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UPSC Geography

3534.Consider the following statements:
1. Lowermost layer of atmosphere is called Troposphere
2. Height of Troposphere is more at pole and lesser near the equator
3. Height of Troposphere is more at equator and lesser near the pole
Which of above statement is / are true about the Troposphere?
1 only
1 and 3
All of the above
1 and 2
3535.Erosion in coastal areas forms different types of landform. Which of the following is/are erosional landform of coastal areas?
1. wave-cut platforms
2. Beaches
3. Capes and bays
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
Beaches in coastal areas are a depositional landform and not erosional. A wave-cut platform is the narrow flat area often found at the base of a sea cliff. They along with capes and bays are erosional landform.
3536.With reference to ownership of forests in India, consider the following statements:
1. Most of the forests are owned by corporate bodies.
2. A negligible portion of less than one percent is privately owned.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Most of the forests are owned by Government through various departments such as forest department. Corporate owned forests are lesser than government owned. A negligible portion of less than one percent is privately owned.
3537.Latitude is the angular distance of a point on earth’s surface measured from the:
equator
prime meridian
centre of earth
poles
Explanation:
Latitude is the angular distance of a point on earth’s surface measured from the centre of earth. It specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth’s surface. Latitude is an angle which ranges from 0° at the Equator to 90° (North or South) at the poles.
3538.Some areas in India receive very high annual rainfall of more than 200 cm. These include:
1. major parts of Assam.
2. West coast from Thiruvananthapuram to Mumbai.
3. Ladakh region of Jammu Kashmir.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Ladkah region receives very low rainfall and is an example of cold desert.
3539.River rejuvenation can occur due to:
1. uplift of land over which the river is flowing.
2. rise in sea-level.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
River rejuvenation involves a renewed period of vertical erosion to achieve a new and lower base level. Rejuvenation occurs when the river’s base level falls (i.e. when sea level falls). This can be a consequence of either a fall in the amount of sea water or the land rising. Uplift of land over which the river is flowing steepens the slope so that active down cutting is renewed. A fall in sea-level (and not rise ) causes river rejuvenation. A fall in sea level leaves the flood plain at an increased altitude above the sea level. The river with its renewed vigour cuts into the former flood plain, leaving behind terraces on both sides of the river.
3540.Consider the following statements about jet streams:
1. Easterly jet stream blows over the northern Indian region in winter.
2. The easterly jet stream is replaced by the westerly jet stream during summer.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Westerly jet stream blows over the northern Indian region in winter. The westerly jet stream is replaced by the easterly jet stream during summer. This helps in the onset of monsoon.
3541.The movement of ocean currents is influenced by many factors which include:
1. temperature
2. salinity
3. earth’s rotation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
All the above factors affect ocean current. The ocean currents are generated from the forces acting upon the water like the earth’s rotation, the wind, the temperature and salinity differences and the gravitation of the moon.
3542.The eastern hills or Purvanchal is a beautiful landscape in the northeast region of India. Three famous hill ranges are –
1. Naga Hills
2. Patkai bum
3. Lushai hills
The correct arrangement of these hills from north to south are:
1 2 3
2 1 3
2 3 1
1 3 2
Explanation:
Please go through the India Physical map for hills, rivers, passes etc. Lushai hills are also called Mizo hills, so that can give a hint that Mizo hills should be south of Naga hills.
3543.Ports in western Europe are ice free while those in Canada at the same latitude are frozen. This is because:
effect of continentality on the Canadian ports due to huge landmass of North Americ
Western Europe is touched by warm gulf stream current.
many industries in the western coastal Europe increases its temperature.
Both a. and b.
Explanation:
Western Europe is touched by warm gulf stream current. On the other hand the Canadian region is touched by the cold Labrador current. The effect of continentality is felt in the interior region of continents and not the coastal areas.
3544.Punjab and haryana exploit more than 85% of ground water for irrigation. This is due to:
1. low surface water availability.
2. impact of Green revolution.
3. change in cropping pattern with an increased preference for rice.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The first two statements are self explanatory. The third statement about change in cropping pattern is also correct. Punjab and Haryana region are best suited for wheat, but farmers are increasingly growing rice there. Punjab and Haryana are battling with crop diversification to reduce depletion of groundwater due to higher area under water-guzzling paddy crop. To irrigate their fields, farmers in both states draw groundwater using tubewells, which has lowered the water table to alarming levels, even if rainfall is deficient or scanty.
