UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims): Geomorphology | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: Consider the following:   (2024)
(i) Pyroclastic debris
(ii) Ash and dust
(iii) Nitrogen compounds
(iv) Sulphur compounds
How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?
(a)  Only one 
(b)  Only two 
(c)  Only three 
(d)  All four

Correct Answer is Option (d)
All four of the listed substances are products of volcanic eruptions:

• Pyroclastic debris: This refers to fragments of volcanic rocks, lava, and ash ejected during explosive volcanic eruptions.
• Ash and dust: Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of ash and fine dust particles into the atmosphere. These are formed when lava and magma break apart due to volcanic activity.
• Nitrogen compounds: Volcanic eruptions can release various gases, including nitrogen compounds like nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which can contribute to atmospheric pollution.
• Sulphur compounds: Volcanic eruptions are also significant sources of sulfur compounds, particularly sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which can have impacts on the climate and contribute to acid rain.

Thus, the correct answer is Option D (All four).

Q2: Consider the following information:  (2024)

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
(a)  Only one 
(b)  Only two 
(c)  Only three 
(d) All four

Correct Answer is Option (b)

• Central Asia – Vosges – Fold mountain:
  Incorrect. The Vosges mountain range is in Europe, not Central Asia, and is indeed a fold mountain, but the region is wrong.
• Europe – Alps – Block mountain:
  Incorrect. The Alps are fold mountains, not block mountains.
• North America – Appalachians – Fold mountain:
  Correct. The Appalachians in North America are indeed fold mountains.
• South America – Andes – Fold mountain:
  Correct. The Andes in South America are also fold mountains

So, two rows are correctly matched (rows 3 and 4), not just one. Hence, the correct answer is Option B (Only two).

Q3: Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?   (2023)
(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves 
(b) Marakkanam Salt Pans 
(c) Naupada Swamp 
(d) Rann of Kutch

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The Rann of Kutch is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to extensive marshland. It is a large, salt marshy area located in the Kutch district of Gujarat. Over the centuries, the region has experienced repeated fluctuations in sea level, leading to the formation of the Rann, a seasonal marshland that is submerged during the monsoon season and becomes dry and cracked during the dry season. The phenomenon is linked to tectonic activity and changes in sea levels.
The other options are not as closely related to the phenomenon of repeated sea level fluctuations:

• Bhitarkanika Mangroves are coastal wetlands, but they are primarily influenced by tidal actions and river discharge rather than repeated sea level changes.
• Marakkanam Salt Pans are salt production areas, not marshlands created by sea level fluctuations.
• Naupada Swamp is a coastal marsh but not known for being primarily a result of repeated sea level falls.

Q4: Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following?    (2023)
(a) Aluminium 
(b) Copper 
(c) Iron 
(d) Titanium

  View Answer

Q5: Gandikota canyon of South India was created by which one of the following rivers?    (2022)
(a) Cauvery 
(b) Manjira 
(c) Pennar 
(d) Tungabhadra

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The Gandikota Canyon, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of India," was created by the Pennar River. The river has carved deep gorges and valleys through the rugged terrain of the Eastern Ghats, forming this spectacular canyon located in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.
The other rivers mentioned are not responsible for the formation of Gandikota Canyon:

• Cauvery flows in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Manjira is a tributary of the Godavari.
• Tungabhadra is a major river in the region but does not form the Gandikota Canyon.

Thus, the correct answer is Option C (Pennar).

Q6: With reference to India, consider the following statements?     (2022)
1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 
2. Monazite contains thorium. 
3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India. 
4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite. 
Which of the statements given above are correct? 
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only 
(c) 3 and 4 only 
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  View Answer

Q7: The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of   (2021)
(a) brown forest soil 
(b) fissure volcanic rock 
(c) granite and schist 
(d) shale and limestone

Correct Answer is Option (b)

The black cotton soil of India, also known as Regur soil, is primarily formed due to the weathering of fissure volcanic rock, which is rich in iron and magnesium. These soils are found in regions where volcanic eruptions have occurred, particularly in areas like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The volcanic rocks, when weathered, break down to form a rich, dark-colored soil that is highly fertile and ideal for growing cotton, hence the name "black cotton soil." Option B (fissure volcanic rock) is the correct answer because this type of rock, when weathered, produces the characteristic black cotton soil.

Q8: Consider the following rivers:    (2021)
1. Brahmani 
2. Nagavali 
3. Subarnarekha 
4. Vamsadhara 
Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?
(a) 1 and 2 
(b) 2 and 4 
(c) 3 and 4 
(d) 1 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)

• Nagavali and Vamsadhara are the rivers that rise from the Eastern Ghats.
• Nagavali originates from the hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats in the state of Odisha.
• Vamsadhara also originates from the Eastern Ghats, in the region of Andhra Pradesh.

