World and Physical Geography

331. Consider the following characteristics of a tropical cyclone : 1. A

Consider the following characteristics of a tropical cyclone :

  • 1. A warm sea temperature of > 26°C
  • 2. High relative humidity of atmosphere at a height of > 700 m
  • 3. Atmospheric instability

The above mentioned characteristics are associated with which one of the following cycles of its development ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Formulation and initial stage” option2=”Modification stage” option3=”Full maturity” option4=”Decay” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The characteristics listed are the essential pre-conditions required for the initial formation and development of a tropical cyclone. These include sufficient warm sea surface temperature, high humidity, and atmospheric instability which fuel the convection and low pressure development necessary for cyclogenesis.
– Warm sea temperature (> 26°C) provides the necessary heat and moisture.
– High relative humidity in the lower and mid-troposphere is crucial for cloud formation and thunderstorm development.
– Atmospheric instability allows for vigorous vertical convection, which drives the storm’s development.
Tropical cyclones develop in stages: formation/initial stage, juvenile/modification stage, mature stage, and decay stage. The listed conditions are specific requirements for the *formation* stage, where a tropical disturbance begins to organize and intensify into a tropical depression or storm.

332. Where is Mekong Delta located ?

Where is Mekong Delta located ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Thailand” option2=”Cambodia” option3=”Myanmar” option4=”Vietnam” correct=”option4″]

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The Mekong Delta is located in Vietnam.
The Mekong River is a transnational river flowing through six countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The Mekong Delta is the vast delta region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River splits into numerous distributaries and empties into the South China Sea.
The Mekong Delta is a major rice-growing region in Vietnam and is known for its complex network of rivers, swamps, and islands. It is also a popular tourist destination. While the Mekong River flows through several countries, the delta formation occurs primarily within Vietnam.

333. The Coriolis effect is the result of

The Coriolis effect is the result of

[amp_mcq option1=”Pressure gradient” option2=”Earth’s axis of inclination” option3=”Earth’s rotation” option4=”Earth’s revolution” correct=”option3″]

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The Coriolis effect is the result of the Earth’s rotation.
The Coriolis effect is an apparent force (a fictitious force in a rotating reference frame) that deflects moving objects like winds, ocean currents, and missiles from their intended straight path. It is a consequence of observing motion from a rotating frame of reference, specifically the Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere, it causes deflection to the right; in the Southern Hemisphere, it causes deflection to the left.
While pressure gradients drive atmospheric and oceanic movements, it is the Earth’s rotation that causes the Coriolis deflection of these movements. The Earth’s axis of inclination is responsible for seasons, and the Earth’s revolution around the sun also contributes to seasons.

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

Which one of the following is not an igneous rock ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Gabbro” option2=”Granite” option3=”Dolomite” option4=”Basalt” correct=”option3″]

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Dolomite is not an igneous rock.
Igneous rocks are formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
– Gabbro is a coarse-grained, mafic intrusive igneous rock.
– Granite is a coarse-grained, felsic intrusive igneous rock.
– Basalt is a fine-grained, mafic extrusive igneous rock.
– Dolomite is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of the mineral dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate). It forms through the post-depositional alteration of calcium carbonate sediments or rocks.
Rocks are classified into three main types based on their origin: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Gabbro, Granite, and Basalt are all fundamental examples of igneous rocks. Dolomite belongs to the class of sedimentary rocks.

335. Which one of the following gases is placed second in respect of abunda

Which one of the following gases is placed second in respect of abundance in the Earth’s atmosphere ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Oxygen” option2=”Hydrogen” option3=”Nitrogen” option4=”Carbon dioxide” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The Earth’s atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂). By volume, dry air contains approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. The next most abundant gas is Argon (Ar), which makes up about 0.9%. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is present in much smaller concentrations, around 0.04%. Hydrogen is present in trace amounts. Therefore, nitrogen is the most abundant gas, and oxygen is the second most abundant gas in the Earth’s atmosphere.
– Nitrogen (N₂) is the most abundant gas (approx. 78%).
– Oxygen (O₂) is the second most abundant gas (approx. 21%).
– Argon is the third most abundant (~0.9%).
The exact composition of the atmosphere can vary slightly with altitude, location, and the presence of moisture (water vapor is a significant component in humid air, but its concentration is highly variable). The balance of these gases is crucial for life on Earth and for regulating climate.

336. Which of the following statements about magnetite ore of iron is/are c

Which of the following statements about magnetite ore of iron is/are correct ?

