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Indian and World Geography

296 questions

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Question 1Question →

Which of the following planetary wind belts blows continuously from the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts toward the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

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Answer: Trade Winds

Answer

The Trade Winds blow from the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts toward the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt.
The Trade Winds are steady global planetary winds that originate in the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts and converge at the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt (ITCZ). Due to the Coriolis effect, they blow from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary atmospheric pressure belts involved in equatorial surface circulation.
Air moves from the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts (located near 30° N and 30° S) toward the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt (Doldrums).
Surface air flows naturally down the pressure gradient from areas of high pressure to low pressure.
2
Determine the name of the permanent planetary wind system created by this movement.
The winds moving toward the equator are deflected by the Coriolis force, creating the Northeast Trade Winds in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southeast Trade Winds in the Southern Hemisphere.
The planetary winds operating between the subtropical high pressure and equatorial low pressure are defined as Trade Winds.

Key Concept

Planetary Wind Systems and Global Pressure Belts
Question 2Question →

Consider the following statements regarding the physical mechanisms and climate impacts of major oceanic currents:

1. Cold ocean currents along the western coasts of continents in subtropical belts are associated with coastal upwelling driven by Ekman transport.
2. The Agulhas Current is a cold, equatorward-flowing ocean current located along the western coast of Southern Africa.
3. Cold ocean currents chill the overlying air mass and induce thermal stability, inhibiting atmospheric convection and contributing to coastal desertification.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 1 and 3 only

Answer

Statements 1 and 3 only are correct.
The combination of Statements 1 and 3 only is correct. Ekman transport drives coastal upwelling along subtropical western coasts where offshore surface drift brings cold subsurface waters upward. This low ocean surface temperature cools the lower atmosphere, creating stable air layers (temperature inversion) that suppress precipitation and generate coastal deserts. Statement 2 is false because the Agulhas Current is a warm ocean current located along Africa's eastern coast.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding Ekman transport and upwelling
In the subtropics, trade winds driving ocean surface waters combined with the Coriolis effect cause net water transport away from western continental coastlines (Ekman transport). Deep, cold, nutrient-rich ocean water rises to replace it. Statement 1 is correct.
Verify oceanographic forcing mechanisms of coastal upwelling.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding the Agulhas Current
The Agulhas Current is a warm, poleward-flowing (southward) western boundary current in the southern Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. The cold current on the western coast of Southern Africa is the Benguela Current. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Distinguish between eastern and western oceanic boundary currents and their regional geography.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding atmospheric stability and climate impact
Cold surface ocean waters cool the air directly above them. Air near the surface becomes colder and denser than the air above, creating a atmospheric temperature inversion. This halts convection, prevents cloud growth, and inhibits precipitation, yielding coastal desert conditions. Statement 3 is correct.
Examine air-sea thermodynamic interaction and atmospheric stability.

Key Concept

Oceanic Currents, Ekman Transport, and Coastal Microclimates
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 3Question →

Consider the following statements regarding temperature inversion in the atmosphere:

1. Long winter nights, clear skies, and calm air provide ideal conditions for surface temperature inversion.
2. Temperature inversion promotes strong atmospheric convection, leading to rapid vertical cloud development.
3. Over polar snow covers, surface temperature inversion is a frequent phenomenon throughout most of the year.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 1 and 3 only

