Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions.
A study by Scripps Institute of Oceanography has revealed that Ocean Noise has increased tenfold since the 1960s. Oceanologists Sean Wiggins, John Hildebrand from Scripps and Mark McDonald from Whale Acoustics, Colorado studied the declassified US Navy documents and came to the conclusion that global shipping has contributed a lot to increase undersea noise pollution. They said with populations increasing around the globe in recent decades, the underwater world has also become a noisier place, adding that the effects of greater noise on marine life was still unknown. Findings revealed a tenfold increase in underwater ocean noise as compared with the 1960s. They said the noise levels in 2003-2004 were about 10–12 decibels higher than in 1964-1966. The reasons could be due to the vast increase in the global shipping trade, the number of ships plying the oceans and the higher speed of vessels.
Which of the following is NOT responsible for increased ocean noise?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Rise of Sea Level.
The passage states: “Oceanologists … came to the conclusion that global shipping has contributed a lot to increase undersea noise pollution. … The reasons could be due to the vast increase in the global shipping trade, the number of ships plying the oceans and the higher speed of vessels.”
Option (1) Increased Global Shipping — Responsible for the increased noise. More ships on the sea mean more sound under the water.
Option (2) Increase in global trade. — Responsible for the increased noise. Most goods in world trade move by ship, so a rise in shipping trade puts more ships on the oceans.
Option (3) Higher speed of vessels. — Responsible for the increased noise. Faster ships make more noise in the water.
Option (4) Rise of Sea Level. — Not responsible for the increased noise. The noise comes from ships. A higher level of water in the sea does not make sound.