UPSC Prelims Mock Test – Geography 1

Q1. Which of the following statements is NOT correct about the Footloose industries?

(a) They can be located around a wide variety of places
(b) They are less dependent on raw material proximity
(c) They produce in large quantities and also employ a sizeable labor force.
(d) Diamonds, computer chips, and mobile manufacturing are some examples of footloose industries.

Answer – C

• Footloose industry is a general term for an industry that can be placed and located at any location without effect from factors such as resources or transport. These industries often have spatially fixed costs, which means that the costs of the products do not change despite where the product is assembled. Footloose industries can be located in a wide variety of places. They are not dependent on any specific raw material, weight loss or otherwise. They largely depend on component parts that can be obtained anywhere. They produce in small quantities and also employ a small labor force. These are generally not polluting industries. Diamonds, computer chips and mobile manufacturing are some examples of footloose industries.

Q2. With reference to the population distribution, consider the following statements:

1. Australia’s age-sex pyramid is bell-shaped.
2. Bihar’s pyramid resembles Nigeria while Kerala resembles Brazil.
3. Uttarakhand’s pyramid has an outward bulge in the working age group.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer – A

• Statement 1 is correct: Australia’s age-sex pyramid is bell-shaped and tapered towards the top. This shows birth and death rates are almost equal leading to a near-constant population.
• Statement 2 is correct: Sample Registration Survey 2018 data reveals Bihar’s pyramid resembles Nigeria’s as well as India’s prior to the 1990s. Other states that have similar pyramids are Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Himachal Pradesh, on the other hand, have a lower fertility rate and hence resemble Brazil

Q3. With reference to the settlement patterns, consider the following statements:

1. Clustered settlements are generally found in fertile alluvial plains and in the northeastern states.
2. In fragmented settlements, one or more sections of the village society choose or is forced to live a little away from the main cluster or village.
3. Panna, para and palli are a type of hamleted settlement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer – D

• Statement 1 is correct: The clustered rural settlement is a compact or closely built-up area of houses. In this type of village, the general living area is distinct and separated from the surrounding farms, barns and pastures. The clustered rural settlement is a compact or closely built-up area of houses. In this type of village, the general living area is distinct and separated from the surrounding farms, barns and pastures.
• Statement 2 is correct: Semi-clustered or fragmented settlements may result from tendency of clustering in a restricted area of dispersed settlement. In this case, one or more sections of the village society choose or is forced to live little the main cluster or village. In such cases, generally, the land-owning and dominant community occupies the central part of the main village, whereas people of lower strata of society and menial workers settle on the outer flanks of the village. Such settlements are widespread in the Gujarat plain and some parts of Rajasthan.

Q4. Consider the following statements:

1. Pressure belts are not fixed, they shift northwards in summer and southwards in winter.
2. Mediterranean climate is influenced by the shift of Pressure belts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – C

• Statement 1 is correct: Thermal factor causes a pressure difference. Pressure belts are not fixed, they shift northwards in summer and southwards in winter with the apparent movement of the Sun.
• Statement 2 is correct: Mediterranean Climate is characterized by Dry Summers and Wet Winters. This is because of the shifting of pressure belts with the apparent movement of the sun

Q5. Sinai Peninsula is between which of the following seas?

(a) Mediterranean sea and Black Sea
(b) Black sea and Red sea
(c) Mediterranean sea and Red sea
(d) South China sea and Bay of Bengal

Answer – C

• The Sinai Peninsula is a triangular peninsula linking Africa with Asia. it is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea on the north and the Red Sea to the south in Egypt.

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding tropopause:

1. It is highest along the poles and lowest along the equator.
2. Its height varies daily and seasonally.

Which of these statements given above is/are not correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – A

• The tropopause is the upper limit of the troposphere and therefore constitutes the boundary between it and the Stratosphere. The tropopause acts as a barrier to resist the exchange of air between the troposphere and the stratosphere.
• Statement 1 is not correct: The height is also higher at the equator and lower at higher latitudes.
• Statement 2 is correct: The tropopause height will vary with latitude and the season of the year. The tropopause height is higher in summer and lower in winter. It varies daily because of the changes in the heating of the earth surface throughout the day.