Answer

Statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.
Temperature inversion occurs when the normal environmental lapse rate is inverted, meaning temperature increases with altitude. Ideal surface inversion conditions include long winter nights, clear skies, and still air, as terrestrial longwave radiation escapes efficiently into space while lack of wind prevents mechanical mixing. Furthermore, polar regions experience prolonged surface inversions due to high snow albedo and continuous radiative cooling. Crucially, because cold air remains trapped below warm air, the atmospheric layer becomes extremely stable, suppressing vertical convection rather than promoting it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding conditions for surface temperature inversion.
Statement 1 is verified as true. Long winter nights ensure prolonged radiative cooling, clear skies allow heat to escape unimpeded into space, and calm winds prevent the mixing of cold surface air with warmer air aloft.
Surface temperature inversion requires efficient radiational cooling of the ground.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding atmospheric buoyancy and convection during an inversion.
Statement 2 is verified as false. Under normal conditions, temperature decreases with altitude, allowing warm surface air to rise. In an inversion, warmer air sits above denser cold air, creating high atmospheric stability that inhibits upward convective motion.
Inversion layer acts as a cap that traps fog and pollutants while preventing vertical convective cloud growth.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding polar temperature inversions.
Statement 3 is verified as true. High surface albedo and continuous radiative cooling over snow-covered polar terrain produce persistent surface temperature inversions for most of the year.
Polar ice and snow cover continuously emit longwave radiation while absorbing very little solar heat.

Key Concept

Atmospheric Temperature Inversion and Tropospheric Stability
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 4Question →

Match the major world straits and canals in List I with the bodies of water they connect in List II:

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Strait of Gibraltar
Suez Canal
Strait of Malacca
Bering Strait

Matches

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Answer

Strait of Gibraltar matches with Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean; Suez Canal matches with Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea; Strait of Malacca matches with Andaman Sea and South China Sea; Bering Strait matches with Arctic Ocean and Pacific Ocean (Bering Sea).
Each feature correctly matches its respective geographical connection: the Strait of Gibraltar joins the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; the Suez Canal connects the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea; the Strait of Malacca connects the Andaman Sea and South China Sea; and the Bering Strait links the Arctic Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical position of the Strait of Gibraltar.
It serves as the narrow waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
It lies between southern Spain and northern Morocco.
2
Identify the water bodies linked by the Suez Canal.
It links the Mediterranean Sea directly with the Red Sea.
This artificial waterway traverses the Isthmus of Suez in Egypt.
3
Identify the location of the Strait of Malacca.
It joins the Andaman Sea with the South China Sea.
It forms the primary sea channel between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
4
Identify the connection created by the Bering Strait.
It connects the Arctic Ocean (Chukchi Sea) to the Pacific Ocean (Bering Sea).
It separates Asia (Russia) from North America (Alaska).

Key Concept

Major Straits and Canals of the World and Connected Water Bodies
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 5Question →

Match List-I (Strategic Maritime Strait) with List-II (Water Bodies Connected):

List-I (Strait)List-II (Water Bodies Connected)
A. Bab-el-Mandeb Strait1. Sea of Marmara and Aegean Sea
B. Strait of Malacca2. Black Sea and Sea of Azov
C. Dardanelles Strait3. Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
D. Kerch Strait4. Andaman Sea and South China Sea

Which of the following option codes represents the correct matching of List-I with List-II?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

Answer

The correct sequence is A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2.
The combination stating A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2 accurately pairs each strategic strait with its connected bodies of water: Bab-el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (3); the Strait of Malacca connects the Andaman Sea and South China Sea (4); the Dardanelles Strait connects the Sea of Marmara and Aegean Sea (1); and the Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea and Sea of Azov (2).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Bab-el-Mandeb Strait (A)
Bab-el-Mandeb is located between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden (Indian Ocean). Thus, A matches 3.
Identify regional geography of the Horn of Africa/Yemen.
2
Analyze Strait of Malacca (B)
Strait of Malacca lies between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra, connecting the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) to the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean). Thus, B matches 4.
Identify Southeast Asian maritime choke points.
3
Analyze Dardanelles Strait (C)
The Dardanelles Strait in northwestern Turkey connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea (part of the Mediterranean Sea). Thus, C matches 1.
Identify Turkish Straits geography.
4
Analyze Kerch Strait (D)
The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea to the shallow Sea of Azov between the Crimean Peninsula and Russia. Thus, D matches 2.
Identify Eastern European inland sea choke points.

