Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Geography (09 August 2023)

Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Subject : Geography

1. Consider the following statements regarding Karst topography:

1. Karst topography is commonly associated with carbonate rocks.
2. They do not occur in alpine and polar environments.
3. Karst systems are rarely vulnerable to ground water pollution as it acts as natural water filtration system.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • The term karst describes a distinctive topography that indicates dissolution (also called chemical solution) of underlying soluble rocks by surface water or ground water. Although commonly associated with carbonate rocks (limestone and dolomite) other highly soluble rocks such as evaporates (gypsum and rock salt) can be sculpted into karst terrain. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Understanding caves and karst is important because ten percent of the Earth’s surface is occupied by karst landscape and as much as a quarter of the world’s population depends upon water supplied from karst areas. Though most abundant in humid regions where carbonate rock is present, karst terrain occurs in temperate, tropical, alpine and polar environments. Karst features range in scale from microscopic (chemical precipitates) to entire drainage systems and ecosystems which cover hundreds of square miles, and broad karst plateaus. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • Although karst processes sculpt beautiful landscapes, karst systems are very vulnerable to ground water pollution due to the relatively rapid rate of water flow and the lack of a natural filtration system. This puts local drinking water supplies at risk of being contaminated. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

2. The energy emanating from within the earth is the main force behind endogenic geomorphic processes. This energy is mostly generated by:

1. Radioactivity inside the earth
2. Tidal friction
3. Primordial heat from the origin of the earth

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The energy emanating from within the earth is the main force behind endogenic geomorphic processes. This energy is mostly generated by radioactivity, rotational and tidal friction and primordial heat from the origin of the earth. Hence, all are correct.

3. Which one of the following factors is responsible for the change in the regular direction of the ocean currents in the Indian Ocean?

(a) Indian ocean has greater variation in salinity
(b) Indian ocean has monsoon drift
(c) Indian ocean is a land-locked ocean
(d) Indian ocean is generally warmer

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Normally, ocean currents are under the greater influence of prevailing winds. Indian Ocean currents are largely under the influence of monsoon – A seasonal reversal of winds. Hence, option (b) is correct.

4. Consider the following statements:

1. The number of cyclones in the Arabian Sea before and after the monsoon has increased over the years and is attributed to climate change.
2. The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea generates half of the world’s cyclones.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • The IPCC report shows that the number of cyclones in the Arabian Sea before and after the monsoon has increased over the years and is attributed to climate change. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea generate only 7 per cent of the world’s cyclones. However, their impact are huge as some of the most densely populated regions of the world, including some mega-cities, are susceptible. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

5. Equator passes through which of the following countries?

1. Indonesia
2. Maldives
3. Somalia
4. Brazil
5. Ecuador

How many of the above options are correct?

(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The equator passes through 13 countries: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Sao Tome & Principe, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Maldives, Indonesia and Kiribati. Hence, all are correct.