All questions of ATLAS: Map based learning for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

India shares its borders with 9 neighboring countries. These countries are:

1. Pakistan: India shares its northwestern border with Pakistan. The border is about 3,323 km long.

2. China: India shares its northern border with China. The border is about 3,488 km long.

3. Nepal: India shares its northeastern border with Nepal. The border is about 1,751 km long.

4. Bhutan: India shares its northeastern border with Bhutan. The border is about 699 km long.

5. Bangladesh: India shares its eastern border with Bangladesh. The border is about 4,096 km long.

6. Myanmar: India shares its eastern border with Myanmar. The border is about 1,643 km long.

7. Afghanistan: India shares its northwestern border with Afghanistan. The border is about 106 km long.

8. Maldives: India shares a maritime border with the Maldives.

9. Sri Lanka: India shares a maritime border with Sri Lanka.

Therefore, option A, i.e., 9 is the correct answer.

Alluvial Soil in India

Alluvial soil is the most fertile soil in India, which is formed by the deposition of silt and clay by the rivers. It is found in the northern plains of India, which includes states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal.

States of India with Alluvial Soil

Out of the given options, the correct option is (B) 1, 2, 4, 5 only. Let's understand which states have alluvial soil:

1. Uttar Pradesh: The northern plains of India, which includes Uttar Pradesh, has alluvial soil. The soil is formed by the deposition of silt and clay by the rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and their tributaries.

2. Punjab: The state of Punjab is also located in the northern plains of India, which has alluvial soil. The soil is formed by the deposition of silt and clay by the rivers like Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi.

3. Madhya Pradesh: Unlike Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, Madhya Pradesh is not located in the northern plains of India. It is situated in the Deccan Plateau region and has a different type of soil. Therefore, Madhya Pradesh is not the correct option.

4. Assam: Assam is located in the Brahmaputra valley, which is a part of the northern plains of India. The soil in Assam is alluvial soil, which is formed by the deposition of silt and clay by the Brahmaputra river.

5. West Bengal: West Bengal is also located in the northern plains of India, which has alluvial soil. The soil is formed by the deposition of silt and clay by the rivers like Ganga, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, alluvial soil is found in the northern plains of India, which includes states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Assam, and West Bengal. Madhya Pradesh, on the other hand, is not located in the northern plains and therefore does not have alluvial soil.

The correct answer is option 'D' (3-1-4-2).

Explanation:
To arrange the cities from East to West, we need to consider their longitudinal positions. The cities with the easternmost longitude should be placed first, followed by cities with progressively western longitudes.

Let's analyze the longitudinal positions of the given cities:

1. Kolkata: Kolkata is located in India and has a longitude of approximately 88.36°E. It is the easternmost city among the given options.

2. Dhaka: Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh and has a longitude of approximately 90.41°E. It is slightly west of Kolkata.

3. Kunming: Kunming is located in China and has a longitude of approximately 102.73°E. It is significantly more westward than Kolkata and Dhaka.

4. Mandalay: Mandalay is located in Myanmar and has a longitude of approximately 96.15°E. It is the westernmost city among the given options.

Based on the above analysis, we can arrange the cities from East to West as follows:

3. Kolkata: The easternmost city with a longitude of approximately 88.36°E.

1. Dhaka: Slightly west of Kolkata with a longitude of approximately 90.41°E.

4. Kunming: More westward than Kolkata and Dhaka, with a longitude of approximately 102.73°E.

2. Mandalay: The westernmost city among the given options, with a longitude of approximately 96.15°E.

Therefore, the correct arrangement of the cities from East to West is 3-1-4-2, which corresponds to option 'D'.

Explanation:

The correct option is 'D', which is Corbett National Park.

- Corbett National Park was established in 1936 by Britishers in India. It is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India.
- The governing body of Corbett National Park is Project Tiger, which is a wildlife conservation program launched by the Government of India in 1973 to protect tigers in the country.
- Corbett National Park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Some of the animals found in the park include Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, golden jackals, Indian pangolins, and many species of birds and reptiles.

In summary, Corbett National Park is a famous national park in India established by Britishers and governed by Project Tiger. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, and many other animals.

Introduction:
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering a vast area of North Africa. It is spread over several countries and is characterized by its extreme aridity and high temperatures.

