Geography Questions - upsc Practice

#1

Which of the following statements regarding the formation of the Himalayan mountain range is NOT correct?

The Himalayas were formed by the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate The process of mountain building began approximately 50 million years ago The Himalayas represent an example of continent-continent convergent boundary The Indian Plate subducted completely under the Eurasian Plate during collision

#2

The 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch' is located in:

The North Pacific Gyre The South Pacific Gyre The North Atlantic Gyre The Indian Ocean Gyre

#3

The "dew point temperature" is defined as:

The temperature at which dew formation begins on the ground surface The temperature at which condensation begins when air is cooled at constant pressure without addition or removal of water vapor The temperature at which relative humidity reaches 100% during daytime The average temperature recorded during early morning hours when dew is typically observed

#4

Which of the following statements regarding the 'Roaring Forties' is NOT correct?

They are strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere They are typically located between 40°S and 50°S latitudes They occur due to the combination of air being displaced from the Equator and the Earth's rotation They are stronger in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere

#5

In the context of ocean topography, which of the following is correctly matched with its definition?

Continental rise - The shallow, gently sloping section of the continental margin closest to shore Abyssal plain - An underwater mountain system formed by converging tectonic plates Seamount - A steep-sided depression in the ocean floor Continental shelf - The portion of the continental margin between the continental shelf and continental rise

#6

The 'Great Oxidation Event' in Earth's history refers to:

The rapid increase in atmospheric oxygen levels approximately 2.4-2.0 billion years ago The massive release of carbon dioxide during the formation of the Earth's earliest atmosphere The extinction event caused by rapid climate changes at the end of the Permian period The process by which early photosynthetic organisms converted Earth's reducing atmosphere to an oxidizing one

#7

The process of 'continental drift' as proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912 was initially rejected by the scientific community because:

It contradicted religious teachings about the fixed nature of Earth's surface The mechanism he proposed for the movement of continents was not physically plausible There was no evidence of matching fossils on different continents Continental shapes did not appear to fit together like puzzle pieces

#8

Which of the following phenomena is associated with El Niño events in the Pacific Ocean?

Strengthening of trade winds across the equatorial Pacific Cooler than normal sea surface temperatures along the coast of Peru Increased rainfall in Indonesia and northern Australia Higher incidence of drought conditions in parts of South America

#9

Which of the following is a correct pair of a drainage pattern and its associated geological condition?

Dendritic pattern - Dome-shaped structure with radial slopes Trellis pattern - Alternating bands of hard and soft rocks Centripetal pattern - Newly uplifted coastal regions Deranged pattern - Folded mountainous terrain

#10

In the context of urban geography, which of the following correctly defines 'gentrification'?

The process of converting agricultural land to urban uses at the city periphery The gradual movement of wealthy residents from inner cities to suburban areas The transformation of lower-income neighborhoods through an influx of wealthier residents and businesses The development of multi-nuclei urban centers rather than a single central business district

#11

The 'Chapman Cycle' is associated with:

The annual migration pattern of Arctic tern The formation and destruction of stratospheric ozone The rise and fall of sea levels during glacial-interglacial cycles The daily heating and cooling cycle of the Earth's surface

#12

'Channel islands' in geomorphology are formed by:

Volcanic activity building new land in the ocean A river splitting into multiple channels around accumulated sediment Tectonic processes separating land from the mainland Coral reef development in shallow tropical waters

#13

In the Köppen climate classification system, the 'Am' climate type refers to:

A monsoon variety of tropical climate with a short dry season A Mediterranean climate with dry summers and mild, wet winters A humid subtropical climate with year-round precipitation A maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters

#14

'Cryoseism' refers to:

The freezing of groundwater in permafrost regions A small earthquake triggered by glacier movement A sudden ground crack or quake caused by freezing of moisture in soil or rock The study of ice crystal formation in different temperature conditions

#15

The speed of ocean currents is determined by:

Coriolis force alone Pressure gradient force alone Both Coriolis and pressure gradient forces Neither Coriolis nor pressure gradient forces

#16

Which of the following agricultural regions is correctly matched with its characteristic type of farming?

