General Concept is part of World and Physical Geography. Below are notes on 9 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.
Basic Principles of Weather and Climate
- Disasters & Characteristics:
- Volcanic eruption: Release of magma.
- Cyclone: Characterized by violent winds.
- Tsunami: Triggered by submarine earthquakes or landslides.
- Drought: Can lead to desertification.
- Thermal Properties & Climate:
- Water has a higher specific heat capacity than land.
- This leads to oceans heating up and cooling down slower than land.
Data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Conceptual Overview)
- Data in GIS: Raw facts, figures, or observations describing real-world geographical phenomena.
- Types of Data in GIS:
- Spatial Data (Geospatial Data): Describes location, shape, and relationships of geographic features (e.g., coordinates, boundaries).
- Vector Data: Represents features as points, lines, or polygons. Ideal for discrete features.
- Raster Data: Represents features as a grid of cells/pixels. Ideal for continuous data (e.g., elevation, satellite imagery).
- Attribute Data (Non-spatial Data): Describes characteristics or properties of spatial features (e.g., population, land use type, name, length, breadth). Stored in tables linked to spatial data.
- Data Quality & Sufficiency: For reliable GIS analysis and decision-making, data must be accurate, precise, timely, and sufficient.
- Sufficiency: All necessary parameters must be available with specific, quantifiable values, not just ranges or qualitative descriptions, to perform exact calculations (e.g., calculating exact area requires specific length and breadth values).
- Geographic Information System (GIS): A powerful system for capturing, storing, analyzing, managing, and presenting all types of geographical data.
- Core Components of GIS: Hardware, Software, Data, People, and Methods. Data is a fundamental and central component.
- Key Functions of GIS: Data input, data management/storage (databases), data manipulation/transformation, data analysis (querying, overlay, network analysis, spatial statistics), and data output (maps, charts, reports).
- Applications of GIS: Urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, resource management, navigation, demographic analysis, and more – all rely on quality and sufficient geographical data for effective operations.
Definition, Scope, and Branches of Geography
- Definition & Origin:
- Term "Geography" coined by Eratosthenes (3rd century B.C.E.).
- Eratosthenes is known as the Father of Geography.
- Friedrich Ratzel is considered the Father of Human Geography.
- Geography combines "Geo" (Earth) and "Graphos" (description), meaning "description of the Earth".
- Human-Environment Relationship Concepts:
- Environmental Determinism: Environment dictates human actions/culture.
- Friedrich Ratzel: Human geography is the synthetic study of the relationship between human societies and earth’s surface.
- Ellen Semple: Human geography is the study of changing relationship between the unresting man and the unstable earth.
- Ellsworth Huntington: Opined that climate profoundly influences man, his culture, and geological processes.
- Possibilism: Environment presents possibilities, humans make choices.
- Associated with Paul Vidal de La Blache and Jean Brunhes.
- Jean Brunhes: Opined that 'Nature is not mandatory but permissive'.
- Neo-Determinism (Stop and Go Determinism): Advanced by Griffith Taylor. A middle path, where nature sets limits, but humans can choose within those limits.
- Naturalisation of humans: Characterized by a low level of technological development, leading to strong adaptation to the natural environment.
- Humanisation of nature: Implies a high level of technological development, where humans modify the natural environment.
- Branches of Geography & Key Concepts:
- Physical Geography: Studies natural features and processes of the Earth.
- Human Geography: Focuses on the relationship between humans and their environment.
- Cultural Geography:
- Carl Sauer: Prominent figure, known for "Cultural Landscape".
- J.E. Spencer & W.L. Thomas: In "Introducing Cultural Geography", divided the world into 11 Cultural Worlds.
- Cultural Diffusion: The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities/traits from one group of people to another.
- Cultural Landscape: Defined by the World Heritage Committee as cultural properties representing the combined works of nature and of man.
- Political Geography:
- Friedrich Ratzel: Coined Lebensraum (living space).
- Isaiah Bowman: Authored "The New World: Problems in Political Geography".
- Social Geography: Associated with H.J. Johnston.
- Radical Geography: Associated with David Harvey.
- Urban Geography:
- Burgess's Concentric Zone Model: The fifth ring is occupied by the Commuter Zone.
- Prominent Geographers & Works/Concepts:
- Alexander von Humboldt (Germany): Authored "Cosmos".
- Carl Ritter (Germany): Authored "Erdkunde".
- Friedrich Ratzel (Germany): "Anthropo-Geographie", "Lebensraum".
- Ellen Churchill Semple (USA): Environmental determinist.
- Jean Brunhes (France): "Geografia Humana".
- J.A. Steers: Authored "The Unstable Earth".
- Muhammad al-Idrisi: Arab geographer (not English/Spanish).
- Gerhard Schott (Germany).
- Human Races (Anthropological Classification for Exams):
- Caucasoids: Include European, Semitic, and Indo-Aryan people.
- Negroids: Live chiefly in Africa South of Sahara; characterized by woolly hairs.
- Mongoloids: Inhabit Northern, Eastern, and South-Eastern Asia.
Hydrosphere: Major Water Bodies and the Hydrological Cycle
- Kame terraces are formed by deposits associated with valley glaciers (fluvio-glacial deposits by meltwater streams).
- Naleds are a layer of freezing/frozen water on the top of a river, ice, or land.
- Compound coasts represent features of both emergence and submergence.
- Coastal depositional features include Tombolo, Sand bar, and Spit.
- Stack is a coastal erosional feature.
- Coastal erosional features include Notch, Sea Arch, and Cliff.
