Geography Questions - upsc Practice

#1

With reference to the Western Disturbances, consider the following statements: 1. Western Disturbances are residual frontal cyclones originating from the Mediterranean Sea. 2. They cause winter rain and heat storms in the north-western plains. 3. Western Disturbances are now more prevalent in early winter than in summer. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

#2

With reference to the local winds and thunderstorms prevailing in India, consider the following pairs: Local winds/thunderstorms Characteristic feature 1. Loo - Hot, dry and fatal in northwestern region 2. Kaal Baisakhi - Rains, winds in eastern region 3. Mango shower - Rains during end of summer in southern region How many of the pairs given above are correct?

Only one Only two All three None

#3

Which of the following options correctly describes alluvial fans?

Depression in a stream bed or river channel at the base of a waterfall, formed by the erosive forces of cascading water. Narrow ridges of low height on sides of a river, formed due to deposition action of the stream, appearing as natural embankments. Tract of alluvium at the mouth of a river where it deposits more material than can be carried away. The eroded material from the mountains by streams due to low gradient deposited at the foothills.

#4

Which of the following factors influence the onset of the monsoon? 1. Subtropical Jet Stream (STJ) 2. Tropical Easterly Jet (African Easterly Jet) 3. Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) 4. Permanent high-pressure cell (Mascarene High) in the South Intense heating of the Tibetan Plateau during summer months Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

#5

Consider the following statements regarding factors affecting the Monsoon break: 1. A negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is characterized by cooler sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean, which can weaken the monsoon in India. 2. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a phenomenon that moves eastward and can influence the monsoon break in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#6

Consider the following statements regarding Bamboo in India: 1. Statement 1: Bamboo culms grow from a dense root rhizome system, with the sympodial rhizomes forming compact clumps. 2. Statement II: Bamboo is classified as a tree under the Indian Forest Act, amended in 2017, and requires felling and transit permissions when grown outside forests. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct.

#7

Consider the following statements with respect to Indian climate: 1. Statement - I: Western Rajasthan receives very little rainfall during the southwest monsoon season. 2. Statement - II: The Aravalli Range lies perpendicular to the path of the southwest monsoon winds. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I. Statement I is correct, but Statement II is not correct. Statement I is not correct, but Statement II is correct.

#8

Consider the following pairs: Type of Forest - Dominant Tree Species 1. Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests - Teak 2. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests - Rosewood 3. Littoral and Swamp Forest -Sundri How many of the pairs given above are correct?

Only one Only two All three None

#9

With reference to climate controls, consider the following statements: 1. There are 5 major controls of the climate of any place. 2. Major climate controls include latitude, altitude, pressure and wind system, distance from the sea (continentality), ocean currents etc. 3. Relief plays a minor role in determining the climate of a place. Which of the statements given above are not correct?

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

#10

With reference to the Indian ocean dipole, consider the following statements: 1. Western pole is in the Arabian Sea and Eastern pole in the Bay of Bengal. 2. IOD develops in the equatorial region of Indian Ocean from April to May peaking in October 3. Positive IOD results in the Arabian Sea being much warmer and Bay of Bengal colder and dry. How many statements given above are correct?

Only one Only two All three None

#11

With respect to Indian monsoon, consider the following statements: 1. Monsoon refers to the seasonal reversal of winds, and in India, the monsoon season typically lasts from June to September. 2. The Western Ghats, north-east India, and Meghalaya receive abundant rainfall, with annual precipitation ranging from 100 to 200 cm. 3. A monsoon break occurs when the monsoon trough shifts northward to the Himalayan foothills, leading to a temporary halt in rainfall over the Indian subcontinent. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

#12

Consider the following pairs: Glacier State/UT 1. Siachen - Jammu & Kashmir 2. Bara Shigri - Himachal Pradesh 3. Zemu - Assam How many of the pairs given above are correct?