3545.The seismic weaves helps in understanding the interior of earth. Which of the following about seismic waves is/are correct ?
1. P waves travel with fastest speed and are most destructive.
2. S waves cannot pass through liquid.
3. The surface waves (L) are analogous to light waves.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
Explanation:
Though P waves travel with fastest speed, they are not most destructive. L waves are most violent and destructive. It’s the S waves that are analogous to light waves because S waves are transverse in the nature and the particle moves at right angles to the direction of propagation.
3546.Consider the following statements :
1. A positive Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) indicates a good Indian monsoon.
2. A negative SOI is often seen in the El-Nino years.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) is an index that is based on the difference in air pressure between Tahiti and Darwin. The SOI is closely related to the El Nino/La Nina climate phenomenon. A consistently negative SOI often indicates the presence of an El Nino. A consistently positive SOI often indicates the presence of a La Nina. This also indicates a good Indian monsoon.
3547.Igneous rocks are also caused primary rock because
They are formed due to cooling and solidification of magna
They were the first rock to originate during formation of earth `s crust
All other rocks are subsequently formed from igneous rock
Both b. and c.
Explanation:
Although it’s true that igneous rocks are formed due to cooling and solidification of magna, this however does not lead to it being called primary rocks. Igneous rocks were the first rock to originate during formation of earth `s crust. All other rocks are subsequently formed from igneous rock.
3548.The saline soils can be reclaimed by
1. providing good drainage.
2. applying lime or gypsum.
3. cultivating salt resistant crops.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The saline soils can be reclaimed by providing good drainage, applying lime or gypsum and cultivating salt resistant crops.
3549.Generally saline lakes are found in semi-arid/ arid regions because
Large number of crustaceans make water salty.
Rate of evaporation is very high in these regions.
Both a. and b.
None
Explanation:
Rate of evaporation is very high in these regions. The water gets evaporated thus increasing the salt concentration in the remaining water. Crustaceans helps in decreasing salinity.
3550.With reference to plate margins, consider the following statements :
1. New oceanic crust is continuously formed at convergent plate margins.
2. At divergent plate margin crust is neither created nor destroyed.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
New oceanic crust is continuously formed at divergent ( or constructed ) plate margin because of continuous upwelling of lava. It is at conservative plate margin that crusts is neither created nor destroy as two plate slides pass each other.
3551.The “land not available for cultivation” under land use categories includes
1. lands used for settlement.
2. barren lands like deserts.
3. fallow lands
4. grazing lands.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
none of the above
Explanation:
Fallow lands are a separate category. Grazing lands are included under the category of “other uncultivated lands”.
3552.With reference to weathering, consider the following statements :
1. Weathering involves large-scale transport of weathered materials.
2. Weathering is a static process.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Weathering is a static process because the breakdown of rocks occurs at the place of rocks (in-situ). There is no large scale transport of weathered materials except mass movement down the slope under the force of gravity.
3553.Which of these pairs about rivers and their tributaries are correctly matched ?
1. Purna : Narmada
2. Tungabhadra : Godavari
3. Betwa : Yamuna
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 only
1 and 3 only
3 only
2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Purna is a tributary of river Tapi. The Purna River is a river of Western India. It is one of the chief tributaries of Tapti river and empties in it at Changdev in Jalgaon, Maharashta. Tungabhadra is Krishna’s tributary. The Tungabhadra River is a river in southern India that starts and flows through the state of Karnataka, before flowing along the border between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and ultimately joining the Krishna River along the border of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
3554.The products from forests are classified as major and minor. Which of the following is/are MAJOR forest produce?
1. Wood
2. Bamboo
3. Tendu Leaves
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 only
1 and 2 only
3 only
None
Explanation:
Bamboo and tendu leaves are minor forest produce. Only Wood (timber) is a major forest product. All other products are minor. Minor forest products include all products obtainable from the forests other than wood and thus comprise products of vegetable and animal origin.
3555.Many places in India are famous for particular minerals. Which of these pairs are correctly matched ?
