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Topics / Geography

Indian Geography Physical Features

Asked 13 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1995 · last asked 2023

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Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

2023Geography
ABhitarkanika Mangroves
BMarakkanam Salt Pans
CNaupada Swamp
DRann of Kutch

Explanation

The Rann of Kutch is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, leading to the formation of extensive marshland. This region was once a part of the Arabian Sea and has gradually transformed into a vast salt marsh due to geological changes and fluctuations in sea levels over time.

Consider the following statements: 1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges. 2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range. 3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats. How many of the statements given above are correct?

2023Geography
AOnly one
BOnly two
CAll three
D

Explanation

Amarkantak Hills mark the confluence of Vindhya and Satpura Ranges, not Sahyadri. Biligirirangan Hills are indeed the easternmost part of the Western Ghats, not the Satpura Range. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of the Eastern Ghats, not the Western Ghats. Therefore, all three statements are correct.

Consider the following pairs: Peak - Mountains: 1. Namcha Barwa - Garhwal Himalaya 2. Nanda Devi - Kumaon Himalaya 3. Nokrek - Sikkim Himalaya. Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

2022Geography
A1 and 2
B2 only
C1 and 3
D3 only

Explanation

Nanda Devi is correctly matched with Kumaon Himalaya. Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain in India and is located in the Kumaon Himalayas. Namcha Barwa is actually part of the Eastern Himalayas, not the Garhwal Himalayas. Nokrek is a peak in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, not in the Sikkim Himalayas.

With reference to India, Didwana Kuchaman Sargol and Khatu are the names of

2021Geography
Aglaciers
Bmangrove areas
CRamsar sites
Dsaline lakes

Explanation

Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol, and Khatu are names of saline lakes in India. Saline lakes are bodies of water with high concentrations of dissolved salts. These lakes are often found in arid regions and are characterized by their high salinity levels, which support unique ecosystems adapted to such harsh conditions.

In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the 'Great Indian Hornbill' in its natural habitat?

2016Geography
ASand deserts of northwest India
BHigher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir
CSalt marshes of western Gujarat
DWestern Ghats

Explanation

The Great Indian Hornbill can be commonly spotted in its natural habitat in the Western Ghats region of India.

Consider the following statements: 1. Tides are of great help in navigation and fishing. 2. High tide enables big ships to enter or leave the harbour safely 3. Tide prevents siltation in the harbours 4. Kandla and Diamond Harbour are tidal ports Which of these statements are correct?

2000Geography
A1 and 4
B2, 3 and 4
C1, 2 and 3
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Topic: Physical Geography Question: Which of the following statements about tides are correct? 1. Tides are beneficial for navigation and fishing. 2. High tide assists in the safe entry and exit of large ships from harbours. 3. Tides help prevent silt accumulation in harbours. 4. Kandla and Diamond Harbour are examples of tidal ports. Options: (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct: (d) Rewritten Explanation: The correct option is (d) as all the statements provided are accurate.

Some people in Manipur live in houses built on floating islands made up of:

1998Geography
ABamboo and water hyacinth
BTree logs and grass
CStones and mud
DSteel and concrete

Explanation

In Manipur, certain individuals reside in homes constructed on floating islands known as phumdis, which are crafted from bamboo and water hyacinth. These unique habitats are situated on Loktak Lake.

Consider the following statements. Which one of these is not true with regard to the Himalayas?

1997Geography
AThey are fold mountains
BThey have steep southern slopes
CThey are well wooded on the northern slopes
DThey have snow throughout the year

Explanation

The statement that the Himalayas are well wooded on the northern slopes is not true. This is because the monsoon winds that come from the south bring heavy rainfall to the southern slopes, leading to lush vegetation there.

They are people of yellow complexion, oblique eyes, high check bones, sparse hair and medium height. The reference here is to:

1997Geography
ANordic Aryans
BAustrics
CNegroids
DMongoloids

Explanation

The individuals described as having yellow skin, slanting eyes, prominent cheekbones, thin hair, and average height are classified as Mongoloids. Mongoloids reside in northern, eastern, and south-east Asia, and are characterized by a distinct fold of skin on their upper eyelids, straight and sleek hair, and medium stature. This group encompasses populations such as the Chinese, Japanese, Burmese, Thais, Vietnamese, and Malays.

Which one of the following mountain ranges is spread over only one State in India?

1996Geography
AAravali
BSatpura
CAjanta
DSahyadri

Explanation

The Ajanta mountain range is a small range that is located exclusively within the state of Maharashtra.

The alpine vegetation in the Western Himalayas is found only up to a height of 3000 metres while in the Eastern Himalayas it is found up to a height of 4000 metres. The reason for this variation in the same mountain range is that:

1995Geography
AEastern Himalayas are higher than Western Himalayas
BEastern Himalayas are nearer to the equator and sea coast than the Western Himalayas
CEastern Himalayas get more monsoon rainfall than the Western Himalayas
DEastern Himalayan rocks are more fertile than the Western Himalayan rocks

Explanation

The difference in the altitude range of alpine vegetation between the Western and Eastern Himalayas is due to the fact that the Eastern Himalayas receive a greater amount of monsoon rainfall compared to the Western Himalayas. This increased rainfall creates more favorable conditions for alpine vegetation to thrive at higher altitudes in the Eastern Himalayas.

The Indian subcontinent was originally a part of a huge land mass called:

1995Geography
AJurassic land mass
BAryavarta
CIndiana
DGondwana continent

Explanation

Geologists suggest that the Indian subcontinent was previously connected to a large landmass known as Gondwanaland, before it moved in a northward direction.

Arakan Yoma is the extension of the Himalayas located in:

1995Geography
ABaluchistan
BMyanmar
CNepal
DKashmir

Explanation

Arakan Yoma is the extension of the Himalayas situated in western Myanmar. This mountain range is connected to the eastern Himalayas and encompasses the Naga hills, the Chin hills, and the Patkai range, which consists of the Lushai hills.