UPSC 2018 Geography Questions with Answers

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Coral reefs predominantly thrive in warm, shallow waters, typically between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (30°N to 30°S latitude). These tropical regions provide the ideal conditions--such as appropriate temperature, light, and salinity--for coral growth. The warm water temperatures are essential for the symbiotic relationship between coral polyps and the algae (zooxanthellae) that live within their tissues.

Statement 2 is correct: The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, along with coral reef systems in Indonesia and the Philippines (part of the Coral Triangle), collectively account for more than one-third of the world’s coral reefs. These regions are globally renowned for their extensive and diverse coral systems.

Statement 3 is correct: Coral reefs are among the most bio-diverse ecosystems on Earth, hosting over 25,000 described species from 32 of the 33 known animal phyla, which is more than the number of animal phyla found in tropical rainforests.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: According to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 (MMDR Amendment Act), state governments have the power to auction non-coal mines. The central government sets the guidelines for the auction process, but the actual auction of non-coal mines is conducted by the state governments.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do have gold mines. Andhra Pradesh: Gold is found in Ramagiri in the Anantapur district. Jharkhand: Both alluvial and native gold are present, with alluvial gold found in the sands of the Subarnarekha River and Sona Nadi, and native gold found near Lowa in the Singhbhum district. Largest gold ore deposits in India are found in Bihar (based on recent discovery but not certified yet by GSI), Rajasthan, and Karnataka with Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand having smaller reserves.

Statement 3 is correct: Rajasthan has significant iron ore deposits. Iron ore deposits, primarily hematite and magnetite, are found in Rajasthan, specifically in districts like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Bhilwara, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, and Banswara. These deposits contribute to the production of iron in India.

Explanation

Kodaikanal Lake, also known as Kodai Lake is a man-made lake (artificial) located in the Kodaikanal city in Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, India. The lake was built in 1863, in the middle of Kodaikanal town. Sir Vere Henry Levinge, the then Collector of Madurai, had a key role in its construction. The lake is star-shaped, centrally located in the town of Kodaikanal and is surrounded by lush green hills of the northwestern Palani Hills range. It is fed by several small streams from the Palani Hills.

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

Kolleru Lake is a large, natural, shallow freshwater lake located in the northeastern part of Andhra Pradesh, between the Krishna and Godavari deltas. It is designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site due to its ecological importance. It is a natural lake formed by the accumulation of river waters and is a major habitat for migratory birds. Nainital lake is a natural lake and was formed due to tectonic movements. It is a natural, kidney-shaped, tectonic lake formed due to geological movements. It is part of the Kumaon Lake Region and is a popular tourist destination. The Renuka Lake is located in Himachal Pradesh and holds cultural and spiritual significance. It is regarded as the embodiment of Renukaji, the wife of sage Jamadagini and mother of Parshuram. This placid stretch of water is fed by underground springs and the surrounding hills are padded by lush forests that support a large variety of plant and animal life.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Barren Island is India’s only active volcano and is located in the Andaman Sea, within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It belongs to the volcanic arc of the Sunda Trench and is part of the Andaman Subduction Zone which makes it seismically active.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Barren Island is located about 140 km northeast of Port Blair (the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands), not Great Nicobar. Great Nicobar is located far south of the Andaman Islands, whereas Barren Island is in the northern Andaman Sea.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Barren Island volcano has erupted multiple times after 1991. Significant eruptions were recorded in 1994-1995, 2005, 2009, and most recently in 2017-2018. Thus, it has not remained inactive since 1991.

Explanation

Bengaluru located at 77.5946°E is approximately 0.378 degrees east of Delhi is closest to Delhi. Longitude of Indian Cities:

The longitude of Delhi is 77.216721°E The longitude of Bangalore is 77.59450 E. The longitude of Nagpur is 79.0888°E. The longitude of Pune is 73.8474" E.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: The Aral Sea has experienced a dramatic reduction in size due to the diversion of its feeding rivers for irrigation purposes. The Aral Sea is a salt lake in Central Asia which was previously the fourth-largest salt lake in the world. It started to shrink in the 1960s as a result of the Soviet Union starting to divert water for agricultural use. According to NASA, water diversion for agricultural purposes in the region has caused the Aral Sea to lose nearly 75% of its original size during the past 50 years. The Aral Sea’s depth has similarly dropped, going from 68 metres in the 1960s to less than 10 meters now.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Catalonia is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain. It comprises of four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. It has a distinct history, culture, and language, with Catalan being widely spoken. Catalonia has pursued greater autonomy and independence in recent years, leading to political tensions with the Spanish government.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe and has no territorial claims or historical association with Crimea. It is a peninsula located on the northern coast of the Black Sea. In 1954, it was transferred from the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Mindanao is an island located in the Philippines. It is surrounded by the Bohol, Philippine, Cele-bes, and Sulu seas. It is known for its rich cultural diversity, with various indigenous groups and a significant Muslim population.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Oromia is a regional state in Ethiopia, not Nigeria. It is the largest and most populous region in Ethiopia, predominantly inhabited by the Oromo people which is the largest ethnic group in the country. Ethiopia is a landlocked country located in Eastern Africa.

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: Aleppo is a major city in northern Syria. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It has been a focal point in the Syrian Civil War, experiencing significant destruction and humanitarian crises.

Option 2 is incorrect: Kirkuk is a city in northern Iraq and not Yemen. It is known for its ethnic diversity and significant oil re-serves. The city has been a point of contention due to its strategic importance and the presence of various ethnic groups such as Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen.

Option 3 is incorrect: Mosul is a city in northern Iraq, not Palestine. It has been a significant cultural and economic center in Iraq. It was occupied by ISIS from 2014 to 2017, leading to extensive damage and loss of life.

Option 4 is correct: Mazar-i-Sharif is a city in northern Afghanistan. It known for its cultural significance and the Shrine of Hazrat Ali