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Indian and World Geography

296 questions

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Question 21Question →

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

1. The Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are dynamically induced zones formed primarily due to the subsidence of air accumulating aloft from the equatorial and sub-polar regions.
2. The Westerlies in the Southern Hemisphere are significantly stronger and more continuous than in the Northern Hemisphere owing to the vast expanse of landmasses in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. Trade winds blow from the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts toward the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt and are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere by the Coriolis force.

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 correct combination includes statements 1 and 3. The Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are dynamically induced zones resulting from the subsidence and accumulation of upper-level air currents moving away from the equator. Trade winds moving toward the equator are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere by the Coriolis force. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Southern Hemisphere Westerlies are stronger due to the vast expanse of open oceans and minimal land friction, not because of large landmasses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding the origin of Subtropical High-Pressure Belts.
The Subtropical Highs (around 30∘N30^\circ\text{N} and 30∘S30^\circ\text{S}) are dynamically driven belts produced by cooling and descending air aloft that poleward-moving equatorial Hadley cells push down.
This confirms Statement 1 is correct as it accurately describes dynamic subsidence.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding Southern Hemisphere Westerlies.
The Southern Hemisphere contains predominantly ocean water and far less land mass compared to the Northern Hemisphere. The lack of land friction makes the Westerlies fierce ('Roaring Forties', 'Furious Fifties').
Statement 2 falsely claims that large landmasses cause stronger winds, whereas land causes friction that weakens winds.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding Trade Winds and Coriolis deflection.
Trade winds flow from subtropical high-pressure zones to equatorial low-pressure zones (ITCZ). According to Ferrel's Law, the Coriolis force deflects moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, forming Northeast Trade Winds.
This confirms Statement 3 is correct.

Key Concept

Global Atmospheric Circulation and Pressure Belts
Question 22Question →

With reference to tectonic plate boundaries and associated geomorphic features, consider the following statements:
1. Deep ocean trenches are characteristic relief features of continental-continental convergent plate boundaries.
2. The formation of the Himalayan mountain range is a classic result of convergence between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
3. Volcanic activity is minimal or absent along continental-continental collision zones compared to oceanic-continental subduction zones.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 2 and 3 only

Answer

Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
The uplift of the Himalayas is driven by the continental collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Furthermore, because both colliding continental blocks are light and buoyant, subduction-driven volcanism is virtually absent compared to subduction zones involving dense oceanic crust. Deep ocean trenches only form where oceanic crust subducts, making the option containing statements 2 and 3 only correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding landforms at continental-continental convergent boundaries.
Deep ocean trenches (e.g., Mariana Trench) form where oceanic lithosphere subducts into the mantle. When two continental plates collide, neither plate subducts deeply due to low density, resulting in mountain crustal thickening rather than deep trench formation. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.
Identify the tectonic setting responsible for oceanic trenches vs. folded mountains.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding the tectonic origin of the Himalayas.
The collision between the Indo-Australian (Indian) Plate and the Eurasian Plate is the textbook example of a continental-continental convergent boundary that uplifted the Himalayas. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Verify regional geomorphological examples of plate collision.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding volcanism at continental collision boundaries.
Unlike oceanic-continental convergence where hydrated oceanic slab subduction fuels volcanic arcs (e.g., the Andes), continental-continental collision lacks continuous subduction of basaltic/oceanic crust, leading to minimal or absent volcanic activity. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Understand magma generation mechanisms across different convergent boundary types.

