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All questions of Fundamentals of Physical Geography for UPSC CSE Exam

The radiations that heat earth’s atmosphere, comes from the
  • a)
    Sun
  • b)
    Earth
  • c)
    Ionosphere
  • d)
    Sun and Earth
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Asha Yadav answered
The primary source of radiation that heats the Earth is the Sun. The Sun emits electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and infrared radiation. As this radiation travels through space, it reaches the Earth's atmosphere and is absorbed, reflected, or scattered by various gases, particles, and surfaces.

The Earth's atmosphere also emits radiation, particularly in the form of infrared radiation, which is re-radiated back towards the Earth's surface. This process is known as the greenhouse effect, and it helps to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, making it possible for life to exist on the planet.

Other sources of radiation that contribute to the heating of the Earth include cosmic rays, which are high-energy particles that come from outer space and can penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, and radioactive decay, which generates heat within the Earth's core. However, these sources are much less significant than the Sun in terms of their contribution to the Earth's overall heat budget.

The envelop of the air is called _________
  • a)
    Atmosphere
  • b)
    Troposphere
  • c)
    Stratosphere
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

ATMOSPHERE is the correct answer.
The envelope of air around the earth is called ATMOSPHERE.
This is called atmosphere. The force of gravity holds this atmosphere near the earth.
I hope you got your answer

The continental drift theory was propounded by
  • a)
    Alfred Wegner.
  • b)
    Aortelius.
  • c)
    Hall and Danna.
  • d)
    Abraham Ortelius.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Anisha Singh answered
Alfred Wegener—a German meteorologist put forth a comprehensive argument in the form of “the continental drift theory” in 1912.

Which of the following gases absorbs ultra violet rays?
  • a)
    Carbon Dioxide
  • b)
    Neon
  • c)
    Ozone
  • d)
    Nitrogen
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vigith Viswam answered
Ozone splits In to oxygen molecule and oxygen free radical. which is readily recombinable. Thus it's make cyclic process in presence of ultraviolet rays.

Igneous rocks are
  • a)
    primary rocks.
  • b)
    secondary rocks.
  • c)
    tertiary rocks.
  • d)
    soft rocks.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
The igneous rocks (Ignis – in Latin means ‘Fire’) are formed when magma cools and solidifies. As igneous rocks form out of magma and lava from the interior of the earth, they are known as primary rocks.

Growth in human population has increased the rate of
  • a)
    death per year.
  • b)
    conservation of natural resources.
  • c)
    research of new species.
  • d)
    consumption of natural resources.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Prasenjit Rane answered
Since the last few decades, growth in human population has increased the rate of consumption of natural resources. It has accelerated the loss of species and habitation in different parts of the world.

Increase in the volume of carbon dioxide for the past few decades is mainly due to
  • a)
    deforestation.
  • b)
    climate change.
  • c)
    atmospheric composition.
  • d)
    burning of fossil fuels.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The answer is D. Because, 1. Forests are the sinks for the carbon dioxide. Forests use CO2 in their growth. So, deforestation due to changes in land increases concentration of CO2. 2. The time taken for atmospheric CO2 to adjust to changes in sources to sinks is 20-50 yrs. It is rising at about 0.5 percent annually. 3. In atmosphere CO2 comprises only 0.04 percent. All the above processes are causing the CO2 conc. to increase in atmosphere in small quantities. However, 4. The emission of CO2 comes mainly from fossil fuels combustion (oil, gas, coal). Which causes more and more pollution and led to global warming. (especially during to industrialization period).

Abiotic factors include
  • a)
    producers.
  • b)
    consumers.
  • c)
    decomposers.
  • d)
    sunlight
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Mansi Banerjee answered
All ecosystems consist of abiotic and biotic factors. Abiotic factors include rainfall, temperature, sunlight, atmospheric humidity, soil conditions, inorganic substances. Biotic factors include the producers, consumers and decomposers.

