World and Physical Geography

171. Which one of the following is NOT a palaeoclimatic geological indicato

Which one of the following is NOT a palaeoclimatic geological indicator ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Lacustrine deposits” option2=”Ice sheets and ice cores” option3=”Evaporite deposits” option4=”Sedimentary deposits” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2019
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The correct answer is D) Sedimentary deposits. While many types of sedimentary deposits are excellent palaeoclimatic indicators (such as lacustrine deposits, evaporites, tills, coal seams, etc.), the term “Sedimentary deposits” itself is too general. Not all sedimentary deposits provide clear palaeoclimate information, and it is the specific characteristics or type of sedimentary deposit that makes it an indicator, unlike the other options which represent specific types of deposits known to be valuable palaeoclimate proxies.
– Palaeoclimatic geological indicators are geological features, structures, or deposits that contain evidence about past climate conditions.
– Lacustrine deposits (lake sediments) often preserve pollen, microfossils, and sediment layers that reflect changes in precipitation, temperature, and vegetation.
– Ice sheets and ice cores contain trapped gases, isotopes, and impurities that provide high-resolution records of past atmospheric composition and temperature.
– Evaporite deposits (e.g., salt, gypsum) form in environments with high evaporation rates, indicating arid or semi-arid conditions.
– Sedimentary deposits encompass a vast range of rocks and unconsolidated sediments formed by deposition. While climate influences many sedimentary processes and products, some sedimentary deposits are formed primarily by tectonic or erosional processes without a strong, direct, or easily interpretable climate signal. The term is too broad to be a specific indicator type in the same way as the others listed.
Specific types of sedimentary rocks like glacial till (indicating past glaciation), coal (indicating warm, humid, swampy conditions), loess (wind-blown silt indicating arid/semi-arid conditions), and certain marine sediments are indeed used as palaeoclimate indicators. However, “Sedimentary deposits” as a general category is not a specific indicator type itself.

172. The gently sloping accumulation of coarse alluvium deposits by a braid

The gently sloping accumulation of coarse alluvium deposits by a braided stream is known as

[amp_mcq option1=”sand bar” option2=”alluvial fan” option3=”bajada” option4=”diaras” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2019
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The correct answer is B) alluvial fan. A gently sloping accumulation of coarse alluvium deposited by a stream, especially where it exits a confined area (like a mountain valley) onto a flatter plain, is known as an alluvial fan. Braided streams, due to their high sediment load and variable discharge, are commonly associated with the formation of alluvial fans, particularly in arid or semi-arid environments or areas with high sediment supply.
– Alluvial fans are triangular or cone-shaped depositional landforms created by streams.
– They form where a stream undergoes a decrease in gradient and/or velocity, leading to the deposition of its sediment load.
– Braided streams are often the type of channel found on the surface of alluvial fans, as they are effective transporters and depositors of coarse sediment.
– The deposits typically consist of sand, gravel, and larger clasts (coarse alluvium).
While a braided stream can deposit material in other forms (like sandbars within channels or extensive alluvial plains), the description “gently sloping accumulation” points towards a large, widespread landform, and among the given options, ‘alluvial fan’ best fits the description of a significant depositional feature composed of coarse alluvium deposited by a stream, often braided, losing energy.

173. Doldrum are 1. equatorial calms 2. calm and light winds 3. roaring

Doldrum are

  • 1. equatorial calms
  • 2. calm and light winds
  • 3. roaring forties
  • 4. variable both in position and in extent

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 4″ option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 3″ option4=”2, 3 and 4″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
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The correct answer is A) 1, 2 and 4. Doldrums are characterized by being equatorial calms, having calm and light winds, and being variable in position and extent. Statement 3, “roaring forties,” refers to completely different latitudes and wind patterns.
– The doldrums are a belt of low atmospheric pressure around the equator (typically between 5°N and 5°S latitude).
– This zone is characterized by calm or very light and variable winds due to the convergence of trade winds and rising air.
– The location and width of the doldrums (Intertropical Convergence Zone – ITCZ) are not fixed but shift seasonally with the overhead sun.
– The “Roaring Forties” are strong westerlies found between latitudes 40°S and 50°S, known for strong winds and large waves.
Historically, the doldrums were problematic for sailing ships that relied on wind power, as they could get stuck for days or weeks. Modern ships are less affected, but the zone is still associated with significant convective weather and squalls.

174. Which one of the following does NOT fall in the areas of tropical deci

Which one of the following does NOT fall in the areas of tropical deciduous forest biomes ?

[amp_mcq option1=”The Neotropics mainly West Indies” option2=”Indo-Malaysian zone mainly in south and south-east Asia except equatorial evergreen rainforest areas” option3=”Eastern Africa and northern Australia” option4=”North America mainly South-west America” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2019
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The correct answer is D) North America mainly South-west America. Tropical deciduous forests are found in regions with a tropical climate characterized by a distinct dry season. Southwest America (USA/Mexico border region) is predominantly an arid and semi-arid desert biome, not a tropical deciduous forest biome.
– Tropical deciduous forests (or tropical dry forests) are found in parts of the tropics with significant seasonal variation in rainfall, leading trees to shed their leaves during the dry season.
– Examples of regions with tropical deciduous forests include parts of India, Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, Eastern Africa, Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean.
– The Southwest region of the United States, however, is characterized by arid and semi-arid climates supporting desert vegetation, chaparral, and grasslands, not tropical deciduous forests.
The distribution of biomes is determined by climate patterns, primarily temperature and precipitation. Tropical deciduous forests require both high temperatures and a significant amount of rainfall, concentrated in a specific wet season, which is not characteristic of the Southwest American climate.

