UPSC IAS Prelims : Geography : MCQ Set 9 (Maps and Indian Geography)

Q.1. There is a place A with longitude 060^o East. There is another place B with longitude 090^oEast. If local time at place A is 1200 Hrs. What would be local time at Place B?

a) 1200 Hrs

b) 1400 Hrs

c) 1000 Hrs

d) 1220 Hrs

Answer: (b)

Explanation: 15^o = 1 Hour

Q.2. Which of the following is correct about India?

1) India has total area of 3.28 million sq. Km.

2) India has a coastline of 6100 km in mainland.

3) India has a total coastline of 7600 km including islands.

a) 1 and 2 only                                                   b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only                                                   d) All of the above

Answer: (d)

Q.3. What is the correct order of river from north to south?

a) Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas

b) Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Beas, Ravi

c) Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas

d) Indus, Chenab, Jhelum, Beas, Ravi

Answer: (c)

Q.4. What is the correct order of Mountains from East to West?

a) Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills, Naga Hills, Khasi Hills

b) Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Naga Hills

c) Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, Naga Hills

d) Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills, Naga Hills, Khasi Hills

Answer:  (b)

Q.5. What is the correct order of Mountain Peaks from South to North?

a) Anai Mudi, Doda Betta, Mahendragiri, Malayagiri

b) Anai Mudi, Doda Betta, Malayagiri, Mahendragiri

c) Doda Betta, Anai Mudi, Malayagiri, Mahendragiri

d) Doda Betta, Malayagiri, Anai Mudi, Mahendragiri

Answer: (a)

Q.6. Arrange the following rivers from longest to shortest?

a) Yamuna, Narmada, Mahanadi, Kaveri

b) Narmada, Yamuna, Mahanadi, Kaveri

c) Narmada, Mahanadi, Yamuna, Kaveri

d) Mahanadi, Narmada, Yamuna, Kaveri

Answer: (a)

Q.7. Which of the following cities has maximum northern latitude?

a) Ranchi

b) Dhanbad

c) Jamshedpur

d) Barddhaman

Answer: (b)

Q.8. Which of the following statement is correct about Lake Loktak?

1) It is located in Mizoram.

2) It is one of the site under Ramsar Convention

a) 1 only                                                                               b) 2 only

c) Both                                                                                  d) None

Answer: (b)

Q.9. Which is the correct order of Islands from North to South in Nicobar Islands?

a) Car Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Great Nicobar

b) Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Car Nicobar

c) Great Nicobar, Car Nicobar, Little Nicobar

d) Little Nicobar, Car Nicobar, Great Nicobar

Answer: (a)

 Q.10. Arrange the following islands of Japan from North to South?

a) Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu

b) Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku

c) Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku

d) Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu

Answer: (d)

UPSC IAS Prelims : Geography : MCQ Set 10 (Solar Radiation and Heat Balance)

1. Consider the following statements:

   1. The incoming solar radiation on earth is known as insolation
   2. The farthest distance of the earth from the Sun is 152 million Km on 4th July
   3. The position of the earth when it is nearest to the Sun is called Aphelion

 Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d)  2 and 3 only

Answer .b

2. Which of these factors are responsible for variation in Insolation?

(a) The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays
(b) The length of the day
(c) The transparency of the atmosphere

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d)  2 and 3 only

Answer .c

3. Consider the following statements:

 1. The transfer of heat through horizontal movement of air is called Advection
 2. The short wave radiation on earth are absorbed by the carbon dioxide and the other green house gases where as long wave radiation pass through them without any heating
 3. The Earth as a whole doesn’t accumulate or loose heat and its temperature has remained constant

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d)  1 and 3 only

Answer .d

4. The amount of visible radiation reflected by the earth is called as its _______.

(a) Albedo
(b) Scattering
(c) Refraction 
(d) Dispersion

 Answer .a

5. With respect to Heat budget of the Earth, consider the following statements:

 1. The surplus heat energy from the tropics is redistributed towards the pole as tropics do not get progressively heated up and high latitudes get permanently frozen.
2. Roughly 55 percent of insolation are reflected back to space even before reaching the earth’s surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  (a) 1 only
  (b) 2 only
  (c) 1 and 2  
  (d) None of these