The current of Indian Ocean is
  • a)
    the west wind drift.
  • b)
    Labrador.
  • c)
    California.
  • d)
    Kuroshio.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavya Khanna answered
The current of Indian Ocean is the west wind drift.Its a cold current,which bring cold water into warm water areas.

Who is the poet of the poem 'The Voice of the Rain'?
  • a)
    Walt Whitman
  • b)
    Kushwant Singh
  • c)
    Naipul
  • d)
    Shirley Toulson
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The Poet of the Poem "The Voice of the Rain"

Introduction:
The poem "The Voice of the Rain" is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of rain and its significance in our lives. It was written by the renowned American poet Walt Whitman.

Walt Whitman:
Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was an influential American poet, essayist, and journalist. He is often referred to as the "Father of Free Verse" due to his innovative use of poetic form and his focus on the individual and their connection to the natural world. Whitman's works celebrated democracy, nature, and the human spirit, and he is considered one of the most influential poets in American literary history.

"The Voice of the Rain":
"The Voice of the Rain" is a short poem that beautifully captures the essence of rain and its impact on the world. It explores the idea that rain has a voice and speaks to us in its own unique way. The poem personifies rain as a living entity with the ability to communicate and connect with humanity.

Key Points:
- The poem begins with the rain speaking directly to the reader, stating, "I am the Poem of Earth."
- It emphasizes the universal nature of rain, portraying it as a symbol of life and renewal.
- The rain describes its purpose as being to nourish and sustain life, stating, "I am the breath of the fields and the flowers."
- It also highlights the emotional and spiritual impact of rain, stating, "I am the voice of the drowned, I am the husband of the wife."
- The poem concludes by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things and the eternal cycle of life and death.

Conclusion:
"The Voice of the Rain" is a profound and evocative poem that showcases Walt Whitman's poetic brilliance. Through vivid imagery and personification, Whitman brings rain to life and explores its significance in our lives. As one of the most celebrated American poets, Whitman's work continues to inspire and resonate with readers around the world.

Which one of the following is not a minor relief feature in the oceans:
  • a)
    Seamount
  • b)
    Atoll
  • c)
    Oceanic Deep
  • d)
    Guyot
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Hridoy Jain answered
Oceanic deeps of submarine trenches:

Deep narrow steep sided depression is found along the abyssal plain.
The depth of these trenches may vary from 6,000 to 11,000 m. Example, Marina trenches is the deepest trench in Pacific Ocean.
Trenches are formed as a result of tectonic forces and normally occur along the marines of Pacific Ocean.
They occur at the base of the continental slopes and along the island area. Normally associated with volcanoes and strong earthquake.
There are 32 trenches in Pacific Ocean, 19 in Atlantic Ocean and just 6 in Indian Ocean.

In which one of the following cities, are the days the longest in Summar?
  • a)
    Chandigarh.
  • b)
    Hyderabad.
  • c)
    Thiruvananthapuram.
  • d)
    Nagpur.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Vijay Kumar answered
In summer (March to September), in the northern hemisphere, as we move northwards, the length of the day increases. But in winter (September to March) the length of the night increases as we move northwards. since Chandigarh is northernmost among the options

When the water containing air becomes saturated, then
  • a)
    it will be calm.
  • b)
    it will be windy above sea and rainy above land.
  • c)
    it will start to rain.
  • d)
    clouds will be formed.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kajal Singh answered
The air becomes saturated when the capacity of containing moisture is full. At this point, air becomes incapable of holding any moisture. Condensation occurs and water vapour becomes liquid in the form of clouds.

A freshwater ecosystem is
  • a)
    oceans.
  • b)
    estuaries.
  • c)
    coral reefs.
  • d)
    marshes.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Aquatic ecosystems can be classed as marine and freshwater ecosystems. Marine ecosystem includes the oceans, coastal estuaries and coral reefs. Freshwater ecosystem includes lakes, ponds, streams, marshes and bogs.

The expansion of the salt depends on
  • a)
    temperature.
  • b)
    hails.
  • c)
    atmospheric pressure.
  • d)
    winds.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kabir Verma answered
Salt expansion normally takes place in arid climates as strong heating causes strong evaporation; leading to its expansion. It is known as salt weathering.

