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Physical Geography Lithosphere

Asked 31 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1997 · last asked 2025

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Which of the following are the evidences of the phenomenon of continental drift? I. The belt of ancient rocks from Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa. II. The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side. III. The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

2025Geography
AI and III only
BI and II only
CI, II and III
DII and III only

Explanation

The evidences of the phenomenon of continental drift include the matching ancient rocks from Brazil coast and Western Africa, the gold deposits of Ghana derived from the Brazil plateau, and the presence of Gondwana system sediments from India in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere. These examples support the theory of continental drift proposed by Alfred Wegener, highlighting the past connections between continents that have since drifted apart.

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In the context of effect of water on rocks, chalk is known as a very permeable rock whereas clay is known as quite an impermeable or least permeable rock. Statement II: Chalk is porous and hence can absorb water. Statement III: Clay is not at all porous. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

2025Geography
ABoth Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
BBoth Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
COnly one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
DNeither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Explanation

Chalk is a very permeable rock due to its porosity, allowing it to absorb water. On the other hand, clay is considered quite impermeable or least permeable, as it has very low porosity, making it difficult for water to pass through. This difference in porosity between chalk and clay explains why chalk is known for being permeable while clay is known for being impermeable.

Consider the following: 1. Pyroclastic debris 2. Ash and dust 3. Nitrogen compounds 4. Sulphur compounds. How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

2024Geography
AOnly one
BOnly two
COnly three
DAll four

Explanation

Pyroclastic debris, ash and dust, nitrogen compounds, and sulfur compounds are all products of volcanic eruptions. During volcanic eruptions, these materials are ejected from the volcano and can have various impacts on the environment and climate.

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Rainfall is one of the reasons for weathering of rocks. Statement-II: Rain water contains carbon dioxide in solution. Statement-III: Rain water contains atmospheric oxygen. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

2024Geography
ABoth Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I
BBoth Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement-I
COnly one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement-I
DNeither Statement-II nor Statement-III is correct

Explanation

Rainwater contains carbon dioxide and atmospheric oxygen, which can react with minerals in rocks during weathering processes. Carbon dioxide in rainwater forms carbonic acid, which can dissolve minerals in rocks, leading to their weathering. Additionally, atmospheric oxygen can also contribute to the oxidation of minerals in rocks, further aiding in their breakdown.

Consider the following statements: 1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves. 2. 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?

2023Geography
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves because P waves are faster than S waves. P waves cause particles to vibrate in the direction of wave propagation, while S waves cause particles to vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of

2021Geography
Abrown forest soil
Bfissure volcanic rock
Cgranite and schist
Dshale and limestone

Explanation

The black cotton soil in India has been formed due to the weathering of fissure volcanic rock. This type of soil is known for its high clay content, which is a result of the weathering process of volcanic rocks. The presence of minerals like montmorillonite gives the soil its characteristic black color and unique properties.

Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms? 1. Continental drift 2. Glacial cycles Select the correct answer using the code given below.

2014Geography
A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation

The evolution of organisms might have been influenced by both Continental drift and glacial cycles. The final stages of the evolution of the Genus Homo took place during the last three glacial cycles.

Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? Geographical Feature - Region

2013Geography
AAbyssinian Plateau : Arabia
BAtlas Mountains : North-Western Africa
CGuiana Highlands : South-Western Africa
DOkavango Basin : Patagonia

Explanation

The correctly matched pair among the options given is (b) Atlas Mountains : North-Western Africa. The Atlas mountain ranges span nearly 2000 km in the north-western region of Africa, passing through countries such as Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

Variations in the length of daytime and nighttime from season to season are due to

2013Geography
Athe earth's rotation on its axis
Bthe earth's revolution round the sun in an elliptical manner
Clatitudinal position of the place
Drevolution of the earth on a tilted axis.

Explanation

The changing lengths of daytime and nighttime throughout the seasons occur because the Earth revolves on a tilted axis.

Consider the following pairs: 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?

2013Geography
A1, 2, 3 and 4 only
B1, 3, 5 and 6 only
C2, 4, 5 and 6 only
D1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Explanation

Various factors contribute to the dynamic changes on Earth's surface. These include electromagnetic radiation, geothermal energy, gravitational force, plate movements, the rotation of the earth, and the revolution of the earth. These elements collectively influence the surface of the earth, leading to continuous changes.

What is difference between asteroids and comets? 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?

2011Geography
A1 and 2 only
B1 and 3 only
C3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Asteroids and comets have distinct differences. Asteroids are small rocky celestial bodies, while comets are composed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material. Asteroids are primarily located between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, whereas comets are typically found between Venus and Mercury. One key distinguishing feature is that comets display a noticeable glowing tail, while asteroids do not. Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3 only, making the answer (b).