Q7. Consider the following statements with reference to Atal Tunnel in India:

1. It is the longest highway tunnel in the world, built at an altitude of 3,000 meters.
2. It connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – C

• Statement 1 is correct: The Atal Tunnel, at 9.02 km is the longest highway tunnel in the world. It is built under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.
• Statement 2 is correct: This tunnel connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley throughout the year. Earlier the valley was cut off for about 6 months each year owing to heavy snowfall. It reduces the travel time between Manali to Leh by four to five hours

Q8. Consider the following statements:

1. The majority of Indian coal deposits are of the Gondwana deposits while tertiary accounts for a minor section.
2. It is a laminated bituminous coal with a carbon content varies between 60% to 90%.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – C

• Gondwana coal deposits are located in Damodar valley. Besides, the Godavari, Mahanadi, Son and Wardha valleys also contain coal deposits.
• Statement 1 is correct: Gondwana coal deposits account for major coal deposits in India, and Tertiary deposits account for minor sections of coal.
• Statement 2 is correct: Gondwana coal is mainly laminated bituminous coal in which carbon content varies between 60% to 90%

Q9. Kaladan River flows from India into which of the following countries?

(a) Bangladesh
(b) Myanmar
(c) Bhutan
(d) Nepal

Answer – B

• The Kaladan River is a river originating in Mizoram and flows into Myanmar. The Kaladan project connects Sittwe Port in Myanmar to the India-Myanmar border. The project was jointly initiated by India and Myanmar to create a multi-modal platform for cargo shipments from the eastern ports to Myanmar and to the Northeastern parts of the country through Myanmar.

Q10. Which of the following crops is/are grown in Is the Zaid season in India?

1. Vegetables
2. Fodder Crops
3. Rice

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer – D

• Zaid is a short-duration summer cropping season. The cultivation of watermelons, cucumbers, vegetables, and fodder crops during this season is done on irrigated lands. However, in southern parts of the country, the temperature is high enough to grow tropical crops during any period in the year provided soil moisture is available. Rice crops can be grown thrice in an agricultural year in Southern India and it is also a Zaid Crop.

Q11. Faros are associated with which type of landforms?

(a) Fluvial Landforms
(b) Marine landforms
(c) Karst landforms
(d) Volcanic Landforms

Answer – B

• Faros are the chain of small atolls having shallow lagoons.

Q12. Which of the following affects the frequency of Cyclones in the Arabian Sea?

1. Indian ocean dipole (IOD)
2. Madden Julian Oscillation
3. El-Nino
4. Thermal Power Plants

Choose the correct options using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer – D

• Tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea are the function of sea surface temperature(SST). During positive IOD the SST of the Arabian sea increases hence the frequency of cyclone increases. MJO activity in the Indian Ocean increases the relative humidity and decreases the vertical wind shear, thus providing conducive background conditions for the genesis of the cyclone. The Madden Julian Oscillation and anomalous high sea surface temperatures provided conducive dynamic and thermodynamic conditions for the genesis of cyclone Fani. The MJO is an eastward propagating band of enhanced convection close to the equator, followed by suppressed convection in that region at a 30–60-day cycle. El Nino Modoki brings only fewer cyclones in the Bay of Bengal is because one of the two descending limbs of the Walker Cell is over the western Pacific and Bay of Bengal.

Q13 With reference to the relief of the ocean floor, consider the following statements:

1. The continental slopes are a source of fossil fuels.
2. Canyons and trenches are observed in the continental shelves.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – C

• The ‘land’ under the waters of the oceans, that is, the ocean floor exhibits complex and varied features as those observed over the land. The floors of the oceans are rugged with the world’s largest mountain ranges, deepest trenches, and the largest plains. These features are formed, like those of the continents, by the factors of tectonic, volcanic, and depositional processes. The continental shelf is the extended margin of each continent occupied by relatively shallow seas and gulfs. They are covered with variable thicknesses of sediments brought down by rivers, glaciers, and wind, from the land and distributed by waves and currents.
• Statement 1 is correct: Massive sedimentary deposits received over a long time by the continental shelves, become the source of fossil fuels.
• Statement 2 is correct: The continental slope connects the continental shelf and the ocean basins. The slope boundary indicates the end of the continents. Canyons and trenches are observed in this region.

