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
Solution:
Ans: (d) The Rann of Kutch is a large salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in Gujarat, India. The present day Kutch's shoreline and the sand dune deposition is the result of hundreds of years of rainless years around 5,000 years ago.
Due to these severe climate conditions, the sea levels fell, leading to the formation of dunes along the coastline.
Question 2:
With reference to the Earth's atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct? (2023) (a) The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles. (b) Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation. (c) Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere. (d) Infrared waves are a part of visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.
Solution:
Ans: (c)
The earth's surface receives most of its energy in short wavelengths. The energy received by the earth is known as incoming solar radiation which in short is termed as insolation.
The atmosphere is largely transparent to shortwave solar radiation. The incoming solar radiation passes through the atmosphere before striking the earth's surface. Within the troposphere water vapour, ozone and other gases absorb much of the near infrared radiation.
Hence, statement (c) is correct.
Question 3:
Consider the following statements:(2023) Statement-I : The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients. Statement-II : The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Solution:
Ans: (d)
Contrary to the belief that all that vegetation, warmth, and moisture that the soil must be very rich, the soil in tropical rainforests is very poor. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
The high temperature and moisture of tropical rainforests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose more quickly than in other climates, thus releasing and losing its nutrients rapidly.
The high volume of rain in tropical rainforests washes nutrients out of the soil more quickly than in other climates. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
If the soil is so poor in tropical rainforests, how does such a dense array of shrubs and trees grow there? - On the ground of the rainforest, there is a thick layer of quickly decaying plants and animals. Nutrients are washed by the heavy rains almost directly from the rotting surface material into the trees without entering the soil much.
Question 4:
Consider the following statements :(2023) Statement-I : The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter. Statement-II : The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Solution:
Ans: (a)
The specific heat is the property of a substance which determines the change in the temperature of the substance (undergoing no phase change) when a given quantity of heat is absorbed (or rejected) by it.
Water has about four times higher heat capacity than land, i.e. it takes much more energy to increase the water temperature and the water temperature will therefore respond slower to temperature changes. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
During the summer, the land (continents) heats up more quickly and to a higher temperature than the water (oceans). Therefore, the temperature difference between them is greater. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
Therefore, both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.
Question 5:
Consider the following statements:(2023)
In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.
In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Ans: (c)
When an earthquake occurs, two main types of vibratory waves move through the body of the earth from the point of fracture. The primary, or P, waves travel most quickly and are the first to be registered by the seismograph. Secondary, or S, waves travel more slowly. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
As S waves have a greater amplitude than P waves the two groups are easily distinguishable on the seismogram.
Seismic P waves are also called compressional or longitudinal waves, they compress and expand (oscillate) the ground back and forth (to and fro) in the direction of travel, like sound waves.
Particle motion is parallel to the direction of propagation (longitudinal). Material returns to its original shape after the wave passes.
The S waves in an earthquake are examples of Transverse waves.
In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The particles do not move along with the wave; they simply oscillate up and down about their individual equilibrium positions as the wave passes by. Pick a single particle and watch its motion.
Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Question 6:
Consider the following statements: (2022)
High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.
Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth's surface and thus cause warming effect.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Ans: (d) The study of clouds, where they occur, and their characteristics, play a key role in the understanding of climate change. Low, thick clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth. High, thin clouds primarily transmit incoming solar radiation; at the same time, they trap some of the outgoing infrared radiation emitted by the Earth and radiate it back downward, thereby warming the surface of the Earth. Hence, both statements are not correct.
Question 7:
Which one of the following lakes of West Africa has become dry and turned into a desert? (2022) (a) Lake Victoria (b) Lake Faguibine (c) Lake Oguta (d) Lake Volta
Solution:
Ans: (b) According to the United Nations Climate Change Conference-COP 26, Lake Faguibine in West Africa has dried up and turned into a desert. Hence option (b) is correct.