Key Concept

Plate Tectonic Landforms and Convergent Boundary Dynamics
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 23Question →

With reference to the Himalayan tributaries of the Indus River system, consider the following statements:

1. The Shyok River originates from the Rimo Glacier and flows as a right-bank tributary of the Indus River.
2. The Gilgit River meets the Indus River on its left bank near Bunji.
3. The Zaskar River flows northward to join the Indus River as a left-bank tributary in the Ladakh region.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 1 and 3 only

Answer

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The Shyok River is a right-bank tributary originating from the Rimo Glacier, and the Zaskar River is a left-bank tributary joining the Indus in Ladakh. The Gilgit River is a right-bank tributary of the Indus.
Statements 1 and 3 are accurate. The Shyok River originates from the Rimo Glacier tongue and joins the Indus River on its right bank. The Zaskar River flows northwards across the Zaskar Range to meet the Indus on its left bank near Nimu in Ladakh. The Gilgit River joins the Indus near Bunji from the right bank (northwestern side), making statement 2 incorrect.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding the origin and bank orientation of the Shyok River.
The Shyok River emerges from the Rimo Glacier (part of the Siachen region) and flows southeast then northwest before joining the Indus River on its right bank in Ladakh. Statement 1 is correct.
Verifying physical geography and tributary orientation of the Shyok River.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding the confluence and bank orientation of the Gilgit River.
The Gilgit River drains the Hindukush region and joins the Indus River near Bunji from the north/northwest, which constitutes a right-bank tributary, not left-bank. Statement 2 is incorrect.
Distinguishing right-bank versus left-bank tributaries of the upper Indus basin.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding the Zaskar River.
The Zaskar River drains the Zaskar range and flows northward to meet the Indus on its left bank at Nimu near Leh. Statement 3 is correct.
Confirming the tributary orientation of southern Himalayan rivers entering the Indus valley.

Key Concept

Indus River Tributary Bank Orientations
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 24Question →

Arrange the following major east-flowing peninsular rivers of India in sequential order from North to South.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct sequence of these east-flowing peninsular rivers from North to South is Mahanadi River, followed by Godavari River, Krishna River, and Cauvery (Kaveri) River.
The correct North-to-South order of major east-flowing Peninsular rivers is Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery. Mahanadi has its basin in northern peninsular India (Odisha/Chhattisgarh), Godavari occupies the central Deccan plateau, Krishna lies below Godavari, and Cauvery is situated in the southern peninsula.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical latitude and basin location of the Mahanadi River.
Mahanadi basin is located in Chhattisgarh and Odisha (around 20° N latitude).
This establishes Mahanadi as the northernmost river among the four options.
2
Identify the location of the Godavari River basin.
Godavari flows across central peninsular India (around 16° N to 19° N latitude).
It forms the next major river basin south of the Mahanadi.
3
Identify the location of the Krishna River basin.
Krishna basin lies directly south of the Godavari basin (around 15° N to 17° N latitude).
It follows Godavari in the north-to-south geographical sequence.
4
Identify the location of the Cauvery River basin.
Cauvery flows through southern Karnataka and Tamil Nadu (around 11° N to 13° N latitude).
It represents the southernmost river among the listed peninsular rivers.

Key Concept

Latitudinal and spatial alignment of Peninsular East-flowing river systems in India.
Question 25Question →

Physical geography encompasses the study of major relief features of the Earth's ocean floors and coastal landforms. Which of the following statements regarding ocean floor topography and marine relief features are correct?

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Continental shelves are gentle seaward-sloping platforms extending from the coast to the continental slope.; Deep ocean trenches are long, narrow depressions that typically form along convergent plate boundaries.

Answer

The correct statements are that continental shelves are gentle seaward-sloping coastal platforms and that deep ocean trenches form along convergent plate boundaries.
The statements defining continental shelves as gently sloping coastal margins and ocean trenches as tectonic features along convergent boundaries are geographically and geologically accurate.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate continental shelf topography
Continental shelves extend gently from continental margins into oceanic waters, making this statement correct.
They are the submerged extensions of continents characterized by shallow water depths.
2
Evaluate ocean trench formation mechanism
Subduction at convergent tectonic boundaries forms deep ocean trenches, making this statement correct.
Trench formation is directly tied to plate tectonic subduction zones.
3
Analyze ocean floor area distributions and mid-ocean ridge origins
Abyssal plains form the vast majority of oceanic basins and mid-ocean ridges are volcanic features, making the remaining statements incorrect.
Continental shelves occupy only about 7-8% of the ocean floor, while abyssal plains constitute the largest oceanic division.

