Indian Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)

Explanation

The Himalayas are the youngest fold mountains in the world. They exhibit dynamic geological features shaped by tectonic activity. These features provide evidence of their youthful and evolving nature, making them a fascinating subject for geologists and travelers alike. All the given features--deep gorges, U-turn river courses, parallel mountain ranges, and steep gradients causing landslides--are evidence of the Himalayas being young fold mountains. These characteristics result from ongoing tectonic uplift, erosion, and the mountains’ relatively recent formation (around 50 million years ago).

Explanation

Monsoon refers to a seasonal change in wind patterns that results in a shift in precipitation patterns over a region. Monsoons occur primarily in tropical and subtropical regions and are characterized by a wet season and a dry season.

Statement 1 is correct: The monsoon duration decreases from southern India (June-September) to northern India (July-August) due to the gradual weakening of monsoon winds as they move inland. Due to its proximity to the sea, India’s southern region has earlier and longer rainy seasons than its northern region.

Statement 2 is correct: The northern plains experience a rainfall gradient, with higher rainfall in the east (Assam, West Bengal) and decreasing towards the west (Punjab, Rajasthan) due to the weakening of monsoon winds. During the southwest monsoon, Kolkata receives 119 cm, Patna 105 cm, Allahabad 76 cm, and Delhi 56 cm.

Explanation

Arunachal Pradesh has the following mentioned characteristics:

Northern Rajasthan lies approximately between 26°N to 27°N latitude. Arunachal Pradesh (27°N-29°N) closely aligns with this latitude range. Assam (24°N-28°N), Himachal Pradesh (30°N-33°N), and Uttarakhand (29°N-31°N) are either too far north or south. As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, Arunachal Pradesh has 82.4% forest cover. While Assam has 35.83%, Himachal Pradesh 27.72%, and Uttarakhand 45.44%. Arunachal Pradesh has over 12% of its forest area designated as Protected Areas, including Namdapha National Park, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mouling National Park.

Explanation

Under the text of the Ramsar Convention wetlands are defined as: "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres". Wetlands in India are vital ecosystems supporting biodiversity, water regulation, and livelihoods. They are classified into coastal and inland wetlands, each with unique ecological and geographical significance.

Statement 1 is correct: Gujarat has the largest area under wetlands in India. It is primarily due to the extensive Rann of Kutch, a seasonal salt marsh, and coastal wetlands like the Gulf of Kutch. According to the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment by the Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Gujarat accounts for ~22.7% of India’s total wetland area.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Inland wetlands (like lakes, rivers, and marshes) cover a larger area than coastal wetlands (like mangroves, estuaries, and lagoons). As per the National Wetland Atlas, inland wetlands constitute ~69% of India’s total wetland area, while coastal wetlands make up ~27%.