175. Sonoran is a

Sonoran is a

[amp_mcq option1=”desert area of North America” option2=”seasonal wind of France” option3=”cash crop of Mediterranean region” option4=”tribe in South Africa” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2019
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The Sonoran Desert is a major North American desert that covers large parts of northwestern Mexico, southern Arizona, and southeastern California. It is known for its unique flora and fauna, including the Saguaro cactus.
Recognizing prominent geographical features like major deserts in different parts of the world is a test of general geography knowledge.
Other major deserts in North America include the Mojave Desert, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Great Basin Desert. The Sonoran Desert is often considered one of the hottest and largest deserts in North America.

176. Which one of the following is the biggest Island of Japan archipelago

Which one of the following is the biggest Island of Japan archipelago ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Honshu” option2=”Hokkaido” option3=”Shikoku” option4=”Kyushu” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2019
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Japan is an archipelago composed of numerous islands. The four main islands, in descending order of size, are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Honshu is by far the largest and most populous island of Japan.
Knowing the geography of major countries, including their key islands and their relative sizes, is important for general knowledge questions.
Honshu is home to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Hokkaido is the northernmost main island, known for its wilderness and winter sports. Kyushu is the southernmost of the main islands, while Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands.

177. If the equatorial plane of earth is NOT inclined to its orbit, then

If the equatorial plane of earth is NOT inclined to its orbit, then

[amp_mcq option1=”duration of the year would be longer” option2=”summer would be warmer” option3=”there would be no change of seasons” option4=”winter would be longer” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2019
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The correct answer is C) there would be no change of seasons.
The primary cause of the Earth’s seasons is the tilt of its rotational axis relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. The Earth’s axis is currently tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees.

* This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to be inclined towards or away from the Sun at different times of the year. When a hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it receives more direct sunlight and experiences summer. When it is tilted away, it receives less direct sunlight and experiences winter.
* If the equatorial plane of Earth were *not* inclined to its orbit (meaning the axial tilt was 0 degrees), the amount of sunlight received at any given latitude would be constant throughout the year. The Sun would always appear directly overhead at the equator at noon every day.
* This lack of variation in solar insolation across the year at different latitudes would mean there would be no distinct seasonal changes like summer, winter, spring, and autumn. The temperature and climate at any location would remain relatively stable year-round, primarily varying with latitude.
* Option A is incorrect because the duration of the year is determined by the time it takes for Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun (approximately 365.25 days), which is independent of the axial tilt.
* Options B and D are incorrect because summer and winter, as defined by varying temperatures and daylight hours caused by axial tilt, would not exist in their current form. While temperatures would vary by latitude, they wouldn’t follow the cyclical seasonal pattern caused by tilt.

Without axial tilt, regions near the equator would still be the warmest, and regions near the poles the coldest, due to the angle at which sunlight strikes the surface. However, the annual cycle of warming and cooling associated with the seasons in mid-latitudes would be absent.

178. Gwadar port is located in

Gwadar port is located in

[amp_mcq option1=”Pakistan” option2=”Iran” option3=”India” option4=”Sri Lanka” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2019
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Gwadar Port is a deep seaport located on the Arabian Sea coast of Balochistan province in Pakistan.
– It is situated at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, strategically positioned near the Strait of Hormuz.
– The port is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
– Gwadar was developed with significant Chinese investment and is operated by China Overseas Port Holding Company.
– Its location provides China with a potential trade route bypassing the Strait of Malacca and access to the Indian Ocean.

179. Which one of the following pairs of countries with new names and old n

Which one of the following pairs of countries with new names and old names is correctly matched?
New name Old name

[amp_mcq option1=”Kingdom of eSwatini : Swaziland” option2=”Malawi : Rhodesia” option3=”Botswana : Nyasaland” option4=”Zimbabwe : Ceylon” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2018
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The pair Kingdom of eSwatini and Swaziland is correctly matched. In April 2018, King Mswati III announced that the official name of the country Swaziland was being changed to the Kingdom of eSwatini.
This question tests knowledge of recent name changes of countries. Swaziland was officially renamed eSwatini in 2018.
Malawi was formerly known as Nyasaland. Botswana was formerly the Bechuanaland Protectorate. Zimbabwe was formerly Southern Rhodesia. Ceylon is the old name for Sri Lanka.

180. Which one of the following is not an igneous rock?

Which one of the following is not an igneous rock?

[amp_mcq option1=”Granite” option2=”Gneiss” option3=”Pumice” option4=”Basalt” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2018
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Igneous rocks are formed through the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava). Granite, pumice, and basalt are all types of igneous rocks: Granite is an intrusive igneous rock formed from slow cooling magma; Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock formed from rapidly cooling lava; Pumice is a highly porous extrusive igneous rock (volcanic glass). Gneiss, however, is a metamorphic rock formed from pre-existing rocks (like granite, shale, or volcanic rocks) that have been subjected to high temperature and pressure, resulting in recrystallization and often a banded appearance (foliation).
Igneous rocks form from molten rock. Metamorphic rocks form from pre-existing rocks altered by heat and pressure.
The three main rock types are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks are classified based on their composition and texture (which depends on cooling rate). Gneiss is a common high-grade metamorphic rock.
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