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Geography Mains (GS 1) PYQ Notes 2014-2022 – Sample

Table of Contents
SALIENT FEATURES OF WORLD PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY; IMPORTANT GEOPHYSICAL PHENOMENA
(EARTHQUAKES, TSUNAMI, VOLCANOES, CYCLONES); GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND LOCATION; ..... 1
Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. ...................... 1
Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum- Pacific Zone. ...................................................... 3
Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional
environment. ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. ............................................. 7
GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND THEIR LOCATION- CHANGES IN CRITICAL GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
(INCLUDING WATER BODIES AND ICE-CAPS) AND IN FLORA AND FAUNA AND THE EFFECTS OF SUCH
CHANGES ................................................................................................................................................. 9
How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather
patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. ...................................................................... 9
Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. ............................................................... 11

SALIENT FEATURES OF WORLD PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY; IMPORTANT

GEOPHYSICAL PHENOMENA (EARTHQUAKES, TSUNAMI, VOLCANOES,
CYCLONES); GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND LOCATION;

1 Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western 2021
Ghats.

Answer:

Himalayan Region Western Ghats

Geological The Himalayan region is marked by In the Western Ghats, the geology
Factors highly fractured, folded, and faulted varies along its length. The northern
rocks, along with weak geological part is dominated by Deccan basalt
formations like phyllites and shale, which has weathered to form a
which make it highly prone to thick layer of laterite soil that is
landslides. more prone to landslides. The
southern part is composed of hard

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crystalline rocks that are less prone

to landslides, but where slopes have
been cut or disturbed, landslides
occur.
Climate Climate change is leading to Climate change is increasing the
Change increased temperatures, causing intensity of monsoon rains in the
Impact faster glacial melt. This results in an Western Ghats. More intense
increased volume of water in rivers, rainfall in shorter periods increases
leading to soil erosion, undercutting the likelihood of landslides by
slopes, and triggering landslides. quickly saturating the soil.
Human Extensive hydropower development Quarrying and mining activities in
Activities projects in the Himalayan region the Western Ghats destabilize the
involve large-scale blasting and slopes and make them prone to
tunneling activities, which weaken landslides. Plantations, particularly
the hill slopes and increase the risk of tea and coffee, involve the clearing
landslides. of native vegetation and can
increase the risk of landslides.
Infrastructure The construction of roads and The expansion of road networks,
Development railways in the Himalayan region particularly the construction of
often involves cutting through highways in the Western Ghats,
slopes, leading to their involves significant slope cutting
destabilization and making them and hill destabilization, leading to
prone to landslides. an increased risk of landslides.
Population Increasing population and The Western Ghats, being one of
Pressure consequent demand for land in the the biodiversity hotspots, sees
Himalayan region have led to significant population pressure,
habitation in landslide-prone areas, leading to habitat destruction and
contributing to the risk. increased landslide risk.
Soil and The Himalayan region has diverse soil The Western Ghats have laterite
Vegetation types, including sandy, silty, and and red loamy soil types, which can
clayey, all of which react differently become very slippery and unstable
to water saturation. Heavy monsoon when saturated with water. The rich
rainfall combined with deforestation vegetation cover, when disturbed
can lead to soil erosion, weakening due to human activities, can lead to
the slope and leading to landslides. increased soil erosion and
landslides.
Land Use Shifting cultivation or "Jhum" In the Western Ghats, mono-culture
Practices cultivation, practised in the north- plantation crops like rubber, coffee,
eastern Himalayan region, involves and tea replace the native forests,
the clearing and burning of forests, affecting the soil structure and