Answer .a

6. Which of the following can influence the temperature of a place?

   1. latitude of the place
   2. altitude of the place
  3. distance from the sea
  4. air-mass circulation

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d)  1, 2 , 3 and 4

Answer .d

7. Consider the following statements:

  1. Normally temperature decreases with increase in elevation, called as normal Lapse rate
  2. A long winter night with clear skies and still air can have Inversion of temperature i.e. temperature increases with increase in the height
 3. Over polar areas temperature inversion is normal throughout the year

 Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d)  1 and 3 only

Answer .c

8. With respect to isotherm, consider the following statements:

  1. The Isotherms are lines joining places having equal temperature.
  2. In January the isotherms deviate to the south over the Ocean and to the north over the continent in the northern hemisphere.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  (a) 1 only
  (b) 2 only
  (c) 1 and 2  
  (d) None of these

Answer .a

9. With respect to Fogs which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. Due to inversion of temperature in lower layers of atmosphere smoke and dust particles get collected beneath the inversion layer and spread horizontally to fill the lower strata of atmosphere.
  2. Due to occurrence of Inversion in the morning of summer season, dense Fogs are a common phenomenon
  3. The inversion commonly lasts for few hours until the sun comes up and begins to warm the earth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d)  1 and 3 only

Answer .d

10. Consider the following statements:

    1. Cold air at the hills and mountains at night flows under the influence of gravity. They move down the slope to pile up deeply in pockets and valley bottoms with warm air above. This is called air drainage
   2. The Inversion takes place in hills and mountains due to air drainage

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  (a) 1 only
  (b) 2 only
  (c) 1 and 2  
  (d) None of these

Answer .c

UPSC IAS Prelims Exam : Geography : MCQ Set 11( Human development index,peninsular block of india)

1.    Read the following sentences and answer the correct sentence
i.    Human Development Index was created by Dr. Mehboob-ul-haq in 1990.
ii.    The UNDP used his concept of Human development to publish Human Development Report annually since 1992.
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
a.    Only i is correct                c. only ii is correct
b.    Both i & ii are correct            d. Neither i nor ii

Click Here for the Detail Geography Syllabus

2.    Read the following sentences and answer the correct option from the codes given below
i.    Development cannot take place unless there is an increment or addition to the existing conditions
ii.    Growth is a quantitative and value neutral concept.
iii.    Positive growth always leads to development.
Codes
a.     Only I                    c.  all of the above
b.    Only ii  & iii                d. only i & iii

3.    The country which is building a canal for transport of ships from atlantic ocean to pacific ocean is
a.    Nicaragua                    c. Costa Rica
b.    Panama                    d. Mexico

4.    Consider the following sentences regarding the peninsular block
i.    The peninsular block is separated by Chota Nagpur plateau by Malda fault.
ii.    As a part of Madagascar plate, it is subject to various vertical movements and block faulting.
Choose the correct sentence code given below
a.    Only I                    c. Both I & II
b.    Only II                    d. Neither I nor II

5.    Himalayan cold desert lies in between
a.    Greater Himalaya & Karakorum
b.    Shiwalik & Pir Panjal
c.    Ladakh & Shiwalik
d.     Ladakh & Zaskar

6.    Read the following sentences carefully
i.    Bhabhar is a belt ranging between 10-20 km parallel to Shiwalik foothills at the breakup of the slope.
ii.    The river streams reemerge without any properly demarcated channel in the Bhangar belt. Hence making it swampy.
iii.    The northern plains does not  contain any mineral deposits
Which of the above sentence/s is/are not correct?
a.    Only I                     c. only I & III
b.    I, II & III                    d  only III

