UPSC 2010 Geography Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Gondwana rock system, named after the Gond tribe of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most significant geological formations in India. These s are found in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Telangana.

Option (b) is correct: Gondwana rock system is primarily known for its rich coal deposits, which account for over 90% of India’s total coal reserves. Major coalfields such as Damodar Valley (Jharkhand and West Bengal), Son Valley (Madhya Pradesh), and Mahanadi Valley (Odisha and Chhattisgarh) are part of this system. The Gondwana rock system is considered the most important rock system in India due to its rich coal deposits.

Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Limestone is primarily found in the Vindhyan rock system, Cuddapah system, and the Aravalli ranges. Major limestone deposits exist in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. Black cotton soil (Regur soil) is derived from the Deccan Trap volcanic rocks, not from Gondwana rocks. These soils are rich in clay and moisture-retentive, found in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Explanation

Pair (a) is correctly matched: Gobind Sagar Lake is a vast reservoir created by the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. It was named in honor of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. Pair (b) is incorrectly matched: Kolleru Lake is a freshwater lake situated in Andhra Pradesh but it is not directly fed by the Krishna River. It is primarily fed by two minor rivers Budameru and Tammileru which originate in the Eastern Ghats. Krishna and Godavari rivers are nearby but do not feed the lake directly. Pair (c) is correctly matched: Ukai Reservoir(also known as Vallabh Sagar) is located on the Tapi River in Gujarat. It is the second-largest reservoir in Gujarat after the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River. It was built in 1972 and provides irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation. Pair (d) is correctly matched: Wular Lake is one of South Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. It is situated in Jammu and Kashmir. It is located near Srinagar and experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in size, ranging from 30 to 189 square kilometers. The Jhelum River flows through the lake, with the lake playing a crucial role in regulating the river’s flow.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Himalayas act as a formidable barrier as it effectively blocking the frigid winds from Siberia from penetrating deep into the Indian subcontinent. Without this natural barrier, much of India would be susceptible to severe cold waves during winter.

Statement 2 is correct: The Himalayan ranges are a crucial source of the alluvial soils that enrich the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The erosion of the Himalayas over millennia has resulted in the deposition of fertile sediments, creating one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the world. In the absence of the Himalayas, this fertile alluvial plain would not exist, significantly impacting agricultural productivity.

Statement 3 is correct: The Himalayas play a pivotal role in influencing the Indian monsoon. They act as a barrier, forcing the moisture-laden monsoon winds to rise, leading to significant rainfall over the Indian subcontinent. Without the Himalayas, the Indian monsoon would likely be much weaker and less consistent, with significantly lower rainfall across the subcontinent. The absence of orographic lifting would result in a drier climate, potentially transforming large areas of India into desert-like regions. The monsoon winds would face less obstruction, meaning less moisture would be lifted and condensed, leading to a reduction in rainfall.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Both Sikkim in the east and Rajasthan in the west share the commonality of being intersected by the 27th parallel north. The latitude passes through Gangtok in Sikkim and Alwar in Rajasthan. This shared latitudinal position provides a unique geographical connection between these two distinct regions of India. The red line in the accompanying figure may represent an approximation of the line of latitude that passes through both locations.

Explanation

The approximate representation of land use classification in India is Net area sown 47%; forests 23%; other areas 30%. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare employs a nine-fold classification system for land use in India. This system encompasses categories such as forest areas, agricultural land (cultivated and fallow), barren land, pastures, land under tree crops, and areas designated for non-agricultural uses. Fig: Land use pie chart

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: Singapore is located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula at the entrance to the Strait of Malacca. It is one of the key landmarks along this waterway and serves as a critical port in the region.

Option (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Bali is an Indonesian island located to the southeast of Java. It is not directly in the path of the Strait of Malacca. Brunei is located on the island of Borneo. It is far to the east of the Strait of Malacca, and is not near the strait. Java is an island of Indonesia located to the south of the Strait of Malacca. It lies relatively close to the Strait but it is not directly within the strait.