Geography CUET PG Mock Test- 2 - CUET PG MCQ

The correct answer is 'Ratzel'

Key Points

• Friedrich Ratzel:
  • Friedrich Ratzel, a German geographer, is known for his contributions to the field of human geography and for coining the term "Lebensraum" (living space).
  • Ratzel's work emphasized the impact of the physical environment on human activities and cultures. He believed that similar environmental conditions would lead to similar economic and social patterns among human societies.
  • This theory suggests that environmental determinism plays a significant role in shaping the life modes and institutions of societies.

Additional Information

• Vidal de Lablache:
  • Vidal de Lablache was a French geographer who is known for his work on possibilism, which contrasts with environmental determinism by suggesting that the environment offers possibilities, but human agency plays a significant role in shaping outcomes.
• Lucian Febure:
  • Lucian Febure was a French historian who was a strong critic of environmental determinism and supported the concept of human agency and possibilism in shaping human societies.
• Churchill Semple:
  • Churchill Semple, also known as Ellen Churchill Semple, was an American geographer who followed Ratzel's ideas on environmental determinism and expanded them in her works.

Important Points

• Ratzel's ideas on geographical determinism have had a profound influence on the study of human geography, although they have also been critiqued for oversimplifying the relationship between environment and human activity.
• The understanding of how environment influences societies continues to evolve, incorporating a blend of determinism, possibilism, and human agency in contemporary geographic studies.

The correct answer is 'Sea cow'

Key Points

• Sea cow:
  • Sea cows, also known as manatees and dugongs, are large marine mammals that are herbivores.
  • They primarily feed on a variety of water plants, including seagrasses and algae.
  • Sea cows are slow-moving and spend a large part of their day grazing in shallow waters.
  • They play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems by preventing overgrowth of aquatic vegetation.

Additional Information

• Seal fish:
  • Seals are carnivorous marine mammals that primarily feed on fish, squid, and other marine organisms.
  • They are skilled hunters and can dive deep to catch their prey.
  • Seals are adapted to live in various marine environments, from the icy waters of the Arctic and Antarctic to temperate seas.
• Sea lions:
  • Sea lions are also carnivorous marine mammals that feed on a diet of fish, squid, and octopus.
  • They are known for their intelligence, agility, and social behavior.
  • Sea lions are often seen in coastal regions, where they haul out on rocks or beaches to rest and socialize.
• Hippopotamus:
  • Though hippopotamuses are herbivores, they are not marine mammals; they are semi-aquatic and typically inhabit rivers and lakes in Africa.
  • They primarily feed on grass and spend a significant amount of time in the water to keep cool and avoid sunburn.
  • Hippopotamuses are known for their large size, aggressive behavior, and powerful jaws.

Important Points

• Sea cows are unique among marine mammals for their herbivorous diet, which distinguishes them from other marine mammals that are primarily carnivorous.
• Understanding the dietary habits of marine mammals helps in the conservation and management of marine ecosystems.
• Protecting herbivorous marine mammals like sea cows is important for maintaining the balance of aquatic plant life, which in turn supports the broader marine food web.

The Correct Answer is 1,2,3.

• Ganga river
  • The Ganga System
  • The Ganga is the most important river in India both from the point of view of its basin and cultural significance.
  • It rises in the Gangotri glacier near Gaumukh (3,900 m) in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Here, it is known as the Bhagirathi.
  • It cuts through the Central and the Lesser Himalayas in narrow gorges.
  • At Devprayag, the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda; hereafter, it is known as the Ganga.
• Mahanadi river
  • It originates from many mountain rivers with its origin water located in the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh.
  • The river originates from an extension of the Eastern Ghats.
  • It flows in Odisha where it joins the Bay of Bengal.
  • Other names of Mahanadi are Kanaknandini, Chitrapalal, Mahasweta, Nilotpala etc.
  • Hirakud Dam is built on the Mahanadi. It is the longest earthen dam in the world.​
• Kaveri river
  • The Kaveri river basin falls in how 3 states and a union territory of India.
  • It falls in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
  • It originates in the foothills of the Western Ghats at Talakaveri.
  • Shimshal, the Hemavati, the Arkavati, Kabini, the Bhavani River, Lokapavani, the Noyyal, and the Amaravati River. are some of the tributaries of the Kaveri river.