1. Zawar : Uranium
2. Khetri : Copper
3. Balaghat : Manganese
4. Jaduguda : Zinc
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 4 only
Explanation:
1 and 4 are interchanged. Zawar in Rajasthan is famous for Zinc, whereas Jaduguda in Jharkhand is famous for Uranium.
3556.With reference to layers of ionsphere, consider the following statements :
1. During day time, D layer’s density is less compared to E and F layer.
2. High-frequency radiowaves are reflected from the D layer.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
High-frequency radiowaves are reflected from the E layer. D layer is the lowest of the ionosphere layers, which absorbs the highest amount of harsh x-ray radiation. During the night, there is a minimal amount of ionization taking place. There is a high amount of energy dissipation because of rapid collisions of the ions. During day time all three- D, E and F layer are present, but D layer does not help in communication. This is because its density is greatly reduced. The D layer is normally not dense enough to reflect the radio waves. However, the E layer is, so the VLF signals go through the D layer, bounce off the E layer, and go back down through the D layer to the ground. The signals lose energy as they penetrate through the D layer and hence radios pick up weaker signals from the transmitter during the day.
3557.Albedo is the fraction of solar energy reflected from the Earth back into space. Consider the following :
1. Fresh snow
2. Ocean ice
3. Rivers on high mountains.
The correct order of their Albedo is :
1 > 2 > 3
2 > 3 > 1
2 > 1 > 3
1 > 3 > 2
Explanation:
Albedo is a measure of the reflectivity of the earth’s surface. Ice, especially with snow on top of it, has a high albedo: most sunlight hitting the surface bounces back towards space.
3558.Which of the following are characteristic feature of Eastern Ghats?
1. structural unity of hills
2. physiographic continuity of hills
3. steep sided, flat topped topography
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
None
Explanation:
All the above are feature of western ghats. The hill ranges of eastern ghats have no structural or topographic continuity.
3559.The world grasslands are useful for many economic activities like :
1. pastoral farming
2. wheat cultivation
3. safari tourism
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Grasslands of the world are famous for wheat cultivation ( steppes know as granaries of the world ), pastoral farming, safari tourism ( savanah in Africa – the big game country ). Additional, the downs in New Zealand are also famous for wool.
3560.Consider the following statements about forests soils :
1. they are rich in humus
2. they are deficient in phosphorous and potash
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Both are notable points about forest soils. The top layers of forest soils are rich in humus.
3561.Western Ghats run through many states in India. Which of the following is not among them?
Andhra Pradesh
Gujarat
Kerala
both a. and b.
Explanation:
If you answered both a. and b., then its time to have a look at the map of India. Western ghats run through six states – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
3562.Peninsular rivers rarely form meanders. Which of the following could be a reason for it ?
1. hard rock surface of peninsular regions.
2. non-alluvial character of plateau
3. high erosional capacity of rivers
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Peninsular rivers have lower erosional capacity, but because of hard rock surface in the region and non-alluvial character of plateau, they travel almost straight and thus do not form meanders.
3563.With reference to insolation, consider the following statements :
1. Equator receives less insolation than tropics.
2. At the same latitude the insolation is more over the oceans than over the continents.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Equator receives less insolation than tropic due to heavy cloud cover. Remember insolation is the amount of sunlight received at the surface of earth per unit area. So the clouds obstructs the sunlight and hence equator receives less insolation. Similarly, Oceans are significantly cloudier than continents and hence receive less insolation.
3564.Consider the following towns:
1. Karachi
2. Dhaka
3. Mandalay
4. Jodhpur
Which of the following is the correct order of the towns from north to south ?
1 2 3 4
4 3 2 1
4 1 2 3
4 2 3 1
Explanation:
Yes, idiotic question I know. But sometimes UPSC ask these types also. All these towns are near the tropic of cancer. So, this question was to make you look around the tropic of cancer.
3565.The office of the registrar general and census commissioner conducts the census in India. It is under which ministry/body?
MOSPI
Ministry if Home Affairs
PMO
Planning Commission
Explanation:
Most people would have thought the answer as MOSPI, because that deals with statistics. The registrar general and census commissioner being under ministry of home affairs would have come to you as a surprise. But UPSC loves surprise, so don’t get this wrong from now.