On the other hand, Brahmani and Subarnarekha originate from different regions:

• Brahmani originates from the confluence of the Sankh and Koel rivers in Jharkhand, which are part of the Chhotanagpur Plateau, not the Eastern Ghats.
• Subarnarekha rises from the Ranchi Plateau in Jharkhand.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B (2 and 4).

Q9: Siachen Glacier is situated to the     (2020)
(a) East of Aksai Chin 
(b) East of Leh 
(c) North of Gilgit 
(d) North of Nubra Valley

Correct Answer is Option (d)

The Siachen Glacier is located in the Karakoram Range in the northern part of India and is situated north of the Nubra Valley in Ladakh. The glacier lies at an elevation of about 5,400 meters (17,700 feet) above sea level and is the largest glacier in the world outside the polar regions.

• The Nubra Valley lies to the south of the Siachen Glacier, and the glacier is situated to the north of it. The valley is separated from the glacier by the Saltoro Range, which forms part of the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan.
• The glacier is not to the east of Aksai Chin, east of Leh, or north of Gilgit, so these options are incorrect.

Q10: Consider the following pairs     (2020)
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 3 only 
(c) 3 and 4 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Correct Answer is Option (c)

• Mekong River: The Mekong River does not flow into the Andaman Sea; it flows into the South China Sea through the Mekong Delta. Hence, Pair 1 is incorrect.
• Thames River: The Thames River does not flow into the Irish Sea; it flows into the North Sea via the Thames Estuary. Hence, Pair 2 is incorrect.
• Volga River: The Volga River flows into the Caspian Sea, which is correct. Hence, Pair 3 is correct.
• Zambezi River: The Zambezi River flows into the Indian Ocean, specifically through the Mozambique Channel. Hence, Pair 4 is correct.

Thus, the only correct pairs are 3 (Volga-Caspian Sea) and 4 (Zambezi-Indian Ocean).

Q11: Consider the following statements:     (2018-I) 

1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory. 
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar. 
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 
(c) 3 only 
(d) 1 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Barren Island volcano became active again in March 1991. The second phase of eruptions started in 1995. So it means the third statement is wrong, by elimination, we have the answer (a) only 1.

Q12: Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms?       (2014 - I) 

1. Continental drift       
2. Glacial cycles 

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Continental Drift has affected the evolution of animals, the world's geographical positions, and the world's climates. The split of the original super landmass Pangea into Gondwanaland and the Laurasia created new geographical/ climatic regions. The rearrangement and displacement of huge landmasses have helped create the diversity which we see in modern-day species. The final stages of evolution of Genus Homo occur in the last 3 glacial cycles.

Q13: In the structure of planet Earth, below the mantle, the core is mainly made up of which one of the following?      (2009) 
(a) Aluminium 
(b) Chromium 
(c) Iron 
(d) Silicon

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The core of the earth is made up of nickle and iron.

Q14: Where is the volcanic mountain, Mount St. Helens located?    (2005) 
(a) Chile 
(b) Japan 
(c) Philippines 
(d) United States of America

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Volcanic mountain. St. Helen is located in United States of America.

Q15: Quartzite is metamorphosed from:      (2001) 
(a) limestone 
(b) obsidian 
(c) sandstone 
(d) shale

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Quartzite is a metamorphosed form of sandstone.

 Q16: Volcanic eruptions do not occur in:     (2001) 
(a) Baltic Sea 
(b) Black Sea 
(c) Caribbean Sea 
(d) Caspian Sea

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The basaltic rock found in the Baltic sea is transported by glaciers.

 Q17: Consider the following statements made about sedimentary rocks:      (2001)

1. Sedimentary rocks are formed at the earth's surface by the hydrological system
2. Formation of sedimentary rocks involves the weathering of preexisting rocks
3. Sedimentary rocks contain fossils
4. Sedimentary rocks typically occur in layers

Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (d)
All the statements are true about the sedimentary rock.

Q18: Which one of the following types of coal contains a higher percentage of carbon than the rest?      (1999) 
(a) Bituminous coal 
(b) Lignite 
(c) Peat 
(d) Anthracite

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Anthracite is a dense, shiny coal that has a high carbon content. Very little volatile matter is present in it. It gives a clean flame while burning. Anthracite contains 91% of carbon; is very little volatile and has almost smokeless burning.