7.    Match the national parks given in list 1 to their respective state (List 2)
         List 1                        list 2
A.    Siroy                    I.    Jammu and Kashmir
B.    Moiling                    II.  Maharashtra
C.    Hemis                     III.  Manipur
D.    Sanjay Gandhi                IV.  Arunachal Pradesh
Codes:
            A     B      C       D
a.          I      III     IV      II
b.         III     IV     II       I
c.          I      IV     III      II
d.         III     IV      I       II

8.    Identify the region having following characteristics
I.    It is believed that the region was under sea during Mesozoic period
II.    This is correlated by the wood fossil park and Marine deposits found in the region
III.    It presents the typical pattern of inland drainage
Codes
a.    Cold desert of Himalayas
b.    Great Indian desert
c.    Mizo hill region
d.    None of the above

9.    Which of the following is not a satellite of Jupiter
a.    Lo                        c. Ganymede
b.     Europa                    d. Demos

10.      Which of the following is not a reason for the oblate spheroid shape of the earth
I.    The rotational speed of earth increases as one goes towards equator from pole.
II.    The gravitational pull is greater at equator
III.    The intensity of the light received at the equator is greater than that at the poles.
Codes:
a.    Only III                    c. Only II & III
b.    Only I & II                    d.  I, II & III

UPSC IAS Prelims Exam : Geography - MCQs Set 13(pedogenesis, La revue des races,Soils and Soil formation)

Q1: Soil formation process is called pedogenesis and the scientific study of soils is known as pedology. Regarding soil formation, which one of the following sentences is not correct?
(a) Weathering is the process that results in the break down and chemical changes of the parent rock in situ.
(b) Humification and mineralisation are examples of transformation process.
(c) Fluvial soil has well developed soil horizons.
(d) Fauna and flora is the important factor for soil development.
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Weathering or break down of the parental rock is the first step of soil formation. Mineralisation and humification are the important factors for soil development.

Q2: Latin America word was first used in 1861 in ‘La revue des races’, a magazine dedicated to the cause of Pan Latinism. Which statement regarding Latin America is/are correct?
1. This is the only continent, which is situated on the location from where equator, 23 1/2 degree N and 23 ½ degree S crosses.
2. Latin’s America Atacama desert is the lowest rainfall region in the world.
3. Brazil is the largest country in terms of area and population in Latin America.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) All of these
(d) Only 3
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Latin America is the continent from where all three major latitudes e.g., Equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn crosses. Atacama Desert situated in Chile, is the driest desert in the world. Brazil is the largest country in terms of population and area in the world.

Q3: Consider the following statements:
1. Most places along the Tropic of Capricorn have arid or semi-arid climates.
2. Atacama Desert, Andes mountains and Antofagasta town are located on Tropic of Cancer.

Which of the above statements is / are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None of these
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Both statements are correct. Most places along the Tropic of Capricorn are arid or semi-arid e.g., Western Australian, South-Western part of Africa and Northern part of Chile. Atacama desert, some part of Andes mountain and Antofagasta town are located in the Tropic of Capricorn.

Q4:  Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
     Mountain ranges               Continent
(1) Appalachian                       Africa
(2) Andes                               South America
(3) Gobi                                 Asia

Codes
(a)  1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of these
Ans. b
Explanation: Appalachian mountain ranges are located in North America.

Q5: Which of the following factors affect the soil formation?
1. Climate
2. Vegetation
3. Weathering
4. Relief
5. Parent Material

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 5
(d) All of these
Ans: (d)
Explanation: Climate is the most important single factor in the soil formation. The amount of rainfall and range of temperature are the most important climate factors affecting soil formation.

Q6: Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
         Grassland                                  Location
     1   Pustaz                                      Hungary
     2   Prairie                                      Ukraine
     3   Canterbury                                New Zealand

Codes
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of these
Ans. C
Explanation: Prairie is found in the North America whereas Steppes is found in Ukraine and Russia.

Q7: Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding West Asia?
1. The region is surrounded by seven major seas, e.g., the Agean sea, the Black sea, the Caspian sea, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian sea, Red sea and Mediterranean sea.
2. West Asia is primarily arid and semi- arid region.
3. Western Asia contains large area of mountainous terrain.
4. The region is one of the most developed areas in the world.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) All of these
Ans: (c)
Explanation: Western Asia is located directly south of Eastern Europe. The region is surrounded by seven major seas. E.g., the Agean sea, the black sea, the Caspian sea, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian sea, the Red sea and the Mediterranean sea.