Key Concept

Locational Geography of Major World Straits and Maritime Choke Points
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 6Question →

The famous Khetri Copper Belt, renowned for its major copper ore reserves and historical mining background, is located in which of the following Indian states?

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Answer: Rajasthan

Answer

Rajasthan
The Khetri Copper Belt is situated in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, at the foothills of the Aravalli range. It is an important copper mining center operated under Hindustan Copper Limited and has a mining history dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mineral belt mentioned in the stem.
The target region is the Khetri Copper Belt.
The question asks for the geographical location of this specific copper-producing region.
2
Map the Khetri Copper Belt to its primary geological state location.
The belt lies in the Jhunjhunu district along the foothills of the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan.
Khetri is one of the oldest known copper mining areas in India and is managed primarily by Hindustan Copper Limited in Rajasthan.

Key Concept

Geographical distribution of non-ferrous metallic minerals in India
Estimated Time:45s
Question 7Question →

Which of the following statements concerning the structural relief and physiographic characteristics of the Peninsular Plateau and coastal morphotectonics of India are correct?

Select all that apply

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Answer: The Western Ghats form a continuous escarpment originating from faulting during the rifting of Gondwanaland, resulting in a steep western slope facing the Arabian Sea and a gentle eastern tilt toward the Bay of Bengal.; The Palghat Gap (Palakkad Gap) is a major structural shear zone in the Southern Granulite Terrain that geographically separates the main Nilgiri Block from the Anaimalai and Cardamom Hills.

Answer

The statements confirming that the Western Ghats form a continuous fault-scarp escarpment dipping gently eastwards, and that the Palghat Gap is a structural break separating the Nilgiri Block from the Anaimalai and Cardamom Hills, are correct.
The statement describing the Western Ghats accurately highlights their origin as a fault-scarp escarpment formed during Gondwanaland break-up, which accounts for the asymmetrical slope (steep west, gentle east). Additionally, the statement regarding the Palghat Gap correctly identifies it as a prominent structural shear zone dividing the Nilgiri mountain block from the Anaimalai and Cardamom ranges.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structural evolution and relief of the Western Ghats
Confirm that the Western Ghats were formed by continental faulting during Gondwana rifting, creating a steep western escarpment and a gentle eastern dip.
Geomorphic evidence indicates the Western Ghats are block mountains formed along a rifted passive margin.
2
Examine the sedimentology and drainage behavior of the northern plain sub-belts (Bhabar vs Terai)
Identify that Bhabar consists of highly permeable boulder beds where streams disappear, while the swampy, fine-clay zone where streams re-emerge is the Terai belt.
The description in the distractor incorrectly attributes Terai soil texture and marshy conditions to the Bhabar belt.
3
Verify the tectonic gap and hill range arrangement in Southern India
Confirm that the Palghat Gap is a major structural break separating the Nilgiri Hills to the north from the Anaimalai and Cardamom Hills to the south.
The gap represents an ancient crustal shear zone aligned with the Moyar-Bhavani-Palghat system.
4
Evaluate the coastal geomorphology of the Eastern vs Western Coastal Plains
Recognize that the Eastern Coast is emergent and deltaic, while the Western Coast is narrow, estuarine, and partially submerged.
The statement swaps the physical characteristics of the eastern and western coasts of India.

Key Concept

Physiography and Morphotectonic Features of Peninsular India and Northern Plains
Question 8Question →

Match the major mineral and energy resource mining centres of India listed in Column-I with their corresponding primary mineral or energy resource in Column-II:

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Jaduguda
Digboi
Balaghat
Neyveli

Matches

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Answer

Jaduguda matches with Uranium, Digboi matches with Petroleum, Balaghat matches with Manganese, and Neyveli matches with Lignite.
Jaduguda is famous for Uranium, Digboi is known for Petroleum, Balaghat is known for Manganese, and Neyveli is known for Lignite.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the resource produced at Jaduguda
Uranium
Jaduguda in Singhbhum district of Jharkhand is an established atomic mineral site producing Uranium.
2
Identify the resource produced at Digboi
Petroleum
Digboi located in Assam is famous for petroleum extraction and refining.
3
Identify the mineral resource associated with Balaghat
Manganese
Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh accounts for a significant portion of manganese ore production in India.
4
Identify the mineral resource associated with Neyveli
Lignite
Neyveli in Tamil Nadu contains extensive reserves of lignite (brown coal) used for thermal power generation.