North China Plain - Plantation agriculture Canadian Prairies - Mediterranean agriculture Po Valley, Italy - Commercial grain farming Murray-Darling Basin, Australia - Commercial pastoral farming

#17

The 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch' is primarily composed of:

Large, visible plastic waste such as bottles and bags Microplastics suspended at various depths in the water column Chemical pollutants from industrial discharge Organic waste from coastal cities

#18

Which of the following is NOT an agent of soil formation according to the five factors model developed by Hans Jenny?

Climate Organisms Parent material Soil texture

#19

The term 'katabatic wind' refers to:

A strong wind that blows upslope due to intense surface heating A wind that flows downslope under the influence of gravity A wind that forms at the boundary between two air masses of different densities A gusty, turbulent wind that develops during thunderstorms

#20

The 'Wentworth Scale' is used to classify:

Cloud formations based on their altitude and appearance Soil types based on their agricultural potential Sediments and sedimentary rocks based on grain size Hurricanes and tropical cyclones based on their intensity

#21

Which of the following statements correctly describes 'isostasy' in geophysics?

The theory that explains the horizontal movement of continents over geological time The process by which the lithosphere maintains gravitational equilibrium by floating on the asthenosphere The principle that states that rock layers are deposited in a horizontal manner The concept that describes the transformation of rocks through heat and pressure without melting

#22

'Jet streams' are:

Surface winds that flow parallel to the coastline Global wind belts located at about 60° latitude in both hemispheres High-altitude, narrow corridors of fast-moving air near the tropopause Ocean currents that transport large quantities of heat from equatorial regions

#23

Which of the following cloud types produces virga, precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground?

Nimbostratus Cumulonimbus Altostratus Altocumulus

#24

The term 'Loess' refers to:

An organic-rich soil formed under coniferous forests A type of permafrost landform created by frost heaving Windblown silt deposits that form highly fertile soils A layer of impermeable clay that prevents groundwater movement

#25

With reference to chemical weathering processes, which of the following is incorrectly matched?

Hydrolysis - Chemical decomposition of minerals through reaction with water Oxidation - Formation of iron oxides when iron-bearing minerals are exposed to oxygen Carbonation - Dissolution of carbonate rocks through reaction with sulfuric acid Hydration - Absorption of water by minerals causing volume expansion and physical breakdown

#26

The 'Koeppen-Geiger climate classification system' categorizes world climates based primarily on:

Latitude and altitude Temperature and precipitation patterns Vegetation types and soil characteristics Ocean currents and wind patterns

#27

The 'Younger Dryas' event refers to:

A mass extinction event during the Cretaceous period A period of abrupt cooling and glacial advance at the end of the last ice age The emergence of the first flowering plants in the fossil record The most recent major shift in Earth's magnetic polarity

#28

The 'Ekman Spiral' in oceanography describes:

The pattern of ocean currents around a mid-ocean ridge The directional pattern of tsunami waves after an underwater earthquake The change in direction and speed of water movement with depth due to wind stress and the Coriolis effect The rotation of deep water masses during seasonal overturning in polar regions

#29

The 'Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale' categorizes hurricanes based on:

Barometric pressure at the hurricane's center Potential storm surge height Sustained wind speeds Total rainfall expected during the storm

#30

The 'weathering rind' on a rock refers to:

The outer layer altered by chemical or physical processes A coating of lichens or mosses on the rock surface A dark varnish formed by manganese oxide deposition in desert environments The pattern of fractures created by freeze-thaw cycles

#31

The process of 'desertification' is primarily associated with:

The natural expansion of hot deserts due to global wind patterns Human-induced land degradation in dryland ecosystems The formation of cold deserts in high-latitude regions The geological process of sand dune formation

#32

Which of the following processes is the primary cause of mountain range formation along convergent plate boundaries?

Tensional forces pulling the crust apart Compressional forces causing crustal shortening, folding, and thrusting Shear forces causing horizontal displacement along transform faults Isostatic rebound following deglaciation

#33

With reference to insolation, consider the following statements: 1. The annual insolation is maximum at the equator and decreases towards the poles. 2. The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs when the Earth is farthest from the Sun. 3. The difference between daily maximum and minimum temperatures is greatest in desert regions. 4. The length of the day influences the amount of insolation received at a location. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 1, 3 and 4 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

#34

Consider the following statements about Grand Banks: 1. These are submerged plateaus in the North Atlantic Ocean. 2. They are known for rich fishing grounds due to the mixing of warm Gulf Stream and cold Labrador Current. 3. The area experiences dense fog formation, posing navigational challenges. 4. They are primarily located off the east coast of South America. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 1 and 4 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

#35

Which of the following statements regarding the Earth's magnetosphere is NOT correct?