- Hyderabad has been recognized by UNESCO as the Regional Tsunami Service Provider (RTSP) for the Indian Ocean region (via INCOIS).
- For drinking water, iron content is usually restricted to 0.3 mg per litre.
- A skimming tank is used for the removal of oil and grease from sewage.
- Composting is a biological method of decomposing solid waste and night soil.
Interrelationship of Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, and Biosphere
- Wallace Line: A biogeographical demarcation separating the distinct flora and fauna of Southeast Asia from that of Australia.
- Khuvsgul Lake National Park (Mongolia): Added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).
- This decision for Khuvsgul Lake was made during the 34th Session of the International Co-ordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, held in Paris in June 2022.
- UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme was launched in 1971.
- The first Biosphere Reserves under the MAB Programme were designated in 1976.
Latitude, Longitude, Grid System, and Time Zones
- Latitude: Angular distance (N/S) from the Equator.
- Parallels of Latitude: Imaginary circles parallel to the Equator; their size decreases towards the poles.
- Equator: 0° Latitude, the longest parallel, divides Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
- Poles: 90° N (North Pole) and 90° S (South Pole), represented as points.
- Major Parallels: Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N), Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S), Arctic Circle
- Latitude primarily determines climate zones.
- Longitude: Angular distance (E/W) from the Prime Meridian.
- Meridians of Longitude: Imaginary semicircles connecting the North and South Poles. They converge at the poles and are of equal length.
- Prime Meridian (Greenwich Meridian): 0° Longitude, passes through Greenwich, London; divides Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
- Total 360 meridians (180° East and 180° West of Prime Meridian).
- Longitude is crucial for determining local time.
- Grid System: The network formed by the intersection of parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude. Used for precisely locating any point on Earth's surface.
- Time Zones: Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, meaning 15° longitude per hour.
- 1° Longitude corresponds to 4 minutes of time (60 min / 15°).
- GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) / UTC (Coordinated Universal Time): The time at 0° longitude (Prime Meridian).
- Time advances by 1 hour for every 15° eastward from GMT and recedes westward.
- Standard Time: A uniform time adopted by a country or region, typically based on the local time of a central meridian.
- India Standard Time (IST): Based on 82.5° E longitude, which is +5:30 hours ahead of GMT/UTC.
- International Date Line (IDL): Approximately along 180° longitude, but zigzags to avoid crossing landmasses.
- Crossing the IDL eastward (into Western Hemisphere) means subtracting a day (date goes back).
- Crossing the IDL westward (into Eastern Hemisphere) means adding a day (date goes forward).
Maps, Scale, and Basic Cartographic Concepts
- Geometry Formulas (Mensuration):
- Area of Rectangle: Length × Width (L × W)
- Perimeter of Rectangle: 2 × (Length + Width)
- Area of Semicircle: (1/2) × π × Radius² (πr²/2)
- Arc Length of Semicircle: π × Radius (πr)
- Diameter (D) = 2 × Radius (2r)
- Area of Circle: π × Radius² (πr²)
- Pythagorean Theorem: In a rightangled triangle, a² + b² = c² (where c is hypotenuse).
- Area of Triangle: (1/2) × Base × Height. For isosceles triangles, height is found by dropping a perpendicular from the apex to the base, forming two right triangles with half the base length.
- Fieldcraft Distance Estimation:
- Distance is underestimated (appears closer) when:
- The light is bright (good visibility).
- The object is large in relation to its surroundings.
- There is compressed or low-lying ground between the observer and the object.
- Looking downhill.
- Looking across uniform terrain (e.g., water, flat land).
- Looking from high ground down to low ground.
- The sun is behind the observer.
- Distance is overestimated (appears farther) when:
- The light is poor (haze, fog, mist, rain).
- The object is small in relation to its surroundings.
- Looking uphill.
- Looking from low ground up to high ground.
- The sun is in the observer's face.
Spatial
Distribution
and
Patterns
(Fundamental Idea)
- Circular settlement pattern: Develops around a lake.
- Physiological density: Total population / Net cultivable area.
- Agricultural density: Total agricultural population / Net cultivable area.
- Population density: Total population / Total area.
- Bermuda Triangle: Area in western North Atlantic Ocean, known for mysterious disappearances.
- Wallace's Line: Distinguishes flora & fauna between South-East Asia and Australasia.
- Levant: Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores.
- Congo Basin: Includes Cameroon.
- Thailand: Dominant religion is Buddhism.
- Mestizo: Person of mixed European and Indian blood in Latin America.
- Andes, Brazilian Shield, Guyana Highlands, Amazon Basin: Major physical regions of South America.
- World’s highest ground-based telescopic observatory: Located in India (Hanle, Ladakh).
- Yellowstone National Park: Located in the US.
- Eiffel Tower: Located in Paris.
- Pagoda: Associated with Myanmar.
- Pyramid: Associated with Egypt.
- World population (approximate, based on historical data): 7 billion.
- Water Lily: National emblem of Bangladesh.
- Formal Region: Defined by uniformity in characteristics (e.g., Delhi Metropolitan Region, Assam Valley).
- Site: Internal locational attributes of a place (e.g., topography, water, soil).
- Largest Muslim population: Indonesia.
- Largest tennis stadium: Arthur Ashe Stadium (New York, USA).
- 'Love': Term used in Tennis.
- Trans-Canadian Railways: Runs between Halifax (east) and Vancouver (west).
- Big Trunk Route: Busiest sea route in the world (North Atlantic).
- Roald Amundsen: First man to reach the South Pole.
- FIFA World Cup Football, 2022 Host: Qatar.
- Tokyo Paralympics, 2021: India won 19 medals.