Q14. With reference to the land and sea breeze, consider the following statements:

1. They occur due to the differential heating of the land and water.
2. The land breeze blows during the day while sea breeze blows during the night in coastal
   areas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – A

• Statement 1 is correct: The land and sea absorb and transfer heat differently. During the day the land heats up faster and becomes warmer than the sea.
• Statement 2 is not correct: Therefore, over the land, the air rises giving rise to a low-pressure area, whereas the sea is relatively cool and the pressure over sea is relatively high. Thus, a pressure gradient from sea to land is created and the wind blows from the sea to the land as the sea breeze. In the night the reversal of condition takes place. The land loses heat faster and is cooler than the sea. The pressure gradient is from the land to the sea and hence land breeze results.

Q15. With reference to the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), consider the following statements:

1. It is a zone of low pressure.
2. It is a zone of convergence of trade winds of the northern and southern hemispheres.
3. It shifts from north and south seasonally according to the movement of the Sun.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2and 3only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer – D

• Both statements 1 and Statement 2 are correct: The Intertropical Convergence Zone is a band of low pressure around the Earth which generally lies near to the equator. The trade winds of the northern and southern hemispheres come together here, which leads to the development of frequent thunderstorms and heavy rain. The air that is forced to rise along the ITCZ moves towards the poles and slowly descends leading to large areas of high pressure in the sub-tropics, sometimes known as the horse latitudes.
• Statement 3 is correct: The ITCZ moves throughout the year and follows the migration of The sun’s overhead position typically with a delay of around 1-2 months. As the ocean heats up more slowly than land, the ITCZ tends to move further north and south over land areas than over water.

Q16. With reference to the pressure systems, consider the following statements:

1. While a cyclone is a low-pressure system, an anti-cyclone is a high-pressure system.
2. The circulation of wind in the cyclonic system is clockwise in the Northern hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – A

• A pressure system is an area of the Earth’s atmosphere that has a particularly high or low pressure compared to the air around it.
• Statement 1 is correct: Areas of high pressure are called anticyclones, whilst low-pressure areas are known as cyclones or depressions. Anticyclones typically result in stable, fine weather, with clear skies, whilst cyclones are associated with cloudier, wetter, windier conditions
• statement 2 is not correct: In a cyclonic pressure system, the circulation of wind is anti-clockwise in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.

Q17. With reference to the geostrophic wind, consider the following statements:

1. For a geostrophic wind, the pressure gradient force is balanced by the Coriolis
   force.
2. They blow parallel to the isobars.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – C

• Both statements are correct: An air parcel initially at rest will move from high pressure to low pressure because of the pressure gradient force. However, as that air parcel begins to move, it is deflected by the Coriolis force to the right in the northern hemisphere (to the left on the southern hemisphere). As the wind gains speed, the deflection increases until the Coriolis force equals the pressure gradient force. At this point, the wind will be blowing parallel to the isobars. When this happens, the wind is referred to as geostrophic.

Q18. Consider the following passage: These types of clouds develop as a result of convection. They are generally formed at a height of 4000-7000m. They have flat base and looks like cotton wool. They exist in patches and can be seen scattered here and there. Which of the following types of clouds is described in the above passage?

(a) Cirrus cloud
(b) Nimbus cloud
(c) Stratus cloud
(d) Cumulus cloud

Answer – D

• All cumulus clouds develop because of convection. As air heated at the surface is lifted, it cools and water vapour condenses to produce the cloud. Throughout the course of the day, if conditions allow, these can grow in height and size and can eventually form into cumulonimbus clouds. They are generally formed at a height of 4000-7000m. They have flat base and look like cotton wool. They exist in patches and can be seen scattered here and there.

Q19. With reference to the characteristics associated with various stages of a river, consider the following statements:

1. In the upper course, the erosional power is maximum.
2. A braided stream is found in the middle course of the river.
3. The Piedmont alluvial plain is found in the lower course of the river.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer – A

• The course of a river is divided into three sections: The upper course or the stage of youth The middle course or the stage of maturity The lower course or the stage of old age The upper or mountain course begins from source of the river in hilly or mountainous areas. The river tumbles down the steep slopes and as a result its velocity and eroding power are at their maximum. In the middle course, there is a sudden decrease in velocity. This leads to the deposition of sediments which assumes a fan like shape, hence it is called an alluvial fan.