Earth absorbs more
  • a)
    humidity.
  • b)
    heat.
  • c)
    gases.
  • d)
    water vapour.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The Earth is absorbing more energy ( heat ) from the Sun than it is emitting to space..... I hope you got your answer...

If an air mass is fully lifted above the land surface, it is called:
  • a)
    Warm front
  • b)
    Cold front
  • c)
    Occluded front
  • d)
    Anticyclones
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

1. When the cold air moves towards the warm air mass, its contact zone is called the cold front.
2. whereas if the warm air mass moves towards the cold air mass the contact zone is called warm front.
3. If an air mass is fully lifted above the land surface, it is called the occluded front.
4. Anti cyclones is entirely different from these fronts.
So, the answer is C.

Insolation refers to ________
  • a)
    Wind direction
  • b)
    Solar radiation
  • c)
    Precipitation
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ræjû Bhæï answered
Solar radiation is radiant energy emitted by the sun from a nuclear fusion reaction that creates electromagnetic energy. The spectrum of solar radiation is close to that of a black body with a temperature of about 5800 K. About half of the radiation is in the visible short-wave part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The Thermodynamics of the ocean are:
  • a)
    Currents
  • b)
    Waves 
  • c)
    Tides
  • d)
    Salinity
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rohit Datta answered
Thermodynamics of the Ocean: Salinity

Salinity is a critical factor in the thermodynamics of the ocean as it affects the density, temperature, and movement of seawater. Salinity refers to the amount of salt or dissolved minerals in seawater, which is mainly composed of sodium chloride (NaCl) but also contains other elements like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

How Salinity Affects Density

The density of seawater increases with higher salinity and decreases with lower salinity. This is because saltwater is denser than freshwater due to the added weight of dissolved salts. The density of seawater also increases with decreasing temperature, which is why colder water sinks below warmer water.

How Salinity Affects Temperature

Salinity also affects the temperature of seawater by influencing its heat capacity and thermal conductivity. Saltwater has a higher heat capacity than freshwater, which means it can absorb more heat energy without a significant increase in temperature. This makes it more resistant to temperature changes and helps to regulate the overall temperature of the ocean.

How Salinity Affects Movement

The movement of seawater is also affected by salinity due to its impact on density and temperature. Salinity differences between adjacent bodies of water create density gradients that drive currents and ocean circulation. These density gradients are particularly pronounced in areas where freshwater enters the ocean, such as at river mouths or near melting ice sheets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, salinity is a critical factor in the thermodynamics of the ocean, affecting its density, temperature, and movement. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for predicting and managing the impacts of climate change on the ocean and its ecosystems.

Higher latitudes are not permanently frozen because of
  • a)
    Presence of warm and cold currents
  • b)
    very less insolation
  • c)
    redistribution of surplus heat energy pole wards from tropics
  • d)
    Local aspects
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Poonam Reddy answered
There is a surplus of net radiation balance between 40 degrees north and south and the regions near the poles have a deficit. The surplus heat energy from the tropics is redistributed pole wards and as a result the tropics do not get progressively heated up due to the accumulation of excess heat or the high latitudes get permanently frozen due to excess deficit.

The heat energy absorbed by a known area in a fixed time is determined with the help of an instrument called
  • a)
    Psychrometer
  • b)
    Pyrheliometer
  • c)
    Thermometric well
  • d)
    Any instrument
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ræjû Bhæï answered
A pyrheliometer is an instrument for measurement of direct beam solar irradiance. Sunlight enters the instrument through a window and is directed onto a thermopile which converts heat to an electrical signal that can be recorded. The signal voltage is converted via a formula to measure watts per square metre.

A non-metallic mineral in the following minerals is
  • a)
    silver.
  • b)
    copper.
  • c)
    zinc.
  • d)
    coal.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Anmol Banerjee answered
Coal is used as a fossil fuel and is a non-metallic mineral with dull and non-reflective properties and it cannot be moulded in any form.