3566.Consider the following statements :
1. The rural decadal growth rate of population is more than that of urban areas.
2. The contribution of rural and urban areas to the total increase in population is nearly equal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Now most of us have this idea that in rural areas people tend to have more children compared to urban areas, so statement 1 might look true. But it is not. The urban decadal growth rate of population is more than that of rural areas. This is because urbanization is increasing. More and more areas are coming under the definition of “urban areas”. There is no point in memorizing how much is urban decadal growth rate and how much is rural one. As I said data/facts are not important, but trends are. The second statement is also true. The contribution of rural and urban areas to the total increase in population is nearly equal – 91 million.
3567.Consider the following states:
1. Bihar
2. West Bengal
3. Delhi
Which of the following is the correct sequence in terms of population density?
1 > 2 > 3
3 > 1 > 2
3 > 2 > 1
1 > 3 > 2
Explanation:
Delhi should be the first and most of you will know this. Even if you didn’t, it’s not hard to figure out that Delhi being quite small in area compared to states, and having a large population (with all those migration) will surely have the highest population density. Now, before 2011 census, WB was the state that had the second highest population density. This changed after the census 2011 report and Bihar overtook Wb. This was a thing which was quite discussed when the reports came.
3568.The child sex ratio takes into account which of the following age groups?
0-1 year
0-5 years
0-6 years
0-12 years
Explanation:
Simple question. UPSC has this habit of asking simple yet subtle things that we might ignore. The Census definition of child is one who is between 0 to 6 years of age.
3569.Which of the following about Uttar Pradesh is/are correct?
1. UP has the highest rural population.
2. UP has the highest scheduled caste population.
3. UP has the highest scheduled tribe population.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
This question might look a bit tough and irrelevant. You are surely not expected to remember the highest and lowest data of various population groups. However, you can get the right answer by elimination. The underlying fact is that scheduled tribes are highest in those states where there are large forest areas. UP certainly don’t have that. Infact, UP has a marginal population of ST. So, eliminate the 3rd statement and you get your ans. Also remember that UP has largest rural and SC population.
3570.Which of the following state/s have been reported slum free in the census 2011 report?
1. Goa
2. Manipur
3. Sikkim
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 only
2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Even though Goa is quite developed, it’s not slum free. Sikkim was designated slum free in 2001, but now it has slums. In fact, only one state – Manipur (and few UTs) are designated slum free. The UTs are – 1. Daman & Diu; 2. Dadra & Nagar Haveli; 3. Lakshadweep
3571.Which of the following is/are correct according to the definitions used in the census 2011?
1. Adolescents are those in the age group of 10-19 years.
2. Youth are those in the age group of 15-35 years.
3. Sex ratio is the number of men per thousand women.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
UPSC emphasizes basics and we need to get the basic definition of various terms that we use. So – Adolescents are those in the age group of 10-19 years. Youth are those in the age group of 15-24 years. Sex ratio is the number of women per thousand men.
3572.Other than conducting census, the office of the registrar general and census commissioner performs which function?
Registration of marriages.
Registration of births and deaths
both a. and b.
none
Explanation:
Since its the other function of the office of the registrar general and census commissioner, it’s important that you know it. In this question, even if you didn’t know the answer, you could apply your knowledge of current affairs. In India, we do not have a uniform civil code. This matter keeps coming up in the newspapers, and we read articles about minorities having their separate personal laws. So, if that is the case, how can the registrar general register marriages? That eliminates option a and c. You still do not get the answer, but atleast you get close. This application of whatever you are reading in current affairs to questions like these is the essence of UPSC preparation. Therefore, don’t just read Apply what you read.
3573.Consider the following statements :
1. This is the first time since independence that the decadal growth rate of population has declined.
2. Workers (in census 2011) are those who have worked for atleast one day during the reference year.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Now most people would think that our population growth rate has started declining recently and so statement 1 might be correct. However, the fact is the decadal growth rate saw a decline first in 1981 after independence. This is the 4th time we are witnessing a decline. Statement 2 looks ridiculous and on first reading it appears wrong. But it is correct. This is what the census uses as its definition – Workers are those who have worked for atleast one day during the reference year. So, a surprising statement and hence important for UPSC exams.