Key Concept

Important mineral and energy resource mining locations in India
Question 9Question →

The Meghalaya Plateau and the Karbi Anglong Hills are structural extensions of the main Peninsular Plateau of India. Which of the following tectonic and geomorphological processes accounts for their physical detachment from the Chota Nagpur Plateau?

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Answer: Down-faulting created the Garo-Rajmahal Gap (Malda Fault), which was subsequently filled by heavy alluvial sediments deposited by the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems.

Answer

The physical detachment of the Meghalaya Plateau from the Chota Nagpur Plateau was caused by down-faulting that produced the Garo-Rajmahal Gap (Malda Fault), which was later filled with alluvial deposits by the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems.
Geologically, the Meghalaya Plateau and Karbi Anglong Hills are part of the Peninsular Plateau. During the movement of the Indian plate, down-faulting occurred between the Rajmahal Hills and the Garo Hills, forming the Malda Fault (Garo-Rajmahal Gap). The gap was later buried under thick layer of alluvium brought by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, creating a contiguous lowland plain.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geological relationship between the main Peninsular Plateau and the Meghalaya Plateau.
The Meghalaya Plateau, Karbi Anglong Hills, and North Cachar Hills are petrologically and structurally identical extensions of the Peninsular block.
They share similar Precambrian gneissic and granitic basement rocks.
2
Analyze the structural mechanism responsible for the physical gap between these two landforms.
Tectonic forces led to normal faulting and subsidence (down-faulting) of the crust between the Rajmahal Hills of Jharkhand and the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.
This structural subsidence is known as the Garo-Rajmahal Gap or Malda Fault.
3
Examine the surface geomorphology of the gap today.
The trough created by down-faulting was eroded and continuously filled with thick alluvial deposits laid down by the Ganga-Brahmaputra river network.
This transformed a structural graben/depression into a flat, continuous alluvial plain.

Key Concept

Tectonic detachment and alluvial infilling of the Garo-Rajmahal Gap (Malda Fault)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 10Question →

Consider the following statements regarding the pedological features and natural vegetation belts in India:

1. Laterite soils are characteristically rich in organic humus, nitrogen, and soluble calcium due to slow bacterial activity in humid tropical climates.
2. Red soils derive their distinctive reddish hue from the wide diffusion of iron oxides in crystalline and metamorphic rocks, appearing yellow when occurring in a hydrated state.
3. Tropical Dry Evergreen forests are primarily distributed along the Coromandel Coast, receiving significant rainfall from the North-East retreating monsoon.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 2 and 3 only

Answer

The correct option is the one stating that statements 2 and 3 only are correct.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Red soils owe their red color to the wide diffusion of ferric oxide in crystalline metamorphic rocks and turn yellow when hydrated. Tropical Dry Evergreen forests are uniquely adapted to the coastal Tamil Nadu region (Coromandel Coast), which gets its principal moisture from the North-East monsoon. Statement 1 is incorrect because high temperatures promote rapid microbial decay of organic matter, and heavy rainfall causes intense leaching of bases and silica, leaving laterite soils poor in humus, nitrogen, and lime.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding the chemical composition of Laterite soils.
Statement 1 is false. Under high temperatures and intense seasonal tropical rainfall, organic matter (humus) is rapidly consumed by microorganisms, and soluble plant nutrients like nitrogen, calcium, and silica are leached away, leaving the soil rich in iron oxides and aluminium hydroxides but deficient in organic matter and lime.
Intense tropical leaching (desilication) strips bases and humus from laterite soil profiles.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding Red soil coloration.
Statement 2 is true. Red soils develop on archaean crystalline granite and gneissic rocks under warm, temperate to moist climates. The diffusion of iron compounds gives them a red color, which converts to yellow when hydrated or fine-grained.
Ferric oxide diffusion causes the red coloration, whereas hydrated iron oxides give a yellowish tinge.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding the climatic distribution of Tropical Dry Evergreen forests.
Statement 3 is true. Tropical Dry Evergreen forests occur along the coastal belt of Tamil Nadu (Coromandel Coast), an area that receives most of its rainfall from the retreating North-East monsoon (October to December) rather than the South-West monsoon.
The rain-shadow effect during summer followed by winter retreating monsoon rainfall supports this unique evergreen formation.