The Universe and Earth's Place in the Solar System
- Mars: Fourth planet from the Sun; target of India's Mangalyan (Mars Orbiter Mission MOM).
- Mangalyan (MOM): India's space probe launched by ISRO to orbit Mars.
- Mount Pinatubo: An active stratovolcano located in the Philippines (not Japan).
- Earth's Structure: Crust (outermost solid layer), Mantle, Outer Core, Inner Core (innermost layer).
3. The Solar System
Practice MCQs: General Concept
Basic Principles of Weather and Climate
At 2 : 15 hours, the minute hand and hour hand of a clock from an angle of
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2017
- 7 1/2 °
- 15 1/2 °
- 22 1/2 °
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: C. 22 1/2 °
The key points are understanding the speeds of the hour and minute hands in degrees per minute and calculating their positions relative to the 12 o'clock mark at the given time. The angle is the absolute difference between these positions.
In the figure, if AB || CD || EF, PQ || RS, ∠RQD = 25° and ∠CQP = 60°, then what is the value of ∠QRS?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2021
- 125°
- 130°
- 135°
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: B. 130°
- The problem describes parallel lines AB || CD || EF and parallel transversals PQ || RS, with points Q on CD and R on EF. - Angles ∠RQD = 25° and ∠CQP = 60° are given, where Q is the vertex on CD. C and D are points on the line CD. P is on PQ and R is on EF. - ∠RQD is the angle between line segment QR and line CD. - ∠CQP is the angle between line segment QP and line CD. - Since CD || EF, the angle between QR and EF is also 25° (al‐ - Stars form through the gravitational collapse of dense regions within molecular clouds. - These clouds are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, along with trace amounts of heavier elements and dust. ternate interior angles). - Since PQ || RS, the angle between PQ and CD is 60°, and the angle between RS and EF is also 60°. - At point R on line EF, the line segment QR makes an angle of 25° with EF, and the line RS makes an angle of 60° with EF. - The angle ∠QRS is the angle between the line segments QR and RS. - Standard geometric interpretations involving sum or difference of angles with the line EF yield |60-25|=35° or 60+25=85°. The supplementary angles would be 180-35=145° or 180-85=95°. None of these match the options 125°, 130°, 135°. - The lack of a diagram makes the precise geometric configuration and interpretation of the angles ambiguous. - However, based on similar problems where two sets of parallel lines are intersected by transversals and a segment connecting points on them, a specific configuration can lead to the answer 130°. A common geometric construction or theorem related to this specific type of problem (often depicted with a "bent" transversal or a quadrilateral formed by the lines) seems implied by the presence of 130° in the options alongside 25° and 60°. While not derivable from the text alone using basic alternate/corresponding/consecutive interior angles, the value 130° appears in some specific diagrammatic arrangements of this type of problem online. Without the figure, the derivation is not rigorous. Assuming the question and options are correct as given in a test context, there is an intended geometric relationship leading to 130°.
Match correctly the disasters with their corresponding characteristics : (a) Volcanic erup‐ 1. Violent wind tion 2. Submarine earthquake/ (b) Cyclone landslides (c) Tsunami 3. Desertification (d) Drought 4. Magma
Asked in: TNPSC CS Prelims 2024
- (a) 4, (b) 1, (c) 2, (d) 3
- (a) 3, (b) 2, (c) 1, (d) 4
- (a) 3, (b) 1, (c) 2, (d) 4
- (a) 2, (b) 3, (c) 1, (d) 4
Show answer
Answer: A. (a) 4, (b) 1, (c) 2, (d) 3
Volcanic eruptions involve the release of molten rock (magma or lava). Cyclones are characterized by strong, rotating winds. Tsunamis are giant waves typically caused by seismic activity like submarine earthquakes or landslides. Drought is a prolonged period of low rainfall, which can lead to desertification in affected areas.
Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter. Statement-II : The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Asked in: UPSC IAS 2023
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
- Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is in‐ correct
- Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Show answer
Answer: A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
Statement II is correct. Water has a higher specific heat capacity than land surfaces. This means that water requires more energy to raise its temperature by one degree compared to land. Conversely, water also loses heat more slowly than land. Statement I is correct. Because of the difference in specific heat, land surfaces heat up much faster and to higher temperatures than oceans during the day and summer, and cool down much faster and to lower temperatures during the night and winter. This differential heating and cooling leads to greater temperature variations over land compared to oceans. Consequently, the temperature contrast (difference) between continents and oceans tends to be larger in summer (hot land vs. moderate ocean) and winter (cold land vs. moderate ocean) than in spring or autumn. Generally, the magnitude of the contrast is considered greater in summer. Statement II explains Statement I. The higher specific heat of water is the fundamental reason why oceans moderate temperatures more effectively than continents, leading to the observed differences in temperature variability and the resulting seasonal contrast.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists: List-I List-II
Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2012
- Anemometer 1. Earthquakes
- Seismograph pressure 2. Atmospheric
- Barograph 3. Wind velocity
- Hygrometer 4. Humidity Code: A. 2 3 4 1 B. 1 3 2 4 C. 3 2 4 1 D. 2 4 1 3
Show answer
Answer: B. Seismograph pressure 2. Atmospheric
- Anemometer (A) measures wind velocity (3). - Seismograph (B) detects and records earthquakes (1). - Barograph (C) is a barograph that records atmospheric pressure over time (2). - Hygrometer (D) measures humidity (4). The expected matching is A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4.
Which of the following is not come under self- recording type rain gauge?