  • 1. It is known as black ore.
  • 2. It contains 60% to 70% of pure iron.
  • 3. It possesses magnetic properties.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

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

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UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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All three statements regarding magnetite ore of iron are correct. Magnetite is known as black ore, it has a high iron content ranging typically from 60% to 70% in good quality ores, and it possesses strong magnetic properties.
Magnetite (Fe3O4) is one of the main iron ores and is characterized by its dark color and magnetic properties, often being the highest quality iron ore due to its high iron content.
– Hematite (Fe2O3) is another major iron ore, typically reddish-brown and not magnetic. It usually has a lower iron content than high-grade magnetite.
– Magnetite is a ferrimagnetic mineral, meaning it is strongly attracted to magnets and can even become a permanent magnet itself (lodestone).

337. The shortest day length that occurs in the Northern hemisphere is on

The shortest day length that occurs in the Northern hemisphere is on

[amp_mcq option1=”21st March” option2=”23rd September” option3=”22nd November” option4=”22nd December” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The shortest day length in the Northern Hemisphere occurs around December 22nd.
This date marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Earth’s North Pole is tilted furthest away from the Sun, resulting in the fewest hours of daylight.
March 21st (Vernal Equinox) and September 23rd (Autumnal Equinox) are approximate dates when day and night are of roughly equal length everywhere on Earth. The exact date of the solstice can vary by a day or two depending on the year.

338. Taklamakan Desert is situated in

Taklamakan Desert is situated in

[amp_mcq option1=”Western Asia” option2=”Southern fringe of Sahara in Africa” option3=”South America” option4=”Central Asia” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The Taklamakan Desert is a large desert located in Northwest China, within the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang. This region is geographically considered part of Central Asia.
The Taklamakan Desert is situated in the Tarim Basin of Xinjiang, China, which falls within the geographical scope of Central Asia.
Central Asia is a vast region stretching from the Caspian Sea in the west to China and Mongolia in the east. It includes countries like Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, as well as parts of neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and China (including Xinjiang).

339. Mariana Trench is located in the ocean floor of

Mariana Trench is located in the ocean floor of

[amp_mcq option1=”Southern Atlantic Ocean” option2=”Western Pacific Ocean” option3=”Eastern Pacific Ocean” option4=”Northern Atlantic Ocean” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The Mariana Trench is located in the western Pacific Ocean, east of the Mariana Islands. It is the deepest known part of the world’s oceans.
The Mariana Trench is the deepest oceanic trench on Earth, situated in the western Pacific Ocean.
The deepest point within the trench is known as the Challenger Deep. Oceanic trenches are characteristic features of convergent plate boundaries, where one tectonic plate is subducting beneath another.

340. Which of the following statement(s) concerning natural regions of the

Which of the following statement(s) concerning natural regions of the world is/are correct ?

  • 1. Equatorial climatic regions have less urbanization
  • 2. Mediterranean climatic regions have high level of urbanization
  • 3. Equatorial climatic regions have high concentration of human population
  • 4. Mediterranean climatic regions practice plantation farming

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2016
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Statement 1: Equatorial rainforest regions, characterized by dense vegetation, high humidity, and challenging environment, historically and in many areas today, have lower levels of urbanization compared to other major climatic zones. While significant cities exist, large parts of the region remain less developed and urbanized. This statement is correct.
Statement 2: Mediterranean climatic regions, known for their pleasant climate (warm, dry summers; mild, wet winters), fertile land in coastal areas, and accessibility, have historically been centers of civilization and continue to attract high levels of settlement and urbanization. Many major cities worldwide are located in these regions. This statement is correct.
Statement 3: Equatorial climatic regions are generally not known for high concentrations of human population across the entire region. While some specific areas like river deltas, coasts, or specific resource-rich zones might have high density, vast areas, particularly deep rainforests, are sparsely populated. Regions with high population concentration are typically found in monsoon climates (South Asia, East Asia) or parts of temperate zones. This statement is incorrect.
Statement 4: Plantation farming, involving large-scale cultivation of single cash crops, is more characteristic of tropical and subtropical regions (e.g., coffee, tea, rubber, sugarcane, oil palm). Mediterranean agriculture is more known for specialized farming of crops like grapes, olives, citrus fruits, figs, wheat, and vegetables, often on smaller scales or in a more intensive manner rather than extensive plantation systems common in the tropics. This statement is incorrect.
Different natural regions have distinct characteristics that influence human activities, settlement patterns, and economic development. Climate, vegetation, and resources play crucial roles. Mediterranean climates are highly attractive for human habitation and agriculture, leading to high urbanization, while dense equatorial rainforests pose significant challenges for large-scale settlement and development.
Mediterranean agriculture is often referred to as ‘horticultural farming’ focusing on fruits, vegetables, and high-value crops, along with some cereal cultivation. The challenges in equatorial regions include dense vegetation, heavy rainfall, high temperatures, diseases, and difficult terrain, although resource exploitation and specific agricultural practices (like shifting cultivation or specialized crops) do occur.
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