3574.Rivers forms many outstanding features throughout their course. In this respect which of the following pairs are correctly matched ?
1. river capture : middle course
2. meanders : upper course
3. ox-bow lakes : lower course
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 3 only
1 and 2 only
3 only
2 and 3 only
Explanation:
River capture ( When a river or stream from one drainage system erodes through a land divide and acquires the flow from another drainage system ) happens in upper course. Meanders are formed in the middle course.
3575.Cherrapunji and Mawsynram records very high annual rainfall. This is because
they receive rainfall from both bay of bengal branch and arabian sea branch
the monsoon winds are trapped withing a funnel shaped valley in this region
they receive both cyclonic and monsoon rainfall
None of the above
Explanation:
Both these places are south of the Khasi hills where the monsoon winds gets trapped withing a funnel shaped valley giving copious rainfall
3576.With reference to acidic lava ,consider the following statements :
1. they are viscous and flow slowly
2. they form a flattened lava dome
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Acidic lava are viscous and hence flow slowly. They even solidify before flowing for any significant distance. This results in formation of steep sided cone. Flattened lava dome are formed by basic lava which are very fluid and hence travel great distance before getting solidify.
3577.Corals reefs are generally absent on the western coasts of continents. This is because
western coast of continents witnesses subsidence of air
western coast of continents have cold currents
western coast of continents have dry winds blowing over them
none of the above
Explanation:
Coral reefs do not flourish where there are cold currents because of the upwelling of the cold water from depths that cools the warm surface water.
3578.The major hot deserts of the world are located on the western coasts of continents between latitudes 15 and 30 degree North and South. Which among the following are examples of such deserts ?
1. Patagonian desert
2. Gobi desert
3. Atacama desert
4. Great Australian desert
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
3 and 4 only
1,3 and 4 only
Explanation:
Gobi desert is a continental desert which must be known to you. Patagonian desert is on eastern part of South America. Rest two – Atacama desert and Great Australian desert are the typical example of west coast desert between latitudes 15 and 30 degree North and South. Other examples are Sahara, Namib, Kalahari, Sonoran, Thar etc.
3579.Some parts of India has littoral and swamp forests. With reference to these forests ,consider the following statements :
1. they can survive in both fresh as well as brackish water
2. important species of such forests are teak, sal, mahua etc
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 – they can survive in both fresh as well as brackish water is a peculiar feature of littoral forests. Teak, sal and mahua are well know species of tropical moist deciduous forests. Some examples of littoral species are – sundari, agar, bhendi and keora.
3580.The peninsular plateau is a major physiographic division of India. Which of the following is/are a part of the peninsular plateau ?
1. Kutch peninsula
2. Aravali range
3. Meghalaya plateau
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Please revise the physiographic divisions of India from NCERT or Khullar along with a map. Kutch peninsula is a part of the coastal plains. Aravali hills and Meghalaya plateau ( eastward extension of the chotanagpur plateau ) are part of the peninsular plateau.
3581.Many areas in Rajasthan and adjoining states have arid and desert soils. Which of the following are correct about such soils ?
1. they have high phosphate content
2. they have high nitrogen content
3. they are poor in organic matter
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
3 only
2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Yes desert soils have high phosphate content. They have phosphate content as high as in alluvial soils. Nitrogen and organic matter, as expected are low.
3582.Consider the following statements about doldrums :
1. they are a high pressure region
2. they are a zone of wind divergence
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Doldrums are the region between 5 degree north and south of the equator. They are low pressure zones because of heating and trade winds from both hemisphere converges here. Doldrums, also called equatorial calms, equatorial regions of light ocean currents and winds within the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), a belt of converging winds and rising air encircling Earth near the Equator. The northeast and southeast trade winds meet there; this meeting causes air uplift and often produces clusters of convective thunderstorms.
3583.Suppose 100 units of radiation is coming from the sun. 35 units gets reflected back to space. 14 units is absorbed by atmosphere. 51 units reaches the earth’s surface. What is the amount of insolation in the above scenario ?
49 units
51 units
65 units
86 units
Explanation:
The purpose of this question was to make you relearn that – only that part of the sun’s radiation which reaches the earth’s surface is called insolation. While it may look easy to remember it now, students often gets confused in these basic concepts when they read more advanced things.
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