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All questions of Deserts for OPSC OCS (Odisha) Exam

Ladakh is a
  • a)
    hot desert
  • b)
    hot plain
  • c)
    cold desert
  • d)
    cold plain
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
The correct answer is C as Ladakh is a cold desert in India. It lies in the Great himalayas on the eastern side of Jammu and Kashmir. It has the mighty Karakoram Range in the North and in the south, it is bound by the  Zanskar mountains

There is little rainfall in the Ladakh as low as ___ every year
  • a)
    20 cm
  • b)
    30 cm
  • c)
    50 cm
  • d)
    10 cm
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ladakh is in a rain-shadow region and so don't receive monsoon winds thereby summer is dry but whatever little precipitation occurs is in the form of snowfall during freezing winter months. ... the rainfall in ladakh is as low as 10 cm per year. this is because ladakh is in rain shadow area of himalayas.

Tafilalet Oasis is in
  • a)
    Egypt
  • b)
    Algeria
  • c)
    Morocco
  • d)
    Libya
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Tafilalt, also spelled Tafilet or Tafilalet, largest Saharan oasis of Morocco, in the southeastern part of the country. The oasis comprises the fortified villages of Erfoud, Arab Sebbah du Ziz, Rissani, Seffalat, Aoufous, and Jorf, together with palm groves stretching 30 miles (50 km) along the Wadi Ziz.

Which of the following river flow in Ladakh
  • a)
    Indus
  • b)
    Godavari
  • c)
    Narmada
  • d)
    Tapi
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ladakh is a region located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is surrounded by the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges.
Indus River:
The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in Asia, originating in the Tibetan Plateau in China. It flows through Ladakh, along with other regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Sindh, before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
Importance:
The Indus River has immense significance for the region's ecology and economy. It provides water for irrigation, supports diverse ecosystems, and is an essential source of livelihood for the local communities. Additionally, the river has historical and cultural importance, as it was the cradle of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
In conclusion, the Indus River is the river that flows in Ladakh. Its presence plays a vital role in the region's geographical, ecological, and cultural aspects.

The Chiru or the Tibetan antelope is an
  • a)
    extinct species
  • b)
    endangered species
  • c)
    Endemic species
  • d)
    vulnerable species
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjana Sharma answered
The Chiru, also known as the Tibetan antelope, is an endangered species. Let's understand why:

Endangered Species:
An endangered species is a species of animal or plant that is in danger of becoming extinct. A species can become endangered for various reasons, including habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.

Reasons for Endangerment of Chiru:
1. Habitat Loss: The Chiru inhabits the high-altitude grasslands and shrublands of the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding areas. However, human activities such as mining, grazing, and infrastructure development have led to habitat loss and fragmentation, which threatens the survival of the Chiru.

2. Poaching: The Chiru is hunted for its soft and warm wool, which is known as shahtoosh. Shahtoosh shawls are highly valued and can fetch high prices in the black market. Poaching of Chiru for shahtoosh has led to a significant decline in their population.

3. Climate Change: Climate change is also a threat to the Chiru. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect the availability of food and water, which can impact the survival of the Chiru.

Conservation Efforts:
To conserve the Chiru, various conservation efforts have been undertaken. These include:

1. Habitat Protection: Protected areas have been established to conserve the habitat of the Chiru. These areas are managed to reduce human impacts and preserve the natural ecosystem.

2. Anti-Poaching Measures: Efforts are being made to reduce poaching of Chiru for shahtoosh. This includes stricter enforcement of laws, awareness campaigns, and alternative livelihood options for local communities.

3. Climate Change Mitigation: Efforts are being made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This includes promoting clean energy, sustainable land use practices, and adaptation measures.

Conclusion:
The Chiru is an endangered species due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. However, conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve this species for future generations.

Which parts of Sahara support settled population?
  • a)
    Oasis
  • b)
    Deep Forests
  • c)
    Underground Tunnels
  • d)
    Snow-Covered Peaks
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
A place in the desert with natural supply of fresh water is called oasis. Some oasis serve as a permanent source of water supply for the people living in desertsOasis also have sufficient water to support a variety of plants. People may settle around these water bodies and grow date palms and other crops.

The Karakoram Range in the ____ and the Zanskar mountains in the ___ enclose Ladakh
  • a)
    east, west
  • b)
    north, south
  • c)
    west, south
  • d)
    east, south
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
Ladakh is a cold desert lying in the Great Himalayas, on the eastern side of Jammu and Kashmir. The Karakoram Range in the north and the Zanskar mountains in the south enclose it. Several rivers flow through Ladakh, Indus being the most important among them.