Only one Only two All three None

#13

Consider the following states/ Union Territories: 1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 2. Lakshadweep 3. Goa 4. Meghalaya With reference to the States/UTs mentioned above, in terms of forest cover as a percentage of their geographic area, which one of the following is the correct descending order?

1-2-3-4 2-1-4-3 2-1-3-4 2-4-1-3

#14

Which of the following are the factors influencing Indian climate? 1. Latitudinal location 2. Distance from the Sea 3. The Himalayas 4. Tropical Cyclones Select the correct answer from the code given below:

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

#15

Consider the following pairs of soil horizons and their characteristics: Soil Layer Characteristics 1. Organic Horizon - Zone with surface litter 2. Topsoil Horizon -Zone having humus and inorganic minerals 3. Subsoil Horizon - Zone of leaching 4. Eluviated Horizon- Zone of accumulation How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Only one Only two Only three All four

#16

Which of the following rivers originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westwards in a rift valley between the Satpura Range in the south and the Vindhyan Range in the north?

Narmada Tapi Mahi Chambal

#17

Which of the following best describes the ‘Indian Climate'?

Temperate climate Tropical monsoon climate Equatorial dry climate Semi-arid climate

#18

With reference to the southwest monsoon and its impact on South Asia, consider the following statements: 1. Statement-I: In the Indian subcontinent, the low temperatures and high-pressure during summer generate a thermal low, leading to the onset of the southwest monsoon. 2. Statement-II: Due to the Earth's rotation, the air masses moving towards the low-pressure system from the Indian Ocean get deflected and flow in a southwesterly direction, bringing moisture-laden air from the ocean towards the land. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I. Statement I is correct, but Statement II is not correct. Statement I is not correct, but Statement II is correct.

#19

Consider the following statements regarding Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA), 2020: 1. India recorded the third-highest average annual net gain in forest area during 2010-2020. 2. India accounts for 10% of the total global forest area and reported the maximum employment in the world’s forestry sector. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#20

Which of the following rivers are the right bank tributaries of the Ganga River? 1. Ramganga 2. Ghaghra 3. Yamuna 4. Son 5. Kosi 6. Mahananda Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1, 2, 5 and 6 only 1, 2, 4, and 5 only 3 and 4 only 3, 4 and 6 only

#21

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests in India?

These forests have a long dry season and low humidity. The trees in these forests are typically short, not exceeding 25 meters in height. These forests are characterized by a thick canopy, resulting in less undergrowth on the forest floor These forests are primarily found on the eastern side of the Western Ghats and in the Deccan Plateau.

#22

This state is well known for soil, which is an end product of weathering under high temperature and heavy rainfall with alternate wet and dry periods. Deficient in nutrients, the soil is more gravel in nature supporting plantation crops in the state. Which of the following states/UT suits the above description?

Jammu and Kashmir Odisha Sikkim Punjab

#23

Consider the following pairs: Terms Definition 1. Recorded Forest Area (RFA) Forests classified based on legal status, may or may not have actual forest cover. 2. Forest Cover - Patches of land with a tree canopy density of more than 10% and area of more than 1 ha. 3. Tree Cover - Patches of trees outside RFA with a size of less than 1 ha. 4. Trees Outside Forest Includes trees outside RFA, irrespective of patch size or canopy density. How many of the pairs given above are correct?

Only one Only two Only three All four

#24

Consider the following statements: 1. Statement – I: The Western Ghats gets more rainfall and not the Eastern Ghats. 2. Statement – II: The Western Ghats are perpendicular to the direction of the monsoon winds. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I. Statement I is correct, but Statement II is not correct. Statement I is not correct, but Statement II is correct.

#25

Consider the following factors: 1. Favorable for monsoon rainfall 2. Promotes cyclogenesis in the Arabian Sea region 3. Flooding is prevalent How many of the above-mentioned are the effects of El-Nino in the Indian climate?

