Q1. Which of the following geological processes is primarily responsible for the formation of the world’s major fold mountains?
Physical Landforms: Mountains, Plateaus, Plains and Deserts: RAS Prelims MCQs
80 RAS Prelims MCQs on physical landforms test how mountains, plateaus, plains and deserts are formed and where the famous examples lie. Fold, block and residual mountains, rift valleys, intermontane plateaus, the Brazilian Plateau and the hot and cold deserts are asked as facts and statements, with the explanation tying each feature to its process.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 80 questions
Q2. Match List-I (Mountain Type) with List-II (Example) and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Mountain Type | Example |
|---|---|
| A. Fold Mountain | i. Vosges |
| B. Block Mountain | ii. Himalayas |
| C. Volcanic Mountain | iii. Aravalli |
| D. Residual Mountain | iv. Kilimanjaro |
Explanation
Mountains are classified by their origin. Fold mountains like the Himalayas form from plate collisions. Block mountains like the Vosges result from vertical displacement. Volcanic mountains like Kilimanjaro arise from accumulated lava and ash. Residual mountains like the Aravallis remain after long periods of erosion. These diverse landforms illustrate how various geological forces continuously shape the global landscape over time.
Q3. Which of the following statements regarding block mountains is incorrect?
Explanation
Block mountains form when large crustal areas are fractured and displaced vertically along fault lines. The uplifted sections of the crust are scientifically identified as horsts, while the sunken or lowered segments are called grabens. These geological features are typical in areas experiencing tectonic tension. The Vosges and Black Forest mountains serve as prominent examples of this specific structural formation.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Himalayas:
I. The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed by the collision of the Eurasian and Indo-Australian tectonic plates.
II. They represent the highest mountain system in the world.
III. They are characterized by tectonic stability and an absence of seismic activity.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed by the collision of the Eurasian and Indo-Australian tectonic plates.
II. They represent the highest mountain system in the world.
III. They are characterized by tectonic stability and an absence of seismic activity.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Himalayas are young fold mountains created by the collision between the Eurasian and Indo- Australian tectonic plates. They comprise the world’s highest peaks, providing a massive physical barrier across Asia. Unlike stable regions, this mountain system is tectonically active, making it highly prone to frequent seismic activities and earthquakes. This geological instability proves that the mountain-building process continues today.
Q5. Identify the odd one out among the following mountains based on their mode of formation.
Explanation
Mount Fuji, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Vesuvius are all volcanic mountains formed by the accumulation of erupted materials like lava and ash. In contrast, the Sierra Nevada is a block mountain system created by the vertical displacement of crustal blocks along fault lines. This difference in primary geological origin makes the Sierra Nevada distinct from the others in the group.
Q6. The following question consists of two statements: one labeled Assertion (A) and the other labeled Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world.
Reason (R): The Andes were formed primarily by the divergence of the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate.
Which of the following is correct in the context of the above statements?
Assertion (A): The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world.
Reason (R): The Andes were formed primarily by the divergence of the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate.
Which of the following is correct in the context of the above statements?
Explanation
The Andes mountain range is the longest continental mountain range on Earth, stretching along the western coast of South America. However, its formation is due to the convergence and subduction of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate, not divergence. This massive tectonic collision generated the intense compressive forces necessary to uplift the crust and create these towering peaks.
Q7. The Alps mountain range, a major physical feature of Europe, predominantly stretches across which of the following groups of countries?
Explanation
The Alps represent a major young fold mountain system situated in south-central Europe. This extensive range stretches across several countries, most notably covering significant portions of France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. These mountains were formed by the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. They play a vital role in determining European climate patterns and support diverse alpine ecosystems.
Q8. Consider the following statements regarding the Rocky Mountains:
I. They are a massive mountain range located in western North America.
II. They were formed during the Laramide orogeny.
III. They are predominantly block mountains formed by tensional forces.
IV. Mount Elbert is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. They are a massive mountain range located in western North America.
II. They were formed during the Laramide orogeny.
III. They are predominantly block mountains formed by tensional forces.
IV. Mount Elbert is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Rocky Mountains are a massive fold mountain range in western North America, formed primarily during the Laramide orogeny. Unlike block mountains, they resulted from tectonic plate subduction and horizontal compression. Mount Elbert stands as the highest peak within this expansive system. These mountains are crucial for regional water supplies and host diverse wildlife habitats throughout their high-altitude environments.
Q9. Residual mountains are primarily formed as a result of which of the following processes?
Explanation
Residual mountains, also known as mountains of circumdenudation, are formed when existing elevated landforms like plateaus or old mountain ranges are subjected to prolonged erosion. Agents such as wind, water, and ice wear away the softer rocks, leaving behind more resistant rock masses as standing peaks. The Aravalli Range in India is a classic example of this geological landform.
Q10. Which of the following represents the correct sequence of major continental mountain ranges in decreasing order of their approximate physical length?
Explanation
Continental mountain ranges vary significantly in physical extent. The Andes in South America is the longest range, followed by the Rocky Mountains in North America. The Himalayas in Asia, while having the highest peaks, rank third in total length. The Alps in Europe are considerably shorter in comparison to these three massive systems. This sequence reflects their respective continental spans.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Crustal folding from compressive forces |
| 2 | (a) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii |
| 3 | (c) The uplifted blocks are termed as grabens. |
| 4 | (a) I and II only |
| 5 | (c) Sierra Nevada |
| 6 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 7 | (d) France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria |
| 8 | (b) I, II, and IV only |
| 9 | (c) Long-term denudation of an existing elevated area |
| 10 | (a) Andes, Rockies, Himalayas, Alps |
Key facts from Physical Landforms: Mountains, Plateaus, Plains and Deserts
- Fold mountains are formed by crustal folding from compressive forces; block mountains by faulting, with a rift valley formed by crustal fracturing and subsidence from tensional forces.
- The Black Forest in Germany and the Sierra Nevada in the United States are block mountains.
- The Alps stretch across France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria.
- Residual mountains result from long-term denudation of an existing elevated area.
- A plateau enclosed by mountains is an intermontane plateau; the Brazilian Plateau is known for iron ore and manganese.
- Hot deserts lie between about 15 and 30 degrees latitude; cold deserts are found at higher latitudes or altitudes.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Physical Landforms: Mountains, Plateaus, Plains and Deserts?
This page has 80 practice MCQs on Physical Landforms: Mountains, Plateaus, Plains and Deserts (World Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
How are block mountains formed?
By faulting, when large blocks of the crust are lifted or left standing between fractures caused by tensional forces. The Black Forest in Germany and the Sierra Nevada of the United States are examples, and a rift valley often lies beside them.
What is an intermontane plateau?
A plateau that is entirely or partly enclosed by mountain ranges, such as the Tibetan Plateau. Its position among the mountains gives it a dry climate and a high elevation.
Where are hot deserts located?
Between roughly 15 and 30 degrees of latitude on either side of the equator, where the subtropical high-pressure belt brings sinking, dry air. Cold deserts, like the Gobi, lie in higher latitudes or at high altitudes.