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which can destabilize the hill slopes water absorption capacity, leading
and increase landslide susceptibility. to enhanced landslide risk.
Policy and Lack of strict regulation and Similar issues exist in the Western
Governance monitoring of developmental Ghats - ineffective land use policy,
activities, ineffective land use unregulated deforestation and
policies, and lack of public awareness urbanization, and lack of effective
about the risk and impact of landslide risk management
landslides contribute to increased strategies contribute to the
landslide susceptibility in the landslide problem.
Himalayan region.
Impact of The construction of numerous large Although the Western Ghats does
Dams and small dams in the Himalayan not have as many dams as the
region for hydroelectric power Himalayan region, dam-induced
generation has led to significant seismicity and reservoir-triggered
geological and ecological changes, landslides have been reported in
contributing to the landslide risk. some cases, such as the Idukki dam
in Kerala.
Socio- Poverty, lack of alternative livelihood In the Western Ghats, similar socio-
economic options, and lack of access to safer economic factors force people to
Factors housing push people to live in high- inhabit landslide-prone areas.
risk landslide-prone areas in the Additionally, tourism-related
Himalayan region. activities and the associated
infrastructure development in
ecologically sensitive areas
contribute to the landslide risk.

5 Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum- Pacific Zone. 2020

Answer:

The Circum-Pacific Zone, also known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, is an arc stretching around the
Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. Here are
some of its key geophysical characteristics:

1. Geographical Extent: It is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic

trenches, volcanic arcs, volcanic belts, and plate movements. It spans 40,000
kilometers (25,000 miles) and includes several countries, including Chile, Japan, the
Philippines, New Zealand, Canada, the U.S. (State of California), and some other
nations.

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2. Seismic Activity: About 90% of the world's earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire,
and it is home to 75% of the world's active volcanoes. It is the most seismically and
volcanically active zone in the world.

3. Tectonic Plates: The high level of geophysical activity is due to tectonic plate
boundaries, particularly subduction zones. Several major tectonic plates—including
the Pacific Plate, the Philippine Sea Plate, the Cocos and Nazca Plates, and the Juan
de Fuca and Gorda Plates—are in constant motion, leading to frequent earthquakes
and volcanic activity.

4. Volcanic Activity: Some of the world's most active volcanoes are located in this zone.
These include Mount St. Helens in the USA, Mount Fuji in Japan, and Mount Pinatubo
in the Philippines. The continuous volcanic activity has resulted in rich soils in these
regions, which supports agricultural activities.

5. Oceanic Trenches: The Pacific Ring of Fire is known for its deep oceanic trenches, such
as the Mariana Trench and the Tonga Trench, which are the two deepest points in the
world's oceans. These trenches are formed by the subduction of tectonic plates.

6. Tsunami Generation: Significant seismic activity often leads to the generation of

tsunamis. For example, the 2011 earthquake off the coast of Japan resulted in a
powerful tsunami causing widespread devastation.

7. Mineral Deposits: The Circum-Pacific Belt is noted for its rich mineral deposits.
Volcanic activities have resulted in significant deposits of minerals and precious
metals, including gold, copper, silver, etc.

8. Geothermal Energy: The high degree of volcanic activity in the Circum-Pacific Zone
creates significant geothermal energy resources. Countries like New Zealand, the
Philippines, and Iceland have harnessed this energy to produce a substantial
proportion of their electricity.

9. Island Arc Systems: The Circum-Pacific Zone features numerous island arc systems,
such as the Japanese Archipelago, the Philippines, and the Aleutian Islands in Alaska.
These island arcs are the result of tectonic plate interactions, mainly involving
subduction.

10. Mountain Building: The active plate boundaries along the Ring of Fire lead to
significant mountain-building processes. The Andes Mountains in South America and
the Cascade Mountain Range in North America, for instance, have been formed by the
ongoing subduction activity in this region.

11. Varied Ecosystems: This zone includes a variety of ecosystems, from the diverse
marine ecosystems found in the Great Barrier Reef off Australia, to the temperate
rainforests of the Pacific Northwest in the United States and Canada. These ecosystems

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are not only shaped by the geophysical characteristics of the region but also contribute
to the region's overall biodiversity.