Only one Only two All three None

#26

With reference to peninsular and extra-peninsular soils, consider the following statements: 1. Peninsular soils are formed due to deposition by rivers and wind whereas Extra-peninsular soils are formed due to decomposition of rocks in situ. 2. Most of the peninsular soils are fine silt and clay whereas extra-peninsular soils are generally coarsegrained. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#27

Consider the following statements about the Indian climate: 1. Statement-I: During winters, the northern half of India is warmer by 3°C to 8°C than other areas located on the same latitudes. 2. Statement-II: Himalayan ranges block the cold air masses moving southwards from Central Asia. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

#28

With reference to the features of Indian climate, consider the following statements: 1. The highest diurnal temperature ranges occur in the Himalayan regions, while the Thar Desert records the highest annual temperature ranges. 2. Both diurnal and mean annual temperature ranges are the lowest in coastal regions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#29

Consider the following statements: 1. The Himalayas block cold temperate air masses, maintaining India's tropical climate. 2. Tropical monsoons are a dominant climatic feature in India, influencing its tropical nature. 3. Tropical nature of India is more due to its close vicinity to the equator rather than other geophysical characteristics 4. Clear skies and intense insolation during winter days raise temperatures to tropical levels, despite low night temperatures. How many of the statements given above indicate reasons for India being classified as a tropical country?

Only one Only two Only three All three

#30

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? Waterfalls River 1. Dhuandhar waterfall - Narmada River 2. Shivasamudram Falls - Cauvery River 3. Jog Falls - Nethravati River Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

#31

With reference to the Indian climate, which of the following best describes the 'Funnelling effect'?

Ocean currents are directed into a narrow region, intensifying their strength. The sun's rays are concentrated in a narrow region, causing an increase in temperature. Concentration of rainfall in certain regions due to the alignment of mountain ranges. Clouds are channelled into a narrow region between mountains.

#32

How many of the following are the features of Monsoon Winds in India? 1. Sudden onset 2. Gradual progress 3. Sudden retreat 4. Seasonal reversal of winds Select the correct answer from the code given below:

Only one Only two Only three All four

#33

With reference to the winter in India: 1. The temperature decreases from south to the north. 2. Frost is common in the north and the higher slopes of the Himalayas experience snowfall. 3. In northern India, the weather is normally marked by clear sky, low temperatures and low humidity and feeble, variable winds. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

#34

Which of the following factors can affect soil salinity? 1. Evaporation 2. Capillary action 3. Excessive groundwater exploitation 4. Deforestation 5. Overgrazing Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Only two Only three Only four All five

#35

Consider the following statements: 1. Statement- I: The Brahmaputra River exhibits syntaxial bending as it carves a deep gorge in the Himalayas before entering India. 2. Statement- II: Syntaxial bending refers to the bending or folding of rock layers due to tectonic forces. Which one of the following is correct in respect of above statements?

Both statement-I and statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement –I Both statement-I and statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement –I Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

#36

Consider the following statements regarding the monsoon season in India: 1. The duration of the monsoon season increases as one moves from southern to northern India. 2. Rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#37

With respect to the Indian Monsoon, consider the following statements: 1. During El Nino events, the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean becomes warmer than usual, which can disrupt atmospheric circulation patterns globally, including the Indian monsoon. 2. El Nino-associated alterations in wind patterns can enhance the Indian monsoon, resulting in substantial rainfall over the subcontinent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#38

With reference to the seasonal weather patterns in India, consider the following statements: 1. Statement-I: The burst of monsoons depends upon the upper air circulation, which is dominated by Sub-tropical Jet stream. 2. Statement-II: The sub-tropical Jet stream is a narrow band of fast-moving air flowing from east to west. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I Statement I is correct, but Statement II is not correct. Statement I is not correct, but Statement II is correct.

