Q11. The Black Forest mountain, a prominent example of a block mountain, is located in which country?
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 11–20 of 80 questions
Q12. Match List-I (Mountain Range) with List-II (Continent) and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Mountain Range | Continent |
|---|---|
| A. Andes | i. North America |
| B. Alps | ii. Asia |
| C. Rockies | iii. South America |
| D. Himalayas | iv. Europe |
Explanation
Major mountain ranges define the physical geography of continents. The Andes are situated in South America, while the Alps are a central feature of Europe. The Rocky Mountains span the western part of North America, and the Himalayas are located in Asia. Each range was formed by specific tectonic processes and significantly influences the climate and ecology of its respective continent.
Q13. Which of the following pairs of volcanic mountains and their respective countries is correctly matched?
Explanation
Volcanic mountains are created by the accumulation of lava and pyroclastic materials. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, located in Tanzania. Mount Fuji is a famous volcanic cone in Japan, not Indonesia. Mount Vesuvius is located in Italy, while Mount Krakatoa is situated in Indonesia. Understanding these geographic locations is essential for studying global volcanic activity and landforms.
Q14. Consider the following statements regarding the Himalayas:
I. They act as a climatic divide for the Indian subcontinent.
II. They are the source of perennial rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra.
III. They contain a rich variety of flora and fauna due to diverse altitudinal zones.
IV. They consist strictly of igneous rocks with no sedimentary formations.
V. They prevent the cold continental air masses of Central Asia from entering India.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. They act as a climatic divide for the Indian subcontinent.
II. They are the source of perennial rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra.
III. They contain a rich variety of flora and fauna due to diverse altitudinal zones.
IV. They consist strictly of igneous rocks with no sedimentary formations.
V. They prevent the cold continental air masses of Central Asia from entering India.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Himalayas function as a major climatic divide, blocking cold Siberian winds and trapping monsoon moisture. They provide a perennial water source for rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra. While rich in biodiversity, they are not composed strictly of igneous rocks; they contain significant sedimentary formations. Their height prevents frigid air masses from Central Asia from cooling the Indian subcontinent.
Q15. The formation of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the United States is predominantly an example of which type of mountain building?
Explanation
The Sierra Nevada range in the western United States is a primary example of block mountain formation. It was created through the vertical displacement of massive crustal blocks along fault lines. As the Earth’s crust stretched, certain blocks were uplifted to form high peaks, while others subsided. This process creates the characteristic steep eastern slopes and gradual western inclinations seen today.
Q16. What is the primary cause for the formation of a rift valley alongside block mountains?
Explanation
Rift valleys are formed when the Earth’s crust experiences intense tensional forces that cause it to fracture. This geological stretching leads to the downward subsidence of a central block of land between two parallel faults. The resulting sunken valley is often flanked by uplifted block mountains. The Great Rift Valley in Africa is the most prominent global example of this phenomenon.
Q17. A plateau that is entirely or partially enclosed by mountain ranges is geographically termed as:
Explanation
An intermontane plateau is a high-altitude, relatively flat landform that is completely or partially surrounded by mountain ranges. These plateaus are formed during the same tectonic events that uplift the surrounding mountains. The Tibetan Plateau, located between the Himalayas and the Kunlun Mountains, is the most famous example. Such regions often experience unique climatic conditions due to their high elevation.
Q18. The following question consists of two statements: one labeled Assertion (A) and the other labeled Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The Tibetan Plateau plays a crucial role in the development of the Indian Summer Monsoon.
Reason (R): The intense summer heating of the Tibetan Plateau establishes a strong thermal low-pressure area, drawing moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean.
Which of the following is correct in the context of the above statements?
Assertion (A): The Tibetan Plateau plays a crucial role in the development of the Indian Summer Monsoon.
Reason (R): The intense summer heating of the Tibetan Plateau establishes a strong thermal low-pressure area, drawing moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean.
Which of the following is correct in the context of the above statements?
Explanation
The Tibetan Plateau is crucial for the Indian Summer Monsoon. During summer, this vast, high-altitude region absorbs significant solar radiation, becoming much warmer than the surrounding atmosphere. This heating creates a strong thermal low-pressure cell. This pressure gradient draws moisture-laden winds from the high-pressure area over the Indian Ocean toward the subcontinent, resulting in the seasonal monsoon rains.
Q19. Which of the following statements regarding the Deccan Plateau is incorrect?
Explanation
The Deccan Plateau covers vast areas of southern and western India. It originated from massive fissure-type volcanic eruptions that deposited thick layers of basaltic lava. The weathering of these volcanic rocks produces rich, dark black soils known for moisture retention and suitability for cotton cultivation. Consequently, the description of the region as having light-colored, acidic sandy soil is scientifically inaccurate.
Q20. Arrange the following major plateaus in order from North to South based on their general geographical location:
I. Tibetan Plateau
II. Deccan Plateau
III. Katanga Plateau
IV. Patagonian Plateau
Select the correct order from the options given below:
I. Tibetan Plateau
II. Deccan Plateau
III. Katanga Plateau
IV. Patagonian Plateau
Select the correct order from the options given below:
Explanation
Geographic plateaus are distributed across different latitudes globally. The Tibetan Plateau is located in Central Asia, making it the northernmost in this list. Moving south, the Deccan Plateau occupies the Indian subcontinent. Further south, the Katanga Plateau is situated in Central Africa. Finally, the Patagonian Plateau is located at the southern tip of South America, completing the north-to-south sequence.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (d) Germany |
| 12 | (b) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 13 | (c) Mount Kilimanjaro - Tanzania |
| 14 | (b) I, II, III, and V only |
| 15 | (a) Block mountain formation |
| 16 | (b) Crustal fracturing and subsidence from tensional forces |
| 17 | (b) Intermontane plateau |
| 18 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 19 | (c) Soil composed of light-colored, acidic sands |
| 20 | (a) I, II, III, IV |
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.