It protects Earth from harmful solar radiation Its shape is determined by the interaction between Earth's magnetic field and the solar wind It is symmetrical around Earth in all directions It contains the Van Allen radiation belts

#36

Which of the following best describes a 'drumlin' in glacial geomorphology?

A winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel deposited by a glacial stream A streamlined hill of glacial till with its steeper end facing the direction from which the ice advanced A bowl-shaped depression created by glacial erosion in mountainous regions A flat plain of glacial outwash deposits beyond the terminal moraine

#37

Which of the following statements about 'Hadley Cells' in atmospheric circulation is NOT correct?

They are thermally direct circulation cells in the tropics They are responsible for the northeast and southeast trade winds They create areas of high precipitation near the equator They cause the subtropical high-pressure belts at approximately 30° latitude

#38

Which of the following is correctly matched with its cause?

Aurora Borealis - Reflection of sunlight from ice crystals in the stratosphere Wind veer - Decrease in wind speed with height in the upper atmosphere Ocean acidification - Excessive nutrient runoff causing algal blooms Permafrost thawing - Increased concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide

#39

Which of the following is the longest mountain range in the world?

Andes Mountains Himalayan Mountains Rocky Mountains Mid-Atlantic Ridge

#40

With reference to terrestrial biomes, which one of the following is incorrectly matched?

Taiga - Dominated by coniferous forests, long cold winters, and short summers Savanna - Grassland with scattered trees, distinct wet and dry seasons Tundra - Treeless plains with extensive permafrost and alpine vegetation Temperate Rainforest - High temperatures and significant seasonal variation in rainfall

#41

The term 'doline' in karst topography refers to:

An underground river system formed by limestone dissolution A cone-shaped hill formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate around a spring A sinkhole or depression formed by the collapse of the surface into an underground void A limestone cave decorated with stalactites and stalagmites

#42

Which of the following best describes the 'carbon sequestration' process?

The process of converting carbon-based fuels into usable energy The long-term storage of carbon in soils, oceans, vegetation, and geological formations The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through human activities The movement of carbon between the atmosphere and living organisms

#43

In a river's longitudinal profile, a 'knickpoint' represents:

The location where the river enters the sea A sudden increase in gradient often associated with resistant rock or fault lines The point where a tributary joins the main river The section where the river transitions from laminar to turbulent flow

#44

With reference to soil taxonomy, which of the following orders is characterized by highly weathered soils with accumulations of iron and aluminum oxides, found predominantly in humid tropical regions?

Alfisols Aridisols Oxisols Mollisols

#45

Consider the following statements about 'laterite soils': 1. They form under conditions of high rainfall and temperature. 2. They are characterized by accumulation of iron and aluminum oxides. 3. They are typically highly fertile and ideal for agriculture. 4. They are resistant to erosion when exposed. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

#46

The 'soil catena' concept in physical geography refers to:

The sequential development of soil horizons over time The microscopic chain-like structure of clay minerals in soil The classification of soils based on their agricultural productivity The systematic variation of soils along a topographic gradient

#47

The "Rain Shadow Effect" is best exemplified by which of the following regions?

Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau in India Alps Mountains in Europe Gulf Coast of the United States Amazon Basin in South America

#48

The Von Thünen model, an early effort to explain spatial economics, is based on which of the following assumptions?

Varying soil fertility across regions Network patterns of transportation routes Uniform characteristics of the physical environment Multiple market centers competing for agricultural products

#49

Which of the following is correctly matched with its characteristic soil?

Semi-arid region - Podzol Humid temperate forest - Terra Rossa Mediterranean region - Chernozem Tropical rainforest - Latosol

#50

With reference to the evolution of landforms according to Davis' Cycle of Erosion, which of the following stages is correctly described?

Youth - characterized by flat terrain and meandering rivers Maturity - characterized by steep slopes and V-shaped valleys Old age - characterized by frequent waterfalls and lakes Maturity - characterized by maximum relief and landscape complexity

#51

Which of the following regions has the highest potential for geothermal energy development?

