World and Physical Geography

201. Which of the following statements relating to the solar system is/are

Which of the following statements relating to the solar system is/are correct?
1. Venus and Uranus rotate opposite to the direction of rotation of Earth
2. Venus is the nearest planet to Earth
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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UPSC CAPF – 2016
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The correct option is C) Both 1 and 2.
Statement 1 refers to the rotation direction of Venus and Uranus compared to Earth. Statement 2 refers to the relative distance of Venus from Earth.
1. **Venus and Uranus rotate opposite to the direction of rotation of Earth:** Correct. Earth rotates counter-clockwise when viewed from above the North Pole (prograde rotation). Venus rotates clockwise (retrograde rotation). Uranus also has a unique rotation; it rotates on its side, but its rotation direction is also considered retrograde relative to its orbit.
2. **Venus is the nearest planet to Earth:** Correct, in the context of being Earth’s closest planetary neighbour at its point of closest approach. While Mercury is closer to the Sun and, on average, closer to Earth than Venus is, Venus makes the closest approach to Earth among all planets. In common parlance and many educational contexts, Venus is referred to as Earth’s nearest planet.
Both statements are considered correct in a general knowledge context like a UPSC exam.

202. Which of the following statements concerning the circum-pacific belt a

Which of the following statements concerning the circum-pacific belt are correct?
1. It is an active volcanic realm
2. It is an active seismic realm
3. It is a divergent plate boundary
4. It is prone to Tsunami
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2016
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The correct option is C) 1, 2 and 4 only.
The Circum-Pacific Belt, also known as the Ring of Fire, is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. This high activity is due to the presence of numerous plate boundaries, primarily convergent ones, where tectonic plates are colliding or subducting.
Let’s evaluate each statement:
1. **It is an active volcanic realm:** Correct. The Ring of Fire contains a vast majority of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes.
2. **It is an active seismic realm:** Correct. It is the most seismically active region globally, experiencing frequent and powerful earthquakes.
3. **It is a divergent plate boundary:** Incorrect. While there are some segments of divergent boundaries (like the East Pacific Rise) and transform boundaries within or connected to the Ring of Fire, the dominant type of plate interaction responsible for the intense volcanism and seismicity in most parts of the belt is **convergent**, involving subduction zones. Divergent boundaries are typically associated with mid-ocean ridges.
4. **It is prone to Tsunami:** Correct. Tsunamis are often triggered by large underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, particularly those associated with subduction zones found along convergent plate boundaries like those prevalent in the Ring of Fire.
Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.

203. Arrange the following substances in their order of increasing hardness

Arrange the following substances in their order of increasing hardness :

  1. Gypsum
  2. Topaz
  3. Fluorite
  4. Feldspar

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”4-3-2-1″ option2=”1-3-4-2″ option3=”3-4-2-1″ option4=”1-4-3-2″ correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2016
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The correct answer is B) 1-3-4-2.
– The hardness of minerals is commonly measured using the Mohs Hardness Scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) based on their ability to scratch one another.
– The Mohs scale values for the given substances are:
– Gypsum: Mohs Hardness = 2
– Topaz: Mohs Hardness = 8
– Fluorite: Mohs Hardness = 4
– Feldspar (usually Orthoclase): Mohs Hardness = 6
– Arranging these substances in order of increasing hardness (from softest to hardest):
1. Gypsum (2)
2. Fluorite (4)
3. Feldspar (6)
4. Topaz (8)
– The correct order using the list numbers is 1-3-4-2.
The full Mohs scale is: 1. Talc, 2. Gypsum, 3. Calcite, 4. Fluorite, 5. Apatite, 6. Feldspar, 7. Quartz, 8. Topaz, 9. Corundum, 10. Diamond. Each mineral on the scale can scratch the ones below it. For example, Fluorite (4) can scratch Gypsum (2) and Calcite (3), but cannot scratch Apatite (5) or Feldspar (6).

204. Perth located on 118° East Longitude will be celebrating New Year even

Perth located on 118° East Longitude will be celebrating New Year event on 1st of January 2017 at 6:00 AM. At that time, what would be the time at Los Angeles located on 110° West Longitude ?

