Q21. The Brazilian Plateau is renowned globally for the extensive reserves of which of the following minerals?
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 21–30 of 80 questions
Q22. Match List-I (Plateau Name) with List-II (Type of Plateau) and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Plateau Name | Type of Plateau |
|---|---|
| A. Tibetan Plateau | i. Continental Plateau |
| B. Deccan Plateau | ii. Piedmont Plateau |
| C. Patagonian Plateau | iii. Volcanic Plateau |
| D. Antarctic Plateau | iv. Intermontane Plateau |
Explanation
Plateaus are classified by their geological setting and origin. The Tibetan Plateau is intermontane, surrounded by mountains. The Deccan Plateau is volcanic, formed by lava flows. The Patagonian Plateau is a piedmont type, located at the foot of the Andes. The Antarctic Plateau is a continental plateau, representing a massive elevated shield. These categories help geographers understand the diverse history of landforms.
Q23. The African Plateau is highly significant to the global economy primarily because:
Explanation
The African Plateau is a massive, elevated landmass that dominates the continent’s geography. It is of immense global economic importance due to its extraordinary mineral wealth. The region contains some of the world’s largest deposits of gold, diamonds, and copper, alongside significant amounts of cobalt and platinum. These resources drive mining industries and international trade, supporting the economies of many African nations.
Q24. Consider the following statements regarding the African Plateau:
I. Much of the African continent consists of elevated plateau regions.
II. The East African Plateau is deeply fragmented by the Great Rift Valley system.
III. The plateau region strictly receives snowfall throughout the year due to high latitudes.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Much of the African continent consists of elevated plateau regions.
II. The East African Plateau is deeply fragmented by the Great Rift Valley system.
III. The plateau region strictly receives snowfall throughout the year due to high latitudes.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Much of Africa consists of high plateaus, with the East African Plateau being notably dissected by the Great Rift Valley. While these areas are elevated, they are primarily located in tropical and subtropical latitudes. Therefore, they do not receive snowfall throughout the year, except on the very highest mountain peaks. This distinguishes the plateau’s general climate from high-latitude polar regions.
Q25. Identify the odd one out among the following regions based on their dominant landform classification as plateaus.
Explanation
The Anatolian Plateau, Katanga Plateau, and Colorado Plateau are all distinct elevated flatlands characterized by their high altitude and relatively level surfaces. In contrast, the Amazon Basin is a massive low-lying alluvial plain formed by river deposition. This fundamental difference in topographic classification and elevation makes the Amazon region the odd one out when compared to the other mentioned plateaus.
Q26. Which of the following is the most appropriate description of the soil formation on the Deccan Plateau?
Explanation
The Deccan Plateau was formed by massive volcanic activity that spread extensive layers of basaltic lava across the region. Over millions of years, the physical and chemical weathering of these volcanic rocks has resulted in the formation of deep black soils. These soils are rich in minerals like lime and iron, making them exceptionally fertile for crops like cotton.
Q27. The Tibetan Plateau is bordered by which two major mountain ranges to its south and north respectively?
Explanation
The Tibetan Plateau is the highest and largest plateau in the world, often referred to as the "Roof of the World." Its geographic boundaries are defined by massive mountain ranges. To the south, it is bordered by the towering Himalayas. To the north, it is bounded by the Kunlun Mountains. These ranges were formed by the same tectonic collision processes between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Q28. Consider the following statements regarding major world plateaus:
I. The Patagonian plateau is an example of a piedmont plateau.
II. The Deccan plateau slopes generally from east to west.
III. The Tibetan plateau is known as the "Roof of the World".
IV. The Brazilian plateau occupies a large portion of eastern South America.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The Patagonian plateau is an example of a piedmont plateau.
II. The Deccan plateau slopes generally from east to west.
III. The Tibetan plateau is known as the "Roof of the World".
IV. The Brazilian plateau occupies a large portion of eastern South America.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Patagonian Plateau is a piedmont plateau located at the foot of mountains. The Tibetan Plateau is globally recognized as the "Roof of the World" due to its extreme altitude. The Brazilian Plateau covers much of eastern South America. However, the Deccan Plateau generally slopes from west to east, which is why most of its major rivers flow toward the Bay of Bengal.
Q29. The Loess Plateau, highly susceptible to wind and water erosion, is primarily located in which country?
Explanation
The Loess Plateau is a unique geographical region located in north-central China. It is characterized by thick deposits of loess, which is fine-grained, wind-blown silt. This material is highly fertile but also extremely susceptible to erosion by wind and water. The Huang He, or Yellow River, flows through this region, carrying vast amounts of yellow silt derived from these deposits.
Q30. Which of the following is an accurate characteristic of continental plateaus?
Explanation
Continental plateaus are massive elevated landforms that rise sharply from the surrounding lowlands or the sea. They are typically located away from mountain ranges and represent stable portions of the Earth’s crust. Unlike intermontane plateaus, they are not enclosed by mountains. Examples include the Antarctic Plateau and the Brazilian Plateau. These regions often cover vast areas and have relatively level summits.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (c) Iron ore and Manganese |
| 22 | (b) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i |
| 23 | (d) Vast reserves of gold, diamonds, and copper |
| 24 | (c) III only |
| 25 | (c) Amazon |
| 26 | (a) Black soils formed by the weathering of basaltic lava flows |
| 27 | (d) Himalayas and Kunlun Mountains |
| 28 | (b) I, III, and IV only |
| 29 | (c) China |
| 30 | (d) Extensive areas rising abruptly from bordering lowlands |
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.