Manali - Leh highway crosses how many mountain passes
  • a)
    11
  • b)
    1
  • c)
    2
  • d)
    6
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sagnik Das answered
Manali - Leh highway is a high-altitude road that connects Manali in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Ladakh. It is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and passes through some of the most stunning landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. The highway crosses a total of six mountain passes before reaching Leh.

1. Rohtang Pass: The first mountain pass that comes on the way is Rohtang Pass, located at an elevation of 3,978 meters above sea level. It is one of the most challenging passes on the highway, with steep and narrow roads.

2. Baralacha La: The second mountain pass is Baralacha La, located at an altitude of 4,890 meters. It is the highest pass on the highway and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

3. Lachulung La: The third mountain pass is Lachulung La, located at an altitude of 5,065 meters. It is also one of the highest passes on the highway and is known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather.

4. Nakee La: The fourth mountain pass is Nakee La, located at an altitude of 4,739 meters. It is a steep pass with hairpin bends and offers breathtaking views of the valleys below.

5. Taglang La: The fifth mountain pass is Taglang La, located at an altitude of 5,328 meters. It is the second-highest pass on the highway and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

6. Chang La: The sixth and the final mountain pass is Chang La, located at an altitude of 5,360 meters. It is the third-highest pass on the highway and is known for its steep ascent and descent.

In conclusion, Manali - Leh highway crosses a total of six mountain passes, namely Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, Lachulung La, Nakee La, Taglang La, and Chang La. These mountain passes offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and are a major attraction for adventure enthusiasts and tourists alike.

In Ladakh ___ milk is used to make cheese and butter
  • a)
    Cow
  • b)
    Yak
  • c)
    Wild sheep
  • d)
    Dog
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anita Menon answered
Yak milk and meat provide as food to some of the local people in Ladakh. The Yak's thick hair is used to weave warm blankets. Yak dung provides fuel in the treeless areas of Leh.

Shahtoosh is a name of
  • a)
    Plant
  • b)
    Wool
  • c)
    Dog
  • d)
    Desert
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Geetika Shah answered
Shahtoosh  "king of fine wools") is a fine type of wool made from the hair of the Tibetan antelope. It is also a metonym for a type of Kashmir shawl traditionally made of shahtoosh wool.

Ladakh is also known as
  • a)
    Khapa-tuaregs
  • b)
    Khapa-chan
  • c)
    Khapa-bedouins
  • d)
    Khapa-drass
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
Ladakh is the region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir of India. it lies between kunlun mountain range to great Himalayas. Ladakh means the land of high passes and is known for culture and mountainous beauty. the other name of Ladakh is khapa-Chan which means land of Snow or snow land .

Following crops are grown in the Sahara Desert
  • a)
    date palm, rice, wheat, barley
  • b)
    date palm, rice, wheat, jowar
  • c)
    date palm, rice, wheat, gram
  • d)
    date palm, rice, wheat, maize
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ananya Das answered
The Sahara and its oases and plateaus hold life of all kinds. Beyond the above vegetation, you can expect to find figs, oranges, acacia trees, tobacco plants, oleander, peyote cactus, and many more shrubs, trees, plants and cacti.

Shey in Ladakh is famous
  • a)
    Monastery
  • b)
    Mosque
  • c)
    Church
  • d)
    Temple
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Maya Bose answered
Shey Monastery in Ladakh

Shey Monastery is a famous Buddhist monastery located in the Shey village of Ladakh. It is situated about 15 km from Leh city and is one of the must-visit places in Ladakh. The monastery is situated on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

History of Shey Monastery

Shey Monastery was built in the 17th century by King Deldan Namgyal as his summer palace. Later, the palace was converted into a monastery by his son Sengge Namgyal. The monastery is known for its magnificent architecture and beautiful wall paintings.

Architecture of Shey Monastery

The monastery has a large copper-gilded statue of Lord Buddha, which is the main attraction of the monastery. The statue is 12 meters high and is the largest one in the region. The walls of the monastery are adorned with beautiful paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha. The monastery also has a library that contains rare and ancient manuscripts.

Festivals at Shey Monastery

The Shey Monastery celebrates several festivals throughout the year. The most popular festival is the Shey Doo Lhoo, which is celebrated in the first week of February. During this festival, the monks perform traditional dances and rituals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shey Monastery is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, known for its magnificent architecture and beautiful wall paintings. The monastery is a must-visit place for anyone interested in Buddhism and its history.

