World and Physical Geography

501. Which of the following statements regarding Arc Volcanoes is/are corre

Which of the following statements regarding Arc Volcanoes is/are correct ?

  • 1. Arc volcanoes are found near divergent plate boundaries.
  • 2. Some of the world’s classical examples of cone-shaped stratovolcanoes, such as Mount Fuji in Japan, Mayon in the Philippines are Arc volcanoes.
  • 3. Some of the highest volcanoes on Earth are of the Arc type, notably Nevado Ojos del Salado in the Chilean Andes.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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Statement 1 is incorrect. Arc volcanoes are typically found near convergent plate boundaries, where one tectonic plate subducts beneath another. This process leads to the melting of the mantle wedge above the subducting plate, generating magma that rises to the surface to form volcanoes in an arc shape parallel to the plate boundary. Divergent plate boundaries are associated with rift volcanism (like mid-ocean ridges) or flood basalts.

Statement 2 is correct. Volcanic arcs are known for producing explosive eruptions and building steep-sided, cone-shaped composite volcanoes (stratovolcanoes). Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount Mayon in the Philippines are indeed famous examples of stratovolcanoes located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is largely composed of volcanic arcs formed by subduction.

Statement 3 is correct. Volcanic arcs, particularly those associated with continental collision or significant crustal thickening, can host very high volcanoes. The Andes mountain range in South America is a classic example of a volcanic arc formed by the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate. Nevado Ojos del Salado, located in the Chilean Andes, is one of the highest volcanoes in the world (and the highest active volcano).

– Arc volcanoes form at convergent plate boundaries (subduction zones).
– Stratovolcanoes like Fuji and Mayon are characteristic of volcanic arcs.
– High volcanoes, including Nevado Ojos del Salado, are found in some volcanic arcs like the Andes.
Volcanic arcs can be either continental (formed on the edge of a continent) or oceanic (forming a chain of volcanic islands). The shape of the arc is related to the curvature of the Earth and the angle of subduction.

502. Which one of the following is not an example of chemical weathering

Which one of the following is not an example of chemical weathering ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Acid action” option2=”Hydrolysis” option3=”Salt Crystal Growth” option4=”Oxidation” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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Chemical weathering involves processes that change the chemical composition of rocks and minerals. Acid action (like carbonation, where carbonic acid dissolves minerals), Hydrolysis (reaction of water with minerals), and Oxidation (reaction with oxygen) are all examples of chemical weathering. Salt Crystal Growth (also known as salt weathering or haloclasty) is a process where salt crystals grow in pores and cracks within rocks, exerting pressure that forces the rock apart. This is a physical process that breaks down the rock without changing its chemical composition, making it an example of physical or mechanical weathering, not chemical weathering.
Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, soil, and minerals through contact with the Earth’s atmosphere, water, and biological organisms. It is broadly classified into physical (mechanical), chemical, and biological weathering.
Salt weathering is particularly effective in arid and coastal environments where evaporation leads to the crystallization of dissolved salts within the rock pores.

503. How is strong pressure gradient represented on a weather map ?

How is strong pressure gradient represented on a weather map ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Closely spaced isobars” option2=”Widely spaced isobars” option3=”Closely spaced isobars at the periphery” option4=”A set of two widely spaced isobars followed by two closely spaced isobars” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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On a weather map, isobars are lines connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure. The pressure gradient is the rate of change of pressure over a horizontal distance. A strong pressure gradient indicates a large change in pressure over a short distance, which results in high wind speeds. On a weather map, this is visually represented by isobars that are drawn very close together. Conversely, widely spaced isobars indicate a weak pressure gradient and light winds.
The pressure gradient force is one of the primary forces driving wind. It acts perpendicular to isobars, from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.
The closer the isobars, the stronger the pressure gradient, and consequently, the stronger the pressure gradient force and potentially higher wind speeds (though other factors like the Coriolis effect and friction also influence wind).

504. Consider the following statements: 1. Ocean currents are dominated b

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. Ocean currents are dominated by huge surface gyres that are driven by the global surface wind pattern.
  • 2. Equatorial currents move cold water westward and then poleward along the east coasts of continents.