Question 8:
Gandikota canyon of South India was created by which one of the following rivers? (2022) (a) Cauvery (b) Manjira (c) Pennar (d) Tungabhadra
Solution:
Ans: (c) Gandikota is a Twi village in Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh surrounded by the Pennar River on the right, the village is popular for the spectacular valleys formed by the river running through the Erramala hills. The narrow valleys and steep rocky walls with streams running between them look very beautiful. Hence option (c) is correct.
Question9:
Consider the following pairs: (2022)
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only
Solution:
Ans: (b)
Namcha Barwa - Garhwal Himalaya: Incorrect. Namcha Barwa is located in the eastern Himalayas, in Arunachal Pradesh, near the Tibet border, not in Garhwal Himalaya (which is in Uttarakhand, western Himalayas).
Nanda Devi - Kumaon Himalaya: Correct. Nanda Devi is in the Kumaon Himalaya, located in Uttarakhand, between the Sutlej and Kali rivers.
Nokrek - Sikkim Himalaya: Incorrect. Nokrek is in Meghalaya (part of the Garo Hills, not the Himalayas) and is not associated with Sikkim Himalaya.
Question 10:
In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the: (2022) (a) First half of the month of June (b) Second half of the month of June (c) First half of the month of July (d) Second half of the month of July
Solution:
Ans: (b)
In the northern hemisphere 'Second half of the month june (21st june)' is the longest day of the year. Hence option (b) is correct.
Question 11:
Consider the following statements:
The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
'Rare earth minerals' are present on seafloor in international waters.
Which of the statements given above are correct? [2021] (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b)
Statement 1 is incorrect: With the establishment of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982 and the entry into force of the ISA in 1994, exploration activities for mineral resources in the area began to be regulated under exploration contracts. Originally, exploration activities were predominantly undertaken by national agencies, until 2010, when private companies became involved and a polymetallic-nodule-mining industry was born.
Statement 2 is correct: India's exclusive rights to explore polymetallic nodules from seabed in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) have been extended by fi ve years. These rights are over 75000 sq. km of area in international waters allocated by the International Seabed Authority for developmental activities for polymetallic nodules.
Statement 3 is correct: In 1972, a young ecologist named Hjalmar Thiel ventured to a remote part of the Pacific Ocean known as the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). The seafloor there boasts one of the world's largest untapped collections of rare-earth elements. Some 4,000 meters below the ocean surface, the abyssal ooze of the CCZ holds trillions of polymetallic nodules - potato-sized deposits loaded with copper, nickel, manganese, and other precious ores.
Question 12:
Consider the following statements:
In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern sections owing to the influence of trade winds.
In the temperate zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [2021] (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Statement 1 is correct. Warmer water is transported westward in the ocean by the Northeast trade winds in the Northern hemisphere of the tropical zone (as the figure given below shows). So, in tropical zones, the western section of ocean is warmer than eastern sections due to trade winds.
Statement 2 is correct. Similarly, the Westerlies play an important role in carrying the warm, equatorial waters and winds to the western coasts of continents (that is eastern section of the Oceans in temperate zone). Thus, in temperate zones, westerlies make the eastern section of the ocean warmer than the western sections.
Question 13:
"Leaf litter decomposes faster than in any other biome and as a result the soil surface is often almost bare. Apart from trees, the vegetation is largely composed of plant forms that reach up into the canopy vicariously, by climbing the trees or growing as epiphytes, rooted on the upper branches of trees". This is the most likely description Of [2021]
The tropical rainforest is a hot, moist biome where it rains all year long. It is known for its dense canopies of vegetation that form three different layers. The top layer or canopy contains giant trees that grow to heights of 75 m (about 250 ft) or more. This layer of vegetation prevents much of the sunlight from reaching the ground. Thick, woody vines are also found in the canopy. They climb trees in the canopy to reach for sunlight. The middle layer, or understory, is made up of vines, smaller trees, ferns, and palms.
A large number of plants from this level are used as common houseplants. Because of the small amount of sunlight and rainfall these plants receive, they adapt easily to home environments. The bottom layer or floor of the rainforest is covered with wet leaves and leaf litter. This material decomposes rapidly in the wet, warm conditions (like a compost pile) sending nutrients back into the soil. Few plants are found on the floor of the forest due to the lack of sunlight.