Q8: A river transports its load in many different ways. Which of the following can be included in the list?
1. In solution
2. In suspension
3. By siltation

Select the correct answer using the codes given below
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) All of these
Ans: (d)
Explanation: The solid material carried by the river is called its load. A river transports its load in three different ways. They are In solution (dissolved load), In suspension (suspended load), By saltation (bed load).

Q9: Consider the following statements regarding intrusive igneous rocks
1. These are called Plutonic rocks.
2. Granite, diorite, gabbro are examples.
3. The intrusive rocks lying in a slanting direction as an off shoot are called dykes

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) All of these
Ans: (d)
Explanation: When molten materials of Earth’s interior (magma) do not reach Earth’s surface, they cool and solidify below the surface-are called intrusive igneous rocks e.g., granite, diorite, gabbro called plutonic rocks.

Q10: Consider the following statements regarding Chilka Lake
1. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the world.
2. It was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
3. It is located at the mouth of the Daya River.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. Only 1
2. Only 3
3. 1 and 3
4. All of these
Ans: (d)
Explanation: Chilka lake is a brackish water lagoon, spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the East coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya river, flowing into thye Bay of Bengal, covering an area of over 1100 sq km.

UPSC IAS Prelims Exam : Geography - MCQs Set 14( Anatolia,Mangroves,Tsunami,Great Barrier Reef,Podzols,Deserts)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Anatolia

1.It is also known as Asia major.
2.The region is bounded by the Black sea to the North and the Mediterranean sea to the South.
3.It comprises majority of Iraq and some part of Turkey.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only 2
(b) Only 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 and 4

Ans: (a)

Explanation: Anatolia also known as Asia Minor and Asian Turkey, denotes the Westernmost protrusion of Asia, comprising the majority of the Republic of Turkey

2. Lightning results from the creation and separation of electric charge in cumulonimbus clouds. Consider the following statements.
1. Lightening is the form of visible electric discharge between rain clouds or between a rain cloud and the earth.
2. Thunderclouds are positively charged at the base and negatively charged at the top. Earth represents the negatively charged plate.
3. When the electrical potential between two clouds or between a cloud and the Earth reaches a sufficiently high value, the air becomes ionised along a narrow path and a lightning flash results.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these

Ans: (b)

Explanation: Lightening is a large spark produced by an abrupt discontinuous discharge of electricity through the air, resulting most often from the creation and separation of electric charge in cumulonimbus clouds.

3. Rain Bearing clouds look black. The probable reasons should be
1. Part of light is scattered by the tiny droplets of the water in clouds.
2. Part of light is absorbed by the tiny droplets of the water in clouds.
3. There is a lot of dust condensed in water vapour.

Which among the above statements is/ are correct explanation?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) Only 1

Ans: (a)

Explanation: Most clouds appear white, because sunlight reflects off the water droplets. If the clouds are thick, the droplets scatter or absorb the light and less solar radiation can travel through them. This is why, storm clouds are dark black or grey.

4. Which of the following is/are not a function of the Mangroves?
1. Buffer zone between the land and sea.
2. Protect the land from erosion.
3. Play an invaluable role as nature’s shield against cyclones, ecological disasters and as protector of shorelines.
4. Breeding and nursery grounds for a variety of marine animals.
5. One of the causes of marine pollution.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) All of these
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5

Ans: (c)

Explanation: It has a variety of life forms like fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and even mammals like tigers, good source of timber, fuel and fodder.

5. consider the following statement about Tsunami, a Japanese word, which means Harbour waves
1. Tsunami originates in the ocean only due to earthquakes that occur on the ocean-bed.
2. To generate Tsunami waves, there should be vertical displacement of water column, which happens in the case of strike fault.
3. As the Tsunami waves travels over a shallow and gradual slope. Its wavelength decrease. This is called shoaling effect.

