Q71. In the physiographic division of Rajasthan, the extremely arid region characterized by extensive sand dunes and almost negligible vegetation is locally referred to as:
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 71–80 of 80 questions
Q72. Match List-I (Features of Thar Desert) with List- II (Description) and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Features of Thar Desert | Description |
|---|---|
| A. Barchan | i. Shallow, temporary salt lakes |
| B. Playa | ii. Shifting sand dunes |
| C. Rann | iii. Saline marshy tracts |
| D. Dhrian | iv. Crescent-shaped sand dunes |
Explanation
The Thar Desert contains several unique geomorphic features. Barchans are crescent-shaped sand dunes with horns pointing downwind. Playas are shallow, temporary salt lakes found in basins. The Rann refers to saline marshy tracts, such as the Rann of Kutch. Dhrians are the locally known shifting sand dunes that move across the desert surface. These terms help describe the desert’s complex and dynamic landscape.
Q73. When comparing the Thar Desert with other major hot deserts like the Sahara or Arabian, which demographic characteristic uniquely defines the Thar?
Explanation
Unlike the Sahara or the Arabian Desert, which are sparsely populated, the Thar Desert is distinguished by its high human and livestock population density. It is considered the most populous desert in the world. People in this region have developed resilient agricultural and pastoral systems, supported by traditional water harvesting techniques and modern irrigation projects like the Indira Gandhi Canal, allowing for permanent settlements.
Q74. Consider the following statements about global physical landforms:
I. Fold mountains are associated with constructive plate boundaries.
II. The Deccan plateau is an example of a flood basalt province.
III. The Amazon plain is formed exclusively by glacial deposition.
IV. The Sahara desert spans across the Tropic of Cancer.
V. Block mountains feature prominent grabens and horsts.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Fold mountains are associated with constructive plate boundaries.
II. The Deccan plateau is an example of a flood basalt province.
III. The Amazon plain is formed exclusively by glacial deposition.
IV. The Sahara desert spans across the Tropic of Cancer.
V. Block mountains feature prominent grabens and horsts.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Fold mountains are formed at convergent plate boundaries, not constructive ones. While the Deccan Plateau is a flood basalt province and the Sahara spans the Tropic of Cancer, the Amazon plain is a fluvial landform created by river deposition, not glacial action. Block mountains are correctly associated with horsts and grabens. Therefore, the statements regarding fold mountain boundaries and Amazonian formation are incorrect.
Q75. Which of the following statements comparing different landforms is incorrect?
Explanation
Mountains are typically steeper than plateaus, which are elevated flatlands. Deserts can be found across various terrains including plains and mountains. However, it is incorrect to state that all plains are formed by river deposition. Some plains result from glacial outwash, wind-blown loess, marine processes at coasts, or even the long-term erosion of mountains into peneplains.
Q76. Which of the following pairs concerning the physical features of the Thar Desert is correctly matched?
Explanation
The Luni River originates in the Aravallis, not the Himalayas, and Sambhar is a saltwater lake. Barchans are crescent-shaped, not longitudinal dunes. The correct match is the Indira Gandhi Canal, which brings essential water to the Thar Desert from the Harike Barrage, where the Sutlej and Beas rivers meet. This project has significantly boosted irrigation and agriculture in the region.
Q77. The continuous formation and shifting of sand dunes in the Thar Desert is an effect of which dominant geomorphic process?
Explanation
The formation and continuous shifting of sand dunes in the Thar Desert are the results of aeolian processes. This involves the work of wind as a geological agent. Strong winds transport loose sand particles through suspension and saltation. When the wind loses energy or encounters an obstacle, it deposits the sand, creating various dune shapes that change over time as wind patterns shift.
Q78. In the context of Rajasthan’s geography, Barchan dunes are particularly significant. What is their primary distinguishing physical characteristic?
Explanation
Barchans are a specific type of sand dune commonly found in the Thar Desert. Their primary physical characteristic is a distinct crescent shape. These dunes form in areas where the wind blows consistently from one direction and there is a limited supply of sand. The "horns" or tips of the crescent point in the downwind direction, indicating the path of sand migration.
Q79. While studying major fold mountains, Mount Blanc is noted as the highest peak of which of the following mountain ranges?
Explanation
Mount Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps, reaching an elevation of 4,807 meters. It is located on the border between France and Italy. As part of a major fold mountain range, it was formed by the tectonic collision of the African and Eurasian plates. The mountain is a significant center for mountaineering and provides important glacial water resources for the region.
Q80. Which of the following is the most appropriate statement regarding the economic significance of the Thar Desert for Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Thar Desert holds immense economic potential for the state of Rajasthan. Its vast, open landscapes and high solar radiation make it ideal for large-scale solar and wind energy projects. Furthermore, the region is rich in mineral wealth, including significant deposits of limestone, gypsum, and hydrocarbons like oil and natural gas. These resources are vital for industrial growth and state revenue generation.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 71 | (d) Marusthali |
| 72 | (a) A-iv, B-i, C-iii, D-ii |
| 73 | (c) High human and livestock population density |
| 74 | (a) I and III only |
| 75 | (d) All plains worldwide are formed exclusively by the depositional work of rivers. |
| 76 | (b) Indira Gandhi Canal - Sources water from the Harike Barrage |
| 77 | (c) Aeolian transportation and deposition |
| 78 | (d) They are crescent-shaped dunes with the horns pointing downwind. |
| 79 | (a) The Alps |
| 80 | (b) Potential for renewable energy and mineral wealth |
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.