12. Natural Hazard Mitigation: Given the high levels of seismic and volcanic activity,
nations in the Circum-Pacific Zone often have advanced warning and response systems
for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. These mitigation efforts have been
crucial in saving lives and reducing damage during natural disasters.

13. Rift Zones and Spreading Centers: In addition to subduction zones, the Circum-Pacific
Zone also contains areas of seafloor spreading and rift formation, such as the East
Pacific Rise, which runs roughly parallel to the western coastlines of North and South
America.

Conclusion

The Circum-Pacific Zone is a geophysically active area with significant seismic, volcanic, and
tectonic activity. It poses both challenges and opportunities for the nations within it, including
the threat of natural disasters, but also the potential for valuable mineral resources and
geothermal energy.

2 Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their 2021
impact on regional environment.

Answer:

Global Occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment:

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1. La Soufriere, St. Vincent and the Grenadines: In April 2021, the La Soufriere volcano
erupted for the first time in over 40 years. This eruption caused widespread
displacement of people, with about 20,000 people evacuated from their homes. The
heavy ashfall affected air quality and caused severe damage to crops and water
sources.

2. Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala: This volcano experienced a series of eruptions in 2021,

causing lava flows that led to evacuations. The eruptions also resulted in ashfall that
damaged crops and affected local airports.

3. Etna, Italy: Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, saw several eruptions in 2021,
with the most powerful eruptions resulting in large ash clouds that affected air travel
and covered local towns in ash.

4. Fagradalsfjall, Iceland: In March 2021, the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted after being
dormant for 6,000 years. While it caused little damage or disruption due to its remote
location, it became a tourist attraction.

5. Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo: The eruption of Nyiragongo in May

2021 caused significant displacement, with hundreds of thousands of people leaving
the city of Goma. The lava flows destroyed homes and infrastructure, but the city was
mostly spared.

6. Merapi, Indonesia: Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, had
several eruptions throughout 2021. These eruptions resulted in evacuations, ashfall
that impacted local agriculture and water sources, and occasional disruption of air
travel due to volcanic ash clouds.

7. Semeru, Indonesia: The Semeru volcano erupted multiple times in 2021. These
eruptions caused ashfall affecting local villages, agricultural lands, and caused
temporary disruption of local air traffic.

8. Kilauea, United States (Hawaii): Kilauea volcano, located in Hawaii, erupted in late
2020 and continued into 2021. The eruption primarily affected the summit water lake,
evaporating it and replacing it with a lava lake. The eruption did not pose a significant
risk to the population as it occurred within the boundaries of the Hawai'i Volcanoes
National Park, but it did draw in tourists and researchers alike.

9. Sangay, Ecuador: Sangay volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It
had continuous eruptions throughout 2021. While it's located in a remote region, the
ash from the eruptions often drifted to populated areas, affecting air quality and
occasionally causing closures of regional airports.

10. Nevados de Chillan, Chile: This complex of stratovolcanoes had ongoing eruptions
through 2021. The eruptions primarily affected the areas around the volcano due to

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ashfall and occasional pyroclastic flows, but significant damage or disruptions were not
reported.

The impacts of these volcanic eruptions can be significant and varied. Immediate impacts
include loss of life and property due to lava flows and pyroclastic flows. Ashfall can
contaminate water supplies, damage agricultural fields, and cause respiratory issues. The
release of volcanic gases, such as sulfur dioxide, can lead to acid rain and contribute to climate
change. On a regional scale, these eruptions can disrupt economies, displace populations, and
strain resources.

3 Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. 2021

Answer:

India is referred to as a subcontinent due to its distinct geographical, cultural, and historical
characteristics, which set it apart from the rest of the Asian continent.