• It is one of the East flowing Peninsular rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal.
• The river rises in a pool near Pharsiya village near Nagri Town in the Raipur district of Chattisgarh.
• The river lies in the states of Chattisgarh and Odisha.
• Mahanadi River covers about 4.3% of the total geographical area of the country.
• It is bounded on the north by central India hills, on the south and east by Eastern ghats, and on the west by the Maikala Range.
• The upper basin is saucer-shaped and mostly lies in Chattisgarh state.
• The coastal region of this river is the delta area which is highly fertile.
• 57% of the basin area is cultivable.

The correct answer is: 63 k/NW

Topographical maps, often called topo maps, are highly detailed and accurate graphic representations of cultural and natural features on the ground. These maps are crucial for a variety of activities such as planning, resource management, and outdoor activities like hiking. The 'Half Inch' topographical sheet pertains to a specific mapping scale commonly used in certain regions, which provides a detailed view of an area, typically covering smaller regions when compared to larger scale maps.

Key Points

Half Inch Topographical Sheet:

• Scale Definition:
  • The term 'Half Inch' refers to the scale of the map, indicating that half an inch on the map represents a specific distance on the ground, usually one mile. This scale helps in providing a detailed view which is beneficial for specific regional studies and planning.
• Index Number '63 k/NW':
  • Topographical maps are often divided into grids for easy classification and identification. The index number '63 k/NW' denotes a particular section of a larger map sheet.
  • '63' indicates the map series or primary reference number.
  • 'k' is a subdivision within the '63' series, indicating a smaller grid.
  • 'NW' stands for the northwest quadrant of the '63 k' grid, providing specific details about the area covered.
• Importance of Accurate Indexing:
  • Using the correct index number is crucial for navigation, planning, and resource management, ensuring precise location referencing and minimizing errors.

Additional Information

• Applications of Topographical Maps:
  • These maps are used in various fields such as geology, forestry, civil engineering, and environmental studies to analyze the terrain and make informed decisions about land use, construction, and conservation.
• Map Reading Skills:
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting topographical maps involves understanding symbols, contour lines, and scales to navigate and analyze the terrain effectively.
• Technology Integration:
  • Modern technological tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) often integrate topographical maps to provide layered, interactive data for enhanced spatial analysis and decision-making.

A relatively fixed point of known elevation above datum is called a benchmark.
Different types of benchmark are as follows:
A G.T.S. (Great Trigonometrical Survey) benchmark is a permanently fixed reference survey station (or point), having known elevation with respect to a standard datum (mean sea level). These are established all over India by Survey of India department with greater precision.
Permanent benchmark is intended to maintain its elevation without change over a long period of time with reference to an adopted datum, and is located where disturbing influences are believed to be negligible.
A temporary benchmark (TBM) is a fixed point with a known elevation used for level control during construction works and surveys. Nails in road seals, or marks on kerb & channel are commonly used as temporary benchmarks.
Arbitrary benchmarks are assumed to be any value or equal to 100 meters generally and then the elevations with respect to assumed benchmark is determined.

The dynamic concept of monsoon was proposed by Flohn.

Key PointsDynamic concept of monsoon:

• It was propounded by Flohn, a German Meteorologist, in 1951.
• The theory was further enriched by the research works of Krishna Rao (1952).
• It is also known as the theory of shifting pressure and wind belts.
• According to Flohn, the monsoon is the result of the seasonal migration of planetary winds and pressure belts.
• The trade winds from both the hemispheres converge near the equator and form Inter-Tropical Convergence (ITC) zone.
• The northern and southern limits of ITC are known as NITC and SITC respectively.
• A narrow belt of doldrums lies in between NITC and SITC and is characterized by ‘equatorial westerly’s.

Main concept:

• During summer solstice, trade winds of southern hemisphere (south-east trade winds) extend and shift northward while during winter solstice trade winds of northern hemisphere (northeast trade winds) extend and shift southward from their normal position.
• The south-east trades in association with equatorial westerly’s produce south-west or summer monsoon around summer solstice when sun is overhead at tropic of Cancer. Similarly, around winter solstice when sun is overhead at tropic of Capricorn, north-east trades in association with equatorial westerly’s produce north- west or winter monsoon.
• Thus, shifting position of pressure and wind belts due to dynamic motion of the earth is responsible for the origin of monsoon and reversal of wind patterns in the tropics.
• Obviously, the shifting of the ITCZ is responsible for the reorientation of pressure and wind conditions in tropics.

