Physiography, landforms and geomorphology — UPSC Prelims PYQs

Consider the following assertion: In the Pleistocene period either the Yamuna once flowed into the Indus, or the Sutlej flowed into the Yamuna and one major tributary of either had shifted from the Ganga to the Indus or vice versa. Which of the following is/are the basis of the above assertion? 1. The Nadi-Sukta of the Rigveda 2. The explorations of the Sutlej and the Yamuna by Robert Bruce Foote 3. The presence of the same species of dolphins in both the Indus and the Ganga river systems Select the answer using the code given below:

Which of the following geographical features or phenomena is/are associated with the Peninsular Block of India? 1. Submergence of parts of the western coast due to tectonic activity 2. Presence of residual mountain ranges such as the Veliconda hills and Mahendragiri hills 3. Deep, V-shaped river valleys formed by fast-flowing rivers Select the answer using the code given below:

Which of the following are the evidences of the phenomenon of continental drift? I. The belt of ancient rocks from Brazil coast matches with those from Western Africa. II. The gold deposits of Ghana are derived from the Brazil plateau when the two continents lay side by side. III. The Gondwana system of sediments from India is known to have its counterparts in six different landmasses of the Southern Hemisphere. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Consider the following countries: I. Bolivia II. Brazil III. Colombia IV. Ecuador V. Paraguay VI. Venezuela Andes mountains pass through how many of the above countries?

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In the context of effect of water on rocks, chalk is known as a very permeable rock whereas clay is known as quite an impermeable or least permeable rock. Statement II: Chalk is porous and hence can absorb water. Statement III: Clay is not at all porous. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Consider the following water bodies: I. Lake Tanganyika II. Lake Tonlé Sap III. Patos Lagoon Through how many of them does the equator pass?

Consider the following information: Waterfall — Region — River 1. Dhuandhar — Malwa — Narmada 2. Hundru — Chota Nagpur — Subarnarekha 3. Gersoppa — Western Ghats — Netravati In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

Consider the following information: Region — Name of the mountain range — Type of mountain 1. Central Asia — Vosges — Fold mountain 2. Europe — Alps — Block mountain 3. North America — Appalachians — Fold mountain 4. South America — Andes — Fold mountain In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Rainfall is one of the reasons for weathering of rocks. Statement-II: Rain water contains carbon dioxide in solution. Statement-III: Rain water contains atmospheric oxygen. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter. Statement-II: The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Consider the following statements: 1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves. 2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation, whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements: 1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of the Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges. 2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of the Satpura Range. 3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of the Western Ghats. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following pairs: Peak Mountains 1. Namcha Barwa Garhwal Himalaya 2. Nanda Devi Kumaon Himalaya 3. Nokrek Sikkim Himalaya Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following statements: 1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in Indian territory. 2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar. 3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss? 1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Consider the following statements: 1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five states only. 2. Western Ghats are spread over five states only. 3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following pairs: Hills Region 1. Cardamom Hills Coromandel Coast 2. Kaimur Hills Konkan Coast 3. Mahadeo Hills Central India 4. Mikir Hills North-East India Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Variations in the length of daytime and night time from season to season are due to:

Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? 1. They are generally red in colour. 2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash. 3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP. 4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Consider the following: 1. Electromagnetic radiation 2. Geothermal energy 3. Gravitational force 4. Plate movements 5. Rotation of the earth 6. Revolution of the earth Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?

Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? Geographical Feature Region

When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following: 1. Deep gorges 2. U-turn river courses 3. Parallel mountain ranges 4. Steep gradients causing land-sliding. Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains?

What could be the main reason/reasons for the formation of the African and Eurasian desert belt? 1. It is located in the sub-tropical high-pressure cells. 2. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents. Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context?

The Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a “U’’ turn in its course to flow into India. This “U” turn is due to