Asked in: Local Self Government Dept. Exam 2022
- Tipping bucket rain gauge
- Symon's rain gauge
- Float type rain gauge
- Weighing type rain gauge
Show answer
Answer: B. Symon's rain gauge
Rain gauges are instruments used to measure rainfall. Self-recording rain gauges automatically record the amount of rainfall over a period, providing a continuous record. Non-recording rain gauges require manual observation at specific intervals to determine the rainfall amount.
The terminal colour bands in a rainbow are
Asked in: ASSISTANT PROSECUTION OFFICER (PRELIM.) EXAM. 2018
- Blue and Red
- Red and Violet
- Green and Violet
- Yellow and Blue
Show answer
Answer: B. Red and Violet
The terminal colour bands in a rainbow are Red (outermost) and Violet (innermost).
P. Koteshwaram put forth one of the modern theories on –
Asked in: Sr. Teacher Gr.II Comp. Exam 2016 2 2016
- El-Nino
- Origin of Monsoons
- Tornado
- Western Disturbances
Show answer
Answer: B. Origin of Monsoons
The origin of monsoons is a complex phenomenon, and various theories have been proposed over time. P. Koteshwaram's contribution is recognized in understanding the thermodynamic aspects that lead to the reversal of wind patterns characteristic of the monsoon.
The fluid agents of landform development
Asked in: Government Polytechnic Exam 2012
- include mass wasting
- include running water, waves, glacial ice, wind
- do not include action of wind or glacial ice
- include only action of water
Show answer
Answer: B. include running water, waves, glacial ice, wind
Fluid agents are dynamic natural forces that play a crucial role in geomorphology.
Data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (Conceptual Overview)
Instructions : Decide whether the data given in statements I and II are sufficient or not to answer the given questions (Q. No. 194 – 195) : Mark the correct answer. What is the area of rectangle PQRS ? Statement – I: the breadth of rectangle is 18 cm Statement – II: The Length of Rectangle is not more than 20 cm
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2017
- Statement – I alone is sufficient
- Statement – II alone is sufficient
- Statements – I and II both are together suffi‐ cient but neither statement alone is sufficient
- Statements – I and II both together also are not sufficient.
Show answer
Answer: D. Statements – I and II both together also are not sufficient.
Data sufficiency questions require determining if the given information is enough to find a unique answer. To calculate the area of a rectangle, both its length and breadth must be known exactly. An inequality (like "not more than") does not provide a unique value.
Definition, Scope, and Branches of Geography
Which Greek philosopher coined the term "Geography" in the 3rd century B.C.E. ?
Asked in: UPSC CDS 2 2019
- Euclid
- Plato
- Eratosthenes
- Clio
Show answer
Answer: C. Eratosthenes
Eratosthenes was a pioneering figure in the study of the Earth's measurements and description.
Naturalisation of humans means
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2024
- Low level of technological development
- High level of technological development
- Moderate level of technological development
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: A. Low level of technological development
- Naturalisation of humans implies humans adapting to the environment's dictates. - This adaptation is characteristic of societies with limited technology. - High technological development allows humans to modify or overcome environmental constraints (humanisation of nature).
What is the area of the rectangle whose length is twice its width and whose perimeter is equal to that of square whose area is 1 unit ?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2017
- 2
- 6
- 2/3
- 8/9
Show answer
Answer: D. 8/9
- Area and perimeter formulas for squares and rectangles. - Setting up equations based on the given relationships between the dimensions and perimeters.
For a given circle, the angle of a sector is 60°. If the area of this sector is 132/7 cm², what is the radius of the circle?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2018
- 6 cm
- 7 cm
- 8 cm
- 9 cm
Show answer
Answer: A. 6 cm
- The area of a sector is proportional to the angle of the sector relative to the full circle (360°). - Formula: Area of sector = $(\theta / 360°) \times \pi r^2$. - Use the value of $\pi = 22/7$ when dealing with fractions involving 7 in geometry problems.
Simplify : $18 - \left[6 - \left\{4 - \frac{6} {11}\left(8 - \frac{2}{3}\right)\right\} + 12\right] $
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2019
- 0
- -2
- $\frac{16}{33}$
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: A. 0
- Simplify the expression following the order of operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS): Brackets/Parentheses, Orders/Exponents, Division and Multiplication (left-to-right), Addition and Subtraction (left- to-right). - Work from the innermost grouping symbols outwards.
A square sheet of paper is converted into a cylinder by rolling it along its length. What is the ratio of the base radius of cylinder to the side of the square?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2022
- $\frac{1}{2\pi}$
- $\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\pi}$
- $\pi \sqrt{2}$
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: A. $\frac{1}{2\pi}$
When a square sheet of paper is rolled along its length to form a cylinder, the side of the square becomes the height of the cylinder, and the other side becomes the circumference of the base of the cylinder.
Which of the following statements are correct? 1. Caucasoids include the European people, the semitic people and Indo-Aryan people. 2. The Negroids live chiefly in Africa South of Sahara. 3. Mongoloids inhabit northern, eastern and south-eastern Asia
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2022
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 1: The Caucasoid grouping traditionally included populations originating from Europe, parts of North Africa, the Middle East (including Semitic peoples), and extended into the Indian subcontinent (including Indo-Aryan peoples). This statement aligns with this classification. - Statement 2: The Negroid grouping traditionally included populations primarily from Sub-Saharan Africa. This statement aligns with this classification. - Statement 3: The Mongoloid grouping traditionally included populations primarily from East Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and indigenous populations of the Americas. This statement aligns with this classification.
The World's highest ground based telescopic observatory is located in:
Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2014
- Colombia
- India
- Nepal
- Switzerland
Show answer
Answer: B. India
- High-altitude locations are preferred for astronomical observatories due to clearer skies, less atmospheric turbulence, and reduced light pollution. - The observatory houses several telescopes, including the 2-meter Himalayan Chandra Telescope.