[amp_mcq option1=”9:12 PM of 1st January 2017″ option2=”2:48 PM of 31st December 2016″ option3=”11:40 PM of 31st December 2016″ option4=”5:28 AM of 1st January 2017″ correct=”option2″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2016
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The correct answer is B) 2:48 PM of 31st December 2016.
– Longitude of Perth = 118° East.
– Longitude of Los Angeles = 110° West.
– The total difference in longitude = 118° (East) + 110° (West) = 228°.
– The Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours.
– The time difference for 1° longitude = 24 hours / 360° = 1/15 hours = 4 minutes.
– The total time difference between Perth and Los Angeles = 228° * 4 minutes/° = 912 minutes.
– Convert minutes to hours: 912 minutes / 60 minutes/hour = 15 hours and 12 minutes (912 = 15 * 60 + 12).
– Perth is located in the East, so its time is ahead of Los Angeles, which is in the West.
– Time at Los Angeles = Time at Perth – Time difference.
– Time at Perth = 6:00 AM on 1st January 2017.
– Subtract 15 hours 12 minutes from 6:00 AM, 1st January 2017.
– Subtracting 6 hours from 6:00 AM Jan 1st gives 0:00 AM (midnight) on Jan 1st.
– We need to subtract another 15h 12m – 6h = 9h 12m.
– Subtracting 9 hours from 0:00 AM Jan 1st gives 15:00 (3:00 PM) on 31st December 2016.
– Subtracting the final 12 minutes from 3:00 PM Dec 31st gives 14:48 PM (2:48 PM) on 31st December 2016.
The International Date Line is located roughly around 180° longitude. Moving west across the International Date Line means going back one day. The total longitudinal difference of 228° is less than 180° in either direction from the prime meridian, but crossing the 0° longitude is involved. Perth (118°E) and Los Angeles (110°W) are on opposite sides of the prime meridian, and their difference is calculated by summing their longitudes. Since Perth is East of Los Angeles, its time is ahead, and the date can be different. In this case, going back 15 hours 12 minutes from Jan 1st in Perth takes us back into Dec 31st in Los Angeles.

205. Consider the following statements relating to Sea Salinity : 1. The

Consider the following statements relating to Sea Salinity :

  • 1. The ocean salinity depends on evaporation and precipitation
  • 2. Any change in the temperature or density influences the salinity
  • 3. Major source of sea salinity is terrestrial discharge by rivers

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2016
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All three statements relating to sea salinity are correct.
1. The ocean salinity depends on evaporation and precipitation: High evaporation increases salinity by removing water. High precipitation decreases salinity by adding fresh water. This statement is correct.
2. Any change in the temperature or density influences the salinity: Temperature affects the rate of evaporation and ice formation (brine rejection), thus influencing salinity. Density is determined by temperature and salinity. Changes in density (e.g., due to temperature changes) can cause water masses to move, influencing the distribution of salinity through mixing and circulation. This statement is correct.
3. Major source of sea salinity is terrestrial discharge by rivers: Rivers carry dissolved salts and minerals from the land, derived from the weathering of rocks, into the oceans. This continuous input over geological time is the primary reason for the ocean’s saltiness. This statement is correct.
Other contributions to sea salinity include volcanic outgassing, dissolution of seafloor rocks, and hydrothermal vents, but riverine input is the most significant source of dissolved solids.

206. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below

List I (Climate type in letter code) List II (Major area)
A. Aw 1. Central California
B. Af 2. Indian Sub-Continent
C. Cs 3. North and South of Amazon Forests
D. Am 4. Western Equatorial Africa

Code :

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2016
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The correct match is A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2, which corresponds to option C.
– Aw climate (Tropical Savanna) is found poleward of the equatorial regions, often bordering rainforests, characterized by wet and dry seasons. Areas like the Cerrado region south of the Amazon fit this.
– Af climate (Tropical Rainforest) is characterized by high temperature and rainfall year-round, typical of equatorial regions. Western Equatorial Africa (Congo basin) is a major example.
– Cs climate (Mediterranean) has dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters, found on west coasts in mid-latitudes. Central California has this climate.
– Am climate (Tropical Monsoon) has a strong seasonal pattern of rainfall influenced by monsoon winds, with a distinct wet and dry season. The Indian Sub-Continent is a prime example.
The climate classifications used are based on the Köppen-Geiger system. Aw is specifically a tropical savanna climate with a dry winter (‘w’). Af is a tropical rainforest climate (‘f’ for fully humid). Cs is a Mediterranean climate with a dry summer (‘s’). Am is a tropical monsoon climate, often considered a transition between Af and Aw.