Key Concept

Major Ocean Floor Relief Features
Question 26Question →

Arrange the following major east-flowing Peninsular rivers of India in sequence from North to South based on their origins and basin locations. Which of the given orderings correctly represents this geographic sequence?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct sequence of the rivers from North to South is Mahanadi River, followed by Godavari River, Krishna River, and Cauvery River.
The correct North-to-South geographic progression of these major Peninsular rivers starts with the Mahanadi River in Chhattisgarh (~20° N), followed southward by the Godavari River originating at Trimbakeshwar (~19.9° N), then the Krishna River originating at Mahabaleshwar (~17.9° N), and concludes with the Cauvery River originating at Talakaveri (~12.4° N).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical origin latitude and basin locations of each Peninsular river.
Mahanadi (~20° N) is northernmost, Godavari (~19.9° N) is second, Krishna (~17.9° N) is third, and Cauvery (~12.4° N) is southernmost.
Determining exact or relative latitudinal positions of river origins establishes the North-to-South alignment.
2
Sequence the rivers from North to South.
Mahanadi River -> Godavari River -> Krishna River -> Cauvery River.
Aligning the rivers based on decreasing latitude from North to South yields this sequence.

Key Concept

Geographic spatial distribution and North-to-South alignment of Peninsular Indian river basins
Question 27Question →

Arrange the following major east-flowing rivers of Peninsular India in correct geographical sequence from North to South:

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct North-to-South geographical sequence of these rivers is Subarnarekha River, Mahanadi River, Godavari River, Krishna River, and Cauvery River.
The correct geographical sequence from North to South along the eastern coast of India starts with Subarnarekha in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region, followed sequentially by Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and ending with Cauvery in the southern peninsula.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the latitudinal position and origin of each river basin along the eastern drainage slope of India.
Subarnarekha (Jharkhand/Odisha coast) lies furthest north, followed by Mahanadi (Chhattisgarh/Odisha), Godavari (Maharashtra/Telangana/Andhra Pradesh), Krishna (Maharashtra/Karnataka/Andhra Pradesh), and Cauvery (Karnataka/Tamil Nadu).
River basins flowing into the Bay of Bengal follow a clear latitudinal pattern from northern India down to southern Tamil Nadu.
2
Sequence the items from highest latitude to lowest latitude.
1. Subarnarekha → 2. Mahanadi → 3. Godavari → 4. Krishna → 5. Cauvery.
This corresponds exactly to a North-to-South geographical alignment.

Key Concept

Latitudinal Distribution and Spatial Sequence of Peninsular East-Flowing River Basins
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 28Question →

Regarding global ocean floor relief and deep ocean thermohaline circulation, which of the following statements are correct?

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Thermohaline circulation is primarily driven by ocean water density gradients generated by variations in temperature and salinity.; Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) represents the densest water mass in the global ocean and spreads along the ocean floor into deep basins.

Answer

The statements confirming that thermohaline circulation is driven by temperature and salinity density gradients and that Antarctic Bottom Water is the densest global water mass are correct.
Thermohaline circulation is driven by density variations controlled by seawater temperature and salinity. Antarctic Bottom Water forms due to intense cooling and brine rejection in polar seas, making it the densest ocean mass sinking into deep ocean basins.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the driving mechanisms of deep ocean circulation.
Thermohaline circulation operates on density differences caused by temperature (cooling increases density) and salinity (evaporation/freezing increases density).
This differentiates deep density-driven thermohaline circulation from wind-driven surface circulation.
2
Evaluate the density and formation of major deep ocean water masses.
Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) is colder and more saline than North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW), making it the densest water mass on Earth.
Brine rejection during sea ice formation around Antarctica yields ultra-dense bottom water.
3
Examine tectonic associations of ocean floor bathymetry features.
Ocean trenches occur at subduction boundaries (convergent margins), not divergent margins.
Divergent margins host mid-ocean ridges and rift zones, while deep trenches mark subduction zones.
4
Verify direction of heat transport by surface ocean currents.
Warm currents flow equator-to-pole, while cold currents flow pole-to-equator.
Surface current gyres transport excess tropical solar energy toward energy-deficient polar zones.

