PRELIMS

TEST SERIES 2023

PT MAXIMA
TEST: 26
GEOGRAPHY - 1
(NCERT)
Fundamental of Geography of India
and the World

8448496262 iasscore.in
 DO NOT OPEN THIS TEST BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED TO DO SO

PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/26

Test No.
GENERAL STUDIES

GEOGRAPHY - 1 26
Time Allowed: One Hour Maximum Marks: 100

INSTRUCTIONS

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1. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXAMINATION, YOU SHOULD CHECK THAT
THIS TEST BOOKLET DOES NOT HAVE ANY UNPRINTED OR TORN OR MISSING PAGES OR ITEMS,
ETC. IF SO, GET IT REPLACED BY A COMPLETE TEST BOOKLET.
2. Please note that it is the candidate’s responsibility to encode and fill in the Roll Number carefully
without any omission or discrepancy at the appropriate places in the OMR Answer Sheet. Any
omission/discrepancy will render the Answer Sheet liable for rejection.
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3. You have to enter your Roll Number on the test booklet in the Box provided
alongside. DO NOT write anything else on the Test Booklet.
4. This Test Booklet contains 50 items (questions). Each item is printed in English. Each item comprises four
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responses (answers). You will select the response which you want to mark on the Answer Sheet. In case you
feel that there is more than one correct response, mark the response which you consider the best. In any case,
choose ONLY ONE response for each item.
5. You have to mark all your responses ONLY on the separate Answer Sheet provided. See directions in the
Answer Sheet.
6. All items carry equal marks.
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7. Before you proceed to mark in the Answer Sheet in response to various items in the Test Booklet, you have to
fill in some particulars in the Answer Sheet as per instructions sent to you with your Admission Certificate.
8. After you have completed filling in all your responses on the Answer Sheet and the examination has concluded,
you should hand over to the Invigilator only the Answer Sheet. You are permitted to take away with you the
Test Booklet.
9. Sheets for rough work are appended in the Test Booklet at the end.
10. Penalty for wrong answers:
THERE WILL BE PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS MARKED BY A CANDIDATE IN THE OBJECTIVE
TYPE QUESTION PAPERS.
(i) There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a wrong answer
has been given by the candidate, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as
penalty.
(ii) If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given
answers happens to be correct and there will be same penalty as above to that question.
(iii) If a question is left blank, i.e., no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that
question.

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1. Consider the following statements regarding (c) 2 only
Earthquake Waves:
(d) 1, 2 and 3
1. All natural earthquakes take place in the
asthenosphere. 4. Which of the following is/are the features of
2. Surface waves are generated at the focus the Mass Movement?
and move in all the directions through 1. It is a form of erosion made possible by
the body of the Earth. gravity.
3. S-Waves propagation reveals that the 2. Mass movements are favoured by
outer core of the Earth is in liquid form. torrential rainfall, scarcity of vegetation,
4. P- Waves propagate longitudinally while etc.
S-Waves propagate transversally. 3. Weathering is not a pre-requisite for
mass movement.
Which of the above statements are correct?
Select the correct answer using the codes given
(a) 1 and 3 only below:
(b) 3 and 4 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 4 only

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(b) 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Which of the following pairs regarding the
earth’s origin hypotheses is/are correctly
5. Which of the following is an indirect source for
matched?
studying Earth’s interior?
1. Nebular Hypothesis: Immanuel Kant-
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Laplace
2. Chamberlain and Moulton theory: The (b) Seismic Activity
planets were formed out of a cloud of (c) Magnetic field of Earth
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material associated with a youthful
(d) All of the above are indirect sources
rotating sun
3. Big Bang Theory: Edwin Hubble 6. Consider the following statements regarding
Select the correct answer using the codes given Body Waves:
below: 1. The velocity and density changes as the
Body waves travel through materials
(a) Only one pair
of different densities that help in
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(b) No any pairs understanding the structure of Earth’s

interior.
(c) All pairs
2. Both P-waves and S-waves are Body
(d) Only two pairs waves.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
3. Consider the following pairs:
(a) 1 only
1. Lapoliths: saucer shaped intrusive
landforms (b) 2 only
2. Sills: horizontal intrusive igneous (c) Both 1 and 2
landform (d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Dykes: large dome-shaped intrusive
bodies connected by a pipe-like conduit 7. Which of the following does not come under
from below Rapid Movements?
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly 1. Solifluction
matched? 2. Earthflow
(a) 1 and 2 only 3. Mudflow
(b) 1 and 3 only 4. Debris Avalanche

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Select the correct answer using codes given air below that surface down to the Sea
below: Level.
(a) 1 only 2. As we go vertically upwards, we feel
lower pressure.
(b) 1 and 3 only
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 2 only
8. The Kashmir Himalayas are famous for (c) Both 1 and 2
Karewa formations. In this context consider (d) Neither 1 nor 2
the following statements about the Karewa
formations:
11. ‘The Big Splat’ theory describes the formation
1. It occupies an oval-shaped depression of the:
between the Pir Panjal Range in the
South West and Zanskar Range in North 1. Sun
East of Kashmir. 2. Earth
2. Only Zafran can grow in these

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3. Moon
formations. 4. Mars
Which of the above statements is/are Select the correct answer using codes given
incorrect? below:
(a) 1 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only O (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) All of the above
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9. Match the following: 12. How is/are Feldspar different from Pyroxene?
Terms Definitions 1. Pyroxene has larger share than the
A. Lithification 1. Arrangement of Feldspar in the composition of earth’s
minerals into thin to crust.
thick layers 2. Pyroxene is green or black in colour,
while Feldspar is light cream or salmon
B. Foliation 2. Turning of
pink in colour.
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fragments into rocks

through compaction Select the correct answer using the codes given
below:
C. Banding 3. Arrangement of
minerals in layers in (a) 1 only
metamorphic rocks
(b) 2 only
Select the correct answer using the code given (c) Both 1 and 2
below:
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
A B C
(a) 2 3 1 13. Tropical Cyclones differ from Temperate
(b) 3 2 1 Cyclones in a number of ways in this
context, which of the following statements is
(c) 2 1 3 incorrect?
(d) 1 2 3 (a) The Temperate Cyclones affect a much
larger area as compared to the Tropical
10. Consider the following statements regarding cyclone.
Atmospheric Pressure: (b) The Tropical Cyclones move from west to
1. It is the force per unit area exerted east but, Temperate Cyclones move from
against a surface by the weight of the east to west.

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(c) The Temperate Cyclones can originate Select the correct answer using the codes given
over the land and sea but Tropical below:
Cyclones can originate only over the A B C D
seas.
(a) 2 3 1 4
(d) The Temperate Cyclones have a clear
frontal system whereas the Tropical (b) 4 3 1 2
Cyclones do not have the frontal system. (c) 4 2 1 3
(d) 2 3 4 1
14. Which of the following statements is/are
correct? 17. Consider the following statements regarding
1. A river drains the water gathered from a Drainage Patterns:
particular region known as its catchment 1. The drainage pattern is referred to be
area. “centripetal” when the rivers originate
2. The term “watershed” refers to the line on a hill and flow in all directions.
defining the boundary between two 2. The drainage pattern resembling the
drainage basins. branches of a tree is known as ‘trellis’.

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Select the correct answer using the codes given Which of the above statements is/are correct?
below: (a) 1 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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18. Which of the following evidences support the
Continental Drift Theory?
15. Consider the following statements regarding
Terrestrial Planets: 1. Matching of Africa and South America
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continents.
1. They were formed much later than the
Jovian planets. 2. Rocks of the same age across the oceans

2. They are made up of rock and metals and 3. Absences of source rock in the region of
rich placer deposits
have relatively high densities.
4. Distribution of fossils
Which of the above statements is/are
incorrect? Select the correct answer using the code given
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below:
(a) 1 only
(a) 3 and 4 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

16. Match the following:

19. Arrange the following Stages of the evolution
List-I List-II of the earth’s atmosphere in chronological
order:
A. Solution 1. Takes place below the
water table 1. Process of photosynthesis
2. Loss of primordial atmosphere
B. Carbonation 2. Removal of solids in
solution 3. Hot gases outpoured from the interior

C. Hydration 3. Breaking down of Select the correct answer using the code given
feldspar below:

D. Reduction 4. Minerals take up water (a) 2-1-3

and expand (b) 1-2-3

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(c) 2-3-1 3. Diastrophism
(d) 3-2-1 4. Volcanism
Select the correct answer by using the code
20. Consider the following statements regarding given below:
the Peaty soil and the Forest soil:
(a) 1 only
1. Forest soil is acidic while peaty soil is
(b) 2 only
alkaline in nature at many places.
2. Peaty soils are found only in Kerala (c) 3 only
(India). (d) 4 only
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
24. Which of the following assertions accurately
(a) 1 only
distinguishes between the Jovian and
(b) 2 only terrestrial planets?
(c) Both 1 and 2 1. The Jovian planets are more spherical
than the Terrestrial planets.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. The only planets referred described as

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inferior are Mercury and Venus.
21. Consider the following statements:
Select the correct answer using the codes given
1. The amount of solar energy that the earth
below:
receives is measured as insolation.
(a) 1 only
2. Light which falls only in the visible range
of the spectrum is affected by albedo.
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3. The isotherms are line joining places (c) Both 1 and 2
having an equal temperature.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which of above statements is/are correct?
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(a) 3 only 25. Physical and Mechanical weathering processes
depend on:
(b) 1 and 2 only
1. Gravitational forces such as overburden
(c) 1 and 3 only pressure, load and shearing stress.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 2. Expansion forces due to temperature
changes, crystal growth or animal
22. Consider the following statements: activity.
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1. Soil Erosion refers to absolute soil losses 3. Water pressures controlled by wetting
in terms of topsoil and nutrients. and drying cycles.
2. Soil degradation is the main factor Select the correct answer using the codes given
leading to the depleting soil resource below:
base in India. (a) 1 and 2 only
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1 only (c) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 26. The temperature in an atmospheric layer from
which the Radio waves are reflected back to
the Earth:
23. Erosion is the process by which the earth’s
surface wears down its relief variations known 1. Increases with height
as: 2. Decreases with height
1. Gradation 3. Remains constant
2. Deposition 4. First increases then decreases

