World and Physical Geography

361. Which of the following statements regarding Earth’s internal structure

Which of the following statements regarding Earth’s internal structure is/are correct?
1. The oceanic crust is heavier than the continental crust.
2. Most of the Earth’s internal heat is contained within the mantle.
3. Large convective cells in the crust circulate heat and drive plate-tectonic processes.

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

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UPSC NDA-1 – 2024
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Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct. Oceanic crust, primarily composed of basalt, has a higher density (about 3.0 g/cm³) than continental crust, which is mainly granitic in composition (density around 2.7 g/cm³). This difference in density explains why oceanic plates subduct beneath continental plates. Statement 2 is correct. While the Earth’s core is hotter, the mantle, being the largest layer by volume (about 84% of Earth’s volume), contains a significant portion of the Earth’s internal heat, generated from primordial heat and radioactive decay. This heat drives convection within the mantle. Statement 3 is incorrect. Large convective cells responsible for driving plate tectonics are located within the Earth’s *mantle*, not the crust. The crust is the rigid outer shell that is broken into tectonic plates, which move atop the convecting mantle.
The Earth’s internal structure consists of the crust, mantle, outer core (liquid), and inner core (solid). Temperature increases with depth, but the state of matter depends on pressure and composition as well.

362. Which of the following statements regarding cyclones and anti-cyclones

Which of the following statements regarding cyclones and anti-cyclones is/are correct ?

  • 1. In the Northern Hemisphere, cyclones rotate counter clockwise and anticyclones rotate clockwise.
  • 2. Cyclones are often associated with cloudy or rainy weather, whereas anticyclones are often associated with fair weather.
  • 3. In the Southern Hemisphere, the cyclonic spiral will be clockwise because the Coriolis force acts to the left.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

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Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
Statement 1 is correct. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect deflects moving objects (like air) to the right. Air flows inwards towards a low-pressure system (cyclone), and this deflection causes it to rotate counter-clockwise. Air flows outwards from a high-pressure system (anticyclone), and this deflection causes it to rotate clockwise. Statement 2 is correct. Cyclones are areas of low pressure where air converges and rises, leading to cooling, condensation, cloud formation, and precipitation. Anticyclones are areas of high pressure where air diverges and sinks, leading to warming and dissipation of clouds, resulting in fair, stable weather. Statement 3 is correct. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect deflects moving objects to the left. Therefore, air flowing inwards towards a low-pressure system (cyclone) is deflected to the left, resulting in clockwise rotation.
The Coriolis effect is zero at the equator and increases towards the poles. Cyclones and anticyclones do not typically form near the equator.

363. Which of the following statements regarding humidity is/are correct ?

Which of the following statements regarding humidity is/are correct ?

  • 1. It is a ratio between the actual amount of water vapour present in the atmosphere and the maximum amount it can hold at a given temperature.
  • 2. When the relative humidity is high, more water evaporates from the skin.
  • 3. Higher the air temperature, lower the relative humidity of the air.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

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Statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct. Relative humidity is indeed the ratio, usually expressed as a percentage, of the amount of water vapour currently in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapour the air can hold at that specific temperature and pressure (its saturation capacity). Statement 2 is incorrect. When relative humidity is high, the air is already close to saturation, meaning it has little capacity to absorb more moisture. Therefore, evaporation from surfaces like skin is *reduced*, making it feel hotter and more uncomfortable. Statement 3 is correct. For a fixed amount of water vapour in the air, if the air temperature increases, the maximum amount of water vapour that air can hold also increases. Since relative humidity is the ratio of actual to maximum capacity, the relative humidity will decrease.
Absolute humidity is the mass of water vapour in a unit volume of air. Specific humidity is the mass of water vapour per unit mass of moist air. Dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated and condensation begins.

364. Which of the following statements regarding air temperature is/are cor

Which of the following statements regarding air temperature is/are correct ?

  • 1. Air temperature is measured at a standard height of 1.2 m (4.0 feet) above the ground surface.
  • 2. The average rate of temperature decrease with height is termed as the environmental temperature lapse rate.