Question 14: Consider the following statements: [2020-I] 1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. 2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. 3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10º C lesser than that of the surroundings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (c)
Jet streams are high altitude westerly wind system blows at a height of 6 to 14 km, with very high speed up to 450 km/hr in the wavy form at both hemispheres. So #1 is wrong.
The Centre of the cyclone is called an Eye. The eye is a Calm region with no rainfall and experiences the highest temperature and lowest pressure within the cyclonic system. So #3 is wrong. So, by elimination, the answer is (c).
Question 15: With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct? [2020-I] 1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January - March. 2. OMT collected during January March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean 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
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b)
Statement 1: "OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January - March." This statement is incorrect. Studies indicate that during January-March, the mean depth of the 26°C isotherm in the southwestern Indian Ocean is approximately 59 meters, not 129 meters.
Statement 2: "OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean." This statement is correct. Research has demonstrated that OMT data from January-March serves as a reliable predictor for the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR). Specifically, OMT has shown an 80% success rate in forecasting whether monsoon rainfall will be above or below the long-term average, outperforming traditional sea surface temperature (SST) metrics. Only Statement 2 is correct.
Question 16: Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night? [2019-I] (a) Clouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth's surface. (b) Clouds reflect back the Earth's radiation. (c) The Earth's surface would have a low temperature on cloudy nights. (d) Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) The favorable weather elements for dew include clear skies, light wind, decent soil moisture. Clear skies allow for the maximum release of longwave radiation to space. Cloudy skies will reflect and absorb while re-emitting longwave radiation back to the surface and that prevents as much cooling from occurring. So (b) is the most appropriate reason.
Question 17: Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of methane hydrate? [2019-I] 1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits. 2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor. 3. Methane in the atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (d) As per the NASA webpage:
Large amounts of methane are frozen in Arctic tundra soils and in marine sediments including gas hydrates. As Earth's climate warms, that methane is vulnerable to possible release into the atmosphere, where it can add to global warming. So 1 and 2 are correct.
In Methane Cycle, every molecule of methane that goes into the atmosphere remains there for 8 years until it is removed by oxidation into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). So, 3 is also correct. This, answer (d): All three are correct.
Question 18: On 21st June the sun [2019-I] (a) Does not set below the horizon at the Arctic circle (b) Does not set below the horizon at Antarctic circle (c) Shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator (d) Shines vertically overhead at the tropic of Capricorn
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a)
On 21st June, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun. The rays of the sun fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer. So, (c) and (d) are wrong.
Places beyond the Arctic Circle experience continuous daylight for about six months. So (a) is correct.
Question 19: Consider the following statements: [2018-I] 1. The Earth's magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years. 2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide. 3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (c) NCERT Biology Class 12 page 127: "There was no atmosphere on early earth. Water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonia released from molten mass covered the surface." So #2 is wrong, CO2 was present, we are left with (a) or (c). In both options the first statement is correct but experts were divided over the third statement because the early Early atmosphere of earth had no free oxygen, the (life) forms until then could at best be only "anaerobic". So those living organisms did not have the capacity to alter the atmosphere, at least not in a significant manner. Accordingly, some ticked 'a' while others ticked 'c'. UPSC has kept 'c' as the official answer.
Question 20: Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization"?[2018-I] (a)Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (b)Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (c)Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (d)Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) Studies have shown that increased concentrations of carbon dioxide increase photosynthesis, spurring plant growth...Results showed that carbon dioxide fertilization explains 70 percent of the greening effect. [NASA 2016]
Question 21: Which of the following is/are the possible consequences of heavy sand mining in riverbeds? [2018-I] 1. Decreased salinity in the river 2. Pollution of groundwater 3. Lowering of the water table Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) Sand Mining wrecks the intertidal area and creates the imminent danger of saline water ingress into freshwater." Meaning salinity will increase, so statement 1 is wrong, by elimination we've answer (b) 2 and 3 only. In this question, the first statement is wrong, and you've to identify the right statements. So in real exam stress, some students may have made the error of reading/ticking, and they'd have ticked the wrong option A: only 1. (you're right that it's the wrong statement, but you're not asked to tick the wrong one.) So, be mindful of ticking in OMR.