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 .
Select the correct answer using codes given 30. Which of the following statements is/are
below: incorrect regarding biome?
(a) 1 only 1. It consists of biotic and abiotic
components, which are interacting with
(b) 1 and 2 only each other.
(c) 3 only 2. It is a plant and animal community that
(d) None of them covers a large geographical area.
Select the correct answer using the code given
27. Which of the following factors are responsible below:
for the variations in insolation at the surface (a) 1 only
of the Earth?
(b) 2 only
1. Revolution of the earth around the sun
(c) Both 1 and 2
2. Rotation of earth on its axis
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays
4. Length of the day
31. Consider the following pairs:
5. Transparency of the atmosphere

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1. Igneous: Solidification from magma and
Select the correct answer using the code given lava
below: 2. Sedimentary: Deposition of fragments of
(a) 4 and 5 only rocks
3. Metamorphic: Recrystallization of
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
existing rocks
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
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(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 matched?
(a) Only one pair
28. What are the results of EI-Nino condition?
(b) Only two pairs
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1. Westward-blowing trade winds weaken
along the Equator (c) No any pair

2. Decrease in the temperature of the water
on the Peruvian coast
3. Reduction in the number of planktons
and hence fishing in the Eastern Pacific
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(d) All the three pairs
32. Consider the following statements regarding
the Inversion of Temperature:
1. A long summer night with clouded skies

Select the correct answer using the codes given

is ideal situation for inversion.
below:
2. An annual temperature inversion occurs
(a) 1 only across polar regions.
(b) 1 and 3 only Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(c) 2 and 3 only (a) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
29. Which of the following statements is incorrect
regarding variation of biodiversity over Earth’s (d) Neither 1 nor 2
surface?
(a) Terrestrial biodiversity is higher near 33. The main reason that the Earth experiences
the equator than poles. the highest temperature in the subtropics in
the northern hemisphere rather than at the
(b) Exogenic processes play no role in Equator is:
influencing biodiversity.
(a) Subtropical areas tend to have less cloud
(c) The polar region has a large population cover than equatorial areas.
of fewer species than the tropical region.
(b) Subtropical areas have longer day hours
(d) None of the above. in the summer than the equatorial.

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(c) Subtropical areas have an enhanced 37. Which of the following statements is/are
“greenhouse effect” compared to correct regarding Igneous Rocks?
equatorial areas. 1. The process of cooling and solidification
(d) Subtropical areas are nearer to the oceanic of magma happens either in the earth’s
areas than the equatorial locations. crust or on the surface of the earth.
2. Large grains are produced as a result
34. Consider the following statements regarding of the abrupt cooling of magma at the
Erosional process: earth’s surface.
1. It is controlled by the Kinetic Energy. 3. Gabbro, breccia, and tuff are some of the
2. Weathering is a pre-condition for erosion examples of the igneous rocks.
to take place. Select the correct answer using the code given
Which of the above statements is/are correct? below:

(a) 1 only (a) 3 only

(b) 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3

(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 1 and 2 only

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(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 1 and 3 only

35. Consider the following oceanic features and 38. Consider the following statements regarding
their characteristics: the Ice Cap Climate:
1. Continental Shelf: Active volcanoes and 1. An ice cap climate has summer seasons,
unlike the tundra climate.
strong earthquake
2. Continental
trenches
Slope: Canyons
Oand 2. Areas that experience ice cap climate
are not suitable for permanent human
habitation due to the extreme climate.
3. Deep-Sea Plain: flattest and smoothest
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regions Which of the above statements is/are
incorrect?
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
matched? (a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(b) 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
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(d) 1, 2 and 3
39. “Cloud is a mass of minute water droplets or
tiny crystals of ice formed by the condensation
36. Consider the following statements regarding
of the water vapour in free air at considerable
the dew formation in the atmosphere:
elevations”. In this context, consider the
1. Clear skies, quiet air, high relative following statements:
humidity, chilly and prolonged nights
1. Cirrus clouds are always white in colour.
are the optimum circumstances for its
formation. 2. Cumulus clouds look like cotton wool and
they have a circular base.
2. The dew point needs to be below the
freezing point for dew to form. 3. Nimbus clouds are black or dark gray in
color.
Which of the above statements is/are
incorrect? Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 1, 2 and 3

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40. Consider the following statements regarding 1. Black Soil
the World Distribution of Rainfall: 2. Red and Yellow Soil
1. Between the latitudes 35 degrees and 40 3. Laterite Soil
degrees N and S of the equator, the rain
4. Forest Soil
is heavier on the eastern coasts and goes
on decreasing towards the west. Select the correct answer using codes given
below:
2. Despite being a significant water source,
rainfall over the oceans is often lower (a) 3 and 4 only
than on land. (b) 2 and 3 only
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (c) 3 only
(a) 1 only (d) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 only
44. Consider the following statements:
(c) Both 1 and 2
1. Potential evaporation exceeds
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 precipitation in arid climates.
2. The annual range of temperature is

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41. Consider the following statements with maximum at equator.
reference to the Spring Tides:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. The sun and the moon are at right angles
during these tides. (a) 1 only

2. They occur during the full moon period (b) 2 only

and the new moon period. (c) Both 1 and 2
Which of the following statements is/are
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correct?
(a) 1 only 45. Consider the following statements in the
context of solar radiation:
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(b) 2 only
1. The earth’s surface receives most of its
(c) Both 1 and 2 energy in short wavelengths.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Perihelion refers to the position of the
earth on July 4th during its rotation
around the sun.
42. Which of the following statements is/are correct
regarding the Inter-Tropical Convergence 3. The position of the earth on January 3rd
is known as aphelion during the earth’s
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Zone (ITCZ)?
rotation around the sun.
1. It is a zone of high pressure, located
around the equator. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. It is a zone where air tends to ascend (a) 1 and 2 only
from the earth’s surface. (b) 1 only
3. It facilitates the onset of both southwest (c) 3 only
as well as northeast monsoons.
(d) 1 and 3 only
Select the correct answer using the code given
below:
46. Consider the following statements regarding
(a) 2 only Coriolis force:
(b) 2 and 3 only 1. It decreases in moving towards the
poles.
(c) 3 only
2. It acts parallel to the pressure gradient
(d) 1, 2 and 3 force and strengthens the wind speed.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
43. Which of the following soils develops because
of intense leaching caused due to high rainfall (a) 1 only
and high temperature? (b) 2 only

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(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

47. Consider the following statements regarding 49. Consider the following statements regarding
Forest Cover and Forest Area: Exfoliated Domes and Exfoliated Tors:
1. The forest cover is the area notified and 1. Both are developed from expansion due
recorded as the forest land irrespective to unloading and pressure release.
of the existence of trees, while the actual 2. Exfoliated domes are large, smooth
forest area is the area occupied by forests rounded domes, while exfoliated tors are
with canopy. smooth, surfaced and rounded small to
2. The forest area is based on the records big boulders.
of the State Revenue Department,
Which of the above statements is/are
while the forest cover is based on aerial
incorrect?
photographs and satellite imageries.
(a) 1 only
Which of the above statements is/are
incorrect? (b) 2 only

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(a) 1 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
50. Which of the following pairs are incorrectly
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 matched?
1. Tropical Deciduous Forest: Acidic and
48. Consider the following statements regarding
Dust Particles:
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1. The higher concentration of dust particles
is found in the equatorial region in
poor in nutrients
2. Tropical Equatorial Forest: Rich in soil
fertility with decaying litter
comparison to subtropical and temperate 3. Temperate Forest: Rich in nutrients
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regions. 4. Boreal Forest: Thin soil cover
2. Dust and salt particles act as hygroscopic Select the correct answer using the code given
nuclei. below:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only (b) 3 and 4 only
2 only
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(b) (c) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

™™™™™

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 Space for Rough Work

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Test No.

IAS Prelims - 2023

26
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/26

GENERAL STUDIES

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GEOGRAPHY - 1
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Answer Key
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Q. 1 (b) Q. 11 (c) Q. 21 (c) Q. 31 (d) Q. 41 (b)

Q. 2 (d) Q. 12 (b) Q. 22 (c) Q. 32 (b) Q. 42 (b)

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Q. 3 (a) Q. 13 (b) Q. 23 (a) Q. 33 (a) Q. 43 (c)

Q. 4 (c) Q. 14 (c) Q. 24 (b) Q. 34 (a) Q. 44 (a)

Q. 5 (d) Q. 15 (a) Q. 25 (d) Q. 35 (c) Q. 45 (b)

Q. 6 (c) Q. 16 (d) Q. 26 (a) Q. 36 (b) Q. 46 (d)

Q. 7 (a) Q. 17 (d) Q. 27 (b) Q. 37 (d) Q. 47 (a)

Q. 8 (b) Q. 18 (d) Q. 28 (b) Q. 38 (a) Q. 48 (b)

Q. 9 (a) Q. 19 (c) Q. 29 (b) Q. 39 (b) Q. 49 (a)

Q. 10 (b) Q. 20 (a) Q. 30 (d) Q. 40 (a) Q. 50 (c)

1
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1. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: All natural
earthquakes take place in the lithosphere.
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Body waves are
generated at the focus and move in all the
directions through the body of the Earth
(3-dimensional).
Earthquake
 An earthquake in simple words is shaking
of the Earth.
 It is a natural event, caused due to the
release of energy, which generates waves
that travel in all directions.
 The release of energy occurs along a fault, a
sharp break in the crustal rocks.
 The point where the energy is released
is called the focus or hypocentre of an
earthquake. The energy waves traveling in
different directions reach the surface. The
point on the surface, nearest to the focus,
is called epicenter. It is the first one to
experience the waves.