Which one of the following reflects back more sunlight as compared to other three?

2010Geography
ASand desert
BPaddy crop
CLand covered with fresh snow
DPrairie land

Explanation

The land covered with fresh snow reflects the most sunlight compared to the other options given - a sand desert, paddy crop, and prairie land. This is because snow has the highest albedo among them.

Which one of the following planets has largest number of natural satellites or moons?

2009Geography
AJupiter
BMars
CSaturn
DVenus

Explanation

Among the given options, Jupiter has the highest number of natural satellites or moons, with a total of 63. Saturn follows closely behind with 61 moons, while Mars has 2 moons and Venus does not have any moons.

In the structure of planet Earth, below the mantle, the core is mainly made up of which one of the following?

2009Geography
AAluminium
BChromium
CIron
DSilicon

Explanation

In the composition of planet Earth, the core beneath the mantle is primarily composed of iron and nickel.

How can the height of a person who is six feet tall be expressed (approximately) in nanometers?

2008Geography
A183 × 10^6 nanometres
B234 × 10^6 nanometres
C183 × 10^7 nanometres
D234 × 10^7 nanometres

Explanation

To express the height of a person who is six feet tall in nanometers, we can convert feet to centimeters. Given that 1 foot is equivalent to 30.5 centimeters, 6 feet would be 183 centimeters. Therefore, the approximate height in nanometers would be 183 × 10^7 nanometers, which corresponds to option (c).

Assertion (A): To orbit around the Sun the planet Mars takes lesser time than the time taken by the earth. Reason (R): The diameter of the planet Mars is less than that of earth.

2006Geography
ABoth 'A' and 'R' are individually true and 'R' is the correct explanation of 'A'
BBoth 'A' and 'R' are individually true but 'R' is not the correct explanation of 'A'
C'A' is true but 'R' is false
D'A' is false but 'R' is true

Explanation

In the comparison between Mars and Earth orbiting the Sun, it is a fact that Mars takes less time to complete one revolution around the Sun than Earth. The reason for this is not due to the diameter of Mars being smaller than Earth, as stated in the Reason. The correct explanation is that Mars' orbital period is approximately 1.88 Earth years, making Assertion (A) false.

Assertion (A): The same face of the moon is always presented to the earth. Reason (R): The moon rotates about its own axis in 23 and half days which is about the same time that it takes to orbit the earth.

2005Geography
ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
BBoth A and R are true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
CA is true but R is false
DA is false but R is true

Explanation

In the context of Physical Geography, the assertion that the same face of the moon is always facing the earth is supported by the fact that the moon completes one rotation on its axis in approximately 27.322 days. This phenomenon is closely aligned with the time it takes for the moon to orbit the earth. The reason given is that the moon's rotation period and its orbital period are nearly the same. The correct option in this scenario is (c), where the assertion is true but the reason is false.

Consider the following statements: 1. The Axis of the earth's magnetic field is inclined at 23 and half to the geographic axis of the earth. 2. The earth's magnetic pole in the Northern Hemisphere is located on a Peninsula in Northern Canada. 3. The earth's magnetic equator passes through Thumba in South India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2005Geography
A1, 2 and 3
B2 and 3
C2 only
D3 only

Explanation

The Earth's magnetic field is tilted at an angle of 23 and a half degrees in relation to the geographic axis. The magnetic pole in the Northern Hemisphere is situated on a peninsula in Northern Canada. The Earth's magnetic equator runs through Thumba in South India. The correct statements are 2 and 3, making option (b) the correct choice. Original: Earth's magnetic field is inclined between –90° to 90°. In the northern hemisphere it points downwards and upward in the southern hemisphere. Rewritten: The Earth's magnetic field ranges from -90° to 90° in inclination. It points downward in the northern hemisphere and upward in the southern hemisphere.

Among the following which planet takes maximum time for one revolution around the Sun?

2003Geography
AEarth
BJupiter
CMars
DVenus

Explanation

Jupiter takes the longest time to complete one orbit around the Sun, which is 11 years and 86 days. In comparison, Mars takes 687 days, and Venus takes 267 days.

Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to our solar system?

2002Geography
AThe earth is the densest of all the planets in our solar system
BThe predominant element in the composition of earth is silicon
CThe sun contains 75 percent of the mass of the solar system
DThe diameter of the sun is 190 times that of the earth

Explanation

In our solar system, the correct statement is that the Earth is the densest planet. Earth's density is 5.52, while Venus has a density of 5.50, Mercury 5.27, and Mars 3.95.

Who amongst the following was the first to state that the earth was spherical?

2001Geography
AAristotle
BCopernicus
CPtolemy
DStrabo

Explanation

The first person to assert that the Earth was round was Aristotle in 340 B.C. He made this claim in his book 'On the Heaven'.

