UPSC Prelims PYQ › Geography › General & Miscellaneous
General & Miscellaneous — UPSC Prelims Geography previous year questions — page 2
56 solved previous year questions on General & Miscellaneous, papers from 1990 to 2023, drawn from UPSC CDS, UPSC CSE Prelims, State PCS. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.
- #41Practice setWhich of the following is the reason behind the gaseous nature of Outer planets?
- AThese planets have lower gravity as compared to inner planets
- BThe presence of rings which are composed mainly of gases like hydrogen and helium
- CThey have captured a large amount of hydrogen and other gasses from the surrounding nebula
- DThe cores of all these planets are made of gaseous compounds
Answer: (C) They have captured a large amount of hydrogen and other gasses from the surrounding nebulaExplanation
Option c is the correct outer planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and gas giants are made up primarily of hydrogen the same elements that make up most of the inner planets, or terrestrial planets, are the four to the Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and a is incorrect. Inner planets have lower compared to Outer planets. So higher gravity can escaping gases much stronger as compared to b is incorrect. The presence of rings does the gaseous nature of planets. In fact, all four have rings, although only Saturn's rings are from Earth. Rings are composed of countless of rock and ice, each orbiting its planet like a c is correct. As a result of their enormous planets captured a large amount of hydrogen gasses from the surrounding nebula and thus these in Statement dis incorrect. The cores of all four Outer all inner planets are made of some combination of and hydrogen compounds. The deeper you go,
- #42Practice setFor which of the following reasons the Pluto was reclassified as a 'dwarf planet'?
- AIt is not in orbit around the Sun
- BIt has not sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium
- CIt does not fulfill the criteria of minimum mass standard. It the around its orbit. 24
- DMagnetic pull of the earth
Answer: (D) Magnetic pull of the earthExplanation
Option d is the correct are three criteria of the International (IAU) for a full-sized planet are
- #43Practice setConsider the following statements: 1. Earth's rotational axis makes an angle of with the orbital plane of the earth. 35. 2. Earth's inclination causes variation in the length of day and night. 3. Axial parallelism of Earth's Axis causes Perihelion and Aphelion.How many of the above statements are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (A) Only oneExplanation
Option a is the correct l is Incorrect - Earth's rotational axis makes of with the normal, i.e. it makes an angle with the orbital plane of the earth (ecliptic plane in which Earth revolves around the sun is orbital 2 is correct- Due to Earth's axial tilt (or and night are not evenly divided. Hemisphere that towards the Sun is warmer because sunlight directly to the Earth's surface so less gets the atmosphere. That means that when itis summer Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the The hemisphere tilted towards the Sun days and shorter nights. That's why days are the summer than during the winter. If the Earth's perpendicular to its orbital plane around the Sun, on Earth would experience equal amounts of day (i.e. 12 hours of day and night, respectively) every the year and there would be no seasonal the primary cause of changing of length of day and the inclination of Earth's 3 is Incor
- #44Practice setWith.reference to gases in atmosphere consider the following statements: 1. Argon is found naturally in atmosphere. 2. Carbon Dioxide is the second most abundant gas after Nitrogen.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) 1 onlyExplanation
Option a is the correct l is correct. Argon is found naturally it makes up of the Earth's atmosphere the third most abundant atmospheric 2 is incorrect. Carbon dioxide is the fourth (not second) gas in atmosphere
- #45Practice setThe Earth's radius at the equator is larger than at the poles. Which one of the following is the primary reason for this?
- ARotation of Earth on its axis
- BRevolution of Earth around the Sun
- CPull of gravity is very high at poles
- DTilted axis of Earth's rotation to the structure, consider the statements
Answer: (C) Pull of gravity is very high at polesExplanation
Option c is the correct a is correct. The goldilocks zone is the a planet must be from its star in order to water. If a planet is too close to its sun, it will be - the water will evaporate. lf it's too far, it will be and the planet will freeze. Earth, as it just so in that goldilocks zone where water can exist in its A planet's location in this habitable zone plays a in what the planet will look like - whether that is a planet, or a humid ice b is correct. Unlike Venus or Mars, the an active plate tectonic system, which and destroys the crust. The same system also active water, oxygen and carbon dioxide cycles, as subducted down into the Earth's interior, and from volcanoes. However, while tectonics give active water and gas cycles, the tectonic system too slowly to be the process that actively c is incorrect. The high-mass stars emit ultraviolet radiation. The lifetime of a is too sho
- #46Practice setWhich among the following conditions can be considered as favorable for Lhe formation of Karst Topography? The Presence of- 1. dense limestone near the surface. 2. moderate to heavy rainfall. 3. good groundwater circulation. Select the correct answer using the codes given below
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3Explanation
Option d is the correct l is correct: The presence of dense limestone surface is an important requirement for the the Karst topography. Different types of landforms developed from these limestone regions/blocks due to of ground water and 2 is correct: A moderate to heavy rainfall is condition for the formation of Karst percolates along both horizontal and dissolving the limestone and carrying it away 3 is correct: Good groundwater circulation is condition for the formation ofkarst Ground water act as a primary agent in the formation of landforms
- #47Practice setConsider the following statements regarding the Moraines: 1. It is formed by the deposition of unsorted glacial debris including gravel, sand and day. 2. Moraines can be used to reconstruct the history of a glacier including its shape and size.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2Explanation
option c is the correct l is correct: Moraines are glacial by the deposition of glacial sediments that the edges and at the terminus of a glacier. typically composed of unsorted glacial debris boulders, gravel, sand, and 2 is correct: By studying the characteristics scientists can reconstruct the history of a its size, shape, direction of movement, and of its advance and retreat
- #48Practice setConsider the following statements regarding Polar lights (Auroras): 1. These are formed in the stratospheric layer of atmosphere. 2. Auroras are least visible during the height of sunspot activities. 3. Colors of the aurora vary depending on the altitude.How many of the above statements are correct?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- CAll three
- DNone
Answer: (A) Only oneExplanation
Option a is the correct l is incorrect. Aurora occurs in the The thermosphere starts just above the 2 is incorrect. Sunspots are the coldest part sun and appear as dark blobs on its white-hot flares and coronal ejections are Bright, auroras are the heighl uf sunspot 3 is correct. The colors of the aurora on altitude and the kind of atoms ions strike oxygen atoms high in the atmosphere, produces a red glow. A green-yellow hue, ions strike oxygen at lower altitudes. Reddish and that often appears in the lower fringes of auroras by ions striking atoms of nitrogen. Ions and helium atoms can produce blue and
- #49Practice setWith reference to the different types of Fronts, consider the following statements: 1. Warm front is the contact zone that develops when the cold air moves towards the warm air mass. 2. Occluded front develops when the front remains stationery.Which of the following statements is /are correct?
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2Explanation
Option dis the correct l is incorrect. When two different air the boundary zone between them is called a the cold air moves towards the warm air mass, zone is called the cold front, whereas if the mass moves towards the cold air mass, the contact a warm 2 is incorrect. If an air mass is fully lifted land surface, it is called the occluded front. When remains stationary, it is called a stationary front
- #50Practice setThese are the highest clouds in the Earth's atmosphere, located in the mesosphere. They are normally too faint to be seen, and are visible only when illuminated by sunlight from below the horizon while the lower layers of the atmosphere are in the Earth's shadow. Above paragraph best describes which of the following types of cloud?
- ACumulonimbus clouds
- BNoctilucent clouds
- CStratocumulus clouds
- DAltocumulus clouds -f Practkebook
Answer: (B) Noctilucent cloudsExplanation
Option b is the correct clouds are the highest clouds in the they are not associated with weather like the the clouds are formed due to the cold the mesosphere, where water vapour is frozen, clouds. Noctilucent clouds are the highest clouds in atmosphere, located in the mesosphere at altitudes 76 to 85 kilometers. They are normally too faint to and are visible only when illuminated by sunlight the horizon while the lower layers of the in the Earth's shadow. Noctilucent clouds are not and are a recently discovered the early 21st century, because of increases in in the upper atmosphere, noctilucent with increasing frequency in lower latitudes
- #51Practice setThis is a very low doud, uniformly grey and thick, which appears like a low ceiling or highland fog. H brings dull weather with light drizzle. H reduces the visibility of aircraft and is thus a It is
- ACirrus cloud
- BStratus cloud
- CCumulus cloud
- DCumulonimbus cloud
Answer: (B) Stratus cloudExplanation
Option bis the correct cloud is a very low uniformly grey and appears like a low ceiling fog. It weather with light drizzle. It reduces the visibility and is thus a danger. GEOG Important Tips Types of clouds: Cirrus cloud look fibrous and appears like wisps in the blue sky. It is often called 'mares tails'. It indicates fair weather and often give brilliant sunset. Cumulus cloud is a vertical cloud with a rounded top and horizontal base, typical of humid tropical regions, associated with up-rising convectional currents. It is great white globular mass, might look grey against the sun. But it is a fair-weather cloud. Cumulonimbus cloud is an overgrown cumulus cloud, extending from a base of 2000 feet to over 30,000 feet. It is a black and white globular mass. It is also referred to as a thunder cloud and brings convectional rain accompanied by lightning and thunder
- #52Practice setArrange the following Hills of the North- East India in the correct sequence of their location from North to South. 1. Mikir Hills 2. Mishmi Hills 3. Dafla Hills 4. Lushai HillsWhich of the options given below is correct?
- A1 - 2 - 3 - 4
- B4 - 2 - 3 - 1
- C2 - 3 - 1 - 4
- D3 2 - 4 - l
Answer: (C) 2 - 3 - 1 - 4Explanation
Option c is the correct order from North to South is: Mishmi - Dafla - Lushai. Hence, option c is correct the 2: Mishmi Hills: These are located at the northeastern tip of India, in north-eastern Arunachal 3: Dafla Hills: These are located on the border Arunachal and Assam occupied by an called 1: Mikir Hills: These are a group of hills the south of the Kaziranga National Park, Assam. Meghalaya comprising the detached Mikir partly isolated being surrounded by three sides. or Mikir Hills is known landform In 4: Lushai Hills: These are a mountain range and Manipur, India. The range is part of the
- #53Practice setArrange the following North-Eastern hills in order starting from North to Sou.th: 1. Lushai Hills 2. Manipur Hills 3. Patkai Bum 4. Naga HillsSelect the correct answer using the code given below
- A3-2-1-4
- B1-3-4-2
- C3-4-2-1
- D1-3--2-A
Answer: (C) 3-4-2-1Explanation
Option c is the correct correct order of the hills starting from North to as follows 3: Patkai Bum - Patkai Range is part of the along the Myanmar border located in the Indian Arunachal Pradesh and extend to 4: Naga Hills - Naga Hills are part of the barrier on the border of India and They are located in the Indian state of 2: Manipur Hills - Manipur hills are enclosed in the north, Mizoram in the south, Myanmar east and Cachar of Assam in the Lushai Hills - Lushai Hills (or Mizo Hills) are range in Mizoram and Tripura
- #54Practice setThe Tropic of Cancer passes through which of the following states in India? 1. Rajasthan 2. Chhattisgarh 3. Manipur 4. BiharSelect the correct answer using the code given below
- A1 and 2 only
- B1, 3 and 4 only
- C2 and 4 only
- D1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (A) 1 and 2 onlyExplanation
is the coned of Cancer passes through - Gujarat, Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West and Mizoram
- #55Practice setWhich one of the following countries shares border with the least number of states/UTs of India?
- AChina
- BNepal
- CBangladesh
- DMyanmar
Answer: (D) MyanmarExplanation
Option d is the correct shares horder with Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram (4 GEOG Important Tips India and Bordering Nations: China shares border with Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh (5 states/ UTs). Nepal shares border with Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim (5 states/UTs) Bangladesh shares border with West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (5 states/UTs)
- #56Practice setConsider the following pairs:Steel Plants in Set up in India Collaboration with 1. Rourkela Steel Germany Plant 2. Bhilai Steel Russia Plant 3. Dmgapu, Steel USA ! Plant 4. Bokaro Steel United d PlantHow many of the above given pairs are correctly matched?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- COnly three
- DAll four
Answer: (B) Only twoExplanation
Option b is the correct l is correctly matched. The Rourkela Steel set up in 1959 in the Sundargarh district of Orissa with 2 is correctly matched. The Bhilai Steel Plant with Russian collaboration in Durg District and started production in 3 is incorrectly matched. Durgapur Steel Plant, in was set up in collaboration with the government United Kingdom and started production in 4 is incorrectly matched. Bokaro Steel Plant was set 1964 at Bokaro with Russian collaboration