Countries Covered by Sahara Desert:
The Sahara Desert covers a total of 11 countries in North Africa. These countries are:

1. Algeria
2. Chad
3. Egypt
4. Libya
5. Mali
6. Mauritania
7. Morocco
8. Niger
9. Sudan
10. Tunisia
11. Western Sahara

Geographical Area:
The Sahara Desert covers a total area of about 3.6 million square miles. It is roughly the size of the United States, making it one of the largest deserts in the world. Despite its size, the Sahara is not a uniform expanse of sand, but rather a varied landscape that includes mountains, plateaus, and dunes.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Sahara Desert covers a total of 11 countries in North Africa, spanning an area of about 3.6 million square miles. Its extreme aridity and high temperatures make it one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, but it is also home to a unique array of flora and fauna that have adapted to its harsh environment.

Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Myanmar

The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed inland body of water in the world. It is located between Europe and Asia and is bordered by five countries. The correct answer is option B, i.e., five countries.

Countries bordering the Caspian Sea:

1. Russia: The Caspian Sea's northernmost point touches Russia's southern border.

2. Kazakhstan: The Caspian Sea makes up a significant portion of the country's western border.

3. Turkmenistan: The eastern part of the Caspian Sea borders with Turkmenistan.

4. Iran: The southern part of the Caspian Sea borders with Iran.

5. Azerbaijan: The Caspian Sea makes up a significant portion of Azerbaijan's eastern border.

Hence, the Caspian Sea is surrounded by five countries, making option B the correct answer.

It is landlocked between Tibet Autonomous Region - north and Indian states of Sikkim, WB, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The correct answer is option 'B', the Coromandel Coast.

Explanation:

The first statement mentions that the coastline falls in the rain shadow part of one of the Ghats in the South. This statement is not specific enough to determine the name of the coast. The western coast of India, known as the Konkan Coast, is located in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats. However, the eastern coast of India, known as the Coromandel Coast, is not influenced by the rain shadow of any Ghats. Therefore, the first statement does not refer to the Konkan Coast.

The second statement mentions that the name of the coast came from the ancient dynasty of South India. This statement is significant in determining the correct answer. The Coromandel Coast derives its name from the ancient Chola dynasty of South India. The Chola dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of South India and played a significant role in the region's cultural, economic, and political development. The Coromandel Coast, which stretches along the eastern coast of India from Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh, was a prominent territory of the Chola dynasty. Therefore, the second statement refers to the Coromandel Coast.

In conclusion, the correct option is 'B' - the Coromandel Coast. The first statement does not provide enough information to determine the name of the coast, but the second statement links the coast to the ancient Chola dynasty, which is associated with the Coromandel Coast.

Correctly matched lakes with respective countries

Lake Baikal: Russia
Lake Akan: Indonesia
Lake Matano: Japan
Qinghai Lake: China

The correct option is (a) 1 and 4 only.

Explanation:

Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world and is located in Russia. It is also considered one of the oldest lakes in the world and is home to a unique ecosystem.

Lake Akan, on the other hand, is located in Japan and is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and hot springs.

Lake Matano is also located in Indonesia and is one of the deepest lakes in the world. It is known for its clear blue waters and unique species of fish.

Qinghai Lake, on the other hand, is located in China and is the largest lake in the country. It is also known as the "Blue Sea" due to its vast size and blue waters.

Therefore, option (a) 1 and 4 only is the correct answer as Lake Baikal is located in Russia and Qinghai Lake is located in China.

Strait of Tsushima is an important waterway that connects the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea. It lies between the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese island of Kyushu. The correct option among the given choices is (C) Sea of Japan and East China Sea.

Explanation:

- The Strait of Tsushima is a narrow strait that separates Japan from Korea.
- It connects the Sea of Japan (also known as the East Sea) to the west with the East China Sea to the east.
- The Sea of Japan is bordered by Japan to the east, Russia to the north, and the Korean Peninsula to the west. It is an important fishing ground and is also rich in mineral resources.
- The East China Sea is bordered by China to the west and north, Japan to the east, and Taiwan to the south. It is a major shipping route and is also known for its fishing grounds and oil and gas reserves.
- The Strait of Tsushima is an important strategic location for maritime trade and military activities. It is also an important migration route for marine animals such as whales and dolphins.

In conclusion, the correct answer is option (C) Sea of Japan and East China Sea as the Strait of Tsushima lies between these two seas.

D

Geographical Location of Turkey

Location: Turkey is a transcontinental country located in Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. It is bordered by eight countries: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. It is also surrounded by four seas: the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Aegean Sea to the west, and the Sea of Marmara to the northwest.