Key Concept

Soil Pedogenesis and Vegetation Dynamics in India
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 11Question →

Arrange the following Indian states in descending order based on their percentage of urban population to total population according to Census 2011 data.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

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Answer

The correct descending order of states by urbanization percentage as per Census 2011 is Mizoram (52.11%), Tamil Nadu (48.40%), Kerala (47.70%), and Maharashtra (45.22%).
According to Census 2011 data, the proportion of urban population relative to total population ranks as follows: Mizoram (52.11%) > Tamil Nadu (48.40%) > Kerala (47.70%) > Maharashtra (45.22%). Therefore, the correct descending order starts with Mizoram, followed by Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the urbanization percentage of Mizoram under Census 2011.
Mizoram has 52.11% urban population, making it the most urbanized state among the given options.
Mizoram is the second most urbanized state in India after Goa in percentage terms.
2
Evaluate the urbanization percentage of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu has 48.40% urban population, placing it second among the four states.
Tamil Nadu has consistently maintained a high urbanization rate due to widespread industrial and tertiary sector development.
3
Evaluate the urbanization percentage of Kerala.
Kerala has 47.70% urban population, placing it third among the four states.
Despite a significant growth in census towns between 2001 and 2011, Kerala's total urban proportion remains slightly lower than Tamil Nadu's.
4
Evaluate the urbanization percentage of Maharashtra.
Maharashtra has 45.22% urban population, placing it fourth among the four states.
Although Maharashtra has the highest absolute number of urban dwellers in India (over 50.8 million), its percentage share of total state population is lower than Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Key Concept

Distinction between absolute urban population volume and proportion of urban population in Census 2011 demography
Question 12Question →

According to the Census of India 2011, arrange the following Indian states in descending order based on their decadal population growth rate during the decade 2001–2011, starting from the state with the highest growth rate.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Meghalaya (27.95%) → Bihar (25.42%) → Rajasthan (21.31%) → Kerala (4.91%)
According to Census 2011, Meghalaya registered the highest decadal population growth rate among Indian states at 27.95%, followed by Bihar at 25.42%, Rajasthan at 21.31%, and Kerala with one of the lowest growth rates in India at 4.91%. Thus, the correct descending order is Meghalaya, Bihar, Rajasthan, Kerala.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the decadal growth rate (2001–2011) for each listed state from Census 2011 data.
Meghalaya = 27.95%, Bihar = 25.42%, Rajasthan = 21.31%, Kerala = 4.91%.
Accurate statistical knowledge of demographic growth rates is required to evaluate demographic transition stages across states.
2
Arrange the states in descending numerical order of their growth percentage values.
27.95% (Meghalaya) > 25.42% (Bihar) > 21.31% (Rajasthan) > 4.91% (Kerala).
Descending order requires sequence placement from the highest parameter value to the lowest parameter value.