Key Concept

Thermohaline Circulation and Ocean Relief Features
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 29Question →

Regarding the physical oceanography and relief features of the world's oceans, which of the following statements are correct?

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: The thermocline is a distinct subsurface ocean layer characterized by a rapid decrease in water temperature with increasing depth.; Abyssal plains are exceptionally flat oceanic basins covered by fine-grained sediments, situated primarily between continental margins and mid-ocean ridges.; Deep sea trenches are long, narrow submarine depressions formed along convergent tectonic plate boundaries through subduction.

Answer

The correct statements are those describing the rapid temperature drop in the thermocline layer, the location and sediment composition of abyssal plains, and the tectonic subduction origin of deep ocean trenches.
The statements defining the thermocline as a rapid temperature reduction zone, describing abyssal plains as flat sediment-covered basins between continental margins and ridges, and establishing ocean trenches as subduction-driven tectonic features are all factually accurate.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze thermal stratification of ocean water
Confirm that the thermocline marks the vertical boundary zone of rapid cooling beneath the warm surface mixed layer.
Solar heating primarily affects the upper surface layer, below which temperature declines sharply.
2
Evaluate ocean surface salinity factors
Recognize that despite high temperature, equatorial waters have lower surface salinity than subtropical belts because atmospheric convection produces heavy daily precipitation that dilutes surface waters.
Salinity depends on the balance between evaporation and fresh water input (precipitation and runoff).
3
Examine submarine relief features
Confirm that abyssal plains are smooth sediment-rich basins and oceanic trenches are linear deep troughs caused by plate subduction.
Tectonic activity and sediment deposition dictate ocean floor topography.

Key Concept

Physical Properties and Relief Features of the Ocean Floor
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 30Question →

Which layer of the Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Stratosphere

Answer

The stratosphere is the layer of Earth's atmosphere that contains the ozone layer.
The stratosphere extends from approximately 12 km to 50 km above Earth's surface and houses the ozonosphere. Ozone molecules in this layer absorb high-energy ultraviolet solar radiation, converting UV light into heat and heating the upper stratosphere.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary atmospheric layers in order from Earth's surface upwards.
The layers are the Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere.
Establishing the vertical structure of the atmosphere helps locate specific chemical zones.
2
Determine the atmospheric altitude zone where ozone concentrated.
Ozone (O3O_3) concentration is highest between roughly 15 km and 35 km above the Earth's surface.
This altitude range falls directly within the stratosphere.
3
Confirm the functional role of the ozone layer within this layer.
Stratospheric ozone absorbs harmful high-energy ultraviolet radiation (UV-B and UV-C) from the Sun.
This protection prevents damaging radiation from reaching the troposphere and Earth's surface.

Key Concept

Atmospheric Stratification and Ozonosphere
Estimated Time:45s
Question 31Question →

Regarding global oceanography, ocean floor relief, and plate tectonic processes, which of the following statements are correct?

Select all that apply

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Coastal upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich deep ocean water along the western continental margins in tropical and subtropical latitudes is driven by offshore Ekman transport.; Mid-oceanic ridges are characterized by shallow-focus seismic activity and active basaltic volcanism at divergent plate boundaries.; Oceanic trenches mark convergent plate margins where denser oceanic lithosphere subducts beneath another tectonic plate into the asthenosphere.