Who is the author of the book "The Unstable Earth" ?
Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2016
- W.M. Davis
- G. Taylor
- J.I. Clark
- J.A. Steers
Show answer
Answer: D. J.A. Steers
- J.A. Steers (James Alfred Steers) was a prominent British geographer known for his work in coastal geomorphology. - "The Unstable Earth: Some Recent Views in Geological Structure and Surface Features" is a notable work in the field of geography and geology, discussing Earth's structure and landforms.
Ǔनिम्निͧलिͨखित में से "द अनिस्टेबलि अर्थ" पुस्तक के लिेखिक कौनि हैं ?
Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2016
- डब्ल्यू. एम. डेlविस
- जी. टेलर
- जे. आई. क्लाDर्क
- जे. ए. स्टीयसर्क
Show answer
Answer: D. जे. ए. स्टीयसर्क
- जे. ए. स्टीयसर्क (जेम्स अल्फ्रे ड स्टीयसर्क) एD प्रमुख lब्रिlटश भूगोलविेत्ता थे, जो तटीय भू-आDृ lत lविज्ञान में अपने Dाम Dे lलए जाने जाते हैं। - "द अनस्टेबल अथर्क: सम रीसेंट व्यूज़ इन lजयोलॉlजDल स्ट्रक्चर एंड सरफे स फीचसर्क" भूगोल और भूlविज्ञान Dे क्षेत्र में एD उल्लेखनीय Dायर्क है, lजसमें पृथ्विी Dी संरचना और भू-आDृ lतयों पर चचार्क Dी गई है।
Match the following and choose the correct answer from the codes given below : (a) Carl Saur (i) Social Geography (b) David Harvey (ii) Cultural Geography (c) F. Ratzel (iii) Political Geography (d) H.J. Johnston (iv) Radical Geography Codes : (a) (b) (c) (d)
Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2016
- (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
- (ii) (i) (iii) (iv)
- (iv) (iii) (ii) (i)
- (ii) (iv) (iii) (i)
Show answer
Answer: D. (ii) (iv) (iii) (i)
- (a) Carl Sauer was a prominent figure in Cultural Geography, known for his work on the cultural landscape. (a-ii) - (b) David Harvey is a leading exponent of Radical Geography and Marxist geography, focusing on capitalism, urbanism, and social justice. (b-iv) - (c) Friedrich Ratzel is considered one of the founders of Political Geography, developing concepts like 'Lebensraum' and contributing to anthropogeography. (c-iii) - (d) R.J. Johnston (H.J. Johnston likely a typo) is a well- known political geographer and also contributed to the history of geography and social geography. Social Geography is the closest fit among the given options for his broad work. (d-i)
In “Concentric Zone Model” of Burgess the fifth ring is occupied by :
Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2016
- Commuters Zone
- Zone of better residence
- Zone of independent workers home
- CBD
Show answer
Answer: A. Commuters Zone
- Burgess's Concentric Zone Model (1925) describes urban land usage in terms of concentric rings spreading out from the Central Business District (CBD). - The zones are: 1. CBD (Central Business District) 2. Zone of Transition (Industry and poor-quality housing) 3. Zone of Independent Workingmen's Homes (Older, modest houses) 4. Zone of Better Residences (Newer, more spacious houses) 5. Commuters Zone (Suburbs, beyond the contiguous built-up area)
Hydrosphere: Major Water Bodies and the Hydrological Cycle
Kame terraces are formed by the deposits of ______.
Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2017
- Niche glacier
- Alpine glacier
- Glacier plucking
- Valley glacier
Show answer
Answer: D. Valley glacier
Kame terraces are stratified deposits of sand and gravel that accumulate between a melting valley glacier and the adjacent valley wall. They are landforms characteristic of glaciated valleys.
Layer of freezing/frozen water on the top of a river, ice or land is termed as _____.
Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2017
- Naleds
- Cirque
- Snow cap
- Snow line
Show answer
Answer: A. Naleds
A naled (also known as aufeis) is a sheet-like body of ice formed by the freezing of successive flows of water on the surface of river ice, lake ice, or saturated land.
_________ represent the features of both emergence and submergence.
Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2017
- Compound coasts
- Neutral coasts
- Simple coasts
- Retrograded coasts
Show answer
Answer: A. Compound coasts
Compound coasts are those that exhibit features of both emergence (like raised beaches, marine terraces) and submergence (like rias, fjords). This often indicates a complex history of tectonic activity or fluctuating sea levels affecting the coastline over time.
Which one of the following is NOT a coastal depositional feature ?
Asked in: UPSC NDA 1 2018
- Tombolo
- Sand bar
- Stack
- Spit
Show answer
Answer: C. Stack
Coastal landforms are shaped by either erosional or depositional processes of waves and currents. Stacks are features of coastal erosion.
Which of the following is/are coastal erosional feature(s) ? 1. Notch 2. Sea Arch 3. Cliff 4. Hook Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Asked in: UPSC NDA 1 2018
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2, 3 and 4
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 only
Show answer
Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3
Coastal erosional features are shaped by the destructive forces of waves, currents, and tides on the coastline, while depositional features are built up by the accumulation of sediment.
Which one of the following cities has been recognised as the Regional Tsunami Service Provider (RTSP) for the Indian Ocean region by UNESCO ?
Asked in: UPSC CISF AC EXE 2020
- Kolkata
- Hyderabad
- Chennai
- Visakhapatnam
Show answer
Answer: B. Hyderabad
INCOIS operates the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) and serves as an RTSP for 25 Indian Ocean littoral countries, providing tsunami advisories.