Criticism:

The apparent change in the position of sun causes northand southward shift of ITCZ. There is an associated change in the pressure conditions over land and sea in the tropical belt. The directional change of winds is more pronounced around Indian Ocean which has alternating distribution of land and sea. The theory has a scientific significance in explaining the origin of south-west and north-west monsoon in association with the movements of planetary trade winds. However, theory carries some limitations.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• The Vyasa Project (also known as the Pong Dam Project) is a joint irrigation and hydroelectric project involving the states of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana.
• The project is based on the Beas River and serves the purpose of water supply and power generation for these states.
• In this, the following two dams have been built on the Vyas river in Himachal Pradesh-
  • Pandoh Dam - At Pandoh (Himachal Pradesh).
  • Pong Dam - Built at Pong place in Kangra district (Himachal Pradesh). Rajasthan receives most of its share of water from Ravi and Beas rivers from this dam. The main purpose of Pong Dam is to maintain water supply to Indira Gandhi Canal Project during winter.

The correct answer is Cape Town, Quito, Miami, Darwin, Chennai.Key Points

• Cape Town: Located in South Africa, it is an important hub for shipping in the Southern Atlantic Ocean.
• Miami: Located in the USA, Miami is a major seaport contributing significantly to the economy of Florida. It is also known for its cruise ship activity.
• Darwin: Located in Australia, it is an important commercial gateway to Asia.
• Chennai: Located in India, Chennai is one of the largest and busiest ports in the country, an important hub for shipping on the Eastern Indian Ocean.

• Additional Information

• Sea-ports are essential for global trade and commerce, as they serve as gateways for goods to enter and exit countries.
• Some other major sea-ports of the world include Shanghai, Singapore, Rotterdam, and Los Angeles.
• Major sea ports in india include Kolkata port, Paradip port, Vizag port, Kamarajar port, Chennai port, Tuticorin port, Cochin port, New Mangalore port, Mormugao port, Mumbai port, Jawaharlal Nehru port and Kandla port.

The correct answer is '3) Petro-Chemical - Patiala'

Key Points

• Petro-Chemical - Patiala:
  • This pairing is not correctly matched. Patiala, located in Punjab, India, is not known for its petrochemical industry. Major petrochemical hubs in India are typically found in locations like Mumbai (Maharashtra), Jamnagar (Gujarat), and Panipat (Haryana).

Additional Information

• Cotton Textile - Ramnathpuram:
  • Ramnathpuram, located in Tamil Nadu, India, is known for its cotton textile industry. Tamil Nadu is a prominent state for cotton textile manufacturing due to its favorable climate, adequate cotton supply, and skilled labor.
• Ship Building - Visakhapatnam:
  • Visakhapatnam, located in Andhra Pradesh, India, is a significant center for shipbuilding, housing major shipyards like Hindustan Shipyard Limited.
• Jute - Birlapur:
  • Birlapur, located in West Bengal, India, is well-known for its jute industry. West Bengal is the largest producer of jute in India, with numerous jute mills operating in the state.

Important Points

• Petrochemical industries are usually located near refineries or ports to facilitate the easy availability of raw materials and components for large-scale industrial operations.
• Correcting mismatched industry-location pairs is crucial for accurate economic and geographical studies and helps in better understanding regional industrial specializations.

The correct answer is ​a - iii, b - i, c - iv, d - ii.
a) Ordinal scale:Shows the order of items but without equal intervals.
An ordinal scale is used to rank items in order, but the intervals between the rankings are not necessarily equal. For example, rankings like "1st, 2nd, 3rd" show order but don't define how much better or worse one is compared to another.
b) Ratio scale: Has a true zero point.
A ratio scale not only has ordered categories and equal intervals between values, but it also has a true zero point, meaning zero indicates a complete absence of the quantity being measured. Examples include height, weight, and income.
c) Interval scale: Measures the exact distance between values.
An interval scale has ordered categories with equal intervals between values, but it lacks an absolute zero. Temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit is a good example: we know the exact difference between values, but zero doesn’t represent an absence of temperature.
d) Nominal scale: Represents categories with no specific order.
A nominal scale categorizes items without any order or ranking. It is used for labeling variables into distinct categories that do not have a quantitative value. Examples include gender, nationality, and hair color.

The correct answer is 'Biological'

Key Points

• Biological:
  • Eutrophication is the process by which a water body becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants.
  • This biological hazard results from the runoff of fertilizers, animal waste, and sewage into water bodies, which introduces high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
  • The rapid growth of algae can deplete oxygen in the water, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms.
  • It disrupts aquatic ecosystems and can lead to the formation of "dead zones" where life cannot be sustained.
  • Eutrophication also poses risks to human health by contaminating drinking water and causing harmful algal blooms that produce toxins.