Consider the following statements made about sedimentary rocks: 1. Sedimentary rocks are formed at 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?

2001Geography
A1 and 2
B1 and 4
C2, 3 and 4
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

Sedimentary rocks are formed on the Earth's surface through the hydrological system, involving the weathering of existing rocks. These rocks often contain fossils and are commonly found in layers. Hence, all the statements presented regarding sedimentary rocks are correct.

Volcanic eruptions do not occur in:

2001Geography
ABaltic Sea
BBlack Sea
CCaribbean Sea
DCaspian Sea

Explanation

Volcanic eruptions are not found in the Baltic Sea. This is because the basaltic rock present in the Baltic Sea has been carried there by glaciers.

Quartzite is metamorphosed from:

2001Geography
Alimestone
Bobsidian
Csandstone
Dshale

Explanation

Quartzite is formed through the process of metamorphism from sandstone.

Identify the correct order of the process of soil-erosion from the following:

2001Geography
ASplash erosion, Sheet erosion, Rill erosion, Gully erosion
BSheet erosion, Splash erosion, Gully erosion, Rill erosion
CRill erosion, Gully erosion, Sheet erosion, Splash erosion
DGully erosion, Rill erosion, Sheet erosion, Splash erosion

Explanation

In the process of soil erosion, the correct order is splash erosion, sheet erosion, rill erosion, and gully erosion, as presented in option (a).

Physical regions marked as 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the given map are respectively:

1999Geography
AAndes, Brazilian Shield, Guyana Highlands and Amazon Basin
BAndes, Guyana Highlands, Brazilian Shield and Amazon Basin
CAmazon Basin, Guyana Highlands, Brazilians Shield and Andes
DGuyana Highlands, Brazilian Shield Andes and Amazon Basin

Explanation

In the figure provided, the physical regions labeled as 1, 2, 3, and 4 correspond to the Andes, Brazilian Shield, Guyana Highlands, and Amazon Basin respectively. The correct option is (a) Andes, Brazilian Shield, Guyana Highlands, and Amazon Basin.

Which one of the following types of coal contains a higher percentage of carbon than the rest?

1999Geography
ABituminous coal
BLignite
CPeat
DAnthracite

Explanation

Anthracite coal is known for its dense, shiny appearance and high carbon content. It contains 91% carbon, making it the type of coal with the highest percentage of carbon among the options provided. Additionally, anthracite has low volatility and burns with minimal smoke.

Consider the following statements regarding asteroids: 1. Asteroids are rocky debris of varying size orbiting the sun 2. Most of the asteroids are small but some have diameter as large and 1000 km 3. The orbit of asteroids lies between the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn Of these statements:

1998Geography
A1, 2 and 3 are correct
B2 and 3 are correct
C1 and 2 are correct
D1 and 3 are correct

Explanation

Asteroids are rocky fragments of various sizes that orbit the sun. While most asteroids are small, some can be as large as 1000 km in diameter. These space rocks orbit between Jupiter and Saturn. The correct statements regarding asteroids are that they are rocky debris of varying size orbiting the sun and some have diameters as large as 1000 km.

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer: List-I (Special characteristic): A. Smallest planet of the solar system, B. Largest planet of the solar system, C. Planet second from the Sun in the solar system, D. Planet nearest to the Sun. List-II (Name of planet): 1. Mercury, 2. Venus, 3. Jupiter, 4. Pluto, 5. Saturn.

1998Geography
AA-2; B-3; C-5; D-1
BA-3; B-5; C-1; D-2
CA-4; B-1; C-2; D-3
DA-4; B-3; C-2; D-1

Explanation

In this question, you were asked to match the special characteristics of planets with their respective names. The smallest planet in the solar system is Pluto, the largest planet is Jupiter, the planet second from the Sun is Venus, and the planet nearest to the Sun is Mercury. The correct matching of these characteristics with the planets is as follows: A-4; B-3; C-2; D-1, which means Pluto is the smallest, Jupiter is the largest, Venus is second from the Sun, and Mercury is the nearest to the Sun.

The group of small pieces of rock revolving round the sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter are called:

1997Geography
Ameteors
Bcomets
Cmeteorites
Dasteroids

Explanation

Asteroids are a collection of small rocky fragments that orbit the sun between Mars and Jupiter. There are about 40,000 asteroids in this region.

Which one of the following stars is nearest to the Earth?

1997Geography
APolaris
BAlpha Centauri
CSun
DSirius

Explanation

The Sun is the closest star to Earth among the options provided. It is situated at a distance of 150 million kilometers from our planet and has incredibly high temperatures exceeding 15 million degrees Celsius.