Question 22: With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements: [2018-I] 1. High content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity. 2. Soil does not play any role in the Sulphur cycle. 3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) The process of decay, added by bacterial action, transforms organic matter into humus. Humus enhances the water retention capacity of the soil. So, 1 is wrong. By elimination, we are left with Answer (b): 3 only.
Question 23: 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
Solution:
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.
Question 24: With reference to 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2017-I] 1. IOD phenomenon is characterized by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. 2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino's impact on the monsoon. 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
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b)
The Hindu: Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is an event in which the western Indian Ocean becomes alternately warmer and then colder than the eastern part of the Indian ocean. So the first statement is wrong.
A positive IOD leads to greater monsoon rainfall and more active (above-normal rainfall) monsoon days while negative IOD leads to less rainfall and more monsoon break days (no rainfall). So yes, IOD can influence El Nino's impact on Monsoon. So the second statement is right.
Question 25: Which of the following is/are tributary tributaries of Brahmaputra? [2016-I] 1. Dibang 2. Kameng 3. Lohit Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (d) The Brahmaputra enters India in the state of Arunachal Pradesh from its original source Tibet and is joined by the Dibang River and the Lohit River at the head of the Assam Valley. It is joined in Sonitpur by the Kameng River (or Jia Bhoreli). Brahmaputra's main left bank tributaries, viz., Dibang or Sikang and Lohit. The important right bank tributaries are the Subansiri, Kameng, Manas, and Sankosh. Therefore, all 3 correct.
Question 26: What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial countercurrent? [2015 - I] (a) The Earth's rotation on its axis (b) Convergence of the two equatorial currents (c) Difference in salinity of water (d) Occurrence of the belt of calm near the equator
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) The Earth's rotation on its axis explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current. If the earth would have been rotating east to west, the piled-up water would have come down on the west side. Therefore, essentially it's the earth's rotation that explains the eastward flow of equatorial counter current.
Question 27: In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason? [2015 - I] (a) Sea surface temperatures are low (b) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs (c) Coriolis force is too weak (d) Absence of land in those regions
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) One of the main factors that are responsible for the origin of tropical cyclones is a Large sea surface with temperature higher than 27°C. But in the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions, the sea surface temperatures are not enough to form a tropical cyclone formation due to its tendency to remain relatively cooler and this dominates over other factors and prevents any cyclone origination in the region.
Question 28: "Each day is more or less the same, the morning is clear and bright with a sea breeze; as the Sun climbs high in the sky, heat mounts up, dark clouds form, then the rain comes with thunder and lightning. But rain is soon over." Which of the following regions is described in the above passage? [2015 - I] (a) Savannah (b) Equatorial (c) Monsoon (d) Mediterranean
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) The passage points out the equatorial region.
Question 29: Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following? [2015 - I] 1. The gravitational force of the Sun 2. The gravitational force of the Moon 3. The centrifugal force of the Earth Selects the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (d) Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of gravitational forces exerted by the Moon, Sun, and rotation of the Earth.
Question 30: Consider the following statements [2015 - I] 1. The winds which blow between 30° N and 60° S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies. 2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in the NorthWestern region of India are part of westerlies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) The Westerlies are prevailing winds from the west toward the east in the middle latitudes between 30 and 60 degrees latitude. They originate from the high-pressure areas in the horse latitudes and tend towards the poles and steer extratropical cyclones in this general manner. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in the North-Western region of India are part of westerlies.
Question 31: 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
Solution:
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.
Question 32: "Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders." [2013 - I] The above statement best describes which of the following regions? (a) African Savannah (b) Central Asian Steppe (c) North American Prairie (d) Siberian Tundra
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) The central Asian steppes run through Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. The climate here is harsh with dust storms, little to no rainfall, and temperature ranging from - 4 to 50 degrees Celsius.