With regard to the statements given above, which of the following is correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.” option2=”Both the statements are correct, but statement 2 is not the correct explanation of statement 1.” option3=”Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is false.” option4=”Statement 1 is false, but statement 2 is correct.” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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Statement 1 is correct: The primary driving force for large-scale surface ocean currents are the prevailing winds, which exert friction on the water surface. These wind-driven currents are organized into large, rotating patterns called gyres in the major ocean basins. Statement 2 is incorrect: Equatorial currents are typically driven by the trade winds and flow westward. However, these equatorial currents carry *warm* water away from the equator. When these currents reach the western boundary of an ocean basin, they turn poleward along the east coasts of continents, forming major *warm* currents like the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic and the Kuroshio Current in the Pacific. Cold currents typically flow poleward along the *west* coasts of continents (e.g., California Current).
Surface ocean currents are largely driven by wind and the Coriolis effect, forming gyres. Warm currents generally flow from the tropics towards the poles, while cold currents flow from higher latitudes towards the equator.
Ocean gyres typically consist of a westward-flowing equatorial current, a poleward-flowing warm current along the western boundary, an eastward-flowing current in the mid-latitudes, and an equatorward-flowing cold current along the eastern boundary.

505. Consider the following statements : 1. Hadley cells are key to under

Consider the following statements :

  • 1. Hadley cells are key to understanding the wind patterns of Earth.
  • 2. Hadley cells are formed because the Equator is heated more strongly by the Sun than other places, creating thermal circulations.

With regard to the statements given above, which of the following is correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.” option2=”Both the statements are correct, but statement 2 is not the correct explanation of statement 1.” option3=”Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is false.” option4=”Statement 1 is false, but statement 2 is correct.” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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Statement 1 is correct: Hadley cells are fundamental atmospheric circulation patterns in the tropics and are essential for understanding the global distribution of pressure belts and wind patterns like the trade winds and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Statement 2 is correct: Hadley cells are indeed formed due to the differential heating of the Earth’s surface. The equatorial region receives the most direct solar radiation, causing air to heat up, become less dense, and rise (convection). This rising warm air then flows poleward at high altitudes, cools, sinks around 30 degrees latitude, and returns towards the equator as surface winds (trade winds), completing the circulation loop. This thermal driving force directly explains the formation and function of Hadley cells, which, in turn, dictates tropical wind patterns. Thus, statement 2 is the correct explanation for statement 1.
Hadley cells are part of the general atmospheric circulation model, driven by latitudinal variations in solar radiation.
Beyond the Hadley cells (0-30 degrees), there are also Ferrel cells (30-60 degrees) and Polar cells (60-90 degrees), which contribute to the global pattern of atmospheric circulation and winds. However, the Hadley cells are the most thermally direct and dominant circulation feature in the tropics.

506. Which kind of mass wasting processes are commonly associated with cree

Which kind of mass wasting processes are commonly associated with creep ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Fast speed with soil” option2=”Slow speed with rock” option3=”Slow speed with ice” option4=”Slow speed with soil” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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Creep is a type of mass wasting characterized by the slow, gradual, and continuous movement of soil or regolith down a slope. It typically occurs over long periods and is often imperceptible except through observations of its effects, such as tilted poles, fences, or tree trunks. It is predominantly associated with the slow movement of unconsolidated material like soil.
Mass wasting processes are classified based on the type of material, speed, and nature of movement. Creep is the slowest form of mass wasting involving soil or regolith.
Other types of mass wasting include flows (like mudflows, debris flows – faster, involving water), slides (rockslides, landslides – movement along a plane), and falls (rockfalls – free-fall of material). Creep is influenced by factors like freeze-thaw cycles, wetting and drying of soil, and animal activity.