#39

Match the following confluences with their respective locations: Location Confluence of 1. Vishnuprayag - A. Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers 2. Rudraprayag - B. Alaknanda and Dhauliganga Rivers 3. Nandprayag - C. Alaknanda and Mandakini (Kali Ganga) Rivers 4. Karnaprayag - D. Alaknanda and Nandakini Rivers 5. Devprayag - E. Alaknanda and Pindari Rivers Select the correct answer using the codes below:

1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-E, 5-A 1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-E, 5-D 1-C, 2-B, 3-D, 4-A, 5-E 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C, 5-E

#40

With reference to the geological divisions of alluvial soil, consider the following statements: 1. Bhabar is a porous belt running along the Shiwalik foothills where the streams disappear. 2. Terai is an ill-drained, damp (marshy) and thickly forested narrow tract where the underground streams of the Bhangar belt re-emerge. 3. Bhangar is the newer alluvium whereas Khadar is the older alluvium found along flood plain. Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only None

#41

Consider the following: Origin River 1. Amarkantak plateau - Son (Sone) River 2. Satpura Range - Wardha River 3. Nandi Hills - Pennar River How many of the pairs given above are correct?

Only one Only two All three None

#42

Which of the following regions in India is known for having the maximum tree diversity?

Subtropical dry evergreen forests of Jammu and Kashmir Tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of the Western Ghats Forests of Punjab and Haryana Dry deciduous forests of Rajasthan

#43

Consider the following statements regarding Alpine Forests in India: 1. The sub-alpine forests include a mixture of coniferous and broad-leaved trees. 2. The dry alpine scrub forests are found below 3,000 meters above sea level. 3. Moist alpine scrub forests extend up to the snowline. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

#44

With reference to rainfall patterns in India, consider the following statements: 1. In advancing monsoon, rainfall in the Ganga valley decreases from the east to the west. 2. Mawsynram in the southern ranges of the Jaintia Hills receives the highest average rainfall in the world. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2

#45

What does the term ‘Mahawat’ imply with respect to Indian climate?

It is the total amount of winter rainfall. It is another name for the western disturbances. It is a cold local wind over the northern plains. It is a reference for the shepherd in the northern plains.

#46

With reference to alluvial soils, consider the following statements: 1. They are the largest soil group in India covering more than half of the total area. 2. The proportion of Potash, Phosphorus and Nitrogen are adequate in alluvial soil. 3. They are well known for Kankar beds or calcareous concentrations. 4. They are found along river courses and occur all along Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra plains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

#47

With reference to the effects of upper-air circulation on Indian climate, consider the following statements: 1. The westerly jet stream blows during summer, while the easterly jet stream blows during winter. 2. The easterly jet stream is responsible for bringing western disturbances into the Indian subcontinent. 3. The westerly jet stream helps in the sudden onset of the southwest monsoons. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

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

#48

Highly argillaceous and found in regions of high temperature and low rainfall, this soil is good at retaining moisture. In southern part of the country, gneisses and schists forms its parent material. Which one of the following is the above-mentioned soil?

Red and Yellow soil Laterite soil Black soil Clayey soil

#49

Which of the following statements about the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is not correct?

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is defined by the difference in sea surface temperature between a western pole in the Arabian Sea and an eastern pole in the eastern Indian Ocean south of Indonesia. The IOD develops in the equatorial region of the Indian Ocean from April to May, peaking in October, with a positive IOD leading to cooler sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea. In the negative dipole phase, Indonesia becomes much warmer and rainier, while the western Indian Ocean around the Arabian Sea becomes cooler and drier. The atmospheric component of the IOD, named Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO), exhibits enhanced cloud formation and rainfall in the western part of the equatorial ocean near the African coast during the positive phase.

#50

Consider the following statements regarding the Somali Jet and its influence on the Indian monsoon: 1. The Somali Jet strengthens the southwest monsoon and flows from Mauritius and Madagascar to the coast of Kenya. 2. The Findlater Current in the Arabian Sea reverses its direction with the monsoon winds and creates a zone of coastal upwelling near the Horn of Africa. 3. The coastal upwelling caused by the Findlater Current significantly impacts the Indian monsoon due to its large scale. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 2 only 2 and 3 only