Question 33: The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons? [2013 - I] 1. Thermal difference between land and water 2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans 3. Presence of strong winds in the interior 4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts Select the correct answer using the codes given below. (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) The first statement is correct. One major factor affecting the distribution of the temperature of Earth is the distribution of Land and Oceans. Since there is more land in Northern Hemisphere and more waters in the Southern hemisphere and there is a big difference between the specific heat of land and water; the loss of heat from the continents is bigger than the oceans. The continents get heated faster and get cooled faster in comparison to the Oceans. This is the reason that the temperatures of the Oceans are moderate while that of continents is extreme. The moderating effect on the temperature of the land due to the proximity of the seas is called Maritime influence. The increasing effect on the temperature of the land in the interior of the continents is called Continental Influence.
Question 34: Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?[2013-1] 1.Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy 2.Coexistence of a large number of species 3.Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes Select the correct answer using the codes given below. (a)1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c)1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (d) The canopy is the primary layer of the forest forming a roof over the two remaining layers. The densest of the biodiversity is found here along with a large variety of epiphytes.
Question 35: The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where [2013 - I] (a) warm and cold atmospheric currents meet (b) rivers drain out large amounts of fresh water into the sea (c) warm and cold oceanic currents meet (d) continental shelf is undulating
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (c) The mixing of warm and cold currents in the region where planktons are found is food for fish. The temperature is just right for them to survive. The temperature is just right for the growth of fish food called planktons.
Question 36: Consider the following pairs: [2013 - I] 1. Electromagnetic radiation 2. Geothermal energy 3. Gravitational force 4. Plate movements 5. Rotation of the earth 6. Revolution of the earth Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth? (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only (c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (d) From electromagnetic radiation to the revolution of the earth, everything is responsible for bringing dynamic changes to the surface of the earth. For example, Electromagnetic radiation brings changes in the field of microwaves, wavelengths of radio, UV rays, infrared rays, X rays, and gamma rays. Geothermal energy is the heat received from the earth's core. This heat continuously flows outward. It transfers to the surrounding layers of rock, the mantle. When temperature and pressure become very high some mantle rocks melt becoming magma. It then either comes out as lava or heats up the nearby rocks and water which comes out as hot springs or geysers. Gravitational force is constantly working on all physical bodies. It is giving weights to objects with mass and causes them to fall to the ground when dropped. Plate movement is a dynamic change on the surface of the earth. It explains many aspects of the interrelationship of volcanoes, earthquakes, climate change, and the evolution of life itself. Everything about our planet is related either directly or indirectly to plate tectonics. Rotation causes day and night. Revolution causes seasons, change in the length of day and night.
Question 37: On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion [2013 - I] (a) is found in the atmosphere as moisture and clouds (b) is found in freshwater lakes and rivers (c) exists as groundwater (d) exists as soil moisture
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (c) Out of all the water on Earth, saline water in oceans, seas, and saline groundwater make up about 97% of it. Only 2.5 - 2.75% is fresh water, including 1.75-2% frozen in glaciers, ice, and snow, 0.5 - 0.75% as fresh groundwater and soil moisture, and less than 0.01% of it as surface water in lakes, Swamps, and rivers.
Question 38: Variations in the length of daytime and nighttime from season to season are due to [2013 - I] (a) the earth's rotation on its axis (b) the earth's revolution around the sun in an elliptical manner (c) latitudinal position of the place (d) revolution of the earth on a tilted axis.
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (d) Variations in the length of daytime and nighttime from season to season are due to the revolution of the earth on a tilted axis.
Question 39: Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? [2013 - I] (a) a (b) b (c) c (d) d
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b)
Abyssinian Plateau - Arabia: Incorrect. The Abyssinian Plateau (also known as the Ethiopian Highlands) is in Ethiopia, East Africa, not Arabia.