Key Concept

Decadal Population Growth Trends in India (Census 2011)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 13Question →

Match the following prominent mountain peaks of Peninsular India in List I with their corresponding mountain ranges in List II. Which of the following correctly pairs each peak with its respective mountain range?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Anamudi
Guru Shikhar
Dhupgarh
Doddabetta

Matches

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Answer

Anamudi matches with Anaimalai Hills, Guru Shikhar matches with Aravalli Range, Dhupgarh matches with Satpura Range, and Doddabetta matches with Nilgiri Hills.
Each mountain peak is paired with its accurate physiographic parent mountain range: Anamudi belongs to the Anaimalai Hills, Guru Shikhar is the peak of the Aravalli Range, Mount Dhupgarh lies in the Satpura Range, and Doddabetta belongs to the Nilgiri Hills.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mountain range for Anamudi
Anamudi is located in the Anaimalai Hills in Kerala, forming the highest peak of South India.
Anamudi forms the knot where the Anaimalai, Palani, and Cardamom hills meet.
2
Identify the mountain range for Guru Shikhar
Guru Shikhar is the highest elevation point of the ancient Aravalli relict range.
It lies in the Arbuda Mountains region of Mount Abu.
3
Identify the mountain range for Dhupgarh
Dhupgarh is the peak atop the Mahadeo Hills section of the Satpura Range.
The Satpura range comprises Rajpipla, Mahadeo, and Maikal hills from west to east.
4
Identify the mountain range for Doddabetta
Doddabetta is the highest summit in the Nilgiri Hills, positioned at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats.
Doddabetta lies near Udhagamandalam (Ooty) in the Nilgiri district.

Key Concept

Major Mountain Peaks and Ranges of Peninsular India
Question 14Question →

Arrange the following natural vegetation types in India in ascending order of the average annual precipitation (rainfall) required for their growth:

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

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Answer

The correct sequence from lowest to highest required annual rainfall is: Tropical Thorn Forests (under 50 cm), Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests (70–100 cm), Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests (100–200 cm), and Tropical Evergreen Forests (above 200 cm).
In India, natural vegetation categories correspond closely to total annual precipitation levels. Ordering these vegetation types from dry to wet yields: Tropical Thorn Forests (under 50 cm) < Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests (70–100 cm) < Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests (100–200 cm) < Tropical Evergreen Forests (above 200 cm).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the precipitation threshold for Tropical Thorn Forests
Tropical Thorn Forests develop in arid and semi-arid tracts where annual rainfall is below 50 cm.
This places thorn forests at the lowest position of the rainfall gradient.
2
Determine the precipitation threshold for Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests occur in areas receiving between 70 cm and 100 cm of annual rainfall.
This establishes dry deciduous forests as the second item in the ascending sequence.
3
Determine the precipitation threshold for Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests develop in regions receiving between 100 cm and 200 cm of annual rainfall.
This places moist deciduous forests above dry deciduous forests.
4
Determine the precipitation threshold for Tropical Evergreen Forests
Tropical Evergreen Forests require dense rainfall exceeding 200 cm annually along with warm humid conditions.
This places evergreen forests at the highest position in the rainfall ordering.

Key Concept

Zonal distribution of Indian forest types aligned with precipitation gradients.
Question 15Question →

Which of the following rivers is a major right-bank tributary of the Ganga river system?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Yamuna

Answer

Yamuna is a major right-bank tributary of the Ganga river system.
Yamuna is the longest and major right-bank tributary of the Ganga. It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier on the Banderpoonch peak in the Garhwal region and merges with the Ganga on its right bank at Prayagraj.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the orientation of tributaries joining the Ganga River.
Tributaries joining from the south (right bank) include Yamuna, Son, and Punpun. Tributaries joining from the north (left bank) include Ramganga, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, and Mahananda.
Categorizing tributaries by their bank alignment helps distinguish left-bank from right-bank rivers.
2
Evaluate the given options based on their confluence alignment.
Yamuna joins the Ganga on its right bank at Prayagraj, while Gomti, Ghaghara, and Gandak join from the left bank.
Yamuna flows parallel to the Ganga along its right side before merging at Triveni Sangam.