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This release of energy is propagated as
waves or simply saying Earthquake Waves.
Earthquake Waves
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 The Earthquakes Waves are recorded on
the seismograph.
 There are basically two types of Earthquake
Waves – Body waves and surface waves.
Body Waves
 Body waves are generated at the focus
and move in all the directions through
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the body of the Earth (3-dimensional).
They are the fastest in reaching to the
surface.
 They are of two types viz. Primary waves/P-
waves and Secondary waves/S-waves.
Primary waves/P-waves
 P-waves moves longitudinally i.e. the
propagation and vibration are in a same
direction similar to the sound waves. They
are the fastest of all the earthquake waves.
They travel through gaseous, liquid and
solid materials.
Secondary waves/S-waves
 S-waves are second to reach at the surface
after P-waves. As they can travel only
through solid materials of the Earth, they
cannot pass through Earth’s outer core;
therefore their shadow zone is broader than
that of P-waves. This reveals that the
outer core of the Earth is not in solid
form.
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.
 S-waves propagate transversally i.e. the
direction of propagation and the direction of
vibration is perpendicular to each other.
Surface waves
 Surface waves are generated when the
body waves interact with the surface rocks.
As they move along the surface and the
direction of the vibration is perpendicular to
the propagation, these waves are considered
as the most damaging one.
Topic: Earthquake
Sub-topic: Earthquake Waves
2. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
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 Pair 2 is incorrectly matched:
Chamberlain and Moulton considered that
a wandering star approached the sun which
resulted in separation of a cigar-shaped
extension of the material from the solar
surface that slowly condensed into planets.
Early theories of Origin of the Earth
 One of the earlier and popular arguments
was by German philosopher Immanuel
Kant. Mathematician Laplace revised it in
1796. It is known as the Nebular Hypothesis.
The hypothesis considered that the planets
were formed out of a cloud of material
associated with a youthful sun, which was
slowly rotating.
 In 1900, Chamberlain and Moulton
considered that a wandering star
approached the sun. As a result, a
cigar-shaped extension of the material
was separated from the solar surface.
As the passing star moved away, the
material separated from the solar
surface continued to revolve around
the sun and it slowly condensed into
planets.
The Big Splat Theory
 It is now generally believed that the
formation of the moon, as a satellite
of the earth, is an outcome of ‘giant
impact’ or what is described as “the big
splat”.
 A body of the size of one to three times that
of mars collided into the earth sometime
shortly after the earth was formed. It blasted
a large part of the earth into space.
 This portion of blasted material then
continued to orbit the earth and eventually
formed into the present moon about 4.44
billion years ago.
2

The Big Bang Theory
 The most popular argument regarding
the origin of the universe is the Big Bang
Theory.
 It is also called the expanding universe
hypothesis.
 According to this theory, the universe is
expanding. As time passes, galaxies move
further and further apart.
 Edwin Hubble, in 1920, provided evidence
for the same.
Topic: Origin of the earth
Sub-topic: Origin theories of the earth
3. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
RE
 Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Dykes
are vertical, wall-like intrusive igneous
landform.
Volcano
 A volcano is a place where gases, ashes and/
or molten rock material ‘lava’ escape to the

O
ground through fissures and faults, etc.
It is from asthenosphere that the molten rock
materials find their way to the surface.
SC
 If the materials remain below the surface, it
is called magma.
 If the materials find a way to come out on
the surface, it is called lava.
 These magma and lava form different types
of structure called Volcanic Landforms.
These landforms can be extrusive, or
intrusive.
GS
Extrusive Landforms
 The structure formed by Lava and other
materials such as Ashes and Pyroclastic
4. Correct Option: (c)
materials is called extrusive landforms.
These include Shield Volcano, Composite
Volcano, Caldera, and Flood Basalt
Province, etc.
 The Shield Volcanoes are formed if the
lava has low viscosity. Hence, they are not
steep. After the Basalt province, the shield
volcanoes are the largest of all the volcanoes.
Examples are Mauna Loa, Hawaiian
Islands, USA, and Galapagos Islands.
 Composite Volcanoes form in many years
after multiple eruptions. These volcanoes
contain pyroclastic materials and ashes
other than the thick and highly viscous
magmatic lava. Examples are Mount
Kilimanjaro and Mount St. Helens.
 When a large amount of magma erupts in a
short time the rock underlying the magma
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collapses. This result in depressions, called
Caldera. These are the most explosive in
nature.
 Highly fluid lava, made of basalt when
erupting on the surface, it forms a flood
basaltic province. The Deccan Trap is one
such example.
Intrusive landforms
 When the magma remains within the
lithosphere, cools over there and forms
different types of structure, are called
intrusive landforms. These include
Lacoliths, Phacoliths, Lapoliths, Sills,
Dykes, and Batholiths, etc.
 Large bodies of magmatic material that
cools in the deeper depth of the crust and
develop in the form of large domes are
Batholiths. These are the cooled portion of
magma chambers.
 Lacoliths are large dome-shaped intrusive
bodies with a level base and connected by a
pipe-like conduit from below.
 When the lava makes its way through
cracks and the fissures developed in the
land, it solidifies almost perpendicular
to the ground. It gets cooled in the same
position to develop a wall-like structure.
Such structures are called dykes. These are
the most commonly found intrusive forms in
the western Maharashtra area.
 Sills, unlike dykes, are thin horizontal
intrusive igneous landform.
 Lapoliths are intrusive volcanic
landforms having saucer shape and
concave to the sky.
Topic: Landforms
Sub-topic: Intrusive landforms
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: Mass
movements do not come under erosion
though there is a shift (aided by gravity) of
materials from one place to another.
Mass Movements
 These movements transfer the mass of rock
debris down the slopes under the direct
influence of gravity. That means, air, water
or ice do not carry debris with them from
place to place but on the other hand, the
debris may carry with it air, water or ice.
 The movements of mass may range from
slow to rapid, affecting shallow to deep
columns of materials and include creep,
flow, slide, and fall.
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 Gravity exerts its force on all matter, both
bedrock and the products of weathering. So,
weathering is not a pre-requisite for
mass movement though it aids mass
movements.
 Mass movements are very active over
weathered slopes rather than over un-
weathered materials.
 Mass movements are aided by gravity
and no geomorphic agent like running
water, glaciers, wind, waves and
currents participate in the process
of mass movements. That means mass
movements do not come under erosion
though there is a shift (aided by gravity) of
materials from one place to another.
 Materials over the slopes have their own
resistance to disturbing forces and will yield
only when force is greater than the shearing
resistance of the materials.
 Weak unconsolidated materials, thinly
bedded rocks, faults, steeply dipping beds,
vertical cliffs or steep slopes, abundant
precipitation and torrential rains and
scarcity of vegetation, etc., favour mass
movements.
O density of the material also increases with
Topic: Geomorphic Phenomenon
Sub-topic: Mass movements
SC
5. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 Option (d) is correct
 Sources for studying Earth’s interior
- There are 2 types of sources to study
GS
Earth’s interior- Direct and Indirect.
Direct Sources
 Most of our knowledge about the interior of
the earth is largely based on estimates and
inferences. Yet, a part of the information is
obtained through direct observations and
analysis of materials.
 Volcanic eruption forms another source of
obtaining direct information. As and when
the molten material (magma) is thrown onto
the surface of the earth, during volcanic
eruption it becomes available for laboratory
analysis.
Indirect Sources
 Gravitation is an indirect source. The
gravitation force is not the same at different
latitudes on the surface. It is greater near
the poles and less at the equator. This is
because of the distance from the center
at the equator being greater than that at
the poles. The gravity values also differ
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according to the mass of material. Gravity
anomalies give us information about the
distribution of mass of the material in the
crust of the earth.
 Seismic activity is one of the most
important sources of information about the
interior of the earth. The study of seismic
waves provides a complete picture of the
layered interior.
 Mining activity is both a direct as well as
an indirect source for Earth’s interior. The
most easily available solid earth material is
surface rock or the rocks we get from mining
areas. Besides mining, scientists have taken
up a number of projects like “Deep Ocean
Drilling Project” and “Integrated Ocean
Drilling Project”. These have provided large
volume of information through the analysis
of materials collected at different depths.
RE
Mining is also an indirect source as we can
analyse the properties of matter at different
depths. We know through the mining
activity that temperature and pressure
increase with the increasing distance from
the surface towards the interior in deeper
depths. Moreover, it is also known that the
depth.
 Other important indirect sources are
meteors and magnetic field.
Topic: Origin of the earth
Sub-topic: Earth’s interior
6. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
Both statements are correct

Earthquake Waves
 All natural Earthquakes (EQ) occur in the
Lithosphere (up to 200 km from the surface)
and the waves are recorded through
seismograph.
 Earthquake is basically released of energy
along a fault. Rocks along a fault tend to move
in opposite directions. As the overlying rock
strata press them, the friction locks them
together. However, their tendency to move
apart at some point of time overcomes the
friction. As a result, the blocks get deformed
and eventually, they slide past one another
abruptly. This causes a release of energy,
and the energy travel in all directions.
 There are 2 types of earthquake waves-
Body waves and Surface Waves.
Body Waves
 Body waves are generated due to the
release of energy at the focus and move in
4