Areas with recent volcanic activity and hot springs Ancient shield regions with stable continental crust Regions dominated by sedimentary rock formations Coastal plains with high groundwater levels

#52

With reference to cloud types, which of the following pair is correctly matched?

Nimbostratus - High-altitude cloud typically composed of ice crystals Cumulus - Horizontal, sheet-like cloud with a uniform base Cumulonimbus - Towering vertical cloud associated with thunderstorms Cirrus - Dense, dark gray rain cloud that covers the entire sky

#53

With reference to tsunamis, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

They are typically caused by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides Their speed in deep ocean is proportional to the square root of water depth They are characterized by extremely high waves in the open ocean Their destructive power comes from the enormous volume of water they displace

#54

The location of 'Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone' (ITCZ) is primarily determined by:

The alignment of major mountain ranges across continents The geographic position of the equator throughout the year The thermal equator, which shifts seasonally with the sun's zenith point The boundary between warm and cold ocean currents in tropical oceans

#55

Which of the following statements about the 'Red Tide' phenomenon is NOT correct?

It is caused by certain species of algae that produce toxins It poses threats to marine ecosystems and human health It occurs only in tropical oceans along the equator It can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning when contaminated seafood is consumed

#56

The formation of 'thermokarst landscapes' is associated with:

Volcanic activity in high-latitude regions Thawing of permafrost and ground ice Chemical weathering of limestone in tropical environments Wind erosion in cold desert environments

#57

The 'Agulhas Current' is a western boundary current that:

Flows northward along the west coast of South America Flows southward along the east coast of Africa Flows eastward along the southern boundary of the Indian Ocean Flows westward along the northern boundary of the Pacific Ocean

#58

The term 'Karman Line' is used to define the boundary between:

Earth's troposphere and stratosphere Inner and outer core of the Earth Earth's atmosphere and outer space Continental and oceanic crust

#59

In physical geography, the term 'polje' refers to:

A type of glacial depositional landform found in alpine regions A large, flat-floored depression in karst landscapes with subsurface drainage A specific pattern of meandering river development in lowland areas A type of soil formed from windblown loess deposits

#60

In the context of plate tectonics, which of the following is NOT a type of plate boundary?

Convergent boundary Divergent boundary Conservative boundary Subversive boundary

#61

In the Northern Hemisphere, Coriolis force deflects moving objects to the right. What would be the direction of deflection in the Southern Hemisphere?

To the right To the left Toward the equator Toward the poles

#62

With reference to types of deserts, which of the following is incorrectly matched?

Atacama Desert - Rain shadow desert Gobi Desert - Continental desert Namib Desert - Coastal desert Sahara Desert - Monsoon desert

#63

Consider the following statements about thunderstorms: 1. They typically develop in unstable atmospheric conditions. 2. The mature stage is characterized by both updrafts and downdrafts. 3. They form only over land masses, never over oceans. 4. Most thunderstorms occur in the morning hours. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 only 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

#64

The 'Methane Paradox' in oceanography refers to:

The observation that methane concentrations in ocean surface waters are higher than expected despite oxygen-rich conditions The sharp decrease in methane levels at the thermocline layer The observed correlation between methane production and phytoplankton blooms The uneven distribution of methane hydrates on the ocean floor

#65

Which of the following statements best describes a 'fault' in geological terms?

A break in the Earth's crust with displacement or movement on either side A curving of rock layers due to compressional forces without breaking The process by which solid rock transforms into a flowing substance under extreme pressure The interface between two different rock types formed during separate geological periods

#66

Consider the following events in the formation of a river delta: 1. Velocity of the river decreases as it enters a standing body of water. 2. Sediment is deposited as the river loses its transport capacity. 3. The river divides into distributaries as sediment accumulates. 4. The delta extends outward into the standing body of water. What is the correct sequence of these events?

1, 2, 3, 4 2, 1, 3, 4 3, 1, 2, 4 1, 3, 2, 4

#67

The 'convergence zone' seen on weather maps is characterized by:

Sinking air masses and clear weather conditions Meeting of different air masses that leads to rising air and cloud formation Parallel flow of winds with minimal mixing or precipitation High atmospheric pressure preventing the development of storms

#68

The 'rain splash erosion' process in soil degradation:

Occurs primarily in arid regions with sparse vegetation Is most effective on steep slopes with compacted clay soils Involves the transport of soil particles by raindrop impact detaching them from the ground Is increased by dense vegetation cover with multiple canopy layers

#69

In the context of oceanography, 'halocline' refers to:

A layer where salinity changes rapidly with depth The depth at which sunlight can no longer penetrate seawater The line along the coast marking the highest reach of the tide The boundary between freshwater and saltwater in an estuary

#70

Which of the following statements about 'braided rivers' is NOT correct?