Atlas Mountains - North-Western Africa: Correct. The Atlas Mountains are indeed in North-Western Africa, spanning Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia
Guiana Highlands - South-Western Africa: Incorrect. The Guiana Highlands are in South America (northern Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana), not Africa.
Okavango Basin - Patagonia: Incorrect. The Okavango Basin (Okavango Delta) is in Botswana, Southern Africa, while Patagonia is in South America (Argentina/Chile).
Question 40: Which one of the following is the characteristic climate of the Tropical Savannah Region? [2012 - I] (a) Rainfall throughout the year (b) Rainfall in winter only (c) An extremely short dry season (d) A definite dry and wet season
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (d) Savannah covers approximately 20% of the Earth's land area. The largest area of Savannah is in Africa. The tropical Savannah region has a definite dry and wet season. Savannah grasslands are much richer in humus than the equatorial forests.
Question 41: Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earth's surface, because [2012 - I] 1. the atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth's surface 2. there is more moisture in the upper atmosphere 3. the air is less dense in the upper atmosphere Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (c) The atmosphere is heated by infrared radiation, Moisture is more in the lower atmosphere. In the upper atmosphere, Air is less dense which holds less heat thus temperature is low.
Question 42: Consider the following factors: [2012 - I] 1. Rotation of the Earth 2. Air pressure and wind 3. Density of ocean water 4. Revolution of the Earth Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) 1. Rotation of the Earth 2. Air pressure and wind 3. Density of ocean water. Revolution has no impact on ocean currents.
Question 43: Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidences for the continued expansion of the universe? [2012 - I] 1. Detection of microwaves in space 2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space 3. Movement of asteroids in space 4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) None of the above can be cited as evidence
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) The cosmic microwave background (CMB) is the thermal radiation left over from the "Big Bang". The CMB has well explained as radiation left over from an early stage in the development of the universe and its discovery is considered a landmarks test of the Big Bang model of the universe. Redshift and Blueshift describe how light changes as objects in space (such as stars or galaxies) move closer or farther away from us. The concept is key to charting the universe's expansion.
Question 44: The jet aircraft fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation? [2011 - I] 1. There are no clouds or water vapor in the lower stratosphere. 2. There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (c) Jet flies in the lower stratosphere to avoid turbulence. There are no clouds and the air is dry with little water vapor. There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere.
Question 45: What could be the main reason/reasons for the formation of the African and Eurasian desert belt? [2011 - I] 1. It is located in the subtropical high-pressure cells. 2. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents. Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) It is under the influence of cold ocean currents. So given the second statement is wrong.
Question 46: Westerlies in the southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in the northern hemisphere. Why? [2011 - I] 1. The southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to the northern hemisphere. 2. Coriolis force is higher in the southern hemisphere as compared to the northern hemisphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) The speed of these winds is higher and more persistent in the southern hemisphere. The land mass in the southern hemisphere is lesser in comparison to the northern hemisphere. As these winds cross the landmass its velocity decreases. Thus the effect of westerlies is less over the northern hemisphere than in the southern hemisphere.
Question 47: What is the difference between asteroids and comets? [2011 - I] 1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material. 2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury. 3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) Comets found beyond Nepture i.e. Kuiper belt. Asteroids are tiny planetary bodies revolving around the sun between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars. While comets are made up of small icy particles and Neteoric fragments.
Question 48: La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? [2011 - I] 1. La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in the equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. 2. El Nino has an adverse effect on the southwest monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on the monsoon climate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (d)
Question 49: A layer in the Earth's atmosphere called the ionosphere facilities radio communication. Why? [2011 - I] 1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to the earth. 2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) Statement 1 is wrong, ionosphere contains charged particles due to which electromagnetic radio waves get reflected and communication becomes possible. Ozone is found mainly in the stratosphere and in traces in the troposphere. Its main function is the absorption of UV rays. While the ions give the ionosphere its name, it is the free electrons that affect the radio waves and radio communications. Also, Radio waves have the longest wave length in the EM spectrum.