Here are some reasons in detail:

1. Geographical Distinction: Geographically, India is separated from the rest of Asia by

significant physical barriers. To the north, the Himalayan Mountain range, the world's
highest, forms a natural barrier separating India from the Tibetan Plateau and China.
In the northwest, the Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges, along with the high-altitude
desert of the Ladakh region, form another natural barrier. To the east, the dense
forests and hilly terrain of Northeast India serve as a barrier with East Asia. The Indian
subcontinent also includes other countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan,
Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

2. Tectonic Activity: India's status as a subcontinent also comes from its geological
history. Around 140 million years ago, the Indian Plate began its northward journey
from the Gondwana supercontinent, travelling thousands of kilometres before
colliding with the Eurasian Plate about 50 million years ago. This collision formed the
Himalayas and elevated the Tibetan Plateau, and it's still ongoing, causing frequent
seismic activity in the region.

3. Cultural Diversity: Culturally, the Indian subcontinent is incredibly diverse. It is home

to numerous languages, religions, traditions, and cuisines, often differing greatly from
those in the rest of Asia.

4. Historical Separation: Historically, the Indian subcontinent had distinct political, social,
and economic systems, different from other parts of Asia. The empires that ruled here,
the philosophies and religions that originated (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism),

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and the unique evolution of social and economic practices underline the historical
separateness of the subcontinent.

5. Biodiversity: The Indian subcontinent boasts diverse flora and fauna, with some
species native to this region and not found anywhere else in Asia. From the one-
horned rhinoceros in the northeast to the Asiatic lions in the west, the subcontinent is
home to a unique and rich biodiversity.

6. Climate: The subcontinent's climate is predominantly monsoonal, with a hot tropical

and subtropical climate across most regions. This type of climate is distinct and largely
different from much of the rest of the Asian continent, further adding to the
justification for India's classification as a subcontinent.

7. Demographics: India is the second-most populous country in the world. This vast
population and the sheer number of ethnic communities within it, each with its own
unique traditions and languages, contribute significantly to the distinct identity of the
Indian subcontinent. The density and diversity of its population set it apart from many
other regions in the world.

8. Economy: The Indian subcontinent, led by India, has a unique economic landscape. It
ranges from an agrarian economy in rural areas to high-tech industries in urban
regions. The region has shown rapid economic growth and development over the past
few decades, contributing significantly to the global economy.

9. Political Structure: The political structure in the Indian subcontinent also adds to its
distinct identity. India, for instance, is the world's largest democracy. The political
systems and governmental structures across the subcontinent, although varied, show
different dynamics than the rest of Asia.

10. Linguistic Diversity: The Indian subcontinent is home to hundreds of languages, many
of which are indigenous to the region. The linguistic diversity is a key element that
distinguishes it from the rest of the continent.

11. River Systems: The Indian subcontinent is marked by significant river systems,
including the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra. These rivers have played a crucial role
in the region's agricultural development, cultural evolution, and historical significance.

12. Varied Landscapes: The Indian subcontinent boasts a variety of landscapes from the
Thar Desert in the west, the fertile Gangetic plains, the coastal plains along its
peninsula, to the mountainous terrain in the north. This varied topography further
accentuates its distinction from the rest of the continent.

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13. Maritime Boundaries: The Indian subcontinent is surrounded by water on three sides:
the Arabian Sea in the west, the Bay of Bengal in the east, and the Indian Ocean in the
south. This distinct geography enhances its separation from the main Asian landmass.

Hence, considering these geographical, geological, cultural, historical, and biodiversity

aspects, India is often referred to as a subcontinent within the larger Asian continent.

GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND THEIR LOCATION- CHANGES IN

CRITICAL GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES (INCLUDING WATER BODIES AND
ICE-CAPS) AND IN FLORA AND FAUNA AND THE EFFECTS OF SUCH
CHANGES

2 How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic 2021
differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth?
Explain.

Answer:

The melting of ice in the Arctic and Antarctic regions due to climate change has significant
implications for global weather patterns and human activities. These impacts, however, are
influenced by the geographical differences and unique dynamics of the two regions.