Select the 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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Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Statement 1 is correct. Air temperature is typically measured at a standard height of about 1.2 to 1.25 meters (around 4 feet) above a representative surface, often inside a Stevenson screen to shield the thermometer from direct sunlight and precipitation. This standard height is used globally for consistent data collection. Statement 2 is correct. The environmental temperature lapse rate refers to the actual decrease in temperature with increasing height in the atmosphere at a given time and location. The average rate of temperature decrease in the troposphere is about 6.5°C per kilometer, often referred to as the standard or average lapse rate.
The lapse rate can vary significantly depending on atmospheric conditions. An adiabatic lapse rate refers to the change in temperature of a parcel of air as it rises or falls without exchanging heat with its surroundings (e.g., Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate is about 9.8°C/km, Saturated Adiabatic Lapse Rate is typically less).

365. Which of the following statements regarding earthquakes is/are correct

Which of the following statements regarding earthquakes is/are correct ?

  • 1. The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus is called the epicentre of the earthquake.
  • 2. Earthquakes generate Primary and Secondary waves that radiate outward from the earthquake focus.
  • 3. Deep-focus earthquakes are likely to cause more damage than shallow-focus earthquakes.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in
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Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.
Statement 1 accurately defines the epicentre as the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus (hypocentre), which is the point where the earthquake originates within the Earth. Statement 2 is correct as earthquakes generate various types of seismic waves, including Primary (P) waves and Secondary (S) waves (body waves), which propagate outwards from the focus. Statement 3 is incorrect; deep-focus earthquakes generally cause less damage at the surface than shallow-focus earthquakes of similar magnitude because the seismic waves travel a greater distance and lose energy before reaching the surface.
Earthquake magnitude measures the energy released at the source, while intensity measures the shaking and damage caused at a specific location. Surface waves typically cause the most damage.

366. Which of the following statements regarding neap tides is/are correct

Which of the following statements regarding neap tides is/are correct ?

  • 1. It occurs every 14 – 15 days, which coincides with the first and third quarter of the Moon.
  • 2. This tide has a small tidal range because the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are in quadrature.

Select the 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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Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Neap tides occur twice a lunar month, during the first and third quarter Moon. At these times, the gravitational pull of the Sun is at a right angle to the gravitational pull of the Moon relative to Earth. This alignment causes the gravitational forces to partially cancel each other out, resulting in smaller differences between high and low tides, which is known as a smaller tidal range. This phenomenon occurs approximately every 14-15 days, halfway between spring tides.
Spring tides, which have the largest tidal range, occur during the new Moon and full Moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned. Tidal range is the difference in height between high tide and low tide.

367. Consider the following characteristics of a grassland: 1. An extensi

Consider the following characteristics of a grassland:

  • 1. An extensive area of mid latitude grasslands are devoid of trees and shrubs.
  • 2. The climate is characterised by hot summers, cold winters and relatively low rainfall occurring mainly in spring and summer.
  • 3. In humid parts, grasses grow to a meter or more in height.

On the basis of the above characteristics, select the correct grassland from the options given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”Steppes” option2=”Prairies” option3=”Savanna” option4=”Pampas” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
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The characteristics described – extensive mid-latitude grassland devoid of trees/shrubs, a climate with hot summers, cold winters, relatively low rainfall mainly in spring/summer, and tall grasses in humid areas – are most typical of the Steppes grassland biome. This description aligns well with the continental climate (Dfa/Dfb or BSk in Köppen classification) found across the Eurasian Steppe, which experiences significant seasonal temperature variations and distinct dry periods. While Prairies share some characteristics, the climate description, particularly “relatively low rainfall mainly in spring and summer” and pronounced hot/cold extremes, is highly representative of the Steppe climate.
Mid-latitude grasslands exist on multiple continents but have regional names (Steppes in Eurasia, Prairies in North America, Pampas in South America, Veld in Africa). Their existence is primarily determined by a climate that is too dry for forests but wet enough for grasses to thrive.
Savanna is a tropical grassland with scattered trees, not a mid-latitude grassland, and its climate is characterized by a hot wet season and a hot dry season. Pampas has a more temperate climate than the extreme continental conditions described. While Prairies fit many of the criteria, the description strongly leans towards the classic Steppe climate profile.