Which gas is found as a trace in the atmosphere?
  • a)
    oxygen
  • b)
    nitrogen
  • c)
    carbon dioxide
  • d)
    xenon
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Avi Kapoor answered
Trace Gas in the Atmosphere: Xenon

Introduction:
The Earth's atmosphere is composed of various gases, with some being present in larger quantities and others in trace amounts. These trace gases, although present in small concentrations, play crucial roles in the atmosphere. One such trace gas is xenon.

Xenon: A Rare Atmospheric Gas:
Xenon (Xe) is a chemical element that is classified as a noble gas. It is a colorless and odorless gas that is found in very small quantities in the Earth's atmosphere. Xenon is a trace gas, meaning it is present in extremely low concentrations, typically less than one part per million.

Sources of Xenon:
Xenon is sourced from both natural and human activities. The primary natural source of xenon in the atmosphere is the decay of radioactive isotopes such as uranium and thorium in the Earth's crust. Additionally, xenon is released into the atmosphere through volcanic activity and the outgassing of certain minerals.

Human Activities and Xenon:
While natural sources contribute to the presence of xenon in the atmosphere, human activities also play a role. Industrial processes, such as the production of certain chemicals and the burning of fossil fuels, release xenon into the atmosphere. However, the impact of human activities on xenon levels in the atmosphere is relatively small compared to natural sources.

Role of Xenon in the Atmosphere:
Although present in trace amounts, xenon has several important roles in the Earth's atmosphere. One significant function of xenon is its involvement in the formation of airglow, a faint emission of light that occurs in the upper atmosphere. Xenon atoms, when excited by solar radiation, emit light and contribute to the beautiful phenomenon of airglow.

Conclusion:
In summary, while oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are major components of the Earth's atmosphere, xenon is a trace gas found in very small quantities. It is sourced from both natural processes and human activities. Although present in low concentrations, xenon plays a role in the formation of airglow. Understanding the composition and dynamics of trace gases like xenon is important for studying atmospheric processes and their impact on our planet.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
i. Fog is a cloud that forms with its base at or very near to the ground, leading to poor visibility.
ii. Mist contains less moisture than fog and is primarily formed over mountains when warm air rises and meets cold surfaces.
iii. Nimbus clouds are thin, detached clouds that are always white in color.
iv. Cumulus clouds resemble cotton wool and are typically formed at altitudes between 4,000 - 7,000 meters.
  • a)
    i and ii
  • b)
    i and iv
  • c)
    ii and iv
  • d)
    iii and iv
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

- Statement i is correct as fog indeed forms near the ground and reduces visibility.
- Statement ii is also correct; mist typically has a higher moisture content than fog, and it frequently occurs in mountainous regions.
- Statement iii is incorrect; nimbus clouds are actually dense and dark, not thin and white.
- Statement iv is correct as cumulus clouds are fluffy and form at the specified altitudes.
Thus, the correct options that are valid are i and ii, making Option A the right answer.

The plate marked red colour in the world map is
  • a)
    Cocos plate.
  • b)
    Nazca plate.
  • c)
    Arabian plate.
  • d)
    Philippine plate.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Alok Verma answered
The Nazca Plate, named after the Nazca region of southern Peru, is an oceanic tectonic plate in the eastern Pacific Ocean basin off the west coast of South America.

The standard atmosphere is a unit of pressure defined as
  • a)
    101325 Pascal
  • b)
    1325 Pascal
  • c)
    10132 Pascal
  • d)
    11325 Pascal
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjana Bose answered
The standard atmosphere is a unit of pressure defined as 101325 Pascal (1.01325 bar), equivalent to 760 Millimeter of mercury (torr), 29.92 Inch of mercury and 14.696 Pounds per square inch.

