UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2022: GS1 Geography | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q 1: Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (Geography)
Ans: Understanding Igneous Rocks: Igneous rocks are termed as primary rocks as they are the initial ones to form in the rock cycle and don't contain any organic remnants. They originate from the cooling and solidifying of hot molten rock.

• Intrusive Igneous Rocks: These rocks develop when magma cools deep within the Earth, undergoing slow solidification over vast periods. This extended cooling allows mineral grains to grow large, resulting in a coarse texture. Examples include Diabase, Granite, Pegmatite, and Peridotite.
• Extrusive Igneous Rocks: Produced from magma that cools rapidly upon reaching or nearing the Earth's surface, these rocks form in volcanic eruptions. Immediate cooling results in a fine-grained or glassy texture. Often, these rocks exhibit trapped gas bubbles, creating a vesicular appearance. Examples are Basalt, Pumice, Obsidian, and Andesite.

Q2: Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (Geography)
Ans: Weather Warning System by IMD: The IMD employs a color-coded system with four categories to convey the severity of weather conditions and alert the public:

• Green (No Advisory): Indicates no significant weather concerns.
• Yellow (Be Aware): Suggests prolonged adverse weather conditions and potential disruptions in regular activities.
• Orange (Be Prepared): Warns of severe weather that could lead to transportation disruptions and power outages.
• Red (Take Action): Signals imminent severe weather that poses significant risks to life and infrastructure.

Cyclone Warning System in IMD: In areas prone to cyclones, the IMD provides warnings to state authorities in the following stages:

• Pre-Cyclone Watch: Issued 72 hours in advance, it alerts about potential cyclonic activity in the North Indian Ocean.
• Cyclone Alert: Released at least 48 hours before anticipated adverse weather conditions along the coast.
• Cyclone Warning: Given at least 24 hours before the cyclone's expected landfall, specifying the probable location.
• Post Landfall Outlook: Released 12 hours before the predicted landfall, it provides the likely path of the cyclone post-landfall.

Colour Codes for Cyclone Warning Stages:

• Cyclone Alert: Yellow
• Cyclone Warning: Orange
• Post Landfall Outlook: Red

 Q3: Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan Trap’. (Geography)
Ans: Deccan Trap Overview: The Deccan Trap, located in west-central India, is a vast area of dense basaltic rock formed from one of Earth's most massive volcanic eruptions.

Spanning regions in Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat, and extending into parts of Madhya Pradesh and southern Rajasthan, the Deccan Trap is a significant geological feature.

Natural Resources in the Deccan Trap:

• Soil & Rocks:
  • Black Soil: Also termed as "Regur" or "Black Cotton Soil", it's rich in minerals like iron, lime, and magnesium but lacks nitrogen and organic matter. This soil type supports the cultivation of crops like cotton, pulses, and sugarcane.
  • Rocks: The Deccan basalts have been utilized for creating ancient cave  temples, including the iconic Elephanta Caves near Mumbai.
• Non-Ferrous Minerals: India's bauxite reserves, found in various states, ensure self-sufficiency in this mineral.
• Ferrous Minerals: India boasts vast iron ore reserves, with significant production in Maharashtra and Goa.
• Natural Gas: While natural gas is commonly found with oil, exclusive reserves exist in regions like Tripura, Rajasthan, and parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The Deccan region has also shown potential reserves.
• Geothermal Energy: The volcanic regions of the Deccan Trap, particularly the Western Ghats, feature numerous hot springs indicative of geothermal activity.
• Nuclear Energy: India's nuclear energy initiatives rely on minerals like uranium and thorium. Key nuclear projects include those in Tarapur (Maharashtra) and Rawatbhata (Rajasthan).

Q4: Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (Geography)
Ans:  Wind Energy Overview: Wind energy utilizes the motion-induced kinetic energy of air to generate electricity, with wind turbines converting this energy into electrical power.

Wind Energy Potential in India:

• Current Capacity: India presently has a wind energy potential of around 60 GW.
• Future Prospects: This capacity is expected to rise, especially as outdated wind power installations with limited capacity are replaced by more efficient turbines.
• Marine Wind Energy: An untapped opportunity lies in harnessing wind energy from the oceans. Globally, research in this domain is still in its early phases.
• Coastal Advantage: Given India's extensive 7,516.6 km coastline, there's abundant potential to leverage wind energy across its exclusive economic zones, especially with frequent cyclonic activity on the eastern coast.
• Regional Insights: The National Institute for Wind Energy, based in Chennai, notes that western regions of India experience more consistent and robust wind patterns.

• 2022 Statistics: Tamil Nadu emerged as a leading state in wind energy production in 2022.

Challenges and Concerns:

• Cost Competition: Wind energy faces challenges in competing with other economically viable energy sources.
• Environmental Impact: Wind farms can potentially disrupt local wildlife ecosystems.
• Public Opposition: Projects might encounter resistance if they occupy culturally or historically significant lands.
• Research Limitations: The absence of adequate infrastructure and dedicated institutions for wind energy R&D poses challenges.

Q5: What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. (Geography)
Ans: Ocean currents can be likened to rivers flowing within the vast expanses of the sea. They consist of a consistent volume of water following a specific path and direction.
These currents are shaped by two distinct forces:

• Primary Forces:
  • Solar Energy: The sun's heat causes water to expand, prompting movement from warmer to cooler regions.
  • Wind: Ocean-surface winds push the water, directing its flow.
  • Gravity: This force pulls water downward, creating gradient variations.
  • Coriolis Force: In the northern hemisphere, it steers water to the right, while in the southern hemisphere, it directs water to the left.
• Secondary Forces:
  • Landmass: Interactions between oceans and land can alter current directions, as seen with the Brazil Ocean Current.
  • Salinity: Denser, saltier water sinks, whereas lighter water ascends, causing variations in currents.