Additional Information

• Physical:
  • Physical hazards are environmental factors that can cause harm without necessarily interacting with the body. These include natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and extreme weather conditions.
  • Eutrophication is not a physical hazard as it involves biological processes and nutrient enrichment rather than physical forces.
• Chemical:
  • Chemical hazards involve harmful substances that can cause damage through chemical reactions or toxic properties. Examples include pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals.
  • While eutrophication can be influenced by chemical runoff, its primary impact is biological due to the growth of algae and aquatic plants.
• Technological:
  • Technological hazards are risks arising from technological or industrial conditions, including accidents or failures in systems such as nuclear power plants, chemical manufacturing, and transportation infrastructures.
  • Eutrophication does not fall under technological hazards as it is a natural biological process exacerbated by human activity, particularly agricultural practices.

Important Points

• Efforts to manage and mitigate eutrophication include reducing nutrient runoff through better agricultural practices, restoring wetlands that filter nutrients, and implementing regulatory policies to control pollution.
• Monitoring water quality and promoting sustainable land use are essential strategies in preventing eutrophication.
• Public awareness and education on the impacts of nutrient pollution can play a significant role in addressing this environmental issue.

The correct answer is: (A), (B), (C), (D)
Key Points

• Godavari River:
  • Length: Approximately 1,465 kilometers.
  • Origin: Triambakeshwar, Maharashtra.
  • Significance: The second longest river in India after the Ganges, often referred to as the 'Dakshin Ganga' or 'Ganga of the South'.
  • Drainage: Flows eastwards across central India and drains into the Bay of Bengal.
• Sutlej River:
  • Length: Approximately 1,450 kilometers (within India).
  • Origin: Lake Rakshastal in Tibet.
  • Significance: The longest of the five rivers that flow through the historic crossroad region of Punjab in northern India and Pakistan.
  • Drainage: Flows through the Punjab region and eventually joins the Indus River.
• Krishna River:
  • Length: Approximately 1,400 kilometers.
  • Origin: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.
  • Significance: One of the major rivers in peninsular India, supports agriculture and hydroelectric power in the region.
  • Drainage: Flows eastwards and drains into the Bay of Bengal.
• Yamuna River:
  • Length: Approximately 1,376 kilometers.
  • Origin: Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand.
  • Significance: The largest tributary of the Ganges River, flows through several major cities including Delhi, Agra, and Mathura.
  • Drainage: Joins the Ganges at Triveni Sangam, Allahabad (Prayagraj).

Additional Information

• Importance of River Lengths:
  • Long rivers play a crucial role in the geography, economy, and culture of the regions they flow through.
  • They are vital for irrigation, drinking water, hydroelectric power, and as a means of transportation.
  • Long rivers often have significant historical and religious importance in Indian culture.
• River Basin Management:
  • Effective management of river basins is essential to address issues like water scarcity, pollution, and sustainable development.
  • Inter-state river water sharing agreements are crucial for maintaining harmony and equitable distribution of water resources.

The correct answer is: (A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (II).Key Points
Additional Information

• Magnetite (Iron):
  • Definition: Magnetite is an iron ore that is highly magnetic. It is one of the primary ores of iron used in steel manufacturing.
  • Chemical Formula: Fe₃O₄
  • Properties: It has a high iron content and is typically black or brownish-black in color.
  • Importance: Magnetite is crucial in the steel industry due to its high iron content and magnetic properties, which help in the beneficiation process.
• Bauxite (Aluminium):
  • Definition: Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminium. It consists mainly of hydrous aluminium oxides and aluminium hydroxides.
  • Chemical Composition: Mainly consists of minerals like gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore.
  • Properties: Bauxite is typically reddish-brown due to the presence of iron oxides and is relatively soft.
  • Importance: Bauxite is the world's main source of aluminium, which is used in a wide range of industries, from aerospace to packaging.
• Galena (Lead):
  • Definition: Galena is the primary ore of lead and is often found in hydrothermal veins.
  • Chemical Formula: PbS (lead sulfide)
  • Properties: Galena is typically metallic gray and has a high density and good cleavage.
  • Importance: Galena is the most important lead ore mineral and is also a significant source of silver.
• Braunite (Manganese):
  • Definition: Braunite is a manganese silicate mineral and a significant ore of manganese.
  • Chemical Formula: Mn²⁺Mn³⁺₆[O₈|SiO₄]
  • Properties: It is typically dark brown to black in color and has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale.
  • Importance: Manganese is essential for steel production, as it improves the strength, toughness, and wear resistance of steel. Braunite is one of the primary sources of manganese.