Answer

The statements confirming that coastal upwelling is driven by offshore Ekman transport, mid-oceanic ridges feature shallow-focus earthquakes and basaltic volcanism, and oceanic trenches mark subduction zones at convergent margins are all correct. The statement claiming maximum surface salinity occurs at the Equator is incorrect.
The correct options accurately describe physical geography phenomena: offshore Ekman transport drives coastal upwelling along western continental margins; divergent margins along mid-oceanic ridges feature shallow-focus earthquakes and basaltic magmatism; and subduction along convergent margins forms deep oceanic trenches.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze coastal upwelling dynamics and wind-driven water transport.
Trade winds blowing parallel to western coasts in tropical regions induce offshore Ekman transport, moving surface water away from the coastline and drawing cold, nutrient-dense water from deep ocean layers to upwell.
Verify the atmospheric and oceanic mechanisms behind coastal upwelling.
2
Evaluate global ocean salinity distribution.
The highest salinity occurs in subtropical high-pressure zones (20°-30° N/S) where evaporation significantly exceeds precipitation under clear skies. At the Equator, cloudiness and frequent heavy convective precipitation decrease surface salinity despite high evaporation.
Identify the primary factors influencing equatorial versus subtropical ocean salinity.
3
Examine tectonic processes and earthquake depths at mid-oceanic ridges.
As plates pull apart at divergent boundaries, mantle decompression melting produces basaltic magma and shallow-focus seismic shocks along the ridge axis.
Determine the earthquake depth and volcanic characteristics of divergent boundaries.
4
Examine subduction zone mechanics at ocean trenches.
At convergent boundaries involving oceanic lithosphere, the denser plate subducts, forming deep ocean trenches parallel to the plate boundary.
Confirm the structural relationship between convergent plate boundaries and ocean trench formation.

Key Concept

Ocean Dynamics, Salinity Distribution, and Plate Tectonic Relief Features
Question 32Question →

Arrange the following right-bank (north-bank) tributaries of the Brahmaputra River in sequential order from West to East based on the locations of their confluence points with the main Brahmaputra channel:

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct order from West to East is: Teesta River → Sankosh River → Manas River → Kameng River (Jia Bhareli) → Subansiri River.
The correct spatial sequence from West to East of the right-bank (north-bank) tributaries of the Brahmaputra River is Teesta River (westernmost, ~89.7° E), followed by Sankosh River (~89.8° E), Manas River (~90.6° E), Kameng River (~92.8° E), and Subansiri River (easternmost, ~94.0° E).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the westernmost north-bank tributary.
Teesta River originates in Sikkim and enters the Brahmaputra system in northern Bangladesh (approx. 89.7° E longitude).
Teesta is the westernmost major right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra basin.
2
Locate the second tributary moving eastward.
Sankosh River flows from Bhutan along the West Bengal–Assam border, joining near Dhubri (approx. 89.8° E longitude).
Sankosh lies immediately east of the Teesta basin.
3
Locate the central tributary.
Manas River flows out of Bhutan into Assam, joining the Brahmaputra at Jogighopa in Bongaigaon district (approx. 90.6° E longitude).
Manas is situated between Sankosh to its west and Kameng to its east.
4
Identify the next major tributary to the east.
Kameng River (Jia Bhareli) flows from Arunachal Pradesh to join the main channel at Tezpur (approx. 92.8° E longitude).
Tezpur is positioned well to the east of Bongaigaon and to the west of Lakhimpur.
5
Identify the easternmost tributary in the sequence.
Subansiri River enters from Tibet/Arunachal Pradesh and joins near Lakhimpur district / Majuli island (approx. 94.0° E longitude).
Subansiri is the easternmost tributary among the list before reaching the Dibang/Lohit confluence point.