Which of the above statement is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) Only 3
(d) 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Explanation: Ocean bed earthquakes are not the only reason for generating Tsunami. Volcanic eruptions and other underwater explosions, landslides, glacier calvings, meteorite impacts and other disturbances above or below water all have the potential to generate a Tsunami.

6. Weathering is the process of disintegration of surfaces by the action of exogenetic forces. Consider the following statements about weathering

1. Rocks of massive character are more likely to have a lesser resistance to weathering than those, which are bedded.
2. Temperature as an important factor affects both physical and chemical weathering.
3. Lichens on rocks reduce the rate of weathering and help in preserving the surface from denudation.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) Only 2

Ans: (d)

Explanation: Rocks of massive character are more likely to have a greater resistance to weathering than those, which are bedded rocks primarily sedimentary rocks made of different layers separated by the cementing material.

7. Consider the following statement regarding Great Barrier Reef

1. The reef is located in the Coral Sea.
2. It is located off the coast of Queensland in Australia.
3. Several major urban centres are located on the coast including  Crain, Townville, Mackay, Rockhampton, adjoining the reef.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Explanation: The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, composed of roughly 3000 individual reefs.

8. Consider the following:
1. Patterns of atmospheric circulation.
2. Quality of soil.
3. Quantity of insolation
4. Latitudes and longitudes.

Which among the above are the main determinants of desertification in a geographical area on Earth?

(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Explanation: We have maximum quantity of insolation on equator still desert are mostly in tropics. Similarly, the latitudes are not determinants of desertification. One of the main causes of desert spread is deforestation today.

9. Coastal deserts are generally found on the West coast of continents, such as the Namib in Africa, Atacama in Chile, the Atlantic Coastal Desert of Morocco or the deserts of Baja Californis. In this context, consider the following
1. Gravitation of Sun and Moon.
2. Global circulation of oceanic currents.
3. Sea floor spreading.
4. Coriolis force
5. Earth’s rotation.

Which among the above phenomena would be sufficient to explain the above fact given in question?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) All of these
(c) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 3 and 5

Ans: (c)

Explanation: As the Earth turns, ocean currents and winds flow in the equator from East to West, tugged by universal gravitation, forming the equatorial currents and the easterly trade winds. As the westbound surface waters move away from the continents, they pull cold, nutrient rich waters to the surface that generate a cool, stable coastal atmosphere, with little evaporation from the sea and very low rainfall other than morning fogs.

10. consider the following statements regarding Podzols
1. They are typical soils of Boreal forests.
2. These are poor soils for agriculture.
3. Podzols with no E horizon are black podzolic soils.

Which of the following statements is/ are correct?

(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

Explanation: In soil science, podsols are the typical soils of coniferous, or boreal forests. They are also the typical soils of eucalypt forests and health lands in Southern Australia. These soils are poor for agriculture.

UPSC IAS Prelims Exam : Geography- MCQs Set 18(Isobars,Specific Humidity,Relief Zones,Oceans)

1. consider the following statements
1. Lines of equal pressure on a map are known as isobars.
2. Widely spaced isobars indicate a high pressure gradient and high wind speeds.
3. The pressure gradient force acts parallel to the isobars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) All of these

Ans: (a)

Explanation: The Pressure Gradient Force is generated by the pressure differences between two points. Isobars are lines that show the equal pressure. Closely Spaced Isobars indicate a high pressure gradient and high wind speeds. Widely Spaced Isobars indicate a low pressure gradient and low wind speeds. Direction of Force is the pressure gradient force acts perpendicular to the isobars.

2. consider the following statements:
1. Absolute humidity is an amount of water vapour, usually discussed per unit volume.
2. Specific humidity is the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapour in the air water mixture to the saturated vapour pressure of water at those conditions.
3. Relative humidity is the ratio of the water vapour to dry air in a particular mass, and is sometimes referred to as humidity ratio.
4. A device used to measure relative humidity is called a psychrometer.