They typically form in areas with highly variable discharge They are characterized by multiple, shifting channels divided by small, temporary islands They typically form in areas with low sediment supply and resistant banks They are common in proglacial environments and arid/semi-arid regions with flash floods

#71

Which of the following atmospheric layers is characterized by an increase in temperature with increasing altitude?

Troposphere Stratosphere Mesosphere Thermosphere

#72

With reference to the Indian Monsoon, which of the following factors does NOT contribute to its formation and intensity?

The thermal contrast between land and sea The position of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) The presence of the Tibetan Plateau El Niño and Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

#73

Consider the following statements about coral bleaching: 1. It occurs when corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues. 2. Rising sea temperatures are the primary cause of mass bleaching events. 3. Bleached corals are immediately dead and cannot recover. 4. Ocean acidification can increase the susceptibility of corals to bleaching. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

#74

The 'Humboldt Current' (also known as the Peru Current) is known for:

Creating one of the world's most productive marine ecosystems despite flowing through tropical latitudes Carrying warm water from the equator to higher latitudes Causing severe hurricanes along the western coast of South America Increasing rainfall in the Atacama Desert through moisture-laden air masses

#75

'Carrying Capacity' in ecological terms refers to:

The number of species that can exist in a given ecosystem The ability of an ecosystem to withstand environmental changes without shifting to an alternative stable state The maximum population size of a species that the environment can sustain indefinitely The total biomass that can be harvested sustainably from an ecosystem

#76

Consider the following statements regarding 'Chinook winds': 1. They are warm, dry downslope winds that occur on the leeward side of mountain ranges. 2. They can cause rapid temperature increases in winter. 3. They are most common in the southern hemisphere. 4. They are caused by adiabatic cooling of descending air. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 only 3 and 4 only 1, 2 and 4 only

#77

'Evapotranspiration' in hydrology refers to:

The process by which groundwater is recharged through percolation The combined loss of water to the atmosphere from soil evaporation and plant transpiration The movement of water from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration in soil The formation of dew on vegetation surfaces during night hours

#78

The 'Palliser's Triangle' is a region known for:

Extensive prehistoric rock art in Australia's outback Severe agricultural drought vulnerability in the Canadian Prairies Unique triangular-shaped coral reef formations in the South Pacific A zone of frequent tornado activity in the central United States

#79

The 'Mercalli Scale' is used to measure:

The magnitude of an earthquake based on seismograph readings The intensity of an earthquake based on observed effects The acidity of rainfall in industrial regions The velocity of hurricane winds at landfall

#80

The 'doldrums' are characterized by:

Strong, persistent westerly winds A belt of high pressure and descending air masses Light, variable winds and low atmospheric pressure near the equator Powerful easterly trade winds in the mid-latitudes

#81

Which of the following is an example of a 'hanging valley'?

The Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA The Yosemite Valley in California, USA The Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park, USA The Death Valley in California, USA

#82

With reference to plate tectonics, at which of the following types of boundaries is continental crust being created?

Convergent boundaries Divergent boundaries Transform boundaries None of the above

#83

Consider the following statements about 'peatlands': 1. They cover approximately 3% of Earth's land surface. 2. They store more carbon than all the world's forests combined. 3. They are found only in high-latitude regions. 4. They form primarily in areas with waterlogged conditions and poor drainage. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 4 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

#84

The term 'ecotone' in biogeography refers to:

An area where two distinct plant communities or ecosystems meet and integrate The ecological damage caused by environmental pollution The total range of environmental conditions a species can tolerate The primary ecological niche occupied by keystone species

#85

Which of the following local winds is incorrectly matched with the region where it occurs?

Mistral - Mediterranean Basin Foehn - Alps Mountains Chinook - Rocky Mountains Sirocco - Himalayan Region

#86

Which of the following is the correct sequence of ocean zones based on depth, starting from the surface?