Key Concept

Spatial longitudinal alignment of the north-bank (right-bank) Himalayan tributaries of the Brahmaputra River system.
Question 33Question →

Consider the following statements regarding global air masses and frontal atmospheric systems:

1. Maritime Tropical (mTmT) air masses originating over warm ocean surface regions are characterized by low moisture content and high static stability.
2. Frontogenesis, the atmospheric process of front creation or intensification, requires a temperature contrast and converging airflow between distinct air masses.
3. Cold fronts generally advance faster than warm fronts and feature steeper frontal slopes, leading to intense cumulonimbus convection of relatively short duration.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 2 and 3 only

Answer

Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
The correct selection includes statements 2 and 3. Frontogenesis requires horizontal temperature gradients accompanied by converging wind fields to build sharp density boundaries. Additionally, cold fronts advance faster and have steeper slopes than warm fronts due to the density differential of the underlying cold air wedge, triggering narrow bands of heavy cumulonimbus precipitation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding Maritime Tropical (mTmT) air mass characteristics.
Statement 1 is incorrect because Maritime Tropical (mTmT) air masses form over warm ocean waters (e.g., tropical Atlantic and Pacific oceans) and are inherently warm, highly humid (high moisture), and unstable.
Air mass classification relies on source regions: maritime indicates high moisture, while tropical indicates high temperature and thermal instability.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding the mechanics of Frontogenesis.
Statement 2 is correct because frontogenesis is driven by the convergence of air streams with contrasting temperature, density, and humidity profiles.
Kinematic deformation and temperature gradients are essential physical prerequisites for creating and strengthening atmospheric fronts.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding front speed, slope angle, and precipitation dynamics.
Statement 3 is correct because cold dense air aggressively displaces warm air, creating a steep frontal slope (1:50 to 1:100) and rapid forward motion (~40–50 km/h), causing vigorous vertical convective displacement.
In contrast, warm fronts have gentler slopes (1:100 to 1:300) and slower movement (~20–30 km/h), leading to broad stratiform clouds rather than localized, intense cumulonimbus convection.

Key Concept

Air Mass Classification and Atmospheric Frontogenesis
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 34Question →

Which of the following major rivers of Peninsular India originates from the Amarkantak Plateau and flows westwards through a rift valley to drain into the Arabian Sea?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Narmada River

Answer

Narmada River
The Narmada River rises on the summit of Amarkantak Hill in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the primary west-flowing rivers of India that flows through a rift valley bounded by the Vindhyan range to the north and the Satpura range to the south, ultimately discharging into the Arabian Sea.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical origin specified in the stem
The river originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh
Both the Narmada and Son rivers originate from the Amarkantak region.
2
Determine the direction of flow and structural basin feature
The river flows westward through a structural rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges
Narmada and Tapti are major Peninsular rivers that flow westwards in rift valleys rather than forming deltaic east-flowing systems.
3
Identify the terminal water body
Drains into the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Khambhat
This confirms Narmada River as the correct Peninsular river matching all criteria.

Key Concept

West-flowing rivers of Peninsular India and their rift valley features
Estimated Time:45s
Question 35Question →

Which of the following tributaries joins the Brahmaputra River from its left bank during its course through Assam?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Dhansiri

Answer

Dhansiri is a left-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
The Dhansiri River originates from Laisang Peak in Nagaland and flows northward to join the Brahmaputra from its south/left bank in Assam.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the orientation of the Brahmaputra River's flow.
The river flows westward through Assam after entering India from Arunachal Pradesh.
Determining flow direction establishes left and right bank orientations.
2
Classify the given rivers into left-bank and right-bank tributaries.
Dhansiri and Dibang/Lohit/Burhi Dihing join from the south (left bank), while Subansiri, Kameng, and Manas join from the north (right bank).
Tributaries originating from the southern hills (Nagaland/Assam) are left-bank tributaries.