Which of these above statement (s) is/are correct?

a. 2 and 3
b. 1,2 and 3
c. 1 and 4
d. All of the above

Ans: (c) 

Explanation: Specific humidity is a ratio of water vapour to dry air in a particular mass and sometimes referred to as humidity ratio. Relative humidity is a ratio of partial pressure of water vapour in the air water mixture to the saturated vapour pressure of water at those conditions.

3. Four relief zones of ocean basins to seaward gradually are:
a. Continental shelves, continental slopes, deep sea plains and oceanic trenches.
b. Continental slopes, Continental shelves, deep sea plains and oceanic trenches.
c. Continental Shelves, Continental slopes, oceanic trenches and deep sea plains.
d. Continental slopes, Continental shelves, oceanic trenches and deep sea plains.

Ans: (a)

Explanation: the ocean basins are characterised by these four relief zones. The shallow submerged extension of the continent is called the continental shelve and the continuously sloping portion of the continental margin extending down to the deep sea floor of the abyssal plain is known as continental slope. Deep sea plain is a zone situated between continental slope and oceanic trench. Oceanic trench is the deepest zone of the ocean basin. A trench is an arch shaped depression in the deep ocean floor.

4. Consider the following statements:
1. General outline of Atlantic Ocean is that of the letter ‘S’.
2. The South Atlantic Ocean opens broadly into the Atlantic Ocean.
3. The North Atlantic Ocean opens broadly into the Atlantic Ocean.
4. The Atlantic Ocean narrows down towards the Equator.

Which of the above given statements are correct?

a. Only 1
b. 1 and 2
c. 1,2 and 4
d. 1, 3 and 4

Ans: (c) 

Explanation: The Atlantic Ocean is located between Europe as well Africa in the East and North America as well as South America in the West, covers one-sixth area of the globe and half of the area of the Pacific Ocean. Its general outline is that of the letter ‘S’. It is narrow towards the Equator. The South Atlantic Ocean opens broadly into the Atlantic Ocean.

5. Consider the following statements:
1. In the Indian Ocean the marginal seas are less in number than the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Mozambique Channel, Red Sea and Baltic Sea are marginal seas of the Indian Ocean.
3. The average depth of the Indian Ocean is 4000 Meters.
4. The Indian Ocean is the third largest Ocean after the Pacific and Atlantic.

Which of the above given statements are correct?

a. Only 1
b. Only 4
c. 1,3 and 4
d. All of the above

Ans: (c) 

Explanation: The Indian Ocean is smaller than Pacific and Atlantic Ocean is the real extent and is bounded by on all its sides by Asia in the north and the east, Africa is in west, Antarctica in the south east. The average depth of the Indian Ocean is 4000 Meters. The marginal seas of the Indian Ocean are less in number than the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean. Its significant marginal seas are Mozambique Channel, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

6. Match the following
        Table - I                             Table - II
A.    Atlantic Ocean                       1. Kara Sea
B.    Pacific Ocean                         2. Berring Sea
C.    Indian Ocean                        3. Gulf of Mexico
D.    Arctic Ocean                          4. Persian Gulf

Code:

a. A-1, B-2, C-4,D-3
b. A-3, B-2, C-4,D-1
c. A-2, B-3, C-4,D-1
d. A-4,B-2, C-1,D-3

Ans: (b) 

Explanation: Kara Sea is the Marginal Sea of the Arctic Ocean, while the Berring sea is the part of Pacific Ocean. Gulf of Mexico is related to Atlantic Ocean and the Persian Gulf is the part of Indian Ocean.

7. Consider the following statements:

1. The temperature of the oceans is not uniform.
2. The temperature variations, in the ocean, occur from Equator to Pole ward and from surface to the ocean bed.
3. The major source of the temperature of the oceanic water is the Sun.
4. Besides the Sun some energy is also received from below the bottom and through the compression of the sea water.