Key Concept

Classification of Ganga River tributaries into left-bank and right-bank rivers
Question 16Question →

With reference to the global atmospheric circulation and pressure belts, consider the following statements:

1. The Equatorial Low Pressure Belt (Doldrums) is characterized by warm air rising, intense convection, and light, variable winds.
2. Trade winds blow from the Subtropical High Pressure Belts towards the Equatorial Low Pressure Belt.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Both 1 and 2

Answer

Both 1 and 2 are correct.
Both statements are factually accurate. The Equatorial Low Pressure Belt experiences strong solar heating, leading to upward air convection and gentle surface winds (Doldrums). Air descending at Subtropical Highs flows along the surface toward this equatorial low-pressure zone, forming the Trade Winds.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze statement 1 regarding the Equatorial Low Pressure Belt.
Near the equator, intense solar heating causes intense convection and rising warm air masses, creating low pressure at the surface with calm, weak winds (Doldrums). Statement 1 is correct.
Equatorial air heating creates strong updrafts and minimal horizontal wind gradient at the surface.
2
Analyze statement 2 regarding the directional flow of Trade Winds.
Air sinks around 30° North and South latitude creating Subtropical High Pressure Belts, from which surface winds flow down the pressure gradient toward the Equatorial Low Pressure Belt. Statement 2 is correct.
Wind consistently blows from regions of higher atmospheric pressure to regions of lower atmospheric pressure.

Key Concept

Planetary Pressure Belts and Surface Wind Circulation
Question 17Question →

Consider the following statements regarding the Ganga River drainage system:

1. Yamuna is the longest right-bank tributary of the Ganga River, merging with it at Prayagraj.
2. Ghaghara is a major left-bank tributary originating near the Gurla Mandhata peak, south of Manasarovar.
3. Son originates from the Amarkantak Plateau and flows northwards to join the Ganga as a left-bank tributary near Patna.
4. Ramganga is the first major left-bank tributary to join the Ganga River after it exits the Himalayas.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 1, 2, and 4 only

Answer

Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
Statements 1, 2, and 4 accurately describe the respective rivers: Yamuna is the longest right-bank tributary merging at Prayagraj; Ghaghara is a trans-Himalayan left-bank tributary originating near Gurla Mandhata; and Ramganga is the westernmost and first major left-bank tributary joining near Kannauj. Statement 3 is incorrect because Son is a right-bank tributary flowing northward from the Amarkantak Plateau.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding the Yamuna River.
Statement 1 is TRUE. Yamuna originates from Yamunotri Glacier on the Banderpunch range and joins Ganga on its right bank at Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam).
Yamuna is the longest and most significant right-bank tributary of the Ganga system.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding the Ghaghara River.
Statement 2 is TRUE. Ghaghara originates near Gurla Mandhata peak (Mapchachungo glacier) south of Manasarovar and joins the Ganga on its left bank near Chhapra.
Geographic origin and bank orientation are correctly attributed.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding the Son River.
Statement 3 is FALSE. Son originates from the Amarkantak Plateau and joins the Ganga near Patna as a RIGHT-bank tributary.
Rivers joining the Ganga from the southern peninsula (like Son and Punpun) enter through its right bank, not left bank.
4
Evaluate Statement 4 regarding the Ramganga River.
Statement 4 is TRUE. Ramganga originates in the Garhwal Himalayas near Gairsain and joins the Ganga near Kannauj as its first major left-bank tributary.
Sequential order of left-bank tributaries from west to east begins with Ramganga.

Key Concept

Classification of Ganga River tributaries by bank orientation (Left-bank vs Right-bank) and geographic origins.
Question 18Question →

With reference to global atmospheric circulation and planetary wind systems, consider the following statements:

1. The Westerlies in the Southern Hemisphere are stronger and more persistent than those in the Northern Hemisphere due to the dominant ocean expanse.
2. The Trade Winds blow from the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts toward the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt, deflecting to the right in the Northern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis force.
3. The Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are thermally induced pressure zones created by intense ground surface heating near the horse latitudes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 1 and 2 only