Q20. With reference to the structure of the interiors of the earth, consider the following statements:

1. The oceanic crust is thinner as compared to the continental crust.
2. The contribution of core to Earth mass is the highest.
3. The density of the material increase with the increase in depth.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 only
   (b) 2 and 3 only
   (c) 1 and 3 only
   (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer – C

• The Earth is divided into the dense, hot inner core, the molten outer core, the mantle, and the thin crust.
• Statement 1 is correct: Continental crust is typically 40 km thick, while oceanic crust is much thinner, averaging about 6 km in thickness.
• Statement 2 is not correct: The crust makes up less than 1 percent of Earth by mass. The mantle is hot and represents about 68 percent of Earth’s mass. Finally, the core makes up about 31% of the Earth.
• Statement 3 is correct: The density of material increases as one move from the surface to the center.

Q21. With reference to the intrusive landforms, consider the following pairs:

1. Lacoliths: Large dome-shaped intrusive bodies with a level base and connected by a pipe-like conduit from below.
2. Sill: Horizontal deposits of magma
3. Dykes: Vertical deposits of magma

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer – D

• volcanic landforms are divided into extrusive and intrusive landforms based on weather magma cools within the crust or above the crust. Intrusive landforms are formed when magma cools within the crust and the rocks are known as Plutonic rocks or intrusive igneous rocks.
• Types of Intrusive Landforms: Batholiths are huge scale features where magma is intruded into the ground and cool very slowly, giving coarse-grained rocks with large crystals. The outer edge of the magma is in contact with existing rocks, and the heat and pressure changes the rock through metamorphosis creating a metamorphic aureole.

Q22. Consider the following statements:

1. Doldrums is a low-pressure belt around the Earth that extends approximately five degrees north and south of the equator.
2. The horse latitudes is an areas of high pressure and are located at about 30 degrees north and south of the equator.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – C

• statement 1 is correct: Doldrums is a low-pressure belt around the Earth extending approximately five degrees north and south of the equator. Due to intense solar heating near the equator, the warm, moist air is forced up into the atmosphere like a hot air balloon. As the air rises, it cools, causing persistent bands of showers and storms around the Earth’s midsection. The rising air mass finally subsides in what is known as the horse latitudes, where the air moves downward toward Earth’s surface. Because the air circulates in an upward direction, there is often little surface wind in the ITCZ. That is why sailors well know that the area can be sailing ships for weeks. And that&rsquos why they call it the doldrums

Q23. With reference to the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), consider the following statements:

1. A Positive IOD is associated with cooler-than-normal sea-surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean and warmer than normal sea-surface temperatures in the western tropical Indian Ocean.
2. Positive IOD events are often associated with El Nino and negative events with L Nina

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – C

• The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is defined by the difference in sea surface temperature between two areas (or poles, hence a dipole) – a western pole in the Arabian Sea (western Indian Ocean) and an eastern pole in the eastern Indian Ocean south of Indonesia.
• Statement 2 is correct: Positive IOD events are often associated with El Nino and negative events with La Nina.

Q24. With reference to the British type of climate, consider the following statement:

1. It is under the permanent influence of the Westerlies all-round the year.
2. The natural vegetation of this type of climate is deciduous forest.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – C

• Statement 1 is correct: The British type of climate has adequate rainfall throughout the year as it is under the permanent influence of the Westerlies all-round the year.
• Statement 2 is correct: The natural vegetation of this climatic type is deciduous forest. The trees shed their leaves in the cold season.

Q25. Which of the following ocean currents form the boundaries of the Sargasso Sea?

1. North Atlantic Current
2. Canary Current
3. North Atlantic Equilateral Current
4. Gulf Stream

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer – D

• The Sargasso Sea is a vast patch of ocean named for a genus of free-floating seaweed called Sargassum. It lies within the Northern Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. It is the earth’s only sea without a land boundary and is defined only by ocean currents, north by the North Atlantic Current, to the east by the Canary Current, and to the south by the North Atlantic Equatorial Current and the Gulf Stream to the West.

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