The Correct answer is: 2 (B) and (C) only.

• B. Black soil has the higher water retaining capacity among all the soils of India:
  • This statement is correct.
  • Black soils, also known as Regur soils, are known for their high moisture retention capacity.
  • They contain a high percentage of clay particles which help in retaining water.
  • This characteristic makes them ideal for growing crops like cotton, which require a lot of water.
• C. Desert soils are rich in mineral salt but poor in organic matter:
  • This statement is correct.
  • Desert soils are typically found in arid regions and are characterized by a high concentration of soluble salts.
  • These soils have low organic matter due to sparse vegetation and limited biological activity.
  • The high mineral content can be attributed to the lack of leaching in arid environments.

Incorrect Statements:

• A. Khadar represents the older part of Alluvial soil:
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • Khadar soil is actually the newer alluvial soil found in the floodplains and is deposited by rivers during the monsoon season.
  • The older alluvial soil is known as Bhangar.
  • Bhangar soil is found on higher terraces and is less fertile compared to Khadar soil.
• D. Red soils cover the largest area among soils of India:
  • This statement is incorrect.
  • Alluvial soils, not Red soils, cover the largest area in India.
  • Alluvial soils are found extensively in the Indo-Gangetic plains and are highly fertile, supporting intensive agriculture.
  • Red soils are found mainly in the southern and eastern parts of India and are less extensive compared to alluvial soils.

Additional Information

• Soils of India:
  • India has a diverse range of soils due to its varied climate and topography.
  • Major soil types include Alluvial soil, Black soil, Red soil, Laterite soil, Desert soil, and Mountain soil.
• Alluvial Soil:
  • Found mainly in the plains of northern India.
  • Highly fertile and suitable for growing a wide variety of crops.
• Black Soil:
  • Found in the Deccan Plateau, especially in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Ideal for cotton cultivation, hence also known as Cotton soil.
• Red Soil:
  • Found in regions of low rainfall such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and southeast Maharashtra.
  • Rich in iron content, which gives it the characteristic red color.

The correct answer is: (A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV)
Key Points

Additional Information

• Behaviouralism by Pred:
  • Definition: Behaviouralism focuses on the study of human behavior, particularly in the context of political science and geography. It emphasizes empirical research and the scientific method.
  • Structure: This philosophy advocates for the use of quantitative data and statistical techniques to analyze human actions and interactions.
  • Impact: Behaviouralism has significantly influenced social sciences by promoting a more rigorous and objective approach to studying human behavior.
• Humanism by Tuan:
  • Definition: Humanism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings individually and collectively.
  • Structure: Tuan's humanistic geography focuses on the subjective experiences of individuals and how they perceive and interact with their environments.
  • Impact: This approach has enriched the understanding of human-environment relationships by incorporating qualitative methods and personal narratives.
• Feminism by Hartsock:
  • Definition: Feminism is a movement and ideology that advocates for gender equality and challenges patriarchal structures.
  • Structure: Hartsock's feminist standpoint theory emphasizes the importance of women's experiences and perspectives in understanding social realities.
  • Impact: Feminist theories have profoundly influenced various disciplines by highlighting issues of gender inequality and advocating for social justice.
• Exceptionalism by Kant:
  • Definition: Exceptionalism is the perception that a country, society, institution, movement, or time period is "exceptional" (i.e., unusual or extraordinary).
  • Structure: Kant's philosophy often touched upon ideas of moral and political exceptionalism, particularly in his discussions on ethics and cosmopolitanism.
  • Impact: Kant's work laid the foundation for modern philosophical discussions on universalism and the moral obligations of individuals and states.

The correct answer is 'Taylor'

Key Points

• Migration Zone Theory of Racial Evolution:
  • The Migration Zone Theory of Racial Evolution was proposed by Griffith Taylor, an Australian geographer and anthropologist.
  • This theory suggests that human races evolved in specific geographic zones, and their movement across different regions led to the current distribution of racial groups.
  • Taylor emphasized the role of environmental factors, such as climate and geography, in shaping human evolution and racial differentiation.
  • The theory highlights the dynamic nature of human migration and the complex interactions between different racial groups over time.

