UPSC CAPF Archives

41. Which one of the following does not control climate ?

Which one of the following does not control climate ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Latitude” option2=”Altitude” option3=”Longitude” option4=”Forest cover” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

Longitude does not directly control climate.

Climate is primarily controlled by factors that affect the distribution of solar radiation and heat transfer in the atmosphere and oceans. These include Latitude (influences angle of sun’s rays), Altitude (affects temperature and pressure), Proximity to water bodies, Ocean Currents, Prevailing Winds, Topography, and Vegetation Cover. Longitude primarily relates to position east-west and time zones and does not have a direct causal influence on climate.

While locations at similar longitudes might share similar climates if other factors are constant (e.g., coastal regions at the same latitude), longitude itself is not a climate-controlling factor like latitude or altitude are. Forest cover is considered a significant factor influencing local and regional climate, primarily through its effects on albedo, evapotranspiration, and carbon cycling.

42. Which one of the following is a planetary wind ?

Which one of the following is a planetary wind ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Monsoon” option2=”Trade” option3=”Chinook” option4=”Mistral” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Trade winds are a type of planetary wind.

Planetary winds, also known as prevailing winds, are large-scale, relatively constant wind patterns that blow across the globe due to differences in air pressure and the Earth’s rotation. Trade winds (blowing from subtropical high-pressure belts towards the equatorial low-pressure belt), Westerlies (blowing from subtropical highs towards subpolar lows), and Polar Easterlies (blowing from polar highs towards subpolar lows) are primary examples.

Monsoons are seasonal winds driven by differential heating of land and sea, not constant global patterns. Chinook and Mistral are examples of local winds influenced by topography and regional pressure systems.

43. Consider the following statements: 1. The Earth receives the Sun’s e

Consider the following statements:

1. The Earth receives the Sun’s energy at the infrared end of the spectrum.
2. The Earth re-radiates the Sun’s heat as ultraviolet energy.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct.

The Earth receives energy from the Sun primarily in the form of visible light, with significant contributions from infrared and ultraviolet radiation. The peak emission of the Sun’s radiation is in the visible spectrum. The Earth, being much cooler than the Sun, re-radiates absorbed energy primarily as longwave infrared radiation.

Statement 1 is incorrect because the Earth receives energy across the solar spectrum, not just the infrared end. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Earth re-radiates energy as infrared (heat) radiation, not ultraviolet radiation. The greenhouse effect is caused by atmospheric gases absorbing this outgoing infrared radiation.

44. What happens to the water depth as the Tsunami waves approach the coas

What happens to the water depth as the Tsunami waves approach the coast ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Decreases” option2=”Increases” option3=”Increases and decreases alternatively” option4=”Neither increases nor decreases” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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As Tsunami waves approach the coast, the water depth decreases.

Tsunami waves are long-period waves. As they move from the deep ocean into shallower coastal waters, their speed decreases due to friction with the seabed, but their height increases significantly due to the conservation of energy. This phenomenon is known as shoaling.

In the deep ocean, tsunamis have a long wavelength and small amplitude (height), making them often unnoticed by ships. As they enter shallow water, the wavelength shortens, the speed slows dramatically, and the wave height can build up to several meters or even tens of meters upon reaching the coast.

45. What happens to the soil, where soil water freezes and it tends to for

What happens to the soil, where soil water freezes and it tends to form ice layers parallel with the ground surface ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It heaves the soil upward in an uneven manner” option2=”It heaves the soil downward in an uneven manner” option3=”It heaves the soil both upward and downward in an even manner” option4=”It remains unaffected” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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When soil water freezes and forms ice layers parallel to the ground surface, this process, known as frost heave, pushes the overlying soil upwards in an uneven manner.

Frost heave occurs when water in the soil pores freezes and expands, and further water is drawn towards the freezing front forming ice lenses. The formation and growth of these ice lenses cause the ground surface to rise.

The unevenness results from variations in soil type, moisture content, and temperature across the area. Frost heave can cause significant damage to roads, buildings, and infrastructure in areas with freezing temperatures and susceptible soils.

46. The laboratory from where carbon dioxide measurements have been taken

The laboratory from where carbon dioxide measurements have been taken since 1958 A.D., which form the basis of present global warming data base is :

[amp_mcq option1=”Maragheh observatory” option2=”Mauna Loa observatory” option3=”Griffith observatory” option4=”Sydney observatory” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii is the site where continuous measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration began in 1958, forming the basis of the Keeling Curve and a key dataset for understanding global warming.