368. Consider the following statements regarding ‘fronts’ : 1. The moveme

Consider the following statements regarding ‘fronts’ :

  • 1. The movement of a front causes a slow change in weather in the area over which it moves.
  • 2. Cold fronts are associated with thunderstorms.
  • 3. Warm front is the boundary between an advancing mass of warm air where it is overriding and rising above a mass of colder air.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

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Statement 2 is correct. Cold fronts involve the rapid lifting of warm air by an advancing cold air mass, leading to steep pressure gradients and instability, which frequently results in the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms, heavy rain, and gusty winds. Statement 3 is correct. A warm front is defined as the boundary where an advancing mass of warm air overrides and rises above a colder air mass. The warm air, being less dense, slides up over the wedge of colder air. Statement 1 is incorrect. While warm fronts typically cause gradual and prolonged weather changes (like steady rain), cold fronts often bring about rapid and significant weather changes (sudden temperature drop, intense precipitation, thunderstorms). Thus, saying “slow change” for *all* fronts is incorrect.
Atmospheric fronts are the boundaries between air masses with different temperature, humidity, and density characteristics. Their passage is associated with significant weather changes. Cold fronts are generally steeper and move faster than warm fronts.
Other types of fronts include stationary fronts (where air masses meet but neither is strong enough to replace the other) and occluded fronts (formed when a cold front overtakes a warm front). Each type of front is associated with characteristic cloud formations, precipitation patterns, and temperature/pressure changes.

369. Which of the following statements regarding clouds is/are correct ?

Which of the following statements regarding clouds is/are correct ?

  • 1. Clouds are classified on the basis of altitude and their form.
  • 2. According to altitude they are classified as High, Middle and Low clouds.
  • 3. Stratus, Nimbostratus and Stratocumulus are high clouds.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in
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Statement 1 is correct. Clouds are indeed classified based on their altitude (High, Middle, Low, and vertical development) and their form or appearance (e.g., cirrus, cumulus, stratus). Statement 2 is correct. The classification based on altitude includes High clouds (above 6 km), Middle clouds (between 2 and 6 km), and Low clouds (below 2 km). Statement 3 is incorrect. Stratus, Nimbostratus, and Stratocumulus are classified as low clouds (with bases typically below 2 km). High clouds include Cirrus, Cirrostratus, and Cirrocumulus.
The main cloud types based on form are Cirrus (fibrous), Cumulus (heaped/lumpy), and Stratus (layered). Combinations and variations of these forms, along with their altitude, lead to the more specific cloud classifications. ‘Nimbus’ or ‘nimbostratus’ indicates precipitation.
Clouds of vertical development, such as Cumulus and Cumulonimbus, span multiple altitude layers. Cumulonimbus clouds, for instance, can have their base in the low layer but extend up to the high layer, producing thunderstorms. Middle clouds often have the prefix ‘Alto-‘, e.g., Altocumulus and Altostratus.

370. Which of the following statements regarding Barchan is/are correct ?

Which of the following statements regarding Barchan is/are correct ?

  • 1. It is a crescent shaped mound of sand, which is deposited by the wind blowing constantly from one direction in a desert.
  • 2. The windward side has a convex steep slope with maximum height at the centre.
  • 3. Two ends of Barchan are called horns and point opposite to the direction the wind blows.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2024
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Statement 1 is correct. A Barchan is indeed a crescent-shaped sand dune formed by wind blowing predominantly from one direction in a desert environment.
Barchans are one of the most common types of sand dunes. Their shape is a direct result of unidirectional wind flow and limited sand supply.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The windward side of a barchan dune has a gentle, convex slope where sand is pushed up by the wind. The leeward side, also known as the slip face, has a much steeper, concave slope (close to the angle of repose for sand, around 30-34 degrees) where sand avalanches down. The maximum height is at the crest, just before the slip face.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The two ends of the crescent shape are called horns. These horns point downwind, in the direction that the wind is blowing, because the sand moves faster around the edges of the dune than at the center. They point *in* the direction of the wind flow, not opposite to it.
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