Additional Information

• Hettner:
  • Alfred Hettner was a German geographer known for his contributions to the field of regional geography.
  • He emphasized the importance of studying regions as unique entities with their own distinct characteristics.
  • Hettner's work laid the foundation for the development of regional geography as a distinct sub-discipline within the broader field of geography.
• Sauer:
  • Carl Sauer was an American geographer who played a key role in the development of cultural geography.
  • He argued that human culture and the natural environment are closely interconnected and that cultural landscapes are shaped by human activities over time.
  • Sauer's work emphasized the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context of geographic regions.
• Ratzel:
  • Friedrich Ratzel was a German geographer and ethnographer known for his contributions to the field of human geography.
  • He is best known for his concept of "Lebensraum" (living space), which suggested that the expansion of human populations is driven by the need for more resources and territory.
  • Ratzel's ideas were later misappropriated by political ideologies, but his contributions to geographic thought remain significant.

Important Points

• Griffith Taylor's Migration Zone Theory provides valuable insights into the complex processes of human evolution and migration.
• The theory underscores the significance of environmental and geographic factors in shaping human history and the distribution of racial groups.
• Taylor's work continues to influence contemporary studies in anthropology, geography, and human evolution.

The correct answer is Kerela.

Key Points

• Kerala ranks first in the production of rubber.
  • The rest is produced in Tamil Nadu and the North East states.
  • Rubber is cultivated on 5.45 lakh hectares in Kerala.
  • Malanadu, Idanadu, Kottayam and Palakkad are rubber-producing centers.
  • The first commercial rubber plantation in India was established in 1902 at Thattekadu in Kerala. But extensive cultivation of rubber started in Kerala after 1940.
  • India is the fourth largest producer in the world after Thailand, Indonesia and China.

The correct answer is option 3) i.e. ​Great Himalayan range and the Pir Panjal range.

• Between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range, lies the world-famous Valley of Kashmir and the famous Dal Lake.
• The Kashmir Valley is a part of Northwestern Himalayas.
• It comprises a series of ranges such as the Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar and Pir Panjal.
• The northeastern part of the Kashmir Himalayas is a cold desert, which lies between the Greater Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges.
• Important glaciers of South Asia such as the Baltoro and Siachen are also found in this region.

Dry Bulb Temperature: Actual temperature of gas or mixture of gases.
On the psychrometric chart, it is represented on X-axis. Going from left to right, the temperature increases while going from right to left the temperature decreases.
Relative humidity: It is defined as the mass of water vapour (or moisture) per unit mass of dry air in a mixture of air and water vapour.
It is represented by a curved line as shown in the figure below. While going from left to right i.e. away from the saturation line the relative humidity decreases and vice-versa.
As the warm air cools, i.e. on a psychrometric chart, it moves from right to left which means getting closer to the saturation line, the relative humidity increases.

Hence, the correct matching is A - 3, B - 4, C - 1, D - 2
Thornthwaite’s Climatic Classification:

• Thornthwaite used a set of indices to work out the classification of climates.
• The indices used in the exercise are the potential evapotranspiration (PET) index, the heat index (I), the moisture index (MI), and the thermal index (TI).
• The second letter used in the climatic classification is also an English capital alphabet superscript with a dash.
• It denotes thermal provinces. Thornthwaite has divided the world into six thermal provinces.
• They are expressed as:
  • A’= Mega thermal (Tropical), T/E index= 127.
  • B’= Meso thermal expressed as B1, B2, B3 and B4 T/E index= 64-127.
  • C’= Micro thermal, T/E index = 32-63.
  • D’= Taiga T/E index = 16-31.
  • E’= Tundra T/E index = 1-15
  • F’= Frost T/E index = 0.
• Based on the moisture and thermal indices, 9 major climates were identified.’

Hence, the correct matching is a - iii, b- i, c- ii, d - iv

The correct answer is a - ii, b - i, c - iv, d - iii.

The correct answer Only (b) and (d)

• Landforms refer to the natural features on the surface of the earth that have been created through geological and geomorphological processes over time.
• These landforms are often created by agents or forces that shape the earth's surface.
• In the given pairs, we have to identify the correct agent that is responsible for the formation of a particular landform.

(a) Levees - Wind:

• Levees are natural or man-made embankments or ridges that are formed along the banks of rivers or other water bodies.
• These ridges are created by the deposition of sediment carried by the water during floods.
• While wind can cause erosion and deposition of sediment, it is not the primary agent responsible for the formation of levees. Therefore, this pair is incorrect.