all directions travelling through the body of
the earth.
 The velocity of waves changes as they travel
through materials with different densities.
The denser the material, the higher is the
velocity. Their direction also changes as
they reflect or refract when coming across
materials with different densities.
 There are 2 types of body waves:
P-waves and S-waves.
Surface Waves
 The body waves interact with the surface
rocks and generate a new set of waves called
surface waves.
 These waves are more destructive. They
cause displacement of rocks, and hence, the
collapse of structures occurs.
 The surface waves are the last to report on
a seismograph.
Topic: Earthquake
Sub-topic: Earthquake Waves
7. Correct Option (a)
Explanation:
 Option (a) is correct
O sequence. These sediments occur as
Rapid Movements
SC
 These movements are most prevalent in
humid climatic regions and occur over
gentle to steep slopes.
 Movement of water-saturated clayey or silty
earth materials down low-angle terraces
or hillsides is known as earthflow. Quite
often, the materials slump making step-like
GS
terraces and leaving arcuate scarps at their
heads and an accumulation bulge at the toe.
When slopes are steeper, even the bedrock,
especially of soft sedimentary rocks like
shale or deeply weathered igneous rock,
may slide downslope.
 Another type in this category is mudflow.
In the absence of vegetation cover and with
heavy rainfall, thick layers of weathered
materials get saturated with water and
either slowly or rapidly flows down along
definite channels.
 It looks like a stream of mud within a valley.
Mudflows occur frequently on the slopes of
erupting or recently erupted volcanoes.
 Volcanic ash, dust, and other fragments
turn into mud due to heavy rains and flow
down as tongues or streams of mud causing
great destruction to human habitations.
 A third type is the debris avalanche, which
is more characteristic of humid regions with
or without vegetation cover and occurs in
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narrow tracks on steep slopes. This debris
avalanche can be much faster than the
mudflow. Debris avalanche is similar to
snow avalanche. Solifluction is a slow
movement.
Topic: Solifluction
Sub-topic: Rapid Movements
8. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: It also helps
in the cultivation of almond, walnut, apple
and orchards
Karewa formations
 Karewas are lacustrine deposits. According
to the geographers, the Karewa Formation
RE
are glacio- fluvial-lacustrine and aeolian
loess of Plio-Pleistocene age.
 The word Karewa in Kashmiri dialect
means, “elevated table-land.” This term was
first used by Godwin-Austin (1859) and later
by Lydekker (1878) for an unconsolidated to
semi – consolidated sand-clay-conglomerate
terraces, plateaus and mounds and rest
over the Paleozoic-Mesozoic sediments of
the Kashmir ‘basin’. De Terra and Patterson
(1939) gave the first detailed account of
these Quaternary sediments.
 The Kashmir Paleozoic-Mesozoic basin,
spread over an area of about 5,200 sq km,
lies in an intermontane valley formed by
bifurcation of the Great Himalayan Range
west of the Ravi River.
 It occupies an oval-shaped depression
between the Pir Panjal Range in the South
West and Zanskar Range in North East.
The Paleozoic-Mesozoic succession rests
over the crystalline rocks of the Salkhala.
The Salkhala Crystalline together with the
overlying Paleozoic-Mesozoic sequence has
been tectonically transported as a thrust
sheet on the back of the Panjal Thrust (= Main
Central Thrust). To the NE, the Kashmir
Basin is separated from the Spiti-Zanskar
Basin by anticlinal upwarp constituted of
the rocks known as the Kishtwar-Giabal-
Nunkun-Suru Crystalline.
 The Karewa sequence, occupying an area
of about 2,500 sq km rests over the folded
Paleozoic-Mesozoic rocks of the Kashmir
Basin in the Kashmir Valley floor, above the
river alluvium. Most of the cultivated fields
in the Kashmir Valley are situated on the
Karewa sediments.
 It is extremely important for agricultural
and horticultural practices in the valley.
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The world famous variety of saffron, which
is locally known as zafran is cultivated
on this deposits. It also helps in the
cultivation of almond, walnut, apple
and orchards.
Topic: Himalayan ranges
Sub-topic: Karewa formations
9. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Option (a) is correct
Terms and their definitions
 Rocks (igneous, sedimentary and
metamorphic) of the earth’s surface are
exposed to denudational agents and are
broken up into various sizes of fragments.
Such fragments are transported by different
exogenous agencies and deposited. These
deposits turn into rocks through compaction.
This process is called lithification. In many
sedimentary rocks, the layers of deposits
retain their characteristics even after
lithification.
In the process of metamorphism in some
O Pressure at any place is 1,000 mb, then the
 Pressure at 1 km above the surface will be
rocks grains or minerals get arranged in
layers or lines. Such an arrangement of
minerals or grains in metamorphic rocks is
SC
called foliation or lineation.
 Sometimes minerals or materials of different
groups are arranged into alternating thin
to thick layers appearing in light and dark
shades. Such a structure in metamorphic
rocks is called banding and rocks displaying
banding are called banded rocks.
GS
Topic: Geomorphic Phenomenon
Sub-topic: Rocks & minerals
10. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: It is the force
per unit area exerted against a surface by
the weight of the air above that surface.
Atmospheric Pressure
 Atmospheric pressure is the weight of
a column of air contained in a unit area
from the mean sea level to the top of the
atmosphere.
 Therefore, at a place, if the air is dense for
instance near the Earth’s surface (due to
Gravity), the atmospheric pressure will be
more.
 It is expressed in atm (Atmosphere), mb
(millibar) and Pa (Pascal).
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 It is measured with the help of a mercury
barometer or the aneroid barometer.
 At sea level, the average atmospheric
pressure is 1 atm or 1,013.2 mb or 1,013.2
h Pa(kilo Pascal).
Variations of Atmospheric Pressure
 As the Pressure depends on the number of
air molecules present at any place, it varies
both vertically as well as horizontally.
 This variation of the Atmospheric Pressure
has been playing a very important role in
Weather and Climate.
 Its variation is the main cause of air motion/
wind.
Vertical Variation
The pressure decreases with height because
RE

air gets thinner.
 The average decrease is about 1 mb per
each 10m increase in elevation, subject to
other factors such as Temperature, local
topography, closeness to the sea, etc.
 Therefore, if the surface Atmospheric
(1000 – 100) mb i.e. 900mb.
 Despite high vertical pressure gradient,
there is weak upward wind because the
pressure gradient gets weakened by the
Gravitational force.
Horizontal Variation
 The horizontal variation of the Pressure
depends on the differential heating
(insolation) of the surface which causes the
differential air volumes.
 These variations are highly significant in
terms of wind direction and speed. Though
the direction and speed depend also on
Frictional force and Coriolis force.
 Horizontal distribution of pressure is studied
by drawing isobars (lines connecting places
having equal pressure) at constant levels.
Topic: Atmospheric phenomenon
Sub-topic: Atmospheric Pressure
11. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
 Option (c) is correct
The Big Splat theory
 It is now generally believed that the
formation of the moon, as a satellite of
the earth, is an outcome of ‘giant impact’ or
what is described as “the big splat”.
6

 A body of the size of one to three times that
of mars collided into the earth sometime
shortly after the earth was formed. It blasted
a large part of the earth into space.
 This portion of blasted material then
continued to orbit the earth and eventually
formed into the present moon about 4.44
billion years ago.
Topic: Formation of the moon
Sub-topic: Big Splat theory
12. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: Feldspar is
present in more than half of the earth’s
crust, while Pyroxene forms 10% of the
earth’s crust.
Feldspar
 Silicon and oxygen are common elements in
all types of feldspar and sodium, potassium,
calcium, aluminium, etc. are found in
specific feldspar variety. O and cold air).
 Around 60% of the earth’s crust is
composed of feldspar. It has light cream
to salmon pink colour. Feldspar is used in
ceramics and glassmaking.
SC
Pyroxene
 It consists of calcium, aluminium,
magnesium, iron, and silica. Pyroxene
forms 10 percent of the earth’s crust.
 It is commonly found in meteorites. It
is green or black in colour.
Topic: Earth’s crust
GS
Sub-topic: Pyroxene
13. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Option (b) is correct
Cyclones
 Cyclones are large scale air mass that rotates
around a strong center of low atmospheric
pressure.
 Based on the geographical location, the
Cyclones are of two types namely Tropical
Cyclones and Temperate Cyclones (Extra
Tropical Cyclones).
Tropical Cyclones
 Tropical Cyclones are violent storms that
originate over the seas in the Low Pressure
belt of the tropical areas and move eastward
over to the coastal areas.
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 They bring about large scale destruction
caused by violent winds, very heavy rainfall
and storm surges which make them as one
of the most devastating natural calamities.
 They are known as Cyclones in the Indian
Ocean, Hurricanes in the Atlantic, Typhoons
in the Western Pacific and South China Sea,
and Willy-willies in the Western Australia.
 They originate only over the seas because of
the need of continuous moisture to energize
the Cyclones regularly. This is why they
dissipate once reaching the land.
 They are violent because of the energy
coming from the condensation process in
cumulonimbus clouds surrounding the
Cyclones.
 They move from east to west because they
RE
are facilitated by the Trade wind.
Temperate Cyclones
 This system develops in the mid and high
latitude (around 600 latitudes) along the
polar front (boundary between the warm air
 As the polar front develops over entire
polar frontal system, this cyclone affects a
much larger area of around 2000 km. Also
it develops over land and sea both as far as
there is frontal system.
 It moves from west to east due to the
influence of Westerlies.
Mechanism of the Temperate Cyclones
 When the pressure drops along the front,
the warm air moves northwards and the cold
air move towards south setting in motion for
anticlockwise cyclonic circulation.
 The warm air glides over the cold air and a
sequence of clouds appear over the sky ahead
of the warm front and cause precipitation.
 The cold front approaches the warm air
from behind and pushes the warm air up.
As a result, cumulus clouds develop along
the cold front.
 The cold front moves faster than the warm
front ultimately overtaking the warm front.
The warm air is completely lifted up and the
front is occluded and the cyclone dissipates.
Topic: Cyclones
Sub-topic: Types of Cyclones
14. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
 Both statements are correct
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Drainage System
 A river drains the water collected from a
specific area, which is called its ‘catchment
area’.
 An area drained by a river and its tributaries
is called a drainage basin.
 The boundary line separating one drainage
basin from the other is known as the
watershed.
 The catchments of large rivers are called
river basins while those of small rivulets
and rills are often referred to as watersheds.
Thus, Watersheds are small in the area
while the basins cover larger areas.
Topic: Drainage System
Sub-topic: Drainage basin
15. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: All the planets
were formed in the same period.
Our Solar system