Epipelagic, Mesopelagic, Bathypelagic, Abyssopelagic, Hadopelagic Mesopelagic, Epipelagic, Bathypelagic, Hadopelagic, Abyssopelagic Epipelagic, Mesopelagic, Abyssopelagic, Bathypelagic, Hadopelagic Epipelagic, Bathypelagic, Mesopelagic, Abyssopelagic, Hadopelagic

#87

Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to the formation of coral reefs?

Warm water temperatures between 20-30°C High water clarity and light penetration High levels of suspended sediments Stable, shallow marine environments

#88

The 'Danakil Depression', known for being one of the hottest, lowest, and most inhospitable places on Earth, is located in:

Saudi Arabia East Africa Central Asia South America

#89

Which of the following statements about the 'Doldrums' is NOT correct?

They are characterized by calm winds and light air currents They are located near the Equator They are formed due to the convergence of trade winds They experience high atmospheric pressure

#90

Which of the following describes the correct sequence of rock layers (from oldest to youngest) in a typical horizontal undisturbed sedimentary deposit according to the principle of superposition?

Youngest at the bottom, oldest at the top Alternating pattern of old and young layers Oldest at the bottom, youngest at the top No predictable pattern of age relationship in horizontal layers

#91

Which of the following is NOT a criterion used to classify cyclones by the IMD (Indian Meteorological Department)?

Sea surface temperature Maximum sustained wind speed Central pressure Storm surge height

#92

In the context of plate tectonics, what does the term 'hot spot' refer to?

The zone where two continental plates collide, creating maximum tectonic stress A fixed location in the Earth's mantle where magma rises to create volcanic features on the moving plate above The area along a subduction zone where the subducting plate begins to melt The central region of a mid-ocean ridge where seafloor spreading is most active

#93

Which of the following statements about 'foliated metamorphic rocks' is NOT correct?

They develop when minerals recrystallize under directed pressure They typically display parallel arrangement of mineral grains They form primarily from the metamorphism of igneous rocks They include rocks such as slate, schist, and gneiss

#94

'Playas' are typically found in:

Coastal areas subject to tidal influence Desert regions with internal drainage Mountain valleys carved by glaciers Humid regions with high groundwater tables

#95

Which of the following terms is used to describe the relationship between stream discharge and sediment transport capacity?

Stream competence Hydraulic radius Channel sinuosity Hjulström curve

#96

'Haboobs' are associated with:

Intense dust storms typically generated by the downdrafts from thunderstorms Coastal fog formations common along western continental coastlines Seasonal reversal of winds that bring summer rainfall to South Asia Localized strong winds that descend from mountain slopes during nighttime

#97

The formation of tropical cyclones requires a sea surface temperature of at least:

20°C 23°C 26.5°C 30°C

#98

Consider the following statements regarding the 'Polar Front Theory' of temperate cyclone formation: 1. It was proposed by Norwegian meteorologists V. Bjerknes and J. Bjerknes. 2. It explains the development of mid-latitude cyclones along the boundary between polar and tropical air masses. 3. It describes a complete life cycle of cyclones from initial perturbation to occlusion. 4. It rejects the role of temperature contrasts in cyclogenesis. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 1 and 4 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

#99

With reference to the Mediterranean climate, consider the following statements: 1. It is characterized by wet summers and dry winters. 2. It is typically found between 30° and 45° latitude in both hemispheres. 3. Sclerophyllous vegetation is common in these regions. 4. Chaparral, maquis, and matorral are vegetation types associated with this climate. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 3 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2 and 4 only 2 and 4 only

#100

The 'Alpine-Himalayan Orogenic Belt' is:

A region of high seismic activity along the southern edge of Eurasia A zone of ancient shield rocks forming the core of the Eurasian continent A series of folded mountain ranges extending from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia A tectonic boundary characterized by transform faults and strike-slip movement

#101

Consider the following statements about the 'Pantanal', the world's largest tropical wetland: 1. It is primarily located in Brazil, with portions extending into Bolivia and Paraguay. 2. It experiences seasonal flooding during the wet season. 3. It is a predominantly saltwater ecosystem connected to the Atlantic Ocean. 4. It hosts the highest concentration of crocodilians in the world. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

#102

The 'Walther's Law of Facies' in stratigraphy states that:

Sedimentary facies that occur adjacent to each other vertically also occur adjacent to each other horizontally Sedimentary layers always form in chronological order with the oldest at the bottom The thickness of sedimentary layers decreases with increasing distance from the source Rock units with similar fossil assemblages are of the same geological age

#103

With reference to oceanography, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

The thermocline layer separates the surface mixed layer from the deep ocean Salinity generally increases with depth in the open ocean The oxygen minimum zone is typically found in the mesopelagic zone The deep scattering layer migrates vertically in a daily cycle

#104

The 'Wallace Line' is an important biogeographical boundary that:

Separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates Divides the Arctic and Antarctic ecological zones Marks the approximate boundary between Asian and Australian fauna Represents the limit of tropical rainforests in South America

#105

Consider the following statements about the 'South Atlantic Anomaly' (SAA): 1. It is a region where Earth's magnetic field is significantly weaker than expected. 2. It causes higher levels of radiation from space to reach lower altitudes. 3. It is expanding and moving westward over time. 4. It has no effect on satellite operations or spacecraft. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 2 and 4 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

#106

The highest levels of primary productivity in the ocean are typically found in:

Deep ocean trenches Central portions of ocean gyres Upwelling zones along certain coastal areas The abyssal plains of the ocean floor

#107

The term 'hydraulic gradient' in groundwater hydrology refers to:

The rate at which groundwater velocity changes with depth The ratio of horizontal to vertical permeability in an aquifer The slope of the water table or potentiometric surface that drives groundwater flow The maximum pressure a confined aquifer can withstand before fracturing

#108

Consider the following statements about 'urban heat islands': 1. They are areas within cities that experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. 2. They are primarily caused by the abundance of vegetation in city centers. 3. They can influence local weather patterns and precipitation. 4. Their intensity is generally greatest during nighttime hours. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 3 and 4 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

#109

Which of the following features is NOT typically associated with a mature karst landscape?

Sinkholes (dolines) Disappearing streams Extensive alluvial deposits Underground cave systems

#110

With reference to Earth's orbital parameters, 'obliquity' refers to:

The tilt of Earth's axis relative to the orbital plane The shape of Earth's orbit around the Sun The wobble of Earth's axis over time The distance between Earth and Sun at perihelion

#111

The 'Polar Vortex' is:

A permanent low-pressure system over the Arctic Ocean A seasonal high-pressure system that forms over Antarctica during winter A rotating mass of cold air that circulates around the polar regions in the upper atmosphere A powerful ocean current that circles Antarctica, isolating it from warmer waters

#112

'Green infrastructure' in urban planning primarily refers to:

Energy-efficient buildings with LEED certification Planned networks of natural and semi-natural elements designed to provide environmental benefits Public transportation systems that use renewable energy Industrial zones designated for environmentally friendly manufacturing

#113

Which of the following statements about the 'Equatorial Counter Current' is correct?

It flows from west to east across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans between the North and South Equatorial Currents It flows from east to west along the equator, opposing the prevailing trade winds It is a deep ocean current that flows opposite to surface currents in equatorial regions It connects the Arctic and Antarctic circulations through deep equatorial upwelling

#114

Consider the following statements about the 'biogas' production process: 1. It primarily involves aerobic decomposition of organic matter. 2. Methane is the primary combustible component of biogas. 3. It requires warm temperatures for optimal microbial activity. 4. Biogas digesters can process both animal manure and plant-based waste. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 3 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4

#115

Which of the following correctly defines 'isostasy' in Earth sciences?

The principle that explains how Earth's lithosphere floats on the asthenosphere, achieving gravitational equilibrium The process by which rock layers are overturned during intense mountain building The study of Earth's magnetic field fluctuations over geological time The balance between erosion and deposition in river systems

#116

The 'Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale' classifies a Category 3 hurricane as:

Minimal hurricane with wind speeds of 119-153 km/h Strong hurricane with wind speeds of 154-177 km/h Major hurricane with wind speeds of 178-208 km/h Catastrophic hurricane with wind speeds greater than 252 km/h

#117

With reference to the classification of coal, which of the following is the correct sequence from lowest to highest rank?

Peat, Lignite, Bituminous, Anthracite Lignite, Peat, Anthracite, Bituminous Peat, Bituminous, Lignite, Anthracite Lignite, Bituminous, Peat, Anthracite