For drinking water, iron content is usually restricted to
Asked in: Civil Engg GA 24 2023 CO 1505 2024
- 0.01 mg per litre
- 0.1 mg per litre
- 0.3 mg per litre
- 1 mg per litre
Show answer
Answer: D. 1 mg per litre
Regulatory limits for iron in drinking water.
The device used for the removal of oil and grease from sewage is
Asked in: Civil Engg GA 24 2023 CO 1505 2024
- skimming tank
- grit chamber
- trickling filter
- sedimentation tank
Show answer
Answer: A. skimming tank
Primary treatment of sewage; removal of floating materials.
The biological method of decomposing the solid waste and night soil is
Asked in: Civil Engg GA 24 2023 CO 1505 2024
- sanitary landfill
- incineration
- dumping
- composting
Show answer
Answer: D. composting
Solid waste management; biological decomposition.
Interrelationship of Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, and Biosphere
Wallace line is a ________.
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2019
- An International divide between India and Nepal
- Line separating coastal plains and south plat‐ eau
- Line separating the distinct flora and fauna of South East Asia and Australia
- Line dividing Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Show answer
Answer: C. Line separating the distinct flora and fauna of South East Asia and Australia
- The Wallace Line is a faunal boundary line drawn in 1859 by the British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace that separates the ecozones of Asia and Wallacea (a transitional zone). - West of the line are organisms of Asian origin (e.g., tigers, monkeys, elephants), while east of the line are organisms of Australasian origin (e.g., marsupials, cockatoos). - It runs through the Malay Archipelago, between Borneo and Sulawesi (Celebes), and through the Lombok Strait between Bali and Lombok.
The Khuvsgul Lake National Park of Mongolia has been added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO. In respect of this which of the following statements are correct ? (i) This decision was taken during the 36th Session of International Co-ordinating Council of Man and Biosphere Programme. (ii) This programme was held at Paris in June, 2022. (iii) The Biosphere Network was launched by UNESCO in 1971. (iv) The First Biosphere Reserve of the World was established in 1975.
Asked in: OPSC CS Prelims 2021
- (i) and (iii)
- (ii) and (iii)
- (ii) and (iv)
- (iii) and (iv)
Show answer
Answer: B. (ii) and (iii)
Khuvsgul Lake National Park of Mongolia was added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO. Statement (iii) is correct; the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, under which Biosphere Reserves are designated, was launched by UNESCO in 1971. Statement (ii) is correct; the decision for Khuvsgul Lake was taken during the 34th Session of the MAB International Co-ordinating Council (ICC) held in Paris from June 13-17,
Latitude, Longitude, Grid System, and Time Zones
What day is the fourteenth of given month? The last day of month is Wednesday. The third Saturday of the month was on seventeenth.
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2018
- If statement (1) alone is sufficient to answer the question.
- If statement (2) alone is sufficient to answer the question.
- If statements (1) and (2) both together are needed to answer the question.
- If statements (1) and (2) both together are not sufficient to answer the question.
Show answer
Answer: B. If statement (2) alone is sufficient to answer the question.
Statement 1 gives the day of the last day of the month (Wednesday) but does not specify the number of days in the month (28, 29, 30, or 31). The day of the 14th would vary depending on the month's length, so statement 1 alone is insufficient. Statement 2 states that the third Saturday of the month was on the seventeenth. If the 17th is a Saturday, we can determine the day of any other date in the month relative to the 17th. To find the day of the 14th, we go back 3 days from the 17th (17 - 14 = 3). If the 17th is Saturday, then the 16th is Friday, the 15th is Thursday, and the 14th is Wednesday. This determination is independent of the total number of days in the month. Therefore, statement 2 alone is sufficient.
In a certain year, the month of January had exactly 4 Thursdays and 4 Sundays. Then, 1st January of that year was which day?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2022
- Tuesday
- Monday
- Thursday
- Wednesday
Show answer
Answer: B. Monday
A month of 31 days consists of 4 full weeks and 3 extra days (31 = 4 7 + 3). The days of the week that fall on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of the month will occur 5 times, while the remaining four days of the week will occur exactly 4 times.
Which statement is correct:
Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2010
- India is situated on Western Hemisphere
- Caspian Sea is Open sea
- Rajasthan is situated in Cold desert region
- North and South Poles are opposite poles
Show answer
Answer: D. North and South Poles are opposite poles
Statement A is incorrect: India is situated in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres. Statement B is incorrect: The Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland body of water and is a closed sea (an endorheic basin), not an open sea. Statement C is incorrect: Rajasthan contains the Thar Desert, which is a hot desert; cold deserts exist elsewhere in India (e.g., Ladakh) and the world.
Maps, Scale, and Basic Cartographic Concepts
From a rectangle PQRS of area 768 sq cm, a semi-circular part with diameter PQ and area 72π sq cm is removed. Then what is the perimeter of the leftover portion?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2023
- 86 + 12π
- 88 + 12π
- 68 + 14π
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: B. 88 + 12π
- The area of the removed semi-circular part with diameter PQ is given as 72π sq cm. The formula for the area of a semi-circle is (1/2) π r^2. - (1/2) π r^2 = 72π => r^2 = 144 => r = 12 cm. - The diameter PQ is 2 r = 2 12 = 24 cm. - The area of the rectangle PQRS is given as 768 sq cm. Area = length width = PQ PS. - 24 PS = 768 => PS = 768 / 24 = 32 cm. - The sides of the rectangle are PQ = RS = 24 cm and PS = QR = 32 cm. - When the semi-circle with diameter PQ is removed, the perimeter of the leftover portion consists of the three straight sides (PS, QR, RS) and the curved arc of the semi-circle along the diameter PQ. - Length of sides: PS = 32 cm, QR = 32 cm, RS = 24 cm. - Length of the semi- circular arc: This is half the circumference of a circle with radius r=12 cm. Circumference = 2 π r = 2 π 12 = 24π cm. Semi-circular arc length = (1/2) 24π = 12π cm. - Perimeter of the leftover portion = PS + QR + RS + Arc length = 32 + 32 + 24 + 12π. - Perimeter = 88 + 12π cm.