O
Out of the eight planets, Mercury, Venus,
Earth, and Mars are called the ‘inner
planets’ as they lie between the Sun and
the belt of asteroids the other four planets -
SC
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune - are
called the ‘outer planets’.
 Alternatively, the first four are called
Terrestrial, meaning earth-like as they
are made up of rock and metals, and have
relatively high densities. The rest five are
called Jovian or Gas Giant planets.
GS
 Jovian means Jupiter-like. Most of them
are much larger than the terrestrial planets
and have a thick atmosphere, mostly of
helium and hydrogen.
 All the planets were formed in the
same period sometime about 4.6 billion
years ago.
Topic: Solar system
Sub-topic: Terrestrial Planets
16. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 Option (d) is correct
Chemical Weathering Processes
 A group of weathering processes viz;
solution, carbonation, hydration, oxidation,
and reduction act on the rocks to decompose,
dissolve or reduce them to a fine clastic
state through chemical reactions by oxygen,
surface and/or soil water and other acids.
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Solution
 When something is dissolved in water or
acids, the water or acid with dissolved
contents is called solution. This process
involves removal of solids in solution and
depends upon solubility of a mineral in
water or weak acids.
Carbonation
 Carbonation is the reaction of carbonate
and bicarbonate with minerals and is a
common process helping the breaking down
of feldspars and carbonate minerals. Carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere and soil air is
absorbed by water, to form carbonic acid
that acts as a weak acid.
Hydration
Hydration is the chemical addition of water.
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Minerals take up water and expand; this
expansion causes an increase in the volume
of the material itself or rock.
Oxidation and Reduction
 In weathering, oxidation means a
combination of a mineral with oxygen
to form oxides or hydroxides. Oxidation
occurs where there is ready access to the
atmosphere and oxygenated waters.
 When oxidised minerals are placed
in an environment where oxygen is
absent, reduction takes place. Such
conditions exist usually below the
water table, in areas of stagnant water
and waterlogged ground.
Topic: Weathering Processes
Sub-topic: Chemical Weathering Processes
17. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: When the
rivers originate from a hill and flow in all
directions, the drainage pattern is known as
‘radial’.
 Statement 2 is incorrect: The drainage
pattern resembling the branches of a tree is
known as ‘dendritic’.
Important Drainage Patterns
 The drainage pattern resembling the
branches of a tree is known as “dendritic”
the examples of which are the rivers of
northern plain.
 When the rivers originate from a hill and
flow in all directions, the drainage pattern
is known as ‘radial’. The rivers originating
from the Amarkantak range present a good
example of it.
8

 When the primary tributaries of rivers
flow parallel to each other and secondary
tributaries join them at right angles, the
pattern is known as ‘trellis’.
 When the rivers discharge their waters
from all directions in a lake or depression,
the pattern is known as ‘centripetal’.
Topic: Drainage System
Sub-topic: Important Drainage Patterns
18. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 All statements are correct
Evidence in Support of the Continental
Drift
RE
 The Matching of Continents (Jig-Saw-
Fit)
 The shorelines of Africa and South
America facing each other have a
remarkable and unmistakable match.
 A map produced using a computer program
O brackish water.
to find the best fit of the Atlantic margin was
presented by Bullard in 1964. The match
was tried at 1,000- fathom line instead of
the present shoreline.
SC
Rocks of same age across the oceans
 The radiometric dating methods developed
in the recent period have facilitated
correlating the rock formation from different
continents across the vast ocean.
The belt of ancient rocks of 2,000 million

19. Correct Option: (c)
years from the Brazil coast matches with
GS
those from western Africa.
 The earliest marine deposits along the
coastline of South America and Africa are
of the Jurassic age. This suggests that the
ocean did not exist prior to that time.
Tillite
 It is the sedimentary rock formed out of
deposits of glaciers. The Gondwana system
of sediments from India is known to have its
counterparts in six different landmasses of
the Southern Hemisphere.
 At the base, the system has thick tillite
indicating extensive and prolonged
glaciation. Counterparts of this succession
are found in Africa, Falkland Island,
Madagascar, Antarctica and Australia
besides India.
 The overall resemblance of the Gondwana
type sediments clearly demonstrates that
these landmasses had remarkably similar
histories.
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 The glacial tillite provides unambiguous
evidence of palaeoclimates and also of
drifting of continents.
Placer Deposits
 The occurrence of rich placer deposits of
gold in the Ghana coast and the absolute
absence of source rock in the region is an
amazing fact.
 The gold-bearing veins are in Brazil and it
is obvious that the gold deposits of Ghana
are derived from the Brazil plateau when
the two continents lay side by side.
Distribution of Fossils
 When identical species of plants and
animals adapted to living on land or in
freshwater are found on either side of the
marine barriers, a problem arises regarding
accounting for such distribution.
 The observations that Lemurs occur in
India, Madagascar, and Africa led some to
consider a contiguous landmass “Lemuria”
linking these three landmasses. Mesosaurus
was a small reptile adapted to shallow
 The skeletons of these are found only in
two localities: the Southern Cape province
of South Africa and Iraver formations of
Brazil.
 The two localities presently are 4,800 km
apart with an ocean in between them.
Topic: Drift Theory
Sub-topic: Continental Drift Theory
Explanation:
 The correct order is:
 Loss of the primordial atmosphere
 Hot gases outpoured from the interior
 Process of photosynthesis
Evolution of the Atmosphere
 There are three stages in the evolution of
the present atmosphere:
 The first stage is marked by the loss of
the primordial atmosphere.
 In the second stage, the hot interior of
the earth contributed to the evolution of
the atmosphere.
 Finally, the composition of the atmosphere
was modified by the living world through
the process of photosynthesis.
Topic: Evolution of the earth
Sub-topic: Evolution of the earth’s
atmosphere
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20. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: It is found in
the northern part of Bihar, the southern
part of Uttarakhand and the coastal areas
of West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil
Nadu.
Peaty Soil
 They are found in the areas of heavy rainfall
and high humidity, where there is a good
growth of vegetation.
 Thus, a large quantity of dead organic
matter accumulates in these areas and this
gives rich humus and organic content to the
soil. Organic matter in these soils may go
even up to 40-50 percent.
 These soils are normally heavy and black
in color. In many places, they are alkaline
also.
 It occurs widely in the northern part of
Bihar, the southern part of Uttarakhand
and the coastal areas of West Bengal,
Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Forest Soils
O
 These are formed in the forest areas where
sufficient rainfall is available. The soils
vary in structure and texture depending on
SC
the mountain environment where they are
formed.
 They are loamy and silty on valley sides and
coarse-grained in the upper slopes. In the
snow-bound areas of the Himalayas, they
experience denudation and are acidic with
low humus content. The soils found in the
lower valleys are fertile.
GS
Topic: Soil
Sub-topic: Types of Soil
21. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Albedo
generally applies to visible light, although
it may involve some of the infrared region of
the electromagnetic spectrum.
Insolation
 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.
Albedo
 Albedo is a non-dimensional, unit less
quantity that indicates how well a surface
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reflects solar energy. Albedo varies between
0 and 1. Albedo commonly refers to the
“whiteness” of a surface, with 0 meaning
black and 1 meaning white. A value of 0
means the surface is a “perfect absorber”
that absorbs all incoming energy.
 Absorbed solar energy can be used to heat
the surface or, when sea ice is present,
melt the surface. A value of 1 means the
surface is a “perfect reflector” that reflects
all incoming energy.
 Albedo generally applies to visible light,
although it may involve some of the infrared
region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Isotherm
 The temperature distribution is generally
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shown on the map with the help of
isotherms.
 The isotherms are lines joining places
having an equal temperature.
Topic: Solar energy
Sub-topic: Electromagnetic spectrum
22. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
 Both statements are correct
Soil Degradation
 Soil degradation is defined as a change in the
soil health status resulting in a diminished
capacity of the ecosystem to provide goods
and services for its beneficiaries. Degraded
soils have a health status such, that they do
not provide the normal goods and services of
the particular soil in its ecosystem.
 Soil degradation is the main factor
leading to the depleting soil resource
base in India. The degree of soil,
degradation varies from place to place
according to the topography, wind velocity
and amount of rainfall.
 Soil Erosion is a common term that is
often confused with soil degradation
as a whole, but in fact refers only to
absolute soil losses in terms of topsoil
and nutrients. This is indeed the most
visible effect of soil degradation, but does
not cover all of its aspects. Soil erosion is
a natural process in mountainous areas,
but is often made much worse by poor
management practices.
Topic: Soil
Sub-topic: Soil Degradation
10
23. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Option (a) is correct
Geomorphic Processes
 The differences in the internal forces
operating from within the earth which built
up the crust have been responsible for the
variations in the outer surface of the crust.
 The earth’s surface is being continuously
subjected to external forces induced basically
by energy (sunlight).
 The external forces are known as exogenic
forces and the internal forces are known as
endogenic forces.
 The actions of exogenic forces result in
wearing down (degradation) of relief/
elevations and filling up (aggradation) of
basins/depressions, on the earth’s surface.
 The phenomenon of wearing down of
relief variations of the surface of the
earth through erosion is known as
gradation.