These currents have significant implications for the fishing industry:

• Fishing Zones Formation: The convergence of cold and warm currents creates prime fishing areas, such as the North East Pacific Zone and the North West Pacific Zone near Japan.
• Upwelling: Driven by winds and Earth's rotation, this process brings nutrient-rich, cold water to the ocean's surface, promoting phytoplankton growth and attracting fish.
• Plankton Movement: These current-borne organisms form the foundation of marine food chains, drawing fish to specific areas.
• Product Longevity: Fish caught in colder currents tend to have extended shelf lives compared to those from warmer currents.
• Ecological Balance: Currents help distribute water and maintain oxygen levels, ensuring balanced marine ecosystems. A case in point is the Saragasso Sea, a region rich in biodiversity.

While ocean currents play a pivotal role in shaping fishing zones, technological advancements offer opportunities to develop fisheries in other promising areas.

Q6: Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (Geography)
Ans: Natural rubber, derived from isoprene, an organic compound, primarily originates from the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).

Global Rubber Production: Thailand led in 2020, contributing 35% of the world's natural rubber, with Indonesia following closely.

The ideal environment for rubber trees is a tropical climate with deep, flood-resistant soil and an annual rainfall ranging between 60 to 78 inches. While the rubber tree is indigenous to the Amazon, Asia, particularly Southeast Asia including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, accounts for around 90% of global production. Other significant producers include Ivory Coast, Brazil, Mexico, Gabon, Guinea, Ecuador, and Sri Lanka.

Environmental Concerns: Rubber cultivation, although profitable, comes with several environmental challenges:

• Deforestation: Malaysia and Indonesia have witnessed substantial forest loss due to rubber plantations, impacting biodiversity and leading to a decline in species like orangutans.
• Food Crop Impact: Focusing on rubber crops can reduce food crop cultivation, potentially affecting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Soil Concerns: A consistent rubber monoculture can degrade soil health, exacerbated by synthetic fertilizer use, leading to societal health issues.
• Pest Vulnerability: The 7-8 year maturation period for rubber makes it susceptible to pests and climate-induced diseases, posing challenges for small-scale farmers and their livelihoods.
• Environmental Pollution: Rubber plantation activities, including burning of stumps in Malaysia, release significant greenhouse gases (GHGs). Additionally, rubber processing and degradation produce substantial CO₂ and methane emissions.
• Health Impacts: Emissions from the rubber industry have been associated with various health issues, contributing to water pollution and scarcity in producing regions.

Given the rising demand for rubber due to industrial growth, sustainable cultivation practices, informed by both local and global insights and leveraging modern technology, are crucial for the well-being of all involved stakeholders.

Q7: Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (Geography)
Ans: A strait is a slender water passage linking two large bodies of water, such as two seas. Examples include the Malacca and Gibraltar straits.

An isthmus, on the other hand, is a narrow land bridge connecting two larger land areas and separating two bodies of water. A notable example is the Isthmus of Suez, which links Africa and Asia.

Role of Straits and Isthmus in Global Trade:

• Trade Efficiency: These geographical features shorten travel distances, enhancing trade. For instance, the Suez Canal across the Isthmus of Suez offers a direct route for ships between Asia and Europe, bypassing the need to circumnavigate Africa.
• Ports and Harbors: They often host essential ports, like Singapore's port along the Malacca Strait, which serve as crucial trade hubs.
• Connectivity: They bridge vast land masses and water bodies. For example, the Panama Canal on the Isthmus of Panama joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
• Shipping Advancements: Such passages have transformed the shipping sector by enabling more streamlined transport.
• Trade Dynamics: They act as conduits for the movement of goods, with nations like Japan sourcing iron ore from India via the Malacca Strait.
• Environmental Benefits: By deepening routes like the Palk Strait, ships can take shorter, more fuel-efficient paths, as seen between Vizag and Kochin.
• Tourism: These regions boost international tourism, offering recreational activities along their coasts.
• Fishing and Marine Trade: The rich waters around these areas support thriving fishing and aquaculture industries, fostering international marine trade.
• Security: Their strategic locations often house defense installations, safeguarding trade routes from threats like piracy.

Q8: Troposphere is a very significant atmosphere layer that determines weather processes. How? (Geography)
Ans: The troposphere is Earth's primary and lowest atmospheric layer, extending up to about 10 kilometers. Holding the majority, roughly 75-80%, of the atmosphere's mass, this layer is the main stage for various weather activities.

Weather encompasses transient atmospheric conditions, such as temperature changes, wind movements, and precipitation occurrences, that differ from one location to another.

Key Weather Components: Cloud formations, precipitation events like rain and snowfall, temperature variations, storm systems, and wind patterns.

Role of the Troposphere in Weather Phenomena:

• As one ascends within the troposphere, temperatures typically decline, ensuring water remains within this layer. Consequently, the troposphere houses nearly 99% of the atmosphere's water vapor and aerosols, making it the primary generator of weather-related clouds.
• In contrast, the stratosphere experiences temperature increases with altitude, driven by ozone's sunlight absorption.
• The stratosphere's characteristics restrict upward wind movements, confining distinct weather activities to the troposphere.
• Within this layer, water from Earth's surface evaporates and gets transported by winds, culminating in cloud formation and subsequent precipitation due to air expansion and cooling.
• Major weather systems, including hurricanes and thunderstorms, predominantly originate in the troposphere due to global wind patterns and atmospheric fronts.
• Climate change-induced shifts in temperature and atmospheric dynamics are leading to unprecedented weather events like recent heatwaves in Europe and India. Addressing these challenges aligns with the urgency emphasized in Sustainable Development Goal 13 to mitigate climate-related impacts.