(b) Stacks - Sea waves:

• Stacks are tall pillars of rock that are formed as a result of erosion by the sea waves.
• The waves erode the softer rock and leave behind the harder rock that forms the stack.
• This pair is correct because sea waves are the primary agent that forms stacks.

(c) Mushroom Rocks - River:

• Mushroom rocks are large rocks that have a distinctive shape, resembling a mushroom.
• They are often found in arid environments and are formed due to the process of erosion by wind.
• While rivers can also cause erosion, they are not the primary agent responsible for the formation of mushroom rocks. Therefore, this pair is incorrect.

(d) Moraines - Glaciers:

• Moraines are ridges or mounds of glacial debris that are deposited by glaciers.
• Glaciers are slow-moving masses of ice that can carry large amounts of rocks, soil, and other debris.
• As glaciers move, they transport this debris and deposit it along their edges and terminus.
• This pair is correct because glaciers are the primary agent responsible for the formation of moraines.

In conclusion, the correct pair of landform agents is (d) Moraines - Glaciers

The correct answer is greater than normal.

Key Points

• Perigee is when the moon is closest to the Earth.
• Once every 28 days, the moon reaches a 'perigee'.
• This is the point at which the moon's gravitational pull is the strongest.
• During these periods, there will be an increase in the average range of tides.
• Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and Sun and the rotation of the Earth.

Thus, we can say that during the time of perigee, the tidal range is greater than normal.

Additional Information

• 14 days after perigee, the moon reaches an 'apogee', this is the point when the moon is the farthest from Earth.
• During this period, there is a decrease in the average range of tides.

Random variable:
A random variable is defined as a real number x, connected with the outcome of a random experiment. They are of two types-

• Discrete random variable
• Continuous random variable

Some data are required to evaluate the performance, which is given in the table below.

The correct answer is: 2) 1-B, 2-D, 3-C, 4-A.Key Points
Additional Information

• Gulf Stream:
  • Definition: The Gulf Stream is a powerful, warm, and swift Atlantic ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows into the Atlantic at the tip of Florida, accelerating along the eastern coastlines of the United States and Newfoundland.
  • Impact: It significantly influences the climate of the eastern United States and Western Europe, bringing warmer temperatures to these regions.
  • Importance: The Gulf Stream helps moderate the climate of Western Europe, making it milder than other regions at similar latitudes.
• Labrador Current:
  • Definition: The Labrador Current is a cold ocean current in the North Atlantic Ocean which flows from the Arctic Ocean southward along the coast of Labrador and passes around Newfoundland, continuing south along the east coast of Canada and the United States.
  • Impact: It contributes to the cold waters and iceberg movement in the North Atlantic, posing hazards to shipping and fishing.
  • Importance: The Labrador Current interacts with the warm Gulf Stream, which can lead to the development of dense fog banks and temperate climate variations.
• California Current:
  • Definition: The California Current is a Pacific Ocean current that flows southward along the western coast of North America, beginning off southern British Columbia and ending off southern Baja California.
  • Impact: It brings cooler, nutrient-rich waters to the surface, supporting marine biodiversity and significant fisheries along the coast.
  • Importance: The California Current plays a crucial role in the coastal upwelling systems that sustain some of the most productive ecosystems and fisheries in the world.
• Peru Current (Humboldt Current):
  • Definition: The Peru Current, also known as the Humboldt Current, is a cold, low-salinity ocean current that flows northward along the western coast of South America from the southern tip of Chile to northern Peru.
  • Impact: It is associated with high biological productivity and is one of the world's most productive marine ecosystems, supporting numerous fish species, including the anchovy fisheries.
  • Importance: The cold waters of the Peru Current help to maintain the arid climate of the coastal deserts of northern Chile and Peru, including the Atacama Desert.

The correct answer is 'Alluvial soil'
Key Points

• Alluvial soil:
  • Alluvial soil is formed from the deposition of silt, sand, and clay by rivers and streams.
  • It is typically found in river valleys, deltas, and floodplains.
  • These soils are fertile and often used for agricultural purposes.
  • Unlike zonal soils, alluvial soils are azonal, meaning they are influenced more by the depositional environment rather than climatic conditions.