207. Which one of the following cities has greater annual range of temperat

Which one of the following cities has greater annual range of temperature ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kuala Lumpur” option2=”New Delhi” option3=”Shanghai” option4=”Ulaanbaatar” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2016
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Ulaanbaatar has the greater annual range of temperature among the given cities.
Annual range of temperature is the difference between the average temperature of the warmest month and the coldest month. This range is typically largest in locations far from moderating influences like large bodies of water (continental effect) and at higher latitudes where seasonal differences in solar insolation are more pronounced.
– Kuala Lumpur is near the equator, experiencing a consistently tropical climate with a small annual temperature range.
– New Delhi is in a subtropical continental climate zone, experiencing hot summers and relatively cold winters, leading to a significant annual range.
– Shanghai is in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, also experiencing seasonal variations but its coastal location provides some moderation compared to inland areas.
– Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is located deep inland in a high-latitude region (around 47°N). It experiences an extreme continental climate with very cold, long winters and relatively warm summers, resulting in one of the largest annual temperature ranges among capital cities worldwide.

208. Which one of the following layers of atmosphere has high concentration

Which one of the following layers of atmosphere has high concentration of ions ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Stratosphere” option2=”Exosphere” option3=”Thermosphere” option4=”Troposphere” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2016
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The Thermosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that has a high concentration of ions.
The Thermosphere contains a region called the ionosphere, where solar radiation causes atoms and molecules to become ionized (gain or lose electrons), creating a high concentration of ions and free electrons. This ionization is responsible for phenomena like the aurora borealis/australis and facilitates the reflection of radio waves used for long-distance communication.
The atmosphere is divided into several layers based on temperature profiles: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere.
– Troposphere: Lowest layer, where weather occurs.
– Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer. Temperature increases with altitude.
– Mesosphere: Temperature decreases with altitude. Meteors burn up here.
– Thermosphere: Temperature increases significantly with altitude due to absorption of high-energy solar radiation. It includes the ionosphere.
– Exosphere: Outermost layer, where the atmosphere thins out into space.

209. ‘Evaporites’ is :

‘Evaporites’ is :

[amp_mcq option1=”a rock” option2=”a meteorite” option3=”a brackish water pan” option4=”an evaporimeter” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2015
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‘Evaporites’ is a term for a type of sedimentary rock. Evaporite rocks are formed by the precipitation of minerals out of water that is evaporating. Common examples include rock salt (halite), gypsum, and anhydrite.
Evaporites are chemical sedimentary rocks whose formation is directly linked to the evaporation of water containing dissolved salts, leading to the concentration and crystallization of these salts.
Evaporite deposits are found in environments where evaporation rates exceed precipitation rates, such as restricted marine basins, playa lakes, and salt pans. They can be economically important sources of salt and gypsum.

210. Consider the following statements relating to cyclone, anti cyclone an

Consider the following statements relating to cyclone, anti cyclone and trade wind :

  • 1. The wind direction is clockwise in the cyclone of northern hemisphere
  • 2. The planetary wind that blows from north-east to north-west is known as north-east trade wind
  • 3. The wind direction is anti clockwise in the anticyclone of southern hemisphere
  • 4. Both westerlies and trade winds originate from sub-tropical highs

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2015
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Statement 3: The wind direction is anti-clockwise in the anticyclone of the southern hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect deflects moving air to the left. In an anticyclone (high pressure), air flows outward from the center; deflected to the left, this results in an anti-clockwise rotation. This statement is correct.
Statement 4: Both westerlies and trade winds originate from sub-tropical highs. The Subtropical High-Pressure belt (around 30° N and S) is a zone of descending air. From this high-pressure area, air flows towards the equator as Trade Winds and towards the poles as Westerlies. This statement is correct.
Statement 1: The wind direction is clockwise in the cyclone of northern hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect deflects air to the right. In a cyclone (low pressure), air flows inward towards the center; deflected to the right, this results in an anti-clockwise rotation. Statement 1 is incorrect.
Statement 2: The planetary wind that blows from north-east to north-west is known as north-east trade wind. North-east trade winds blow from the north-east to the south-west (towards the equator) in the Northern Hemisphere. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Therefore, only statements 3 and 4 are correct.
The direction of wind circulation in cyclones (low pressure) and anticyclones (high pressure) is determined by the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis effect, which acts differently in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Planetary winds like Trade Winds and Westerlies originate from global pressure belts.
Northern Hemisphere: Cyclones (Low Pressure) – Anti-clockwise inflow; Anticyclones (High Pressure) – Clockwise outflow.
Southern Hemisphere: Cyclones (Low Pressure) – Clockwise inflow; Anticyclones (High Pressure) – Anti-clockwise outflow.
Trade Winds blow from Subtropical Highs towards the Equator. Westerlies blow from Subtropical Highs towards Subpolar Lows.
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