507. Eratosthenes, a Greek philosopher measured the Earth’s circumference b

Eratosthenes, a Greek philosopher measured the Earth’s circumference based on the angle of Sun rays at two different points. Which cities were they ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Alexandria and Syene” option2=”Syene and Troy” option3=”Alexandria and Troy” option4=”Alexandria and Thebes” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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The Greek mathematician, geographer, and astronomer Eratosthenes is famous for calculating the circumference of the Earth around 240 BC. He did this by observing the angle of the sun’s rays at noon on the summer solstice in two different Egyptian cities, Syene (modern Aswan), where the sun was directly overhead (no shadow in a well), and Alexandria, where the sun’s rays cast a shadow at a measurable angle. He then used the distance between the two cities and basic geometry to estimate the Earth’s circumference.
Eratosthenes was one of the first to accurately estimate the size of the Earth using geometrical principles and astronomical observations.
Syene is located close to the Tropic of Cancer. On the summer solstice, the sun is directly overhead at noon along the Tropic of Cancer. Alexandria is located north of the Tropic of Cancer, so the sun would not be directly overhead there. The difference in the angle of the sun’s rays at the two locations allowed Eratosthenes to calculate the curvature of the Earth and subsequently its circumference.

508. Cumulonimbus clouds develop from which among the following clouds ?

Cumulonimbus clouds develop from which among the following clouds ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Cumulus congestus clouds” option2=”Cumulus and Nimbostratus clouds” option3=”Cumulus and Altostratus clouds” option4=”Cirrocumulus clouds” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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Cumulonimbus clouds are towering, vertically developing clouds that are often associated with thunderstorms. They grow from cumulus clouds, specifically from the stage known as cumulus congestus, which are towering cumulus clouds. The rapid vertical development fueled by strong updrafts transforms cumulus congestus into cumulonimbus.
Clouds are classified by their form and altitude. Cumulus clouds are puffy, heap-like clouds that develop vertically. Cumulonimbus is the most vertically developed type of cumulus cloud.
Nimbostratus is a low, layered cloud that produces continuous rain or snow. Altostratus is a middle-altitude, layered cloud. Cirrocumulus is a high-altitude cloud composed of ice crystals, appearing as small puffy masses in rows. These are distinct cloud types and not developmental stages of cumulonimbus.

509. Consider the following statements regarding transportation functions a

Consider the following statements regarding transportation functions associated with important ports :

  • 1. Singapore functions both as a port of call and an entrepot.
  • 2. Karwar in India is an example of a naval port.
  • 3. Dover in England is an example of an outpost.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2024
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Statement 1 is correct: Singapore is strategically located and serves as a major port of call for ships needing services and also as an entrepot where goods are re-exported, functioning as a key transshipment hub in Southeast Asia. Statement 2 is correct: Karwar is one of the major naval bases of the Indian Navy, located on the west coast of India. Statement 3 is incorrect: Dover in England is primarily known as a ferry port connecting the UK to France. While important, it’s not typically classified as an “outpost” in port geography; an outpost might refer to a remote port or a base serving a distant operation.
Ports serve various functions including ports of call (stopping for supplies/fuel), entrepots (transshipment and re-export), naval ports (military use), and specialized ports (oil, fishing, ferry).
Entrepot ports are vital in global trade networks as they facilitate the movement of goods between different regions without them being imported for domestic consumption in the entrepot country. Singapore, Hong Kong, and Rotterdam are classic examples of entrepot ports.

510. Which of the following is the correct order of clouds in ascending ord

Which of the following is the correct order of clouds in ascending order (lowest to highest) of height from surface ?

  • 1. Cirrocumulus
  • 2. Nimbostratus
  • 3. Cirrus
  • 4. Altostratus

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2023
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The correct option is D, representing the order 2, 4, 1, 3. This order corresponds to Nimbostratus, Altostratus, Cirrocumulus, and Cirrus, which is generally the ascending order of height from the surface.
– Clouds are classified based on their altitude. Low clouds are typically below 2,000 meters (6,500 ft), middle clouds between 2,000 and 6,000 meters (6,500 – 20,000 ft), and high clouds above 6,000 meters (20,000 ft).
– Nimbostratus (2) is a low-level cloud type, though it can extend vertically through the middle layer. Its base is low.
– Altostratus (4) is a middle-level cloud type.
– Cirrocumulus (1) and Cirrus (3) are high-level cloud types.
– Among the high clouds, Cirrus are generally found at the highest altitudes. Therefore, a typical ascending order is Low -> Middle -> High (Cirrocumulus) -> High (Cirrus).
Cloud classification also includes types based on appearance (e.g., stratus, cumulus, cirrus) and process (e.g., nimbus indicating precipitation). Understanding cloud types and their typical altitudes is important in meteorology and weather observation.
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