1. Arctic Melting:

• Weather Patterns: Arctic warming affects atmospheric circulation patterns,

which can influence weather in the middle latitudes. The warming Arctic is
thought to disrupt the jet stream, causing it to take more meandering paths.
This can lead to longer-lasting, more extreme weather conditions in the
Northern Hemisphere, such as intense heatwaves, prolonged cold spells, or
extended periods of rain. For example, the unusual cold snap in Texas in
February 2021 has been linked to the changes in Arctic conditions.

• Human Activities: The loss of sea ice in the Arctic opens up new shipping
routes, such as the Northern Sea Route along the Russian coast, which can
reduce travel times between Asia and Europe. However, this also brings risks
of oil spills and other environmental impacts. Melting permafrost due to Arctic
warming threatens the stability of infrastructure, including roads and buildings
in Arctic communities. For instance, in Alaska and Siberia, houses, roads, and
airports have been damaged as the ground thaws and subsides.

• Impact on Ocean Currents: The Arctic's melting sea ice is introducing large
quantities of freshwater into the North Atlantic Ocean. This influx of freshwater

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could potentially slow down or alter the Atlantic Meridional Overturning

Circulation (AMOC), a major ocean current system that transports warm water
from the tropics northward. A weakened AMOC could have serious
implications for weather patterns, leading to colder winters in Europe, changes
in tropical rain patterns, and affecting monsoons in Asia.

• Impact on Wildlife: The rapid warming and ice melt in the Arctic have severe
implications for wildlife, especially species that rely on sea ice for hunting and
breeding, such as polar bears and seals. The reduction in sea ice has led to
declining populations of these species, which in turn affects local communities
that depend on these animals for subsistence.

2. Antarctic Melting:

• Weather Patterns: Changes in Antarctic ice may affect oceanic and

atmospheric circulation, which can influence global weather patterns. Melting
ice contributes to a freshening of the Southern Ocean's surface, which may
impact the formation of deep water masses – a key driver of the global ocean
conveyor belt, a system of ocean currents that influence weather patterns
around the world.

• Human Activities: Antarctic ice melt contributes significantly to global sea-level

rise. As the vast ice sheets in West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula melt,
the water raises global sea levels, threatening coastal communities and cities
worldwide. For example, low-lying island nations like the Maldives and coastal
cities like Miami, Florida, are at increased risk of flooding due to rising sea
levels.

• Impact on Ocean Acidification: The Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica

absorbs a significant amount of the world's carbon dioxide (CO2), a process
that results in ocean acidification. With the melting of Antarctic ice, the
composition of the Southern Ocean could be altered, exacerbating
acidification. This poses a significant threat to marine life, particularly species
with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, which can be dissolved by more
acidic waters. This includes many types of plankton, a key base of marine food
chains, and creatures like shellfish.

• Impact on Global Temperature: Antarctica's ice sheets have a high albedo,

meaning they reflect a lot of sunlight back into space, helping regulate the
Earth's temperature. As these ice sheets melt and shrink, less sunlight gets
reflected, and more is absorbed by the ocean, leading to further warming.

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• Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) Disruption: The melting of Antarctica's ice

shelves disrupts the production of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW), a cold,
dense water mass that sinks to the ocean floor and drives global ocean
circulation. This can impact nutrient availability and global carbon cycling, with
potential knock-on effects on weather patterns and marine life.

• Threat to Historic Sites and Scientific Research: The melting of ice in Antarctica
threatens historic sites (like explorer huts) and disrupts scientific research,
which often relies on stable ice conditions.

Conclusion

While the melting of ice in both Arctic and Antarctic regions has wide-reaching global impacts,
the unique environmental and geographical conditions in each area result in different effects
on weather patterns and human activities. These changes underscore the critical importance
of mitigating climate change and conserving our polar environments.

4 Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. 2022

Answer:

Primary rocks, also known as igneous rocks, are formed from the cooling and solidification
of magma or lava. These rocks are primarily classified into two types based on where the
magma or lava cools and solidifies: intrusive and extrusive.

Here are the characteristics and types of primary (igneous) rocks:

1. Intrusive Igneous Rocks (Plutonic Rocks): These are formed when magma cools and
solidifies beneath the Earth's surface. The cooling process is slow, allowing large
crystals to form.

Examples and characteristics of intrusive igneous rocks include:

• Granite: Granite is a coarse-grained rock composed mainly of quartz and

feldspar, along with smaller amounts of mica and other minerals. It's widely
used for construction due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Granite
formations can be seen in Yosemite National Park in the USA.

• Diorite: Diorite has a composition between granite and basalt and is commonly
grey to dark-grey in color. It's often used as a base material in the construction
of roads and buildings.

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• Gabbro: Gabbro is a dark-colored, coarse-grained rock that forms when molten

magma is trapped beneath the Earth's surface and cools into a crystalline mass.
It is often used as crushed stone for road surface construction.

2. Extrusive Igneous Rocks (Volcanic Rocks): These rocks are formed when lava cools and
solidifies on the Earth's surface. The cooling process is rapid, and as a result, these
rocks have small crystals or may even be glassy in appearance.

Examples and characteristics of extrusive igneous rocks include:

• Basalt: Basalt is the most common extrusive igneous rock and forms from the
rapid cooling of lava. It is often used in construction, such as in paving stones.
The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland is a famous example of basalt
formations.

• Andesite: Andesite is a fine-grained rock that is named after the Andes

Mountains where it is often found. It is typically grey in color and used in
construction and as a component of concrete.

• Rhyolite: Rhyolite is an extrusive rock with a composition similar to granite but

has much smaller crystals due to faster cooling. It is often light-colored and can
display a wide variety of textures due to the different cooling rates of lava.

• Obsidian: Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that forms when felsic
lava cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth. It's often used for ornamental
purposes and was used to make tools and weapons in the Stone Age due to its
sharpness.

Some more points about igneous rocks:

1. Variation in Texture: Igneous rocks can have a wide variety of textures, which provides
insight into how quickly the lava or magma that formed the rock cooled.

Examples: Porphyritic rocks have a mixed texture of large and small crystals, indicating
different rates of cooling. Aphanitic rocks have such fine grains that they are not visible
to the naked eye, typically indicating very rapid cooling.

2. Specific Mineral Compositions: The mineral compositions of igneous rocks can tell us
about the characteristics of the magma from which they formed.

Examples: Felsic rocks, like granite and rhyolite, are rich in silica and are typically light
in color. Mafic rocks, like basalt and gabbro, contain higher proportions of iron and
magnesium, and they are typically darker in color.

3. Unique Formations: The way magma or lava cools can create unique structures and
formations in igneous rocks.

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Examples: Columnar joints, as seen in the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and
Devil's Tower in Wyoming, USA, are columns of geometrically shaped rock that form
as basaltic lava cools.

4. Economic Importance: Many igneous rocks have economic value as building materials,
in the extraction of minerals and metals, or as sources of precious stones.

Examples: Kimberlite, a type of igneous rock, is particularly sought after because it

often contains diamonds. Pegmatite, a coarse-grained granite, is mined for its high
concentrations of valuable minerals like tin, tungsten, and uranium, as well as
gemstones like tourmaline and topaz.

5. Influence on Soil and Landscapes: The weathering of igneous rocks contributes to soil
formation, and their resistance to erosion can shape the landscape.

Examples: The basaltic soils of the Deccan Plateau in India are very fertile and support
agriculture. The dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Yosemite National
Park were formed by the erosion of granite.

Conclusion

Igneous rocks' wide range of physical characteristics and formation processes lead to a rich
variety of forms and types. These rocks, formed directly from the cooling of magma or lava,
offer a unique insight into the processes happening within the earth and significantly
contribute to the planet's structure and biodiversity. They are integral not only in shaping the
world's landscapes but also in driving its economies through their various industrial uses.

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