Key Concept

Classification of Brahmaputra River Tributaries by Bank Orientation
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 36Question →

Match the major mineral mining deposits in List-I with their corresponding primary mineral resource in List-II, based on the spatial distribution of mineral resources in India:

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Degana (Nagaur, Rajasthan)
Ambadungar (Chhota Udepur, Gujarat)
Hutti (Raichur, Karnataka)
Chavara (Kollam, Kerala)

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Degana matches with Tungsten (Wolframite); Ambadungar matches with Fluorite and Rare Earth Minerals; Hutti matches with Primary Lode Gold; and Chavara matches with Heavy Mineral Placer Sands.
The pairing correctly aligns each distinct geological region with its predominant mineral resource: Degana is known for tungsten (wolframite), Ambadungar for carbonatite-hosted fluorite and rare earth elements, Hutti for primary lode gold within Dharwar greenstone schists, and Chavara for coastal placer deposits of heavy mineral sands containing ilmenite and monazite.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary mineral mined at Degana in Nagaur, Rajasthan.
Degana is historically and geologically known as India's main tungsten (wolframite) deposit site.
Tungsten mineralization occurs in quartz veins intrusive into the Delhi Supergroup rocks at Degana.
2
Determine the resource associated with Ambadungar in Gujarat.
Ambadungar hosts carbonatite-alkaline complexes containing world-class fluorite deposits alongside rare earth minerals.
Fluorspar mining by GMDC at Ambadungar is a key industrial non-metallic mineral activity in the region.
3
Locate the primary economic activity of Hutti in Karnataka.
Hutti is an operational center for underground primary gold mining operated by Hutti Gold Mines Limited.
It is located in the Archaean schist belts of the Dharwar Craton.
4
Analyze the coastal deposit characteristics at Chavara in Kerala.
Chavara beach sands are rich in heavy minerals including ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite, and monazite.
Wave action and coastal currents concentrate high-density placer minerals derived from the Western Ghats crystalline rocks.

Key Concept

Spatial Distribution of Strategic, Metallic, Non-metallic, and Heavy Mineral Placer Resources in India
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 37Question →

In the higher reaches of the Nilgiri, Palani, and Anaimalai hills of South India, temperate evergreen forests are locally known as 'Shola' forests. Which of the following natural vegetation categories do these unique forest patches belong to?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Montane Wet Temperate Forests

Answer

Montane Wet Temperate Forests
Montane Wet Temperate Forests in the Nilgiris, Anaimalai, and Palani hills are characteristically known as Shola forests. These consist of stunted evergreen trees with thick undergrowth, surrounded by grasslands in high-elevation peninsular plateaus.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the geographical region and altitude
The Nilgiri, Palani, and Anaimalai hills represent high-altitude peninsular montane ecosystems above 1,500 meters.
Vegetation types in Indian mountains vary systematically with elevation and local climate.
2
Correlate local forest terminology with official vegetation classification
The stunted, evergreen temperate forest patches found in sheltered valleys of these southern high hills are classified under Montane Wet Temperate Forests and locally termed 'Sholas'.
Montane wet temperate forests develop under high humidity, low temperatures, and distinct highland topography in South India.

Key Concept

Montane Wet Temperate Forests and Shola Vegetation in Peninsular India
Question 38Question →

Consider the following geographical features of a major river system in Peninsular India:

1. It originates from the Western Ghats near Mahabaleshwar at an elevation of about 1,337 m1,337\text{ m}.
2. Its major right-bank tributaries include the Koyna, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and Tungabhadra.
3. The drainage basin is shared across the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Which of the following river systems matches all the characteristics described above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Krishna River system

Answer

Krishna River system
The description accurately defines the Krishna River system. The Krishna rises in the Western Ghats at Mahabaleshwar, has right-bank tributaries including the Koyna, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and Tungabhadra, and drains parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the origin point
The river originates at Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.
The Krishna River is the second largest east-flowing Peninsular river and begins near Mahabaleshwar at an altitude of approximately 1,337 m1,337\text{ m}.
2
Identify the right-bank tributary composition
Koyna, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and Tungabhadra are confirmed right-bank tributaries of the Krishna River.
These tributaries flow from the south and west into the main Krishna stream, forming a major portion of its right-bank discharge.
3
Verify inter-state basin distribution
The drainage basin spans Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
The total catchment area of the Krishna basin (around 258,948 km2258,948\text{ km}^2) is distributed across these four southern and central Indian states.