Question 50: If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because [2011 - I] (a) the soil of rain forest is deficient in nutrients (b) propagules of the trees in a rain forest have poor viability (c) the rain forest species are slow-growing (d) exotic species that invade the fertile soil of rain forest.
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) The soils of tropical rainforests are relatively poor in nutrients. Due to torrential rains, most of the nutrients are washed out of the soil, and the soils contain less organic matter than the tropical deciduous forests. Nutrients in the soil are often in forms that are not accessible by plants, unlike tropical deciduous forests where major nutrients remain in the soil. Thus if a tropical rain forest is removed it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest.
Question 51: What causes the wind to deflect toward the left in the Southern Hemisphere? [2010] (a) Temperature (b) Magnetic field (c) Rotation of the earth (d) Pressure
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (c) Rotation of the earth causes the wind to deflect towards the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
Question 52: A geographic region has the following distinct characteristics:[2010] 1.Warm and dry climate 2.Mild and wet winter 3.Evergreen Oak trees The above features are distinct characteristics of which one of the following regions? (a)Mediterranean (b)Eastern China (c)Central Asia (d)Atlantic coast of North America
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) Mediterranean climate has mild, rainy winter and hot, dry summers and Evergreen, Oak trees.
Question 53: Which one of the following reflects back more sunlight as compared to the other three? [2010] (a) Sand desert (b) Paddy crop (c) Land covered with fresh snow (d) Prairie land
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (c) The Albedo of Snow is the highest.
Question 54: A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modoki appeared in the news. In this context, consider the following statements: [2010] 1. Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific Ocean whereas El Nino Modoki forms in the Eastern Pacific Ocean 2. Normal El Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) Normal El Nino forms in the southeastern Pacific whereas El Nino Modoki forms in the central Pacific and causes a greater number of hurricanes.
Question 55: A geographic area with an altitude of 400 meters has the following characteristics. [2010] If this geographic area were to have a natural forest, which one of the following would it most likely be? (a) Moist temperate coniferous forest (b) Montane subtropical forest (c) Temperate forest (d) Tropical rain forest
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (d) Tropical rain forests are warm and humid. The temperature ranges from 21 to 30 degrees Celsius (70 to 85°F) The average annual temperature of tropical rainforests is above 20°C. The tropical rainforests receive annual precipitation amounts of 60 to 160 inches. (152 to 406 cm). Some rainforests in the world experience annual rainfall amounts of almost 400 inches.
Question 56: Consider the following statements: [2010] 1. On the planet Earth, the freshwater available for use amounts to about less than 1% of the total water found. 2. Of the total freshwater found on the planet Earth 95% is bound up in polar ice caps and glaciers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a)
Statement 1: "On the planet Earth, the freshwater available for use amounts to about less than 1% of the total water found." This statement is correct. Approximately 2.5% of Earth's total water is freshwater. However, a significant portion of this freshwater is not readily accessible, as it is locked in glaciers, ice caps, and deep underground aquifers. Only about 1.2% of the total freshwater is surface water available for direct human use, which equates to less than 1% of the planet's total water.
Statement 2: "Of the total freshwater found on the planet Earth, 95% is bound up in polar ice caps and glaciers." This statement is incorrect. Approximately 68.7% of Earth's freshwater is stored in glaciers and ice caps. The remaining freshwater is distributed among groundwater (about 30.1%), surface water bodies like lakes and rivers, and atmospheric moisture.
Question 57: 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
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (c) The core of the earth is made up of nickle and iron.
Question 58: Which one of the following planets has the largest number of natural satellites or moons? [2009] (a) Jupiter (b) Mars (c) Saturn (d) Venus
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) Jupiter has maximum moons accounting for 63 whereas Satun has 61, Mars has 2 and Venus has none.
Question 59: In order of their distances from the Sun, which of the following planets lie between Mars and Uranus? [2008] (a) Earth and Jupiter (b) Jupiter and Saturn (c) Saturn and Earth (d) Saturn and Neptune
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) Jupiter and Saturn are located between Mars and Uranus.