Answer

The correct answer is the option stating that only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
The statement highlighting that the Westerlies are stronger in the Southern Hemisphere is accurate due to the lack of continental friction over massive oceanic expanses. The statement describing Trade Wind movement and rightward Coriolis deflection in the Northern Hemisphere is also correct. However, the statement asserting that Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are thermally induced is incorrect because they are dynamically formed by the descent of upper-air masses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding Southern Hemisphere Westerlies.
Statement 1 is correct.
The Southern Hemisphere has significantly less landmass compared to the Northern Hemisphere. Consequently, friction is minimal, causing the Westerlies to blow with much greater force and consistency (popularly known as the Roaring Forties, Furious Fifties, and Shrieking Sixties).
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding Trade Winds and Coriolis deflection.
Statement 2 is correct.
Air flows from high pressure at the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts (around 30° N/S) to low pressure at the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt (ITCZ). As per Ferrel's Law, the Coriolis force deflects this moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, forming Northeast Trade Winds.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding the atmospheric origin of Subtropical High-Pressure Belts.
Statement 3 is incorrect.
Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are dynamically induced (mechanical origin). Air ascending at the equator cools, travels poleward aloft, accumulates around 30° N/S latitude, and subsides toward the surface, creating high pressure. Thermally induced belts are the Equatorial Low and Polar Highs.

Key Concept

Dynamic vs. Thermal Pressure Belts and Global Planetary Wind Circulation
Question 19Question →

With reference to the planetary wind systems and atmospheric pressure belts of the Earth, consider the following statements:

1. The Trade Winds blow from the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts towards the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt.
2. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Westerlies are deflected to their left due to the Coriolis force.
3. The Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are dynamically induced high-pressure zones formed due to the subsidence of air.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 1 and 3 only

Answer

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Trade Winds blow from the Subtropical Highs toward the Equatorial Low. Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are formed dynamically by the subsidence of cooling air masses. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Coriolis force deflects winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, not to the left.
The option indicating 1 and 3 only is correct. Statement 1 accurately describes the origin and direction of the Trade Winds. Statement 3 correctly identifies Subtropical Highs as dynamically formed zones caused by descending air masses in the Hadley Cell. Statement 2 is false because Coriolis deflection in the Northern Hemisphere is to the right.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 (Trade Winds pattern)
Statement 1 is correct. Pressure gradient force drives surface air from the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts (~30° N/S) toward the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt (Doldrums).
Air flows naturally from high-pressure zones to low-pressure zones.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 (Coriolis deflection rule)
Statement 2 is incorrect. The rotation of the Earth creates the Coriolis force, which deflects all planetary winds (including Westerlies) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ferrel's Law specifies rightward deflection in the Northern Hemisphere.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 (Origin of Subtropical Highs)
Statement 3 is correct. The Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are dynamically induced zones caused by the subsidence (sinking) of warm air that rose at the equator and accumulated in the upper troposphere before descending around 30° latitude.
Unlike polar highs which are thermally induced by extreme cold, subtropical high belts stem from atmospheric circulation mechanics.

Key Concept

Planetary Winds and Atmospheric Pressure Belts
Question 20Question →

Among the following tributaries of the Godavari river system, which one is a right-bank tributary?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Manjira

Answer

Manjira is a right-bank tributary of the Godavari River.
Manjira is the principal right-bank tributary of the Godavari River. It originates in the Balaghat range of hills, flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, and joins the Godavari River near Nizamabad.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the Godavari river basin and categorize its major tributaries by bank orientation.
The Godavari River flows eastwards across the Deccan Plateau, receiving tributaries from both its northern (left bank) and southern (right bank) flanks.
Identifying bank orientation requires tracking the direction of flow from origin to mouth.
2
Evaluate each given tributary's point of entry into the Godavari River.
Pranhita, Indravati, and Sabari enter from the northern side (left bank), whereas Manjira flows from the southern side (right bank).
Manjira is the principal right-bank tributary listed among the options.

Key Concept

Tributary orientation and drainage network of Peninsular rivers in India
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