Geology IFS Paper 1 UPSC 2020 with Solutions

Geology Optional Paper 1 UPSC 2020 - Question Paper with Solutions 

Click on the links for the solutions

SECTION-A

1. Write explanatory notes on the following within 150 words each:

Geology 1a Island arc and Volcanic arc. (IFS 2020/8 Marks)

Geology 1b What are the geomorphic criteria used in mineral prospecting? (IFS 2020/8 Marks)

Geology 1c Sensors used in IRS series satellites and their characteristics. (IFS 2020/8 Marks)

Geology 1d Different kinds of unconformities. (IFS 2020/8 Marks)

Geology 1e Genetic classification of faults based on relative movement. (IFS 2020/8 Marks)

Geology 2a Briefly describe the interior of the earth based on compositional layering and seismic discontinuities. Illustrate your answer with neat labelled sketch. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)

Geology 2b Explain the major drainage patterns and their controlling factors. (IFS 2020/10 Marks)

Geology 2c Discuss how the depth of a fold can be calculated. Enlist the assumptions in the calculation. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)

Geology 3a What are seismic waves? Give a detailed account on different types of seismic waves. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)

Geology 3b Describe the different types of aerial photographs. Comment on the utility of these in geological studies. Illustrate your answer with neat labelled sketches. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)

Geology 3c What are the various evidences of strain recorded in deformed rocks? How is the amount of deformation calculated? (IFS 2020/10 Marks)

Geology 4a What is a volcano? Briefly describe elevated and depressed volcanic landforms (three each). (IFS 2020/10 Marks)

Geology 4b Discuss the applications of remote sensing in Geology. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)

Geology 4c Elucidate the relation between cleavage and schistosity to major structures. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)

SECTION-B

5. Write on the following within 150 words each:

Geology 5a Evolution of suture in Ammonoidea. (IFS 2020/8 Marks)

Geology 5b Lithostratigraphic classification and description of rank terms. (IFS 2020/8 Marks)

Geology 5c Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary problem. (IFS 2020/8 Marks)

Geology 5d Various aspects of earthquake resistant structures. (IFS 2020/8 Marks)

Geology 5e Importance of groundwater chemistry. (IFS 2020/8 Marks)

Geology 6a Describe in detail the morphology of Echinoids. Illustrate your answer with suitable sketches. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)

Geology 6b Discuss the Devonian stratigraphic succession of Garhwal Himalaya. (IFS 2020/10 Marks)

Geology 6c Describe the different types of dams and the forces acting on these. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)

Geology 7a Discuss the mammalian fossil record of Lower and Upper Siwaliks. Comment on the reasons for decline in fossils from the Upper Siwalik Boulder Conglomerate Formation. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)

Geology 7b Discuss in detail the stratigraphy of the Aravalli Supergroup. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)

Geology 7c What are the different types of groundwater wells? Discuss the characteristics of each well. (IFS 2020/10 Marks)

Geology 8a Briefly describe the evolution of brain capacity in Hominidae. (IFS 2020/10 Marks)

Geology 8b Describe the structure of Western and Eastern Continental Margins of India. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)

Geology 8c Briefly describe the genetic classification of water. Comment on the different types of aquifers. (IFS 2020/15 Marks)