Geology IFS Paper 1 UPSC 2024 with Solutions

Geology Optional Paper 1 UPSC 2024 - Question Paper with Solutions 

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SECTION-A

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

Geology 1(a) Earth's upper mantle. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)

Geology 1(b) Earthquake prediction. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)

Geology 1(c) Antecedent and Superimposed drainage. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)

Geology 1(d) Geosynchronous and Sun-synchronous orbits. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)

Geology 1(e) Strain ellipsoid. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)

Geology 2(a) Describe the various types of satellite image resolutions, along with examples. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)

Geology 2(b) How are 'carbonaceous chondrites' distinguished from other types of meteorites? (IFS 2024/10 Marks)

Geology 2(c) Describe with suitable diagrams different mechanisms of folding of rock strata. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)

Geology 3(a) What are the major causes of earthquake? How is the magnitude of an earthquake measured? Add a note on the seismic zones of India. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)

Geology 3(b) Describe with neