UPPCS Prelims 2017 Important Questions on Geography

Q1. Which of the following is/are contributions of Himalayas?

1. Climate divide
2. Physical barrier
3. Cultural Divide
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. 1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: Himalayas stand almost like a strong and long wall between the Indian
subcontinent and the Central and East Asian countries. Himalayas are not only the physical
barrier, they are also a climatic, drainage and cultural divide.

Q2. Which of the following latitudes passes through India?

(a) Equator
(b) Arctic Circle
(c) Tropic of Capricorn
(d) Tropic of Cancer
Answer (d)

Q3. Consider the following statements

1. Cold desert lies between Greater Himalayas and Karakoram Range.
2. Kashmir valley lies between Greater Himalayas and Pirpanjal Range.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. Both 1 and 2
2. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: c
Explanation: The north-eastern part of the Kashmir Himalayas is a cold desert, which lies
between the Greater Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges. Between the Great Himalayas and
the Pir Panjal range, lies the world famous valley of Kashmir and the famous Dal Lake.

Q4. Which of the following is/are true about Kashmir Himalayas?

1. Kashmir Himalayas is famous for Karewas.
2. Kashmir Himalayas consists of Karakoram range, Ladakh range, Zaskar range and
Pirpanjal range.
3. Charar-e-Sharif, a famous place of pilgrimage is also located here.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. 1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: Kashmir or Northwestern Himalayas comprise a series of ranges such as the
Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar and Pir Panjal. Some famous places of pilgrimage such as Vaishno
Devi, Amarnath Cave, Charar -e-Sharif, etc. are also located here. The Kashmir Himalayas are
also famous for Karewa formations, which are useful for the cultivation of Zafran, a local variety
of saffron.
Q5. In which one of the following Islands of India is an active volcano found?
(a) Car Nicobar Island
(b) Nancowry Island
(c) Barren Island
(d) Maya Bunder Island
Answer (c)

Q6. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?

PASS RANGE
1. Zoji la Greater Himalayas
2. Banihal la Pir Panjal
3. Photu la Ladakh Range
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. Only 1 and 2
Answer: b
Explanation: Important passes of the region are Zoji La on the Great Himalayas, Banihal on the
Pir Panjal, Photu La on the Zaskar and Khardung La on the Ladakh range.

Q7. Which of the following fresh water lakes are located in Kashmir himalayas?
1. Dal lake
2.Wular Lake
3. Pangong Tso

Select the correct answer from the following codes

Only 1 and 2
Answer: b
Explanation: Some of the important fresh lakes such as Dal and Wular and salt water lakes such
as Pangong tso and tso Moriri are also in this region.

Q8. Karewas are

1. Longitudinal valleys useful for Zaffron cultivation
2. Thick deposits of glacial clay useful for Zaffron cultivation
3. Geosynclinal depression useful for Zaffron cultivation
4. Fluvial landform useful for Zaffron cultivation
Answer: b
Explanation: Karewas are the thick deposits of glacial clay and other materials embedded with
moraines.
 Q9. Which of the following is/are feature of Himachal and Uttaranchal Himalayas?
1. Dun formations
2. Region is known for 5 famous Prayags.
3. All three ranges of Himalayas are prominent in this section
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: The two distinguishing features of this region from the point of view of
physiography are the Shiwalik and Dun formations. Region consists of longitudinal valleys
known as duns. All the three ranges of Himalayas are prominent in this section also. These are
the Great Himalayan range, the Lesser Himalayas (which is locally known as Dhaoladhar in
Himachal Pradesh and Nagtibha in Uttaranchal) and the Shiwalik range from the North to the
South.

10. India is the seventh largest country in the world and it covers a total area of approximately:
(a) 2700000 sq. km
(b) 3000000 sq. km
(c) 3200000 sq. km
(d) 3600000 sq. km
Answer (c)

Q11. Consider the following statements

1. Bugyals are nomadic groups of Greter Himalayas.
2. Siachen Glacier is located in Ladakh range.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: d
Explanation: In the Great Himalayan range, the valleys are mostly inhabited by the Bhotias.
These are nomadic groups who migrate to Bugyals (the summer glasslands in the higher
reaches) during summer months and return to the valleys during winters. Siachen Glacier is
located in Karakoram range.

Q12. Which of the following physical/ climatic factors favoured tea plantation in Darjeeling?
1. Moderate slope
2. Thick soli cover with high organic content
3. Mild winters
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: The British, taking advantage of the physical conditions of Darjeeling Himalayas
such as moderate slope, thick soil cover with high organic content, well distributed rainfall
throughout the year and mild winters, introduced tea plantations in this region.
Q13. Which of the following is/are true about Shiwaliks formation?
1. It is formation of mountain.
2. They are part of Himalayan arc still being uplifted due to ramming of Indian plate.
3. They have considerable height and are great for growing crops like tea and coffee.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. Only 1 and 2
Answer: b
Explanation: The Sivalik Hills is a mountain range of the outer Himalayas also known as Manak
Parbat in ancient times. Shivalik literally means tresses of Shiva. This range is about 2,400 km
(1,500 mi) long enclosing an area that starts almost from the Indus and ends close to the
Brahmaputra, with a gap of about 90 kilometres (56 mi) between the Teesta and Raidak rivers
in Assam. The width of the Sivalik Hills varies from 10 to 50 km (6.2 to 31.1 mi), their average
elevation is 1,500 to 2,000 m (4,900 to 6,600 ft).

Q14. Among the following Union Territories of India, which one has the largest size?
(a) Pondicherry
(b) Lakshadweep
(c) Daman and Diu
(d) Chandigarh
Answer (a)

Q15. Which of the following factors indicate the regional variations in climate of India?
1. Pattern of winds
2. Rhythm of seasons
3. Temperature
Select the correct answer from the following codes
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: The climate of India has many regional variations expressed in the pattern of
winds, temperature and rainfall, rhythm of seasons and the degree of wetness or dryness. These
regional diversities may be described as sub-types of monsoon climate.

Q16. Which one of the following longitudes determines the Indian standard time?
(a) 85.5 E
(b) 86.5E
(c) 84.5 E
(d) 82.5E
Answer (d)
Q17. High diurnal range of temperature is observed in which of the following regions?
1. Thar Desert
2. Tawang
3. Andaman Islands
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. Only 1 and 2

Answer: 2
Explanation: In Kerala and in the Andaman Islands, the difference between day and night
temperatures may be hardly seven or eight degree Celsius. But in the Thar Desert, if the day
temperature is around 50C, at night, it may drop down considerably upto 15-20C. Tawang
(Arunachal Pradesh) does not have extreme diurnal temperature.

Q18. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?

Tura Khasi hills
Mawsynram Garo hills
Drass Jammu Kashmir
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 3
Answer: a
Explanation: While Cherrapunji and Mawsynram in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya receive rainfall
over 1,080 cm in a year. Tura situated in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya may receive an amount of
rainfall in a single day which is equal to 10 years of rainfall at Jaisalmer, Drass (Jammu and
Kashmir) experience very cold temperature in India.

Q19.Consider the following statements

North India completely lies in subtropical zone while southern part lies in tropical zone.

Area North of Tropic of cancer experiences small daily and annual range of temperature
compared to tropic of cancer.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: d
Explanation: The Tropic of Cancer passes through the central part of India in east-west
direction. Thus, northern part of the India lies in sub-tropical and temperate zone and the part
lying south of the Tropic of Cancer falls in the tropical zone. The tropical zone being nearer to
the equator, experiences high temperatures throughout the year with small daily and annual
range. Area north of the Tropic of Cancer being away from the equator, experiences extreme
climate with high daily and annual range of temperature.
Q20. Which of the following is the correct chronological order of the formation of the following
states in India?
1. Sikkim
2. Mizoram
3. Goa
4. Arunachal Pradesh
(a) 3, 1, 2, 4
(b) 1, 2, 3, 4
(c) 1, 2, 4, 3
(d) 1, 4, 2, 3
Answer(c)

Q21. Consider the following statements

1. Himalayas shield India from cold winds originating from Antarctic Circle and also trap
monsoon winds.
2. Areas located on same latitude always have same temperature.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: d
Explanation: The lofty Himalayas in the north along with its extensions act as an effective
climatic divide. The towering mountain chain provides an invincible shield to protect the
subcontinent from the cold northern winds. These cold and chilly winds originate near the Arctic
Circle and blow across central and eastern Asia. The Himalayas also trap the monsoon winds,
forcing them to shed their moisture within the subcontinent.

Q22. Which of the following factors is/are influenced by relief of India?

1. Amount of rainfall but not distribution of rainfall.
2. Air pressure
3. Speed of wind
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: c
Explanation: The physiography or relief of India also affects the temperature, air pressure,
direction and speed of wind and the amount and distribution of rainfall. The windward sides of
Western Ghats and Assam receive high rainfall during June-September whereas the southern
plateau remains dry due to its leeward situation along the Western Ghats.
Q23. Which of the following factors cause difference in local climate of India?
1. Jet Streams
2. Western Disturbances
3. Tropical depressions
Select the correct answer from the following codes
d.1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: The differences in local climates of India, is influenced by following three factors:
(i) Distribution of air pressure and winds on the surface of the earth. (ii) Upper air circulation
caused by factors controlling global weather and the inflow of different air masses and jet
streams. (iii) Inflow of western cyclones generally known as disturbances during the winter
season and tropical depressions during the south-west monsoon period into India, creating
weather conditions favourable to rainfall.

Q24. Which of the following has below mentioned features?

1. It influences Central and west Asia along 9-13 km altitude.
2. One part of it has important influence on winter weather.
3. It blows roughly parallel to Tibetian highlands
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Western Disturbances
b.Jet Stream
c.Tropical Depression
d.Loo winds
Answer: b
Explanation: All of Western and Central Asia remains under the influence of westerly winds
along the altitude of 9-13 km from west to east. These winds blow across the Asian continent at
latitudes north of the Himalayas roughly parallel to the Tibetan highlands. These are known as
jet streams. Tibetan highlands act as a barrier in the path of these jet streams. As a result, jet
streams get bifurcated One of its branches blows to the north of the Tibetan highlands, while
the southern branch blows in an eastward direction, south of the Himalayas. It is believed that
this southern branch of the jet stream exercises an important influence on the winter weather in
India.

Q25. Consider the following statements

1. Increase in night temperature indicates the arrival of western cyclonic disturbances.
2. Tropical cyclones that originate in Indian Ocean are brought to Bay of Bengal by
westerly Jet stream.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. Only 1
Answer: a
Explanation: The western cyclonic disturbances which enter the Indian subcontinent from the
west and the northwest during the winter months originate over the Mediterranean Sea and are
brought into India by the westerly jet stream. An increase in the prevailing night temperature
generally indicates an advance in the arrival of western cyclonic disturbances. Tropical cyclones
originate over the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Q26. Consider the following statements
1. ITCZ is zone of divergence located at equator which moves Northwards during
summer.
2. ITCZ movement to the Indian Subcontinent in summer causes withdrawal of westerly
jet stream.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: b
Explanation: The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low pressure zone located at the
equator where trade winds converge, and so, it is a zone where air tends to ascend. In July, the
ITCZ is located around 20N-25N latitudes (over the Gangetic plain), sometimes called the
monsoon trough. Meteorologists have found an interrelationship between the northward shift
of the equatorial trough (ITCZ) and the withdrawal of the westerly jet stream from over the
North Indian Plain. It is generally believed that there is a cause and effect relationship between
the two.

Q27. Consider the following statements regarding minerals found in earth crust.
1.The basic source of all minerals is the hot magma in the interior of the earth.
2.Minerals are always found in earth crust in combination with 2 or more elements.
Choose correct statements from the following codes
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: a
Explanation: Sometimes single element minerals like sulphur, copper, silver, gold, graphite are
found.

Q28. Which of the following is/are properties of quartz?

1.It consists of silica
2.Insoluble in water.
3.used in radio and radar
Choose correct statements from the following codes
1. Only 1
2. Only 1 and 2
3. Only 2 and 3
4. 1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: It is one of the most important components of sand and granite. It consists of
silica. It is a hard mineral virtually insoluble in water. It is white or colourless and used in radio
and radar. It is one of the most important components of granite.
Q29. Consider the following statements
1.Half of the earths crust is composed of feldspar.
2.Pyroxene forms 10 per cent of the earths crust. It is commonly found in meteorites.
3.Mica is used in electrical instruments
Choose correct statements from the following codes
1. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: Mica forms 4 per cent of the earths crust. It is commonly found in igneous and
metamorphic rocks.

Q30. Which of the following is/are true about igneous rocks?

1. Igneous rocks are classified based on texture.
2. The few examples of igneous rocks are Granite, quartzite and basalt.
3. Igneous rocks are formed by Intermediate conditions of cooling of molten magma.
Choose correct statements from the following codes
1. Only 1 and 3
Answer: b
Explanation: If molten material is cooled slowly at great depths, mineral grains may be very
large. Sudden cooling (at the surface) results in small and smooth grains. Intermediate
conditions of cooling would result in intermediate sizes of grains making up igneous rocks.
Quartzite is metamorphic rock.

Q31. Consider the following statements regarding sedimentary rocks

1. In many sedimentary rocks, the layers of deposits retain their characteristics even
after lithification.
2. Lithification is the process by which deposits through compaction turn into rocks.
Choose correct statements from the following codes
1. Both 1 and 2
Answer: c
Explanation: In many sedimentary rocks, the layers of deposits retain their characteristics even
after lithification. Hence, we see a number of layers of varying thickness in sedimentary rocks
like sandstone, shale etc.
Q32. With reference to metamorphism, which of the following is/are true?
1. Metamorphism occurs when rocks are forced down to lower levels by tectonic
processes
2. When molten magma rising through the crust comes in contact with the crustal rocks
3. When the underlying rocks are subjected to great amounts of pressure by overlying
rocks.
Choose correct statements from the following codes
1. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: Metamorphism is a process by which already consolidated rocks undergo
recrystallisation and reorganisation of materials within original rocks.
Q33. Consider the following statements and identify wrong statements
1. Metamorphism also occurs without original minerals within rocks undergo chemical
changes.
2. Metamorphic rocks are not stratified.
3. Dark and light shades can be seen in metamorphic rocks
4. The crustal once formed may be carried down into the mantle (interior of the earth)
Answer: b
Explanation: Sometimes minerals or materials of different groups are arranged into alternating
thin to thick layers appearing in light and dark shades. Such a structure in metamorphic rocks is
called banding and rocks displaying banding are called banded rocks.

Q34. Consider the following statements

1. Mica is commonly found in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
2. Olivine often found in basaltic rocks is used in jewellery.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
Answer: b
Explanation: Mica forms 4 per cent of the earths crust. It is commonly found in igneous and
metamorphic rocks. Olivine is used in jewellery. It is usually a greenish crystal, often found in
basaltic rocks.

Q35. Which of the following is/are organically formed sedimentary rocks?

1. chalk
2. limestone
3. shale
Select the correct answer from the following codes
a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
Answer: b
Explanation: sedimentary rocks are classified into three major groups: mechanically formed
sandstone, conglomerate, limestone, shale, loess; organically formed geyserites, chalk,
limestone, and coal; chemically formed chert, limestone, halite, potash.

Q36. Consider the properties of sedimentary rocks

1. It is formed from sediment accumulated over long periods.
2. It is stratified
3. It is non crystalline and often contain fossils.
Select the correct answer from following codes
1. 1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation : Sedimentary rocks are formed from sediment accumulated over long periods,
usually under water.
Q37. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched
Rocks metamorphosed
1. Clay slate
2. Sandstone schist
3. Limestone marble
Select the correct answer using following codes
1. Only 3
2. Only 1 and 3
3. Only 2 and 3
4. 1,2 and 3
Answer: b
Explanation: All rocks may become metamorphosed rocks under great heat and pressure. Clay-
slate, limestone- marble, sandstone- quartzite, granite- gneiss, shale- schist, coal- graphite.

Q.38. Which of the following forces shape the face of earth?

1. Sun
2. Running water
3. Frost
Select the correct answer using following codes
1. Only 2
2. Only 1 and 2
3. Only 1 and 3
4. 1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: The face of the earth is constantly reshaped by agents of denudation- running
water, rain, frost, sun, wind, glaciers and waves.

Q39. Fold mountains are formed by which of the following?

1. Flow movements in mantle
2. Expansion or contraction of some part of earth
3. Increased load of overlying rocks
Select the correct answer using following codes
1. Only 2
2. Only 1 and 2
3. Only 2 and 3
4. 1,2 and 3
Answer: d
Explanation: Fold Mountains are caused by large scale earth movements, when stresses are set
up in earth crust. Stresses may be due to increased load of overlying rocks, flow movements in
mantle, magmatic intrusions into the crust, expansion or contraction of some part of earth.
Q40. Which of the following statements are true about Fold Mountains?
1. They are not closely associated with volcanic activity.
2. They contain rich minerals such as tin, copper, gold.
Select the correct answer using following codes
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
Answer: b
Explanation : They are closely associated with volcanic activity. They contain many active
volcanoes especially in the circum pacific fold mountain system. They also contain rich mineral
resources such as tin, copper, gold and petroleum.

Q41. Which one of the following is not agent of erosion?

1. Rain and Running water
2. ice
3. winds
4. none
Answer: d
Explanation : Running water, ice, rain, and winds are agents of erosion and weathering.

Q.42. Consider the following statements

1. Rocks formed by either volcanic activity or plutonic activity are called igneous rocks.
2. Sedimentary accumulations on a larger scale are of various types like laccoliths,
lopoliths, phacoliths and batholiths.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
Only 1
Only 2
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: a
Explanation : Igneous intrusions on larger scale are the various types laccoliths, lopoliths,
phacoliths and batholihs. Laccolith- dome shaped igneous mound, lopolith- saucer shaped
igneous intrusion, phacolith- lens shaped igneous rocks, batholiths- huge mass of igneous rocks
usually granite.

Q.43. Consider the following statements regarding lavas of volcanoes

1. Basic lavas are dark coloured and poor in silica.
2. Acid lavas are light coloured and have high percentage of silica.
Select the correct answer from the following codes
1. Both 1 and 2
Answer: c
Explanation: Basic lavas are hottest lavas, highly fluid and affect extensive areas, dark coloured
like basalt, rich in iron and magnesium but poor in silica. Acid lavas are highly viscous, light
coloured and low density, have high percentage silica, flow slowly, result in loud explosions.
Q.44. Consider the statements regarding distribution of volcanoes.
1. Locations of volcanoes are closely related to regions that have been intensely folded
or faulted.
2. They occur along coastal mountain ranges, midst of oceans
3. They also occur in interiors of continent.
Select the correct answer from following codes
1. 1,2 and 3
Answer.d
Explanation: Volcanoes occur in intensely folded or faulted region. They occur along coastal
mountain ranges as off-shore islands and in midst of oceans, but there are few in interiors of
continents. Greatest concentration occurs in circum-pacific region, popularly termed pacific ring
of fire which includes worlds 2/3rd volcanoes.

Q.45. Consider the following statements

1. Volcanoes occur in intensely folded and faulted region.
2. The Himalayas have, surprisingly, no active volcanoes at all.
Select the wrong statements
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: c
Explanation: Even though Himalayas is young fold mountain. It is has no active volcano at all.

Q.46. Which State has the largest coastline in India?

(a) Gujarat
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Karnataka
(d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer (a)
Q.47. The States which have common borders with China are:
1. Jammu and Kashmir
2. Sikkim
3. Arunachal Pradesh
4. Himachal Pradesh
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer (d)
Q.48. Consider the following statements
1. The continental shelves of Lakshadweep are originated due to coral reefs.
2. The continental shelves of western coast are due to faulting and submergence.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2
Answer (c)

Q.49. Which state amongst the following has the highest percentage of the Scheduled Caste
population
of States population?
(a) Jharkhand
(b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Punjab
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer (a)

Q.50. What is the correct order of occurrence of the following places as one move from east to
west?
(1) Murshidabad
(2) Gorakhpur
(3) Bhopal
(4) Bhavnagar
(a) 2-4-3-1
(b) 1-3-4-2
(c) 1-2-3-4
(d) 4-3-2-1
Answer (c)