The ratio of length of each equal side to third side of an isosceles triangle is 5 : 6. If the area of the isosceles triangle is 108 sq. cm and the third side of the triangle is equal to the diameter of a circle, what will be the area of the circle (in sq. cm)?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2023
- 81π
- 144π
- 112π
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: A. 81π
The triangle is an isosceles triangle. Let the length of the two equal sides be $a$ and the length of the third side be $b$. The ratio of the length of each equal side to the third side is 5:6. So, $a:b = 5:6$. We can write $a = 5k$ and $b = 6k$ for some positive constant $k$. The sides of the triangle are $5k, 5k, 6k$.To find the area of the triangle, we can use the formula based on the base and height. The third side $b$ can be considered the base. The height $h$ is the altitude from the vertex between the equal sides to the base. This altitude bisects the base. We can use the Pythagorean theorem on one of the two right-angled triangles formed by the altitude. The sides of the right-angled triangle are $h$, $b/2$, and $a$. $h^2 + (b/2)^2 = a^2$. $b/2 = (6k)/2 = 3k$. $h^2 + (3k)^2 = (5k)^2$. $h^2 + 9k^2 = 25k^2$. $h^2 = 25k^2 - 9k^2 = 16k^2$. $h = \sqrt{16k^2} = 4k$ (since $k$ is positive, $h$ is positive).The area of the triangle is $\frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height} = \frac{1}{2} \times b \times h$. Area $= \frac{1}{2} \times (6k) \times (4k) = \frac{1}{2} \times 24k^2 = 12k^2$. We are given that the area of the isosceles triangle is 108 sq cm. $12k^2 = 108$. $k^2 = \frac{108}{12} = 9$. $k = 3$ (since length must be positive).The lengths of the sides are $a = 5k = 5 \times 3 = 15$ cm and $b = 6k = 6 \times 3 = 18$ cm.The third side of the triangle is equal to the diameter of a circle. Diameter of the circle $D = b = 18$ cm. The radius of the circle is $R = D/2 = 18/2 = 9$ cm.The area of the circle is given by the formula $\pi R^2$. Area of circle $= \pi (9)^2 = 81\pi$ sq cm.
In fieldcraft, distance is underestimated when 1. the light is bright 2. the object is large in relation to its surroundings 3. there is compressed/low-lying ground between the observer and the object 4. looking uphill Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Asked in: UPSC CISF AC EXE 2024
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Bright light causes objects to appear closer than they are, leading to underestimation. - A large object appears closer, especially when there are fewer reference points or its size is disproportionate to typical objects in the environment. - Compressed or low-lying ground between the observer and the object removes visual references, making the object seem closer. - Looking uphill makes distances appear shorter due to the foreshortening effect and the effort involved in viewing upwards.
Spatial Distribution and Patterns (Fundamental Idea)
The FIFA World Cup Football, 2022 will be hosted by
Asked in: APSC CCE Prelims Exam 2020
- Argentina
- Russia
- Qatar
- Germany
Show answer
Answer: C. Qatar
Qatar was the host nation for the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup, which took place from November 20 to December 18, 2022.
The perimeter of a rhombus is 52 m and its shorter diagonal is 10 m. The length of the longer diagonal is
Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 67th Cancelled
- 12 m
- 18 m
- 10 m
- 24 m
Show answer
Answer: D. 24 m
A rhombus has four equal sides. The perimeter of the rhombus is 52 m. Perimeter = 4 side length. 52 m = 4 side length. Side length = 52 m / 4 = 13 m. The diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right angles. This property divides the rhombus into four congruent right-angled triangles. Let the diagonals be $d_1$ and $d_2$. The shorter diagonal is given as 10 m. Let $d_1 = 10$ m. The legs of each right-angled triangle are half the lengths of the diagonals, which are $d_1/2$ and $d_2/2$. The hypotenuse of each right-angled triangle is the side length of the rhombus. In this case, the lengths of the legs are $10/2 = 5$ m and $d_2/2$. The hypotenuse is 13 m. Using the Pythagorean theorem for one of the right-angled triangles: $(d_1/2)^2 + (d_2/2)^2 = (\text{side})^2$ $(5)^2 + (d_2/2)^2 = (13)^2$ $25 + (d_2/2)^2 = 169$ $(d_2/2)^2 = 169 - 25 = 144$ $d_2/2 = \sqrt{144}$ Since length must be positive, $d_2/2 = 12$ m. $d_2 = 12 \times 2 = 24$ m. Comparing the two diagonals, 10 m and 24 m, 24 m is the longer diagonal.
How many medals have been won by India in the Tokyo Paralympics, 2021?
Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 67th Cancelled
- 19
- 21
- 22
- 18
Show answer
Answer: A. 19
This was India's best-ever performance at the Paralympic Games, significantly increasing the previous medal tally.
Which one of the following forms of settlement develops around a lake ?