Correct Answer: The correct answer is option 'B' - Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Turkey is located between the Black Sea to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.

Explanation: Turkey is a large country that spans two continents - Europe and Asia. The country is roughly rectangular in shape, and it is widest at its western end, where it is separated from Europe by the Bosporus Strait and the Sea of Marmara. Turkey has a total area of 783,356 square kilometers (302,455 square miles) and a population of approximately 84 million people.

The Black Sea is located to the north of Turkey, and it is connected to the Mediterranean Sea by the Bosporus Strait and the Dardanelles Strait. The Black Sea is an important body of water for Turkey, as it provides access to the Caucasus region and Central Asia. The Black Sea also serves as a major shipping route for Turkish exports.

The Mediterranean Sea is located to the south of Turkey, and it is an important body of water for the country's tourism industry. The Turkish Riviera, located along the Mediterranean coast, is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The Mediterranean Sea is also an important trade route for Turkey, as it provides access to markets in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

In conclusion, Turkey is located between the Black Sea to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. These two bodies of water are important for Turkey's economy, as they provide access to important markets and shipping routes.

Bangladesh is one of the largest jute producing countries in the world. Jute is called the Golden Fibre of Bangladesh.

Neighboring countries of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a country located in West Africa. It shares its borders with four neighboring countries.

The neighboring countries of Sierra Leone are:

1. Guinea
2. Liberia

Therefore, option A is the correct answer as it includes only the neighboring countries 2 and 3.

Option C includes neighboring country 1, which is incorrect as Sierra Leone does not share a border with Cote D'Ivoire. Option D includes all four neighboring countries, which is also incorrect as Sierra Leone does not share a border with Senegal.

Drake Passage
The Drake Passage is the body of water between the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and the southeastern Pacific Ocean. It connects the southern tip of South America (Cape Horn) with the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It is considered one of the roughest and most unpredictable waterways in the world due to strong winds, powerful currents, and rough seas.

Importance of Drake Passage
- The Drake Passage is an important route for marine and air traffic traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- It is also a significant area for scientific research, particularly in the fields of oceanography, climatology, and marine biology.

Challenges of Crossing Drake Passage
- The strong westerly winds known as the "Roaring Forties" and "Furious Fifties" can create dangerous conditions for ships crossing the Drake Passage.
- The currents in the Drake Passage are some of the strongest in the world, with the Antarctic Circumpolar Current flowing uninterrupted around the continent.

Wildlife in Drake Passage
- Despite its challenges, the Drake Passage is home to a diverse array of marine life, including whales, seals, and seabirds.
- The nutrient-rich waters of the Drake Passage support a thriving ecosystem, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
In conclusion, the Drake Passage serves as a vital link between the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and the southeastern Pacific Ocean, playing a crucial role in global maritime trade and scientific exploration.

It's a type of agriculture that is largely dependent on mechanization. Wheat & maize are common commercially grown grains. It is mostly practiced in the temperate grasslands of North America, Europe and Asia.

All of these

Introducing Intermountain Basin
The Intermountain Basin is a region characterized by a series of interconnected basins located between the Rocky Mountains and various mountain ranges in the western United States. These basins are known for their unique geographical features and play a significant role in the region's hydrology and ecology.

The Correct Answer: Qaidam Basin
Among the given options, the Qaidam Basin is the correct answer for the Intermountain Basin. Let's explore the characteristics of the Qaidam Basin and understand why it is considered an Intermountain Basin.

1. Qaidam Basin:
The Qaidam Basin is located in western China, specifically in Qinghai province. It is surrounded by mountain ranges, including the Kunlun Mountains to the south, the Qilian Mountains to the northeast, and the Altun Mountains to the northwest. These mountain ranges form a natural boundary around the basin, making it an intermountain basin.

2. Geography and Geology:
The Qaidam Basin spans an area of approximately 120,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest intermountain basins in the world. It is situated at an average elevation of around 2,800 meters above sea level, making it a high-altitude basin. The basin is primarily composed of sediments deposited over millions of years, resulting in a diverse range of geological formations.

3. Hydrology and Climate:
The Qaidam Basin is a closed basin, meaning it has no outlet for drainage. It is characterized by numerous saline lakes, such as Qinghai Lake, which are fed by rivers and streams flowing from the surrounding mountains. The region experiences a cold desert climate, with low precipitation and extreme temperature variations between day and night.