Key Concept

Physical Geography of Peninsular River Basins (Krishna System)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 39Question →

Match the major rivers of India listed in List I with their corresponding multipurpose dams/projects listed in List II.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Mahanadi River
Bhagirathi River
Sutlej River
Krishna River

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Mahanadi River matches with Hirakud Dam; Bhagirathi River matches with Tehri Dam; Sutlej River matches with Bhakra Nangal Dam; Krishna River matches with Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.
Mahanadi River pairs with Hirakud Dam, Bhagirathi River pairs with Tehri Dam, Sutlej River pairs with Bhakra Nangal Dam, and Krishna River pairs with Nagarjuna Sagar Dam based on their geographic locations and river basin developments.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the major water resource project on the Mahanadi River.
Mahanadi River pairs with Hirakud Dam.
Hirakud Dam is situated in Odisha on the Mahanadi River.
2
Identify the river associated with Tehri Dam.
Bhagirathi River pairs with Tehri Dam.
Tehri Dam is located on the Bhagirathi River in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
3
Identify the major dam project on the Sutlej River.
Sutlej River pairs with Bhakra Nangal Dam.
Bhakra Nangal Dam is built on the Sutlej River in northern India.
4
Identify the multipurpose project on the Krishna River.
Krishna River pairs with Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam spans across the Krishna River between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Key Concept

Major Rivers and Multipurpose River Projects of India
Question 40Question →

Consider the following statements regarding planetary pressure belt shifts, global climate zones, and oceanographic interactions:

1. Mediterranean climate regions (Köppen Csa/Csb) experience their primary rainfall during winter because the Subtropical High-Pressure belt shifts equatorward during the high-sun (summer) season, allowing onshore Westerlies to dominate.
2. The coastal hyper-aridity of the Atacama and Namib deserts is driven by the dynamic interaction of stable, subsiding air from subtropical anticyclones and cold ocean currents offshore.
3. In Köppen's climate classification system, the boundary between B-type (Dry) climates and humid climates relies on a temperature-precipitation threshold that incorporates seasonal distribution of rainfall, rather than a fixed annual precipitation figure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 2 and 3 only

Answer

Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
The correct answer identifies that only statements 2 and 3 are accurate. Coastal deserts like the Atacama and Namib are formed by subtropical atmospheric subsidence intensified by cold offshore currents (Peru and Benguela currents). Furthermore, Köppen's classification defines dry climate boundaries using potential evapotranspiration formulas that consider seasonal precipitation timing alongside temperature. Statement 1 incorrectly attributes Mediterranean winter rain to an equatorward shift of high pressure during summer; in reality, high pressure dominates during summer while the equatorward shift of rain-bearing Westerlies occurs in winter.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding Mediterranean climate mechanisms.
Statement 1 is incorrect. During summer (high-sun season), the Subtropical High-Pressure belt shifts poleward (northward in the Northern Hemisphere), bringing stable, dry descending air. In winter, the belt retreats equatorward, allowing rainy mid-latitude Westerlies to shift over these regions.
Seasonal migration of global pressure belts follows the apparent movement of the sun.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding coastal desert formation.
Statement 2 is correct. The Atacama (Peru Current) and Namib (Benguela Current) deserts maintain hyper-arid climates due to upper-level air subsidence in subtropical high-pressure cells combined with cool sea-surface temperatures that inhibit vertical atmospheric convection.
Cold ocean currents chill lower air layers creating strong thermal inversions that prevent precipitation.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding Köppen's Group B climate criteria.
Statement 3 is correct. Wladimir Köppen established that effectiveness of precipitation depends on potential evapotranspiration. Thus, dryness thresholds use formulas linking mean annual temperature and the percentage of rainfall falling in summer vs winter.
Summer rain evaporates more quickly than winter rain, requiring higher total rainfall to avoid a dry climate designation.

Key Concept

Atmospheric Pressure Belt Migration & Köppen Climate Classification
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