Due to high altitude the climate of Ladakh is
  • a)
    Cold and wet
  • b)
    Cold and dry
  • c)
    Hot and dry
  • d)
    Hot and wet
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Aruna Singh answered
The climate of Ladakh is cold and dry. Ladakh is located at a high altitude in the Himalayan mountain range in northern India. The region has a cold desert climate, with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The average temperature in Ladakh ranges from about -10 to 20 degrees Celsius, with extremes reaching as low as -30 degrees Celsius in the winter and as high as 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. The region receives very little rainfall, with annual precipitation averaging around 100 millimeters.

____, one of the coldest inhabited places on earth is located in Ladakh.
  • a)
    Siachen
  • b)
    Drass
  • c)
    Gilgit
  • d)
    Dehra
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Prisha Nair answered
Dras is widely recognized as the second coldest inhabited place in the world. Dras is popularly known as 'The Gateway to Ladakh'

In Ladakh the word 'La' means
  • a)
    Mountain Pass
  • b)
    Plain Pass
  • c)
    Desert Pass
  • d)
    Plateau Pass
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ladakh is a region located in the northernmost part of India, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The word "La" in Ladakhi refers to a mountain pass.

Explanation:

• Ladakh is a high-altitude desert region that is surrounded by the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain ranges.
• The region is characterized by its rugged terrain, high mountain passes, and deep valleys.
• The word "La" in Ladakhi means mountain pass, and there are over 20 high-altitude passes in the region.
• These passes are an important feature of Ladakh, as they provide access to different parts of the region and are used for trade and transportation.
• Some of the popular mountain passes in Ladakh include Khardung La, Chang La, and Zoji La.
• Khardung La is the highest motorable pass in the world, and it connects Leh to the Nubra Valley.
• Chang La is the third-highest motorable pass in the world, and it connects Leh to Pangong Lake.
• Zoji La is a mountain pass that connects Srinagar to Leh, and it is considered to be one of the most dangerous passes in the world.

In conclusion, the word "La" in Ladakhi means mountain pass, and it is an important feature of the region, providing access to different parts of Ladakh.

In Ladakh it is freezing cold in the winters when the temperatures may remain below ______ for most of the time
  • a)
    -40°C
  • b)
    -30°C
  • c)
    -50°C
  • d)
    0ºC
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Poonam Reddy answered
The climate of the Ladakh desert is extremely cold and dry due to its high altitude which varies from about 3,000 m in Kargil to more than 8,000 m in Karakoram. The air at this altitude is so thin that the heat of the sun can be felt intensely. The day temperatures in summer are just above zero degrees and the night temperatures are below -30C. Winters are extremely cold with temperatures below -40C most of the time. There is very little rainfall in this region. It is as low as 10 cm every year. The area experiences freezing winds and burning hot sunlight. There is always a chance of sunstroke and frostbite at the same time.

Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of
  • a)
    Aravali
  • b)
    Alps
  • c)
    Himalaya
  • d)
    Kanchenjunga
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Preethi Ahuja answered
Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the Himalaya.

Explanation:
- The rain shadow effect occurs when there is a mountain range that blocks the passage of rain-bearing clouds, thereby creating a dry region on the leeward side.
- In the case of Ladakh, it lies on the northern side of the Himalayan mountain range, which acts as a barrier for the monsoon winds coming from the south.
- The monsoon winds carry moisture from the Indian Ocean and bring rainfall to the southern slopes of the Himalayas and the Indian subcontinent.
- As these winds rise and reach the southern slopes of the Himalayas, they cool down and release moisture, resulting in heavy rainfall in regions like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
- However, as the winds continue to move northwards and reach the northern side of the Himalayas, they have already lost most of their moisture content, resulting in a rain shadow effect.
- Ladakh, being located in the rain shadow region, experiences very little precipitation, making it a cold desert with arid and barren landscapes.
- The mountains of Ladakh, including the Zanskar Range and the Ladakh Range, block the incoming monsoon winds, preventing them from reaching the region and causing rainfall.
- The absence of rainfall and the high altitude of Ladakh contribute to its extreme cold and dry climate.
- Despite the lack of rainfall, Ladakh does receive some precipitation in the form of snow during the winter months, which is vital for sustaining its fragile ecosystem and supporting agriculture and livestock.

In conclusion, Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, which is why it experiences a cold desert climate with very little rainfall.

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