Additional Information

• Prairie soil:
  • Prairie soils are a type of zonal soil found in grassland regions.
  • They have a high organic matter content due to the decomposition of grass roots.
  • These soils are usually dark and fertile, making them ideal for agriculture.
• Laterite soil:
  • Laterite soils are found in tropical regions with high rainfall and temperature.
  • These soils are rich in iron and aluminum oxides, giving them a reddish color.
  • They are leached soils with poor fertility but are used for specific crops like tea and coffee.
• Chernozem:
  • Chernozem, also known as black earth, is a very fertile soil found in temperate grasslands.
  • It has a high humus content and is rich in essential nutrients like phosphorus and ammonia.
  • This soil is excellent for growing cereals and other crops.

Important Points

• Zonal soils are those that are influenced primarily by the climate and vegetation of the region in which they are found.
• They develop over long periods under stable climatic conditions.
• Examples of zonal soils include prairie soils, laterite soils, and chernozem, which are adapted to specific environmental conditions.
• Understanding the differences between zonal and azonal soils is important for soil management and agricultural practices.

The correct answer is Exosphere and Thermosphere.
Key Points
The ionosphere is a very active part of the atmosphere, and it grows and shrinks depending on the energy it absorbs from the Sun. The name ionosphere comes from the fact that gases in these layers are excited by solar radiation to form ions, which have an electrical charge. It overlaps the mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.Additional InformationAbout Layers of the Atmosphere:

• Troposphere:
  • It is the lowest layer of the atmosphere - in which we live.
  • It contains most of our weather - clouds, rain, snow.
  • The lowest part of the Troposphere is called the boundary layer and the topmost part is called the tropopause.
• Stratosphere:
  • This layer extends upwards from the tropopause to about 50 km.
  • It contains much of the ozone in the atmosphere.
  • The temperature in Stratosphere is highest over the summer pole and lowest over the winter pole.
• Mesosphere:
  • Above the stratosphere is the mesosphere. It extends upward to a height of about 85 km above our planet. Most meteors burn up in the mesosphere.
  • The coldest temperature in the Earth's atmosphere, about -90 °C is found near the top of this layer.
• Thermosphere:
  • This layer is found above Mesopause from 85 to 800 km.
  • This the warmest layer of the atmosphere. Aurora and satellites occur in this layer.

• Exosphere:
  • ​This is the outermost layer of the atmosphere.
  • It contains mainly oxygen and hydrogen atoms they are so few that they rarely collide.
  • They follow ballistic trajectories under the influence of gravity, and some of them escape directly into space.

Coal as a fossil fuel:

• Coal is the most abundantly found fossil fuel.
• It is used as a domestic fuel, in industries such as iron and steel, steam engines and to generate electricity. Electricity from coal is called thermal power.
• The coal which we are using today was formed millions of years ago when giant ferns and swamps got buried under the layers of earth. Coal is therefore referred to as Buried Sunshine.
• The leading coal producers of the world are China, the USA, Germany, Russia, South Africa, and France. The coal-producing areas of India are Raniganj, Jharia, Dhanbad, and Bokaro in Jharkhand.
• The four types of coal are peat, lignite, bituminous, and anthracite

Peat:

• Peat consists of partially decomposed vegetation.
• It has a carbon content of less than 60% and is composed entirely of volatile matter.
• A poor fuel that was once used throughout Europe in the form of dried briquettes for

Anthracite:

• Anthracite, also known as hard coal, is a hard, compact variety of coal that has a submetallic luster.
• It has the highest carbon content, the fewest impurities, and the highest energy density of all types of coal and is the highest-ranking of coals.
• Anthracite is 86 to 98% pure carbon and 8 to 3% volatile matter.
• It is an excellent fuel that is still used to heat homes.

Bituminous:

• Bituminous coal also called soft coal is middle-rank coal between sub-bituminous and anthracite.
• It is the most abundant type and one of the longest buried fossil fuels—with an age of approximately 300 million years old.
• Bituminous coal contains 70 to 86% carbon and 46 to 31% volatile matter.
• It is used to make coke, used in metallurgy.
• It is a medium grade of coal having high heating capacity.
• It is the most commonly used type of coal for electricity generation in India.
• Most of the bituminous coal is found in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Lignite:

• Lignite coal, aka brown coal, is the lowest grade coal with the least concentration of carbon.
• Lignite has a low heating value and a high moisture content and is mainly used in electricity generation.
• Lignite is 65 to 70% carbon and 63 to 53% volatile matter.
• It is a low-grade fuel with a high moisture content that is used in industrial boilers.

Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct but 3 is incorrect.