Which of the following best describes incised or entrenched meanders?
  • a)
    They are formed primarily by lateral erosion in low-gradient streams.
  • b)
    They develop over original gentle surfaces and can form deep gorges in hard rock areas.
  • c)
    They are created by sediment deposition in floodplains.
  • d)
    They are exclusively found in areas with significant tectonic activity.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Crafty Classes answered
Incised or entrenched meanders are formed as streams cut deeply into their valleys, often developing over original gentle surfaces. This process can lead to the formation of deep gorges and canyons, particularly in hard rock areas, as the streams experience significant vertical erosion. This contrasts with meanders in low-gradient streams, which typically develop through lateral erosion rather than vertical cutting. An interesting fact is that the presence of these entrenched meanders provides insights into the historical geological processes that shaped the landscape.

Which of the following organism have parasitic mode of nutrition?
  • a)
    Penicillium
  • b)
    Plasmodium
  • c)
    Paramecium
  • d)
    Parrot
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Deepika Reddy answered
In parasitic nutrition organism derives its food from the body of another living organism called host without killing it. Parasitic mode of nutrition is observed in several fungi, bacteria, few plants like Cuscuta and some animals like Plasmodium and round worms. Plasmodium causes malarial disease.

The boundary in the given picture shows the
  • a)
    divergent boundary.
  • b)
    transform boundary.
  • c)
    convergent boundary.
  • d)
    oceanic boundary.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

When two plates collide (happens when move towards each other) only then subduction (one goes under another) happens which is why the case is convergent. Option C

Arrange the following stages in the correct order of planet formation as described:

1: Condensation forms small-rounded objects around the core.
2: Gravitational forces create a core in the gas cloud.
3: Numerous small planetesimals accrete to form fewer, larger planetary bodies.
4: A rotating disc of gas and dust develops around this core.
  • a)
    2, 4, 1, 3
  • b)
    2, 1, 4, 3
  • c)
    1, 2, 3, 4
  • d)
    4, 3, 2, 1
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The correct sequence of events in the formation of planets based on the provided text is as follows:

Step 2: The formation process begins with gravitational forces creating a core within a gas cloud.
Step 4: Around this core, a rotating disc of gas and dust develops.
Step 1: As the gas cloud condenses, small-rounded objects form around the core, which through cohesion become planetesimals.
Step 3: These planetesimals undergo accretion, where numerous smaller bodies combine due to collisions and gravitational attraction to form fewer, larger bodies, eventually becoming planets.

What do you mean by all Earth materials having a sloping surface?
  • a)
    Soil erosion
  • b)
    Landslides
  • c)
    Volcanism
  • d)
    Slump
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Soil erosion is the correct answer to the question. Soil erosion is a natural process that occurs when the top layer of soil is displaced or removed by the actions of wind, water, or gravity. This process can result in the formation of sloping surfaces on Earth materials such as soil, rocks, and sediment.

Soil erosion can occur in various ways, including through the action of water, wind, and ice. Each of these processes can contribute to the formation of sloping surfaces on Earth materials. Let's discuss each of these processes in detail:

1. Water erosion: Water erosion is one of the most common types of soil erosion. It occurs when water flows over the surface of the land, picking up and carrying away soil particles. This can happen during heavy rainfall or when water is flowing quickly in streams, rivers, or other water bodies. As the water moves, it erodes the soil, creating channels and gullies, and forming sloping surfaces.

2. Wind erosion: Wind erosion occurs when strong winds blow over the land, picking up loose soil particles and carrying them away. This process is most common in arid and semiarid regions where there is little vegetation to hold the soil in place. As the wind blows, it erodes the soil, creating dunes, sandstorms, and other features with sloping surfaces.

3. Ice erosion: Ice erosion, also known as glacial erosion, occurs when glaciers and ice sheets move over the land. As the ice moves, it scours the surface, picking up and carrying away soil and rock particles. This process can result in the formation of valleys, cirques, and other landforms with sloping surfaces.

So, all of these processes contribute to the formation of sloping surfaces on Earth materials. Soil erosion can have significant impacts on the environment, including the loss of fertile soil, increased sediment in water bodies, and altered landscapes. Therefore, it is important to manage and prevent soil erosion to protect our natural resources and maintain a healthy environment.

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