Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Geography (12 July 2023)

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

Subject : Geography

1. Consider the following characteristics of the soil type:

1. These soils consist of various proportions of sand, silt and clay.
2. These soils can be further classified on the basis of their age.
3. These soils contain adequate proportions of potash, phosphoric acid and lime.

The above statements refer to which type of soil?

(a) Black Soil
(b) Laterite Soil
(c) Red Soil
(d) Alluvial Soil

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Alluvial soils are formed mainly due to silt deposited by Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra rivers. In coastal regions some alluvial deposits are formed due to wave action. Most of the soil is Sandy and clayey soils are not uncommon. Porosity and texture provide good drainage and other conditions favorable for agriculture. The proportion of Potash, phosphoric acid and alkalies are adequate. The proportion of iron oxide and lime vary within a wide range. According to their age alluvial soils can be classified as old alluvial (Bangar) and new alluvial (Khadar). The bangar soil has a higher concentration of kanker nodules than the Khadar. It has more fine particles and is more fertile than the bangar. Hence, option (d) is correct.

2. Consider the following statements:

1. During the day time the intensity of tides is always uniform along the coastline.
2. The position of both the sun and the moon in relation to the earth has direct bearing on tide height.
3. Neap tides occur when the sun, the moon and the earth are in a straight line.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The shape of bays and estuaries along a coastline can also magnify the intensity of tides. The position of both the sun and the moon in relation to the earth has direct bearing on tide height. When the sun, the moon and the earth are in a straight line, the height of the tide will be higher. These are called spring tides and they occur twice a month, one on full moon period and another during new moon period. Normally, there is a seven-day interval between the spring tides and neap tides. At this time the sun and moon are at right angles to each other and the forces of the sun and moon tend to counteract one another. Hence, only statement 2 is correct.

3. Which of the following rivers originate from Mount Kailash?

1. Indus
2. Brahmaputra
3. Karnali
4. Sutlej

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) All of the above

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Mount Kailash is situated in the western Tibetan plateau of the northernmost region of the Himalayas. Four rivers originate from Mount Kailash: the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Karnali and the Sutlej. Hence, option (d) is correct.

4. The California Ocean current, which flows along the west coast of North America, is a:

(a) Cold current, flowing north
(b) Warm current, flowing south
(c) Cold current, flowing south
(d) Warm current, flowing north

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The California Current is a Pacific Ocean current that moves southward along the western coast of North America, beginning off southern British Columbia and ending off southern Baja California Peninsula. It is considered an Eastern boundary current due to the influence of the North American coastline on its course. It is also one of five major coastal currents affiliated with strong upwelling zones, the others being the Humboldt Current, the Canary Current, the Benguela Current, and the Somali Current. The California Current is part of the North Pacific Gyre, a large swirling current that occupies the northern basin of the Pacific. Hence, option (c) is correct.

5. Consider the following statements regarding Polar vortex:

1. The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth’s North and South poles.
2. The polar vortex spins in the troposphere.
3. During winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the polar vortex will become less stable, sending cold Arctic air southward over the United States.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

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

Answer: (A)

Explanation:

  • The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth’s North and South poles. The term vortex refers to the counter-clockwise flow of air that helps keep the colder air close to the poles. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The polar vortex spins in the stratosphere, a layer of the atmosphere 10-48 km above the ground and above the troposphere, where most familiar weather patterns develop. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • Often during winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the polar vortex will become less stable and expand, sending cold Arctic air southward over the United States. Hence, statement 3 is correct.