Asked in: UPSC CDS 2 2023
- Linear
- Cross-shaped
- Circular
- Square
Show answer
Answer: C. Circular
Settlement patterns are influenced by the physical environment and cultural factors. A lake serves as a significant physical feature attracting settlement. The necessity of access to water and the presence of a distinct central point naturally encourage a circular or semi-circular arrangement of dwellings around it.
K is facing South Direction. Then he turns right and walks for 20 m. After that he turns right and walks 10 m. Then he turns left and walks 10 m. Then he turns right and walks 20 m. Again he turns right and walks 60 m. In which direction he is from the starting point?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2024
- North
- North-East
- North-west
- East
Show answer
Answer: B. North-East
Tracking movements on a 2D plane using coordinates (x, y) where positive x is East, negative x is West, positive y is North, and negative y is South is a systematic way to solve directional problems. Understanding turns (left/right) relative to the current facing direction is crucial.
If the length of a rectangular field is increased by 20% and the breadth is reduced by 20%, the area of the rectangle will be 192 cm². What is the area of the original rectangle ?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2017
- 180 cm²
- 190 cm²
- 200 cm²
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: C. 200 cm²
The new length L' is increased by 20%, so L' = L + 0.20L = 1.20L. The new breadth B' is reduced by 20%, so B' = B - 0.20B = 0.80B. The new area A' = B) = 0.96 × A.
Sudha walked in the direction of sunrise for 200 meters. Then she turned to her left and walked 150 meters. Then she turned to her right and walked 250 meters. Finally she turned again to her right and walked 150 meters and stopped. How far is she now from starting point?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2018
- 450 meters
- 550 meters
- 750 meters
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: A. 450 meters
Walked East for 200 meters. Current position relative to start: 200m East. (200, 0) 2. Turned left (North) and walked 150 meters. Current position relative to previous: 150m North. Net displacement from start: 200m East, 150m North. (200, 150) 3. Turned right (East) and walked 250 meters. Current position relative to previous: 250m East. Net displacement from start: (200 + 250)m East, 150m North = 450m East, 150m North. (450, 150) 4. Turned right (South) and walked 150 meters. Current position relative to previous: 150m South. Net displacement from start: 450m East, (150 - 150)m North = 450m East, 0m North. (450, 0)The final position is 450 meters East and 0 meters North/ South from the starting point. The distance from the starting point (0,0) to the final point (450,0) is the straight-line distance. Distance = $\sqrt{(450-0)^2 + (0-0)^2} = \sqrt{450^2} = 450$ meters. 65. Four cities are connected by a road network as shown in the figure. In how many ways can one start from any city and come back to it without travelling on the same road more than once?
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2019
- 8
- 12
- 16
- None of the above
Show answer
Answer: B. 12
The road network forms a graph. To start from a city and return to it without traversing the same road twice means finding elementary cycles (circuits) that pass through the starting city. Let's label the cities A, B, C, D. The figure likely shows a complete graph K4, where every city is connected to every other city by a road. If it's K4: - From city A, you can go to B, C, or D (3 options). - If you go A -> B, you can then go B -> C or B -> D (2 options). - If you go A -> B -> C, you must go C -> D to visit all cities or C -> A to return directly. Since you must return to the start and not use the same road twice, you need to complete a cycle. - Cycles of length 3 involving A: A-B-C-A, A-C-B-A, A-B- D-A, A-D-B-A, A-C-D-A, A-D-C-A. (6 ways starting from A). - Cycles of length 4 involving A: A-B- C-D-A, A-B-D-C-A, A-C-B-D-A, A-C-D-B-A, A- D-B-C-A, A-D-C-B-A. (6 ways starting from A). Total ways starting from A and returning to A = 6 (length 3) + 6 (length 4) = 12. Since the graph is symmetric (a complete graph), the number of ways is the same regardless of the starting city.
Consider the following statements on computation of density: 1. Physiological density can be computed by dividing the total population by the net cultivable area. 2. Agricultural density can be computed by dividing the total agricultural population by the net cultivable area. 3. Population density can be computed by dividing the total population by the total area. How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Asked in: UPSC NDA 2 2022
- 1
- 2
- 3
- None
Show answer
Answer: C. 3
Different measures of density provide varying insights into the relationship between population and land, highlighting aspects like resource pressure, agricultural efficiency, or simple spatial distribution.
It is thought that dozens of ships and planes have disappeared under mysterious circumstances in the area. To most people, it is an area of bad luck and extra-terrestrial activity. This area is known as:
Asked in: OPSC CS Prelims 2017
- Bermuda triangle
- Cuba
- Puerto Rico
- Gulf of Mexico
Show answer
Answer: A. Bermuda triangle
The description matches the popular legends surrounding the Bermuda Triangle, an area in the North Atlantic Ocean where ships and aircraft are said to have disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
The Wallace's Line distinguishes or separates the flora and fauna between
Asked in: UPSC CAPF 2013
- Canada and USA
- Taiga region and Tundra region
- Mexico and Central America
- South-East Asia and Australasia
Show answer
Answer: D. South-East Asia and Australasia
- Wallace's Line was proposed by Alfred Russel Wallace based on his observations of dramatic differences in animal distribution across the Malay Archipelago. - West of the line, species are largely of Asian origin (e.g., tigers, rhinos, monkeys). - East of the line, species are largely of Australian origin (e.g., marsupials, cockatoos). - The line runs through Indonesia, between Borneo and Sulawesi, and between Bali and Lombok.
The term "Levant" often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions ?
Asked in: UPSC IAS 2022
- Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores
- Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco
- Region along Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa
- The entire coastal areas of Mediterranean Sea
Show answer
Answer: A. Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores
The Levant is a historical geographical term referring to the area corresponding approximately to modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, and often includes parts of Turkey and Egypt.