
They block rainfall

6. What mainly causes coral bleaching in PNG waters?

Rising sea temperatures
River sand
Moon cycles
Strong tides

7. Why is Papua New Guinea considered one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth?

It has deserts
It has only one climate
It has varied ecosystems and climates
It has no mountains

8. What environmental problem is caused by illegal logging?

Increased rainfall
Loss of wildlife habitats
Cooler temperatures
Stronger rocks

9. Which natural hazard is most common near PNG volcanoes?

Snowstorms
Tornadoes
Droughts
Ashfall and lava flows

10. Why are PNG rivers important to village life?

They provide water, food, and transport
They prevent earthquakes
They stop rainfall
They increase sea levels

11. How does climate change affect low-lying islands in PNG?

Cooler nights
Increased forest growth
Rising sea levels
More earthquakes

12. What happens when forests are burned repeatedly for gardening?

Soil becomes richer forever
Soil nutrients are gradually lost
Rainfall stops
Earthquakes increase

13. Which gas released by burning fuel contributes to climate change?

Oxygen
Nitrogen
Helium
Carbon dioxide

14. Why is PNG suitable for hydroelectric power?

It has many fast-flowing rivers
It has flat deserts
It has low rainfall
It has frozen lakes

15. What causes soil erosion on steep slopes?

Moonlight
Wind only
Heavy rain washing away soil
Coral reefs

16. Which human activity increases pollution in PNG rivers?

Traditional fishing
Dumping waste into waterways
Tree planting
Rainfall

17. What role do trees play in preventing climate change?

They absorb carbon dioxide
They release smoke
They stop rainfall
They increase heat

18. Why do coastal villages build sea walls?

To attract fish
To increase waves
To stop earthquakes
To protect land from erosion and flooding

19. Which factor most affects weather patterns in PNG?

Distance from the Moon
Polar ice
Tropical location near the equator
Earth’s core

20. Why is protecting forests important for future generations in PNG?

Forests cause earthquakes
Forests support biodiversity and livelihoods
Forests block rivers
Forests reduce oxygen