O
The endogenic forces continuously elevate
or build up parts of the earth’s surface and
hence the exogenic processes fail to even
out the relief variations of the surface of the
earth.
SC
 In general terms, the endogenic forces
are mainly land building forces and the
exogenic processes are mainly land wearing
forces. The surface of the earth is sensitive.
Humans depend on it for their sustenance
and have been using it extensively and
intensively.
GS
Topic: Surface of the earth
Sub-topic: Geomorphic Processes
24. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: The Jovian
planets are flatter than the Terrestrial
planets due to higher rotational speed
Solar system
 The planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, and
Mars, are called terrestrial because they
have a compact, rocky surface like Earth’s
terra firma. The terrestrial planets are the
four innermost planets in the solar system.
None of the terrestrial planets have rings,
although Earth does have belts of trapped
radiation.
 Among the terrestrials, only Earth has
a substantial planetary magnetic field.
Mars and the Earth’s moon have localized
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regional magnetic fields at different places
across their surfaces, but no global field.
 Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are
known as the Jovian (Jupiter-like) planets,
because they are all gigantic compared with
Earth, and they have a gaseous nature
like Jupiter’s -- mostly hydrogen, with
some helium and trace gases and ices. The
Jovian planets are thus referred to as the
“gas giants” because gas is what they are
mostly made of, although some or all of
them probably have small solid cores. All
have significant planetary magnetic fields,
rings, and lots of satellites.
 Unlike the spherical shapes of
terrestrial planets, the Jovian planets
are all slightly oblong. The Jovian
planets rotate much faster than any of
the terrestrial worlds. Gravity by itself
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would make a planet spherical, but
their rapid rotation flattens out their
spherical shapes by flinging material
near the equator outward.
 Mercury and Venus are referred to as
inferior planets, not because they are any
less important, but because their orbits are
closer to the sun than is Earth’s orbit. They
always appear close to the sun in Earth’s
morning or evening sky; their apparent
angle from the sun is called elongation.
The outer planets, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,
Uranus, and Neptune, are all known as
superior planets because their orbits are
farther from the sun than the Earth’s.
Topic: Solar system
Sub-topic: Terrestrial planets
25. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 Option (d) is correct
Physical Weathering Processes
 Physical or mechanical weathering processes
depend on applied forces. The applied forces
could be:
 Gravitational forces such as overburden
pressure, load and shearing stress;
 Expansion forces due to temperature
changes, crystal growth or animal activity
 Water pressures controlled by wetting and
drying cycles.
 Many of these forces are applied both at the
surface and within different earth materials
leading to rock fracture.
 Most of the physical weathering processes
are caused by thermal expansion and
pressure release.
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 These processes are small and slow but can
cause great damage to the rocks because of
continued fatigue the rocks suffer due to
repetition of contraction and expansion.
Topic: Weathering Processes
Sub-topic: Physical Weathering Processes
26. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Option (a) is correct
Ionosphere
 The ionosphere is located between 80
and 400 km above the Mesopause. The
temperature here starts increasing
with height from the mesopause.
 It contains electrically charged particles
known as ions, and hence, it is known as
the ionosphere.
 Radio waves transmitted from the earth are
reflected back to the earth by this layer.
Topic: Atmosphere
Sub-topic: Ionosphere
O 
27. Correct Option: (b)
SC
Explanation:
 Option (b) is correct
Variability of Insolation at the Surface of
the Earth
 The amount and the intensity of insolation
vary during a day, in a season and in a
year.
GS
 The factors that cause these variations in
insolation are:
 The rotation of the earth on its axis
 The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays
 The length of the day
 The transparency of the atmosphere
 The configuration of land in terms of its
aspect.
 Revolution of the Earth around the Sun
is not responsible for the variations in
insolation at the surface of the Earth.
Topic: Surface of the earth
Sub-topic: Variability of Insolation
28. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Option (b) is correct
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EI-Nino
 El Niño is a climate pattern that describes
the unusual warming of surface waters in
the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. El Nino
is the “warm phase” of a larger phenomenon
called the El Nino-Southern Oscillation
(ENSO). La Nina, the “cool phase” of ENSO,
is a pattern that describes the unusual
cooling of the region’s surface waters.
El Niño and La Niña are considered the
ocean part of ENSO, while the Southern
Oscillation is its atmospheric changes.
 El Niño has an impact on ocean temperatures,
the speed and strength of ocean currents,
the health of coastal fisheries, and local
weather from Australia to South America
and beyond. El Niño events occur irregularly
at two- to seven-year intervals. However, El
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Niño is not a regular cycle, or predictable in
the sense that ocean tides are.
 EI-Nino is a complex weather system that
appears once every three to seven years,
bringing drought, floods and other weather
extremes to different parts of the world.
The system involves oceanic and atmospheric
phenomena with the appearance of warm
currents off the coast of Peru in the Eastern
Pacific and affects weather in many places
including India.
Teleconnections
 El Niño events are defined by their wide-
ranging teleconnections. Teleconnections are
large-scale, long-lasting climate anomalies
or patterns that are related to each other
and can affect much of the globe.
 During an El Niño event, westward-
blowing trade winds weaken along the
Equator. These changes in air pressure
and wind speed cause warm surface
water to move eastward along the
Equator, from the western Pacific to
the coast of northern South America.
 These warm surface waters deepen the
thermocline, the level of ocean depth that
separates warm surface water from the
colder water below. During an El Niño
event, the thermocline can dip as far as 152
meters (500 feet).
 This thick layer of warm water does not
allow normal upwelling to occur. Without
an upwelling of nutrient-rich cold water,
the euphotic zone of the eastern Pacific can
no longer support its normally productive
coastal ecosystem. Fish populations die
or migrate. El Niño has a devastating
impact on Ecuadorian and Peruvian
economies.
12

 El Niño also produces widespread and
sometimes severe changes in the climate.
Convection above warmer surface waters
bring increased precipitation. Rainfall
increases drastically in Ecuador and
northern Peru, contributing to coastal
flooding and erosion. Rains and floods may
destroy homes, schools, hospitals, and
businesses. They also limit transportation
and destroy crops.
 As El Niño brings rain to South America,
it brings droughts to Indonesia, Australia,
and India. These droughts threaten the
region’s water supplies, as reservoirs dry
and rivers carry less water. Agriculture,
which depends on water for irrigation, is
threatened.
 Stronger El Niño events also disrupt global
atmospheric circulation. Global atmospheric
circulation is the large-scale movement of
air that helps distribute thermal energy
(heat) across the surface of the Earth.
The eastward movement of oceanic and
atmospheric heat sources cause unusually
severe winter weather at the higher latitudes
O
of North and South America. Regions as far
north as the U.S. states of California and
Washington may experience longer, colder
winters because of El Niño.
SC
Topic: Climatology
Sub-topic: EI-Nino
29. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Option (b) is correct
GS
Variation in Biodiversity
 Biodiversity is not evenly found on the
earth.
 The weathering (Exogenic process) of
Earth’s crust is the basis for the diversity of
vegetation and hence biodiversity.
 The basic cause for such weathering
variations and resultant biodiversity is the
input of solar energy and water. Hence the
areas that are rich in these inputs are the
areas of a wide spectrum of biodiversity.
 It is consistently richer in the tropics. As
one approaches the polar region, one finds
larger and larger populations of fewer and
fewer species.
 More the variety of species in an ecosystem,
more stable the ecosystem is.
Topic: Biodiversity
Sub-topic: Variation of biodiversity
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30. Correct Option: (d)
.
Explanation:
 Both statements are correct
Biome
 Habitat in the ecological sense is the
totality of the physical and chemical factors
that constitute the general environment.
A system consisting of biotic and abiotic
components is known as an ecosystem.
 All these components in the ecosystem are
interrelated and interact with each other.
Different types of ecosystems exist with
varying ranges of environmental conditions
where various plants and animal species
have got adapted through evolution.
This phenomenon is known as ecological
adaptation.
RE
 Ecosystems are of two major types: terrestrial
and aquatic. A terrestrial ecosystem can be
further be classified into ‘biomes’. A biome is
a plant and animal community that covers
a large geographical area. The boundaries
of different biomes on land are determined
mainly by climate. Therefore, a biome can be
defined as the total assemblage of plant and
animal species (biotic factors) interacting
within specific conditions.
 These include rainfall, temperature,
humidity and soil conditions. Some of the
major biomes of the world are the forest,
grassland, desert and tundra biomes (abiotic
factors).
 Aquatic ecosystems can be classed as marine
and freshwater ecosystems. A marine
ecosystem includes the oceans, coastal
estuaries, and coral reefs. A freshwater
ecosystem includes lakes, ponds, streams,
marshes, and bogs.
Topic: Ecological system
Sub-topic: Biome
31. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 All pairs are correctly matched
Rocks and their formation
 The earth’s crust is composed of rocks.
A rock is an aggregate of one or more
minerals. Rock may be hard or soft and
in varied colours. For example, granite is
hard, soapstone is soft. Gabbro is black and
quartzite can be milky white.
 Rocks do not have a definite composition of
mineral constituents. Feldspar and quartz
are the most common minerals found in
rocks.
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 There are many different kinds of rocks
which are grouped under three families on
the basis of their mode of formation. They
are:
 Igneous Rocks — solidified from magma
and lava
 Sedimentary Rocks — the result of
deposition of fragments of rocks by
exogenous processes
 Metamorphic Rocks — formed out of existing
rocks undergoing recrystallisation.
Topic: Geomorphic process
Sub-topic: Rocks and their formation
32. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: A long winter
night with clear skies and still air is an
ideal situation for inversion.
Inversion of Temperature
 Normally, temperature decreases with
O
an increase in elevation. It is called the
normal lapse rate. At times, the situations
are reversed and the normal lapse rate
is inverted. It is called Inversion of
temperature.
SC
 Inversion is usually of short duration but
quite common nonetheless. A long winter
night with clear skies and still air is an
ideal situation for inversion.
 The heat of the day is radiated off during
the night, and by early morning hours, the
earth is cooler than the air above.
GS
 Over polar areas, a temperature inversion
is normal throughout the year.
Topic: Climatology
Sub-topic: Temperature Inversion
33. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Option (a) is correct
Spatial Distribution of Insolation at the
Earth’s Surface
 The insolation received at the surface varies
from about 320 Watt/m2 in the tropics to
about 70 Watt/m2 in the poles.
 Maximum insolation is received over
the subtropical areas and deserts,
where the cloudiness is the least.
 The Equator receives comparatively less
insolation than the tropics.
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 Generally, at the same latitude, the
insolation is moreover the continent than
over the oceans.
 In winter, the middle and higher latitudes
receive less radiation than in summer.
Topic: Earth’s Surface
Sub-topic: Isolation
34. Correct Option (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Though
weathering aids erosion it is not a pre-
condition for erosion to take place.
Erosion
 Erosion involves the acquisition and
transportation of rock debris. When massive
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rocks break into smaller fragments through
weathering and any other process, erosional
geomorphic agents like running water,
groundwater, glaciers, wind and waves
remove and transport it to other places
depending upon the dynamics of each of
these agents.
 Abrasion by rock debris carried by these
geomorphic agents also aids greatly in
erosion. By erosion, relief degrades, i.e.,
the landscape is worn down. That means,
though weathering aids erosion it is
not a pre-condition for erosion to take
place.
 Weathering, mass-wasting, and erosion are
degradational processes.
 It is erosion that is largely responsible for
continuous changes that the earth’s surface
is undergoing.
 Denudational processes like erosion
and transportation are controlled by
kinetic energy.
Topic: Earth’s Surface
Sub-topic: Erosional process
35. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
 Pair 1 is incorrectly matched:
Continental shelf is occupied by relatively
shallow seas and gulfs.
Divisions of the Ocean Floors
 The ocean floors can be divided into
four major divisions:
 The Continental Shelf
 The Continental Slope
 The Deep Sea Plain
 The Oceanic Deeps
14