4. Economic Significance:
The Qaidam Basin is rich in natural resources, including vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals such as salt, potassium, and boron. These resources have played a crucial role in the economic development of the region, with extensive mining and extraction activities taking place in the basin.

Conclusion:
The Qaidam Basin is a prime example of an intermountain basin due to its location between mountain ranges, its closed hydrological system, and its unique geological and ecological characteristics. Understanding the features and significance of the Qaidam Basin helps us identify it as the correct answer among the given options for an intermountain basin.

Alph River and Onyx River Location
The Alph River and Onyx River are located in the continent of Antarctica.

Reasoning
- Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, known for its extreme cold temperatures and vast ice sheets.
- The presence of rivers in Antarctica is quite unique, as the continent is mostly covered in ice.
- The Alph River and Onyx River are two of the few rivers that flow in Antarctica, providing important habitats for local wildlife.
- These rivers play a crucial role in the ecosystem of Antarctica, supporting diverse plant and animal species.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Alph River and Onyx River are located in the continent of Antarctica, highlighting the diverse and unique geography of this icy continent.

Explanation:

Gahirmatha:
Gahirmatha beach in Odisha is known to have the world's largest aggregation of endangered olive Ridley turtles. This beach serves as a crucial nesting site for these turtles.

Importance:
The olive Ridley turtles gather in large numbers at Gahirmatha beach every year for mass nesting, known as arribada. This phenomenon is a critical event for the conservation of these turtles.

Conservation Efforts:
Due to the significance of Gahirmatha beach for olive Ridley turtles, conservation efforts have been implemented to protect the nesting site and ensure the safety of the turtles during the nesting season.

Challenges:
Despite conservation measures, these turtles face various threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing nets. Continued efforts are needed to safeguard the population of olive Ridley turtles at Gahirmatha beach.
In conclusion, Gahirmatha beach in Odisha stands out as the world's largest aggregation site for endangered olive Ridley turtles, highlighting the importance of conservation initiatives to protect these marine species.

The Gulf of Lions is situated in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Location:
The Gulf of Lions is located in the western Mediterranean Sea, along the coast of southern France. It is named after the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, which is also known as the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
- Geography:
The Gulf of Lions is characterized by its deep waters and strong currents, making it a productive fishing ground. It is surrounded by the coastline of France to the north and east, and by the Balearic Islands of Spain to the south.
- Importance:
The Gulf of Lions plays a crucial role in the region's economy, particularly in the fishing industry. It is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The gulf also supports important shipping routes connecting Europe with the Mediterranean basin.
- Climate:
The Gulf of Lions experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The Mistral, a strong northwesterly wind, is a common feature in the region, affecting weather patterns and sea conditions.
- Environmental Concerns:
Like many marine ecosystems, the Gulf of Lions faces environmental challenges such as pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the biodiversity and sustainability of this important maritime region.
In conclusion, the Gulf of Lions is a significant geographical feature in the Mediterranean Sea, with strategic, economic, and environmental importance in the region.

Sequence of Islands from Somalia to Philippines via Sea Route

The correct sequence of islands one will encounter while travelling from Somalia to Philippines via sea route along the coastline is:

1. Socotra Island
2. Phuket Island
3. Borneo Island
4. Sumatra Island

Explanation:

- Socotra Island: It is located off the coast of Somalia and is the first island one will encounter while travelling from Somalia to Philippines along the coastline.
- Phuket Island: It is located in Thailand and is the second island one will encounter while travelling from Somalia to Philippines along the coastline.
- Borneo Island: It is located in Southeast Asia and is the third island one will encounter while travelling from Somalia to Philippines along the coastline.
- Sumatra Island: It is located in Indonesia and is the fourth and final island one will encounter while travelling from Somalia to Philippines along the coastline.

Therefore, the correct sequence of islands from Somalia to Philippines via sea route along the coastline is 2-1-4-3, which is option B.

• Delhi

• Haryana
• Rajasthan
• Gujarat

Cities near Tropic of Cancer

The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line located at 23.5 degrees north of the equator. It passes through several countries, including India. Here are the cities that are closest to the Tropic of Cancer:

1. Bhopal: Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh and is located at 23.2 degrees north of the equator. It is just a few kilometers south of the Tropic of Cancer.

2. Ranchi: Ranchi is the capital city of Jharkhand and is located at 23.3 degrees north of the equator. It is just a few kilometers north of the Tropic of Cancer.