Question 60: For India, China, UK, and the USA, which one of the following is the correct sequence of the median age of their population? [2008] (a) China < India < UK < USA (b) India < China < USA < UK (c) China < India < USA < UK (d) India < China < UK < USA
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) For India, China, UK, and USA, the correct sequence of the Median age of their population is India < China < USA< UK
Question 61: Consider the following statements: [2008] 1. Albedo of an object determines its visual brightness when viewed with reflected light. 2. Albedo of Mercury is much greater than the albedo of the Earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) Albedo is the fraction of the incident sunlight that is reflected. When an object reflects most of the light that hits it and looks bright then it has a high albedo. The albedo of mercury is 0.1 and that of the earth is 0.30.
Question 62: Consider the following statements: [2007] 1. The annual range of temperature is greater in the Pacific Ocean than that in the Atlantic Ocean. 2. Annual range of temperature is greater in the Northern Hemisphere than that in the Southern Hemisphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (b) The maximum and minimum annual temperatures of Ocean water are recorded in August and February respectively in the northern hemisphere. The annual range of temperature is higher in the enclosed seas than in the open sea. The Atlantic Ocean records a relatively higher annual range of temperature than the Pacific Ocean. Since the Northern hemisphere has more landmass as compared to the Southern hemisphere, the annual range of temperature will be greater in the northern hemisphere.
Question 63: Consider the following statements: [2007] 1. Either of the two belts over the oceans at about 30° to 35° N and S Latitudes is known as Horse latitude. 2. Horse latitudes are low-pressure belts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:
Correct Answer is Option (a) The horse latitudes are located between latitudes 30°- 35° north and south of the equator. The region lies in an area where there is a ridge of high pressure that circles the earth. The ridge of high pressure is also called a sub-tropical high.
FAQs on Physical Geography - Solved Questions (2007- 2023)
1. What topics in physical geography have appeared most frequently in UPSC exams from 2007 to 2023?
Ans. Landforms, weather systems, climate patterns, and river dynamics dominate UPSC physical geography previous year questions. Geomorphological processes like erosion, weathering, and plate tectonics consistently appear with high weightage. Students should focus on atmosphere-related phenomena, ocean currents, and biogeographical distribution to master recurring exam concepts effectively.
2. How do I identify which physical geography concepts will definitely come in my UPSC exam?
Ans. Analysing previous year question trends reveals that certain geomorphological features, atmospheric circulation patterns, and hydrological cycles repeat frequently. Studying solved questions from 2007-2023 helps candidates recognise weightage distribution and question patterns. Focusing on core physical geography topics like mountains, plateaus, deserts, and monsoon systems ensures comprehensive preparation for unpredictable exam variations.
3. What's the difference between exogenic and endogenic processes in the context of UPSC physical geography questions?
Ans. Endogenic processes involve internal Earth forces creating landforms through tectonics and volcanism, while exogenic processes involve external weathering, erosion, and deposition. UPSC frequently tests this distinction through case studies of mountain formation, river valley development, and coastal reshaping. Understanding these opposing forces clarifies how landscapes evolve and helps answer complex geomorphological scenarios.
4. Why do I keep getting questions about ocean currents and wind patterns wrong?
Ans. Ocean currents and atmospheric circulation are interconnected systems, but students often misunderstand their directional flows and seasonal variations. Previous year questions test Coriolis effect application, upwelling mechanisms, and monsoon reversals simultaneously. Referring to mind maps and flashcards on wind-ocean relationships from EduRev clarifies these patterns visually and strengthens conceptual retention for UPSC success.
5. Which physical geography solved questions from recent UPSC papers focus most on climate change and natural hazards?
Ans. Recent UPSC previous year questions increasingly emphasise climate variability, extreme weather events, earthquakes, and tsunami dynamics. Questions on tropical cyclones, El Niño impacts, and glacial retreat reflect contemporary environmental concerns. Students should prioritise studying hazard management, climate zones, and biogeographical shifts through solved examples spanning 2007-2023 for comprehensive disaster-geography coverage.
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