Which of the above given statements are correct?

a. Only 1
b. Only 3
c. 1 and 3
d. All of the above

Ans: (d) 

Explanation: The temperature of the ocean is not uniform, it differs from latitude to latitude and from surface to bottom. The major source of the temperature of the oceanic water is the Sun but besides the Sun some energy is also received from below the bottom and through the compression of the sea water though insignificant.

8. Consider the following statements:
1. Surface temperatures of the oceans are controlled by warm and cold currents.
2. Warm currents raise the temperature of the affected areas.
3. The Gulf stream rises the temperature near the eastern coast of North America.
4. The Gulf Stream is the current of Pacific Ocean.

Which of the above given statements are correct?

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. 1, 2 and 3
d. All of these

Ans: (c) 

Explanation: Surface temperatures of the oceans are controlled by warm and cold currents. Warm currents raise the temperature of the affected areas, while cool currents lower down the temperature. Warm current in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf Stream raises the temperature near the eastern coast of North America and the western coast of Europe. There is no relation of the Gulf Stream to the Pacific Ocean.

9. Consider the following statements:
1. Maximum temperature of the ocean is at their surface.
2. Though the sea temperature decreases with increasing depth yet the rate of decrease of temperature is not uniform.
3. The change in sea temperature below the depth of 2000 m is negligible.
4. Diurnal and Annual ranges of temperature cease after the depth of 5 Fathoms and 100 Fathoms respectively.

Which of the above given statements are correct?

a. 1 and 2
b. 3 and 4
c. 1,2 and 4
d. All of the above

Ans: (d)

Explanation: On the basis of density, the ocean is divided into three zones – Surface, thermocline and the deep zone. Maximum temperature of the ocean is at their surface because it directly receives the insolation. Though the sea temperature decreases with increasing depth yet the rate of decrease of temperature is not uniform.

10. Consider the following statements:
1. There is direct positive relationship between the rate of evaporation and salinity of the oceans.
2. Precipitation is inversely related to salinity.
3. Precipitation is positively related to salinity.
4. Salinity is reduced at the mouth of rivers.

Whih of the above given statements are correct?

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. 1,3 and 4
d. 1, 2 and 4

Ans: (d) 

Explanation: The total quantity of dissolved inorganic solids in water is salinity. There is direct positive relationship between the rate of evaporation and salinity of the oceans, eg., greater the evaporation higher the salinity and vice versa while the precipitation is inversely related to salinity.

UPSC IAS Prelims Exam : Geography- MCQs Set 15(Drought,Savanna Region,Wetlands,Harmattan,Clouds,Algal bloom)

1. Drought is the situation occurring in any area when the mean annual rainfall is less than 75% of the normal rainfall. In this regard, which of the following concept/terms is not true?

1.Meteorological drought is a situation where there is a reduction in rainfall for a specific period below a specific amount.
2.Hydrological drought is associated with reduction of water.
3.Agricultural drought is concerned with the impact of meteorological/hydrological drought on crop yield.
4.Soil moisture drought is a situation of inadequate soil moisture particularly in rainfed area which may not support crop growth

.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 4
(c) All of these
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Explanation: The Indian meteorological department has defined drought as a situation occurring in any area when the mean annual rainfall is less than 75%of the normal rainfall.

2. Which statement regarding Savanna region is correct?
1. Savanna is tropical grassland.
2. Savanna eco region is also called world’s paradise of hunters.
3. In savanna region trees are sparse and chemo-resistance.
4. Savanna eco region has maximum biodiversity.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) All of these

Ans: a

Explanation: True, savanna is tropical grassland. Savanna eco region is the paradise of hunters. Savanna region has coarse grass and fire resistance trees. Maximum biodiversity found in equatorial rainfall regions.

3. In terms of temperature, eastern Himalaya are much more cooler and have less rainfall compared to Eastern Himalayas having warmer and high rainfall. This is because, the Western Himalayas.
1. Located between the Indus and Kali rivers.
2. They receive an average rainfall of 100 cm.
3. They consist of three distinct ranges-Himadari, Himachal and Shiwalik.
4. They covered with coniferous forests.

Which is/are correct reasons?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) All of these

Ans: (d) 

Explanation: The high Himalayas mountains in the north of India are important sources for generating and maintaining the climate over the entire Northern belt. The western part of Himalayas gets high rainfall as it is located between the Indus and kali rivers, they receive an average annual rainfall around 100 cm.

4. Consider the following statements regarding the Wetlands
1. Wetlands are lands that are transitional between terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems.
2. Though the Kolleru Lake provides habitat for a number of resident and migratory birds, including the vulnerable Grey Pelican yet it is not covered within the Ramsar convention.
3. Chillika lake is a brackish lake, placed on the Montreux Record in 1993 due to siltation, which was choking the mouth of the lake.

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) Only 4

Ans: (c)

Explanation: The Ramsar sites in India are: Ashtami wetland(Kerala), Bhitarkanika mangroves (Odisha), Bhoj Wetlands (M.P), Chandrataal (H.P), Chilika Lake (Odisha), Deepor Beel (Asom), East Calcutta Wetlands (W.B), Harike Wetlands (Punjab), Hokersar Wetlands (J&K), Kanjli Wetlands (Punjab), Wular lake (J&K), Kolleru Lake (A.P), Loktak Lake (Manipur), Nalsarovar Bird Sanctury (Gujarat), Pong Dam (H.P), Renuka Wetland (H.P), Thrissur Kole Wetlands (Kerala).

5. Consider the following statements about Harmattan
1. It is a dry and dusty West African trade wind.
2. It blows South from the sahara into the Gulf of Guinea between the end of November and the middle of March (winter).
3. The interaction of the Harmattan with monsoon winds can cause tornadoes.
4. It can result in spontaneous nose bleed for some.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) All of these

Ans: (d) 

Explanation: The Harmattan is a dry and dusty West African trade wind. It is cool, extremely dry wind that forms over the Sahara and blows from the Sahara into the Gulf of Guinea between the end of November and the middle of March.

6. Which of the following are cold ocean currents?

(1) Benguela current
(2) Florida current
(3) Falkland current

Codes

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of these

Ans. c

Explanation: Florida current emerges near the equator in Atlantic Ocean. It’s a warm current.

7. Assertion: (A) Jet stream is the latest theory regarding the origin of the monsoons and has earned world-wide acclaim from the meteorologist.
Reason: (R) the low latitude upper air shifts from 90⁰ E to 80⁰ E longitude in response to the Northward shifts of the western jet stream in summer.
Codes:

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A  
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true

Ans: (a)

Explanation: Both statements are true and R is the correct explanation of A. Jet Stream is a band of fast-moving air from West to East, usually found in the middle latitudes in the upper troposphere.

8. Consider the following matches

1. Low clouds – Altostratus
2. Medium clouds -  stratus
3. High clouds – cirrus
4. Clouds with vertical extent – Cumulus

Which of the above matches are correct?

(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) All of these

Ans: (c) 

Explanation: Altostratus clouds are medium clouds whereas stratus clouds are low clouds.

9. Consider the following statements are correct about an algal bloom?
1. Algal blooms occur in fresh water.
2. Algal blooms occur in marine environment.
3. Algal blooms concentrations may reach millions of cells per millilitre.
4. Algal blooms are green in colour.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) All of these

Ans: (d)

Explanation: Algal bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation in the population of Algae in an aquatic system. It occurs in freshwater as well as in marine environments. It occurs at concentrations of hundreds of thousands of cells per millilitre. They are green, but other colours also, depending on the species of Algae.

10. Consider the following statement regarding the impact of climate change

1. The melting of the glaciers is more in the Northern hemisphere than in the Southern hemisphere.
2. Mangroves submergence and increased wetlands salinity are likely to occur with sea level rise.
3. There will be increase in the bleaching of degraded coral reefs in South Asia.

Which of the statement given above are correct?

(a) All of these
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) None of these

Ans: (a) 

Explanation: the melting of the glaciers is more in the Northern hemisphere due to concentration of industries and population in Northern hemisphere whereas other options are result of climate change.