3. Gwalior: Gwalior is located in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh and is situated at 26.2 degrees north of the equator. Although it is not as close to the Tropic of Cancer as Bhopal and Ranchi, it is still relatively close.

4. Raipur: Raipur is the capital city of Chhattisgarh and is situated at 21.2 degrees north of the equator. It is located just a few kilometers south of the Tropic of Cancer.

5. Durgapur: Durgapur is a city in West Bengal and is located at 23.5 degrees north of the equator. It is situated right on the Tropic of Cancer.

Conclusion

Out of the given cities, Bhopal, Ranchi, and Durgapur are the ones closest to the Tropic of Cancer. Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

To determine the correct order of the islands one will encounter when traveling from the South China Sea to the East China Sea, let's analyze the locations of each of the islands.

1. Paracel Islands: The Paracel Islands are located in the South China Sea, specifically between Vietnam and China. They are closer to the mainland compared to the other islands.

2. Pratas Islands: The Pratas Islands, also known as the Dongsha Islands, are situated in the northern part of the South China Sea. They are closer to Taiwan than to the mainland.

3. Spratly Islands: The Spratly Islands are a group of islands located in the southern part of the South China Sea. They are further south compared to the Paracel and Pratas Islands.

4. Senkaku Islands: The Senkaku Islands, also known as the Diaoyu Islands, are located in the East China Sea. They are northeast of Taiwan and northwest of the Ryukyu Islands.

Now, let's analyze the given options:

a) 3-1-2-4: According to this option, the order would be Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Pratas Islands, and Senkaku Islands. This order is incorrect because the Pratas Islands are located between the Paracel and Spratly Islands, not after them.

b) 4-2-1-3: According to this option, the order would be Senkaku Islands, Pratas Islands, Paracel Islands, and Spratly Islands. This order is incorrect because it starts with the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, whereas the journey begins in the South China Sea.

c) 4-1-3-2: According to this option, the order would be Senkaku Islands, Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, and Pratas Islands. This order is incorrect because it places the Spratly Islands before the Pratas Islands.

d) 3-2-4-1: According to this option, the order would be Spratly Islands, Pratas Islands, Senkaku Islands, and Paracel Islands. This order is correct because it starts with the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, followed by the Pratas Islands, then the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, and finally the Paracel Islands.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' (3-1-2-4).

Mississippi River
The Mississippi River does not drain its water into the Pacific Ocean.

Explanation:
- Gila River: The Gila River is a tributary of the Colorado River and eventually drains into the Gulf of California, which is part of the Pacific Ocean.
- Colorado River: The Colorado River flows through the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, eventually draining into the Gulf of California, which is part of the Pacific Ocean.
- Fraser River: The Fraser River is located in British Columbia, Canada, and flows into the Strait of Georgia, which is connected to the Pacific Ocean.
- Mississippi River: The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America and flows into the Gulf of Mexico, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean.
Therefore, among the options provided, the Mississippi River is the only one that does not drain its water into the Pacific Ocean.

The correct order of the mountain ranges from North to South is:

2. Zanskar Range
3. Karakoram Range
4. Pirpanjal Range
1. Dhauladhar Range

Explanation:

Zanskar Range:
- Located in the northernmost part of India
- Runs from west to east through the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir
- Borders with the Karakoram Range to the north and the Himalayas to the south

Karakoram Range:
- Located in the northernmost part of India
- Extends from the Pamir Knot in Afghanistan to the northwestern Himalayas in India
- Forms the border between India, Pakistan, and China
- Includes the second-highest peak in the world, K2

Pirpanjal Range:
- Located in the northern part of India
- Extends from Jammu and Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh
- Forms the western edge of the Himalayas

Dhauladhar Range:
- Located in the northern part of India
- Extends from Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand
- Forms the southern edge of the Himalayas

Therefore, the correct order of the mountain ranges from North to South is 2, 3, 4, 1, which is option 'B'.

The Tropic of Cancer passes through 8 states of India.

Explanation:
The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line that circles the Earth at 23.5 degrees north of the equator. It passes through the northern part of India and divides the country into two halves. The following are the states that the Tropic of Cancer passes through in India:

1. Gujarat
2. Rajasthan
3. Madhya Pradesh
4. Chhattisgarh
5. Jharkhand
6. West Bengal
7. Tripura
8. Mizoram

Therefore, option B is the correct answer.