 Besides, these divisions there are also
major and minor relief features in the ocean
floors like ridges, hills, seamounts, guyots,
trenches, canyons, etc.
Continental Shelf
 The continental shelf is the extended margin
of each continent occupied by relatively
shallow seas and gulfs.
 It is the shallowest part of the ocean showing
an average gradient of 1° or even less. The
shelf typically ends at a very steep slope,
called the shelf break.
 The width of the continental shelves varies
from one ocean to another. The average
width of continental shelves is about 80
km.
The shelves are almost absent or very

narrow along some of the margins like the
coasts of Chile, the west coast of Sumatra,
etc.
 On the contrary, the Siberian shelf in the
Arctic Ocean, the largest in the world,
stretches to 1,500 km in width. The depth of
the shelves also varies. It may be as shallow

it is as deep as 600 m.
O
as 30 m in some areas while in some areas
The continental shelves are covered with
variable thicknesses of sediments brought
SC
down by rivers, glaciers, wind, from the
land and distributed by waves and currents.
Massive sedimentary deposits received
over a long time by the continental shelves
become the source of fossil fuels.
Continental Slope
The continental slope connects the
GS

continental shelf and the ocean basins.
 It begins where the bottom of the
continental shelf sharply drops off into a
steep slope. The gradient of the slope region
varies between 2-5°. The depth of the slope
region varies between 200 and 3,000 m.
The slope boundary indicates the end of the
continents.
 Canyons and trenches are observed in this
region.
Deep-Sea Plain
 Deep-sea plains are gently sloping areas
of the ocean basins. These are the flattest
and smoothest regions of the world. The
depths vary between 3,000 and 6,000m.
These plains are covered with fine-grained
sediments like clay and silt.
Oceanic Deeps or Trenches
 These areas are the deepest parts of the
oceans. The trenches are relatively steep-
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sided, narrow basins. They are some 3-5 km
deeper than the surrounding ocean floor.
 They occur at the bases of continental slopes
and along island arcs and are associated with
active volcanoes and strong earthquakes.
That is why they are very significant in the
study of plate movements.
 As many as 57 deeps have been explored so
far; of which 32 are in the Pacific Ocean; 19
in the Atlantic Ocean and 6 in the Indian
Ocean.
Topic: Earth’s Surface
Sub-topic: Divisions of the Ocean Floors
36. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
RE
 Statement 2 is incorrect: For the
formation of dew, it is necessary that the
dew point is above the freezing point.
Dew
 When the moisture is deposited in the form
of water droplets on cooler surfaces of solid
objects (rather than nuclei in the air above
the surface) such as stones, grass blades,
and plant leaves, it is known as dew.
 The ideal conditions for its formation are a
clear sky, calm air, high relative humidity,
and cold and long nights.
 For the formation of dew, it is necessary that
the dew point is above the freezing point.
Topic: Dew
Sub-topic: Formation of dew
37. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Sudden cooling
(at the surface) results in small and smooth
grains
Igneous Rocks
 As igneous rocks form out of magma and
lava from the interior of the earth, they are
known as primary rocks. The igneous rocks
(Ignis – in Latin means ‘Fire’) are formed
when magma cools in its upward movement
and turns into a solid form.
 The process of cooling and solidification can
happen in the earth’s crust or on the surface
of the earth. Igneous rocks are classified
based on texture. The texture depends upon
the size and arrangement of grains or other
physical conditions of the materials.
 If molten material is cooled slowly at great
depths, mineral grains may be very large.
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Sudden cooling (at the surface) results
in small and smooth grains.
 Intermediate conditions of cooling would
result in intermediate sizes of grains
making up igneous rocks. Granite, gabbro,
pegmatite, basalt, volcanic breccia, and tuff
are some of the examples of igneous rocks.
Topic: Geomorphic process
Sub-topic: Igneous Rocks
38. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: The ice cap
climate does not have summer seasons.
Ice Cap Climate (EF)
 An ice cap climate is a type of polar climate
in which the temperature never goes above
32 °F, which is the freezing point. This
climate occurs in the polar regions, in places
such as Greenland and Antarctica (the
coldest continent on the planet), as well as
the tops of some of the highest mountains
on Earth. Additionally, some parts of the
O
northern regions of Russia and Canada also
experience ice cap climate. Another area
includes a section of the Arctic Ocean, close
to the North Pole.
SC
 Ice cap climate regions are usually covered
with a permanent layer of ice throughout
the year. Due to this ice, no vegetation
grows, but some animal life with special
adaptations may be present.
 However, this scarce animal life gets its
food mostly from oceans that extend to
these areas or on the fringes of such areas.
GS
Due to the extreme climate, areas that
experience ice cap climate are not suitable
for permanent human habitation, although
some temporary research stations have
been established.
Distinction From Tundra Climate
 Using the Köppen climate classification
system, ice cap climate is written as EF. A
distinction should be made between the ice
cap climate and the tundra climate, which
is denoted as ET.
 Unlike the ice cap climate, a tundra
climate has summer seasons during
which temperatures go above the
freezing point for a number of months.
These temperatures in the summer prevent
ice from accumulating and forming ice
sheets, which is why areas with tundra
climates have vegetation. The ice cap climate
is the coldest type of climate, and the lowest
temperature ever recorded on Earth was
about −128.6 °F in Vostok, Antarctica.
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Topic: Climatology
Sub-topic: Ice Cap Climate
39. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Cumulus clouds
look like cotton wool and they have a flat
base.
Clouds
 Cloud is a mass of minute water droplets
or tiny crystals of ice formed by the
condensation of the water vapour in free air
at considerable elevations. As the clouds are
formed at some height over the surface of
the earth, they take various shapes.
According to their height, expanse, density
RE

and transparency or opaqueness clouds are
grouped under four types:
Cirrus
 Cirrus clouds are formed at high altitudes
(8,000 - 12,000m). They are thin and detached
clouds having a feathery appearance. They
are always white in colour.
Cumulus
 Cumulus clouds look like cotton wool. They
are generally formed at a height of 4,000 -
7,000 m. They exist in patches and can be
seen scattered here and there. They have a
flat base.
Stratus
 As their name implies, these are layered
clouds covering large portions of the sky.
These clouds are generally formed either
due to loss of heat or the mixing of air
masses with different temperatures.
Nimbus
 Nimbus clouds are black or dark gray. They
form at middle levels or very near to the
surface of the earth. These are extremely
dense and opaque to the rays of the sun.
Sometimes, the clouds are so low that they
seem to touch the ground. Nimbus clouds
are shapeless masses of thick vapour.
Topic: Climatology
Sub-topic: Types of Clouds
40. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: The rainfall is
moreover the oceans than on the landmasses
of the world because of being great sources
of water.
16

World Distribution of Rainfall
 Different places on the earth’s surface
receive different amounts of rainfall in a
year and that too in different seasons.
 In general, as we proceed from the equator
towards the poles, rainfall goes on decreasing
steadily.
 The coastal areas of the world receive
greater amounts of rainfall than the interior
of the continents.
 The rainfall is moreover the oceans
than on the landmasses of the world
because of being great sources of
water.
 Between the latitudes 35 degrees and 40
degrees N and S of the equator, the rain is
heavier on the eastern coasts and goes on
decreasing towards the west. But, between
45 degrees and 65 degrees N and S of
equator, due to the westerlies, the rainfall
is first received on the western margins of
the continents and it goes on decreasing
towards the east.
 Wherever mountains run parallel to theO
coast, the rain is greater on the coastal
plain, on the windward side and it decreases
towards the leeward side.
Topic: Climatology
SC
Sub-topic: World Distribution of Rainfall
41. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: When the sun,
the moon, and the earth are in a straight
GS
line, the height of the tide will be higher.
These are called spring tides.
Spring Tides
 The position of both the sun and the moon
in relation to the earth has a direct bearing
on tide height.
 When the sun, the moon, and the earth are
in a straight line, the height of the tide will
be higher.
 These are called spring tides and they occur
twice a month, one on full moon period and
another during new moon period.
Topic: Tides
Sub-topic: Spring Tides
42. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: It is a zone of
low pressure, located around the equator
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Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
 ITCZ is a low-pressure zone located at the
equator where trade winds converge, and so,
it is a zone where air tends to ascend.
 In July, the ITCZ is located around 20°N-
25°N latitudes, sometimes called the
monsoon trough. This monsoon trough
encourages the development of thermal low
over north and northwest India.
 Due to the shift of ITCZ, the trade winds of
the southern hemisphere cross the equator
between 40° and 60°E longitudes and start
blowing from southwest to northeast due
to the Coriolis force. It becomes southwest
monsoon.
 In winter, the ITCZ moves southward, and
so the reversal of winds from northeast to
RE
south and southwest takes place. They are
called northeast monsoons.
Topic: Climatology
Sub-topic: Inter-Tropical Convergence
Zone (ITCZ)
43. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
 Option (c) is correct
Laterite Soil
 Laterite has been derived from the Latin
word ‘Later’ which means brick. The
laterite soils develop in areas with high
temperatures and high rainfall. These are
the result of intense leaching due to tropical
rain.
 With rain, lime and silica are leached away,
and soils rich in iron oxide and aluminum
compounds are left behind. Humus content
of the soil is removed fast by bacteria that
thrive well in high temperatures. These
soils are poor in organic matter, nitrogen,
phosphate, and calcium, while iron oxide
and potash are in excess.
 Hence, laterites are not suitable for
cultivation; however, the application of
manures and fertilizers are required for
making the soil fertile for cultivation.
 Red laterite soils in Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Pradesh, and Kerala are more suitable for
tree crops like cashew nuts.
 Laterite soils are widely cut as bricks for
use in house construction. These soils have
mainly developed in the higher areas of
the peninsular plateau. The laterite soils
are commonly found in Karnataka, Kerala,
Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and the hilly
areas of Odisha and Assam.
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Topic: Soil with another region. For instance, we can
see that some places generally experience a
Sub-topic: Laterite Soil
wet season during summer and as a result,
cloudiness and rain reduces the maximum
44. Correct Option: (a) temperature. The hottest month there
usually falls a month or two before the
Explanation: arrival of the summer solstice when the
 Statement 2 is incorrect: The annual afternoon sun is near the zenith and the
range of temperature is maximum in middle skies are often clear.
latitudes. Topic: Classification of Climate
Koeppen’s Scheme of Classification of Sub-topic: Koeppen’s Scheme of
Climate Classification of Climate

 The most widely used classification of

climate is the empirical climate classification 45. Correct Option: (b)
scheme developed by V. Koeppen.
Explanation:
 Koeppen identified a close relationship
 Statement 2 is incorrect: During earth’s
between the distribution of vegetation and
revolution around the sun, position on 4th
climate.

RE
July of the earth is called aphelion.
 He selected certain values of temperature
 Statement 3 is incorrect: During earth’s
and precipitation and related them to the
revolution around the sun, a position on 3rd
distribution of vegetation and used these
January of the earth is called perihelion.
values for classifying the climates.
Solar Radiation
 The annual range of temperature is
maximum at equator.  The earth’s surface receives most of its
O energy in short wavelengths. The energy
Group Characteristics received by the earth is known as incoming
A – Tropical The average temperature solar radiation which in short is termed as
of the coldest month is 18° insolation.
C or higher
SC
 As the earth is a geoid resembling a sphere,
B - Dry Climates Potential evaporation the sun’s rays fall obliquely at the top of the
exceeds precipitation atmosphere and the earth intercepts a very
small portion of the sun’s energy. On average
C - Warm Temperate The average temperature
the earth receives 1.94 calories per sq. cm
of the coldest month of the
per minute at the top of its atmosphere.
(Mid-latitude) climates
years is higher than minus  The solar output received at the top of the
3°C but below 18°C atmosphere varies slightly in a year due to
GS

the variations in the distance between the

D - Cold Snow Forest Climates The
earth and the sun.
average temperature of
the coldest month is minus  During its revolution around the sun, the
3°C or below earth is farthest from the sun (152 million
E - Cold Climates Average km) on 4th July. This position of the earth
is called aphelion.
temperature for all months
is below 10°C  On 3rd January, the earth is the nearest to
H - High Land Cold due to the sun (147 million km). This position is
elevation called perihelion.
Topic: Solar Radiation
 The annual range of temperature refers
to the difference between the hottest and Sub-topic: Perihelion & Aphelion
the coldest months by taking monthly
mean temperatures in each case. This
is given according to the difference
46. Correct Option: (d)
between the average of the maximum and Explanation:
minimum temperatures of January and the
 Statement 1 is incorrect: It is maximum
corresponding average of the July month.
at the poles and is zero at the equator
Different regions experience different
because it is directly proportional to the
temperatures at the same time. The cold
angle of latitude.
temperature experienced during the month
of January and the warmest temperature  Statement 2 is incorrect: The Coriolis
during the month of July can be vice versa force acts perpendicular to the pressure

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gradient force and affects only the direction
of the wind, not its strength.
Forces Affecting the speed and Direction
of Wind
 The movement of air in the horizontal
direction is called wind.
 The wind is under influence of the pressure
gradient force (PGF), the frictional force
and the Coriolis force.
Pressure Gradient Force (PGF)
 It is the rate of change of pressure with
respect to distance
 It is perpendicular to the isobars (parallel
lines connecting same atmospheric level).
Hence, PGF is strong where the isobars are
close to each other and is weak where the
isobars are apart.
RE
 If PGF is high, wind speed will be more.
48. Correct Option: (b)
Frictional Force
 It is due to friction between the features
(natural and man-made both) of the Earth
and wind.


It affects the speed of the wind.
O
It is greatest at the surface and its influence
generally extends
 Over the sea surface, the friction is
SC
minimal.
Coriolis force
 The rotation of the earth about its axis affects
the direction of the wind. The Coriolis force
acts perpendicular to the pressure gradient
force
This force is called the Coriolis force (a
GS

pseudo force exerted on a moving object
i.e. wind by the rotating non-inertial frame
observer).
 It has a role only in the direction of the wind.
In doing so, it deflects the wind in the right
direction in the northern hemisphere and to
the left in the southern hemisphere.
 It is maximum at the poles and is zero at the
equator because it is directly proportional to
the angle of latitude.
Topic: Wind
Sub-topic: Coriolis force
49. Correct Option: (a)
47. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: The forest area
is the area notified and recorded as the
forest land irrespective of the existence of
trees, while the actual forest cover is the
area occupied by forests with canopy.
19
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.
Forest Cover
 The forest area and the actual forest cover
are not the same.
 The forest area is the area notified and
recorded as the forest land irrespective
of the existence of trees, while the actual
forest cover is the area occupied by forests
with canopy.
 The former is based on the records of the
State Revenue Department, while the latter
is based on aerial photographs and satellite
imageries.
 Both forest area and forest covers vary from
state to state.
Topic: Forest
Sub-topic: Forest Cover
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: The higher
concentration of dust particles is found in
subtropical and temperate regions due to
dry winds in comparison to equatorial and
polar regions.
Dust Particles
 The atmosphere has a sufficient capacity
to keep small solid particles, which may
originate from different sources and include
sea salts, fine soil, smoke-soot, ash, pollen,
dust and disintegrated particles of meteors.
 Dust particles are generally concentrated
in the lower layers of the atmosphere; yet,
convectional air currents may transport
them to great heights.
 The higher concentration of dust particles is
found in subtropical and temperate regions
due to dry winds in comparison to equatorial
and polar regions.
 Dust and salt particles act as hygroscopic
nuclei around which water vapour condenses
to produce clouds.
Topic: Wind
Sub-topic: Dust Particles
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: Exfoliated
domes are developed from expansion
due to unloading and pressure release
while exfoliated tors are developed due to
differential heating and resulting expansion
and contraction of the surface.
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Unloading and Expansion
 Removal of overlying rock load because of
continued erosion causes vertical pressure
release with the result that the upper layers
of the rock expand producing disintegration
of rock masses. Fractures will develop
roughly parallel to the ground surface. In
areas of the curved ground surface, arched
fractures tend to produce massive sheets or
exfoliation slabs of rock.
 Exfoliation sheets resulting from expansion
due to unloading and pressure release may
measure hundreds or even thousands of
meters in horizontal extent. Large, smooth
rounded domes called exfoliation domes
result due to this process.
Temperature Changes and Expansion
.
 The surface layers of the rocks tend to
expand more than the rock at depth and
this leads to the formation of stress within
the rock resulting in heaving and fracturing
parallel to the surface.
 Due to differential heating and resulting
expansion and contraction of surface layers
and their subsequent exfoliation from the
surface results in smooth rounded surfaces
in rocks. In rocks like granites, smooth-
surfaced and rounded small to big boulders
called tors form due to such exfoliation.
Topic: Wind
Sub-topic: Exfoliated Domes & Exfoliated
Torse
50. Correct Option: (c)

RE
 With a rise in temperature, every mineral Explanation:
expands and pushes against its neighbour
 Pairs 1, 2 and 3 are incorrectly
and as temperature falls, a corresponding
matched
contraction takes place.
 Tropical Deciduous Forest: Rich in
 Because of diurnal changes in the nutrients
temperatures, this internal movement
among the mineral grains of the superficial  Tropical Equatorial Forest: Acidic and
layers of rocks takes place regularly.
O poor in nutrients

 This process is most effective in dry  Temperate Forest: Rich in soil fertility
climates and high elevations where diurnal with decaying litter
temperature changes are drastic. These Boreal Forest: Thin soil cover
SC

movements are very small still they make
the rocks weak due to continued fatigue. Forest Biome

Biomes Subtypes Regions Climatic Soil Flora and Fauna

Characteristics

Forest A. Tropical A1. 10° N-S A1. Temp. 20-25°C evenly A1. Acidic poor A1. Multi-layered canopy
distributed in nutrients tall and large trees
1. Equatorial A2. 10°- 25° N-S
GS

B. Eastern North A2. Temp. 25-30°C. A2. Rich in A2. Less dense, trees of
2. Deciduous
America. N.E. Rainfall ave. ann. nutrients. medium height; many
B. Temperate Asia, Western and 1.000mm. seasonal varieties coexist. Insects,
B. Fertile,
C. Boreal Central Europe. bats, birds and mammals
B. Temp. 20-30° C. Rainfall enriched with
are common species in
C. Broad belt of evenly distributed 750- decaying litter
both.
Eurasia and North 1,500mm, Well-defined
C. Acidic and
America, parts of seasons and distinct B. Moderately dense broad
poor in nutrients,
Siberia Alaska, winter. leaved trees. With less
thin soil cover
Canada and diversity of plant species.
C. Short moist moderately
Scandinavia Oak, Beach, Maple etc.
warm summers and
are some common species.
long cold dry winter;
Squirrels, rabbits, birds,
very low temperatures.
black bears, mountain
Precipitation mostly
lions etc.
snowfall 400-1,000mm
C. Evergreen conifers like
pine fur and spruce etc.
Wood peckers, hawks,
bears, wolves, deer, hares
and bats are common
animals.

Topic: Natural vegitation

Sub-topic: Forest Biome

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