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

Q.1. 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.

Q.2. 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.

Q.3. 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.

Q.4. 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.

Q.5. 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.

Q.6. 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.

Q.7. 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.

Q.8. 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.