UPSC Optional Subject Syllabus: Geology | Geology Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

General Geology

• The Solar System, Meteorites, Origin and interior of the Earth, Age of Earth
• Volcanoes: Causes, products, volcanic belts
• Earthquakes: Causes, effects, seismic zones of India
• Island arcs, trenches, mid-ocean ridges
• Continental drift, Seafloor spreading, Plate tectonics
• Isostasy

Geomorphology and Remote Sensing

• Basic concepts of geomorphology
• Weathering and soil formations
• Landforms, slopes, and drainage
• Geomorphic cycles and their interpretation
• Morphology and its relation to structures and lithology
• Coastal geomorphology
• Applications of geomorphology in mineral prospecting, civil engineering, hydrology, and environmental studies
• Geomorphology of the Indian subcontinent
• Aerial photographs: Interpretation, merits, and limitations
• The Electromagnetic spectrum
• Orbiting satellites and sensor systems
• Indian Remote Sensing Satellites, Satellite data products
• Applications of remote sensing in geology
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS): Applications

Structural Geology

• Principles of geologic mapping and map reading
• Projection diagrams
• Stress and strain ellipsoid, stress-strain relationships of elastic, plastic, and viscous materials
• Strain markers in deformed rocks
• Behaviour of minerals and rocks under deformation conditions
• Folds and faults: Classification and mechanics
• Structural analysis of folds, foliations, lineations, joints, faults, unconformities
• Time relationship between crystallization and deformation

Palaeontology

• Species: Definition and nomenclature
• Megafossils and Microfossils
• Modes of preservation of fossils
• Different kinds of microfossils
• Application of microfossils in correlation, petroleum exploration, paleoclimatic, and paleoceanographic studies
• Evolutionary trends in Hominidae, Equidae, and Proboscidae
• Siwalik fauna
• Gondwana flora and fauna and its importance
• Index fossils and their significance

Indian Stratigraphy

• Classification of stratigraphic sequences: Lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, chronostratigraphic, and magnetostratigraphic, and their interrelationships
• Distribution and classification of Precambrian rocks of India
• Study of stratigraphic distribution and lithology of Phanerozoic rocks of India with reference to fauna, flora, and economic importance
• Major boundary problems: Cambrian/Precambrian, Permian/Triassic, Cretaceous/Tertiary, Pliocene/Pleistocene
• Study of climatic conditions, paleogeography, and igneous activity in the Indian subcontinent in the geological past
• Tectonic framework of India
• Evolution of the Himalayas

Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology

• Hydrologic cycle and genetic classification of water
• Movement of subsurface water
• Springs; Porosity, permeability, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, storage coefficient
• Classification of aquifers
• Water-bearing characteristics of rocks
• Groundwater chemistry, Saltwater intrusion
• Types of wells
• Drainage basin morphometry
• Exploration for groundwater, Groundwater recharge
• Problems and management of groundwater
• Rainwater harvesting
• Engineering properties of rocks
• Geological investigations for dams, tunnels, highways, railways, and bridges
• Rock as a construction material
• Landslides: Causes, prevention, and rehabilitation
• Earthquake-resistant structures

Mineralogy

• Classification of crystals into systems and classes of symmetry
• International system of crystallographic notation
• Use of projection diagrams to represent crystal symmetry
• Elements of X-ray crystallography
• Physical and chemical characters of rock-forming silicate mineral groups
• Structural classification of silicates
• Common minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks
• Minerals of the carbonate, phosphate, sulphide, and halide groups
• Clay minerals
• Optical properties of common rock-forming minerals
• Pleochroism, extinction angle, double refraction, birefringence, twinning, and dispersion in minerals

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

• Generation and crystallization of magmas
• Crystallization of albite-anorthite, diopside-anorthite, and diopside-wollastonite-silica systems
• Bowen’s Reaction Principle
• Magmatic differentiation and assimilation
• Petrogenetic significance of textures and structures of igneous rocks
• Petrography and petrogenesis of granite, syenite, diorite, basic and ultrabasic groups, charnockite, anorthosite, and alkaline rocks
• Carbonatites; Deccan volcanic province
• Types and agents of metamorphism
• Metamorphic grades and zones
• Phase rule
• Facies of regional and contact metamorphism
• ACF and AKF diagrams
• Textures and structures of metamorphic rocks
• Metamorphism of arenaceous, argillaceous, and basic rocks
• Minerals assemblages, Retrograde metamorphism
• Metasomatism and granitisation, migmatites
• Granulite terrains of India

Sedimentary Petrology

• Sediments and sedimentary rocks: Processes of formation, diagenesis, and lithification
• Clastic and non-clastic rocks: Classification, petrography, and depositional environment
• Sedimentary facies and provenance
• Sedimentary structures and their significance
• Heavy minerals and their significance
• Sedimentary basins of India

Economic Geology

• Ore, ore minerals, and gangue; Tenor of ore
• Classification of ore deposits
• Process of formation of mineral deposits
• Controls of ore localization
• Ore textures and structures
• Metallogenic epochs and provinces
• Geology of important Indian deposits of aluminium, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead-zinc, manganese, titanium, uranium, thorium, and industrial minerals
• Deposits of coal and petroleum in India
• National Mineral Policy
• Conservation and utilization of mineral resources
• Marine mineral resources and Law of Sea

Mining Geology

• Methods of prospecting: Geological, geophysical, geochemical, and geobotanical
• Techniques of sampling
• Estimation of reserves of ore
• Methods of exploration and mining: Metallic ores, industrial minerals, marine mineral resources, and building stones
• Mineral beneficiation and ore dressing

Geochemistry and Environmental Geology

• Cosmic abundance of elements
• Composition of planets and meteorites
• Structure and composition of Earth and distribution of elements
• Trace elements
• Elements of crystal chemistry: Types of chemical bonds, coordination number
• Isomorphism and polymorphism
• Elementary thermodynamics
• Natural hazards: Floods, mass wasting, coastal hazards, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mitigation
• Environmental impact of urbanization, mining, industrial and radioactive waste disposal, use of fertilizers, dumping of mine waste and fly ash
• Pollution of ground and surface water, marine pollution
• Environmental protection: Legislative measures in India
• Sea level changes: Causes and impact

Recommended Resources

• General Geology: "General Geology" by G.B. Mahapatra
• Geomorphology: "Geomorphology" by Savindra Singh, "Geomorphology" by Thornbury
• Structural Geology: "Structural Geology" by Marland P. Billings
• Paleontology: "The Elements of Paleontology" by Rhona M. Black
• Indian Stratigraphy: "Geology of India" by M. Ramakrishnan and R. Vaidyanadhan
• Economic Geology: "Economic Geology" by U. Prasad, "Ore Deposits of India" by Roy Chaudhary
• Previous Year Question Papers: 2018-2024 Questions
• Online Study Material: Geology Optional Notes

Preparation Strategy

• Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly review the syllabus for both Paper I and II to prioritize high-weightage topics. Paper I, Paper II
• Focus on Diagrams: Practice drawing geological maps, cross-sections, and crystal structures to enhance answer presentation.
• Link with Current Affairs: Relate topics like natural hazards and environmental geology to recent events for enriched answers.
• Answer Writing Practice: Write concise, diagram-supported answers to improve clarity and time management.
• Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to simulate exam conditions and assess preparation.
• Revise Previous Year Questions: UPSC often repeats questions, so revising past papers is critical for predicting trends. 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018