Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Geography (13 December 2023)

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

Subject : Geography (13 December 2023)

1. Consider the following statements:

1. Due to abundance of silica in the lava, it spreads far and wide.
2. Stromboli in Italy and Puy de Dôme in France are examples of basic lava cones.

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: (D)

Explanation: The amount of silica in lithic lava is less and it is more fluid and thinner than acid lava. Therefore it spreads far and wide and forms a cone of low height and gentle slope. The Maunaloa cone of Hawaii Island is a good example of this. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Acid lava cones are formed from acid lava. The amount of silica in this lava is high, hence it is quite thick and sticky. In this way, immediately after coming out of the volcano, it freezes around its mouth and forms a dome with a steep slope. Stromboli in Italy and Puy de Dôme in France are good examples of it. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.


2. Consider the following pairs:

1. Folding Endogenetic process
2. Weathering Exogenetic process
3. Volcanic eruptionExogenetic process

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Folding refers to the bending or deformation of rock layers due to endogenetic forces, such as tectonic plate movements and compression. It is an example of an endogenetic movement. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
Weathering is the breakdown and decomposition of rocks at or near the Earth's surface due to exposure to various weathering agents like water, temperature changes and chemical reactions. Weathering is an example of an exogenetic process. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched. Volcanic eruption involves the discharge of molten rock, ash and gases onto the Earth's surface through volcanic vents or fissures. It is caused by endogenetic processes associated with volcanic activity, making it an example of an endogenetic movement. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.


3. Consider the following statements:

1. The regions where seismic waves get recorded are called seismic shadow zones.
2. The shadow region of 'P' waves is wider than that of 'S' waves.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: (D)

Explanation: Seismic waves coming from distant places are recorded on the seismograph. Although, there are some areas where no seismic wave is recorded. Such an area is called the seismic shadow zone. The study of various seismic events shows that the shadow zone of one earthquake is completely different from the shadow zone of another earthquake. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Beyond 105º the 'S' waves do not reach the entire region. The shadow region of 'S' waves is wider than that of 'P' waves. From 105º to 145º of the earthquake epicentre, the shadow region of 'P' waves appears as a band around the earth. The shadow region of 'S' waves is not only large in extent, but it covers more than 40 percent of the Earth's surface. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.


4. Which of the following rivers meet directly to the river Indus?

1. Zaskar
2. Beas
3. Gumal
4. Shyok

How many of the above are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All Four

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Indus River is a trans-boundary river in Asia. It originates in the Tibetan Plateau and flows through India and Pakistan. Several tributaries such as the Zaskar, , the Shyok and the Gumal, etc. join it directly. The Satluj, the Beas, the Ravi, the Chenab and the Jhelum join together to enter the Indus near Mithankot in Pakistan. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.


5. With reference to active volcano, consider the following statements:

1. Stromboli of the island of Sicily is called the light tower of the Mediterranean Sea.
2. The world's highest active volcano is Cotopaxi.
3. Mauna Loa, located in the south-central part of Hawaii Island, is an example of an active volcano.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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


Answer: (C)

Explanation: Active volcanoes are those volcanoes from which dust, smoke, vapor, gases, ash, rock fragments, lava, etc. always keep coming out of their mouth. There are explosions and eruptions from time to time. The Stromboli volcano on the island of Sicily erupts every 15 minutes and is called the lighthouse of the Mediterranean Sea. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
St. Helena in the United States and Pinatbo in the Philippines are other examples of active volcanoes. The world's highest active volcano is Cotopaxi. It is located in the south of Ecuador and is known as the Shining Peak. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano in the world. It is located in the south-central part of the Hawaiian Islands. It is the quintessential shield volcano of its size. Hence statement 3 is correct.