The Keeling Curve, named after Charles David Keeling, shows the steady increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration since the late 1950s, along with seasonal fluctuations. This is one of the most important pieces of evidence for anthropogenic climate change.

The Mauna Loa Observatory is operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its remote location on a volcanic mountain top minimizes local pollution influences, making it an ideal site for monitoring global atmospheric composition.

47. Through which one of the following continents, do the equator, the tro

Through which one of the following continents, do the equator, the tropic of cancer and the tropic of capricom pass through ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Africa” option2=”South America” option3=”North America” option4=”Australia” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Africa is the only continent through which the Equator, the Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn pass.

The Equator passes through the central part of Africa. The Tropic of Cancer lies to the north of the Equator, crossing North Africa. The Tropic of Capricorn lies to the south, crossing Southern Africa.

South America is crossed by the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. North America is crossed by the Tropic of Cancer. Australia is crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn. Asia is crossed by the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer. Europe is not crossed by any of these lines.

48. Which one of the following states of India is surrounded by Bangladesh

Which one of the following states of India is surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Mizoram” option2=”Meghalaya” option3=”Tripura” option4=”West Bengal” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The Indian state of Tripura is surrounded by Bangladesh on its northern, western, and southern sides.

Tripura shares an international border of 856 km with Bangladesh, making it the only state in India to be surrounded by an international border on three sides.

Mizoram borders Bangladesh on the west, but also borders Myanmar and the Indian states of Assam and Manipur. Meghalaya borders Bangladesh on the south, but borders Assam on the north. West Bengal borders Bangladesh on the east but has significant borders with other Indian states and coastline.

49. Consider the following statements: 1. The Damuda series of rock syst

Consider the following statements:

1. The Damuda series of rock system contain all the metallurgical coal in India.
2. Tamil Nadu is the chief producer of lignite coal in India.
3. Tertiary coal is mainly confined to the peninsular India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 2 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Based on the typical understanding and the options provided, the correct option is C (1 and 2 only).

– Statement 1: “The Damuda series of rock system contain all the metallurgical coal in India.” The Damuda series, part of the Gondwana system, holds the vast majority of India’s metallurgical (coking) coal reserves, found primarily in the Damodar Valley (Jharkhand, West Bengal). While the statement uses the strong word “all”, in the context of major deposits and typical UPSC phrasing focusing on primary sources, it is often treated as correct in contrast to other clearly incorrect statements about coal distribution.
– Statement 2 is correct: Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of lignite coal in India, primarily from the Neyveli field.
– Statement 3 is incorrect: Tertiary coal deposits in India are mainly found in the northeastern states (Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland), Jammu & Kashmir, and also in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. It is *not* mainly confined to peninsular India; Gondwana coal is mainly confined to peninsular India.
– Therefore, assuming Statement 1 is accepted as essentially correct in this context (meaning containing the overwhelming majority), and Statement 2 is correct, while Statement 3 is incorrect, the combination “1 and 2 only” is the correct option.

Indian coal is broadly classified into two geological ages: Gondwana coal (about 250 million years old), found in peninsular India (major fields: Damodar Valley, Mahanadi, Godavari, Son, Wardha rivers), which is high grade bituminous coal including metallurgical coal; and Tertiary coal (about 15-60 million years old), found mostly in non-peninsular regions (NE India, J&K) and some coastal peninsular areas (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu), which includes lignite and sub-bituminous coal.

50. Tidal range denotes the :

Tidal range denotes the :

[amp_mcq option1=”rise of sea water and its movement toward the coast” option2=”fall of sea water and its movement toward the sea” option3=”rise and fall of sea water due to gravitational forces” option4=”difference between high and low tide” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The correct option is D (difference between high and low tide).

– Tidal range is defined as the vertical difference between the sea level at high tide and the sea level at the subsequent low tide in a specific location.
– Statement A describes the flood tide.
– Statement B describes the ebb tide.
– Statement C describes the phenomenon of tides itself (the periodic rise and fall of sea water).
– Statement D accurately defines the tidal range.

Tidal ranges vary significantly depending on location, due to factors such as the shape of the coastline, water depth, and oceanic currents. Places like the Bay of Fundy in Canada have very high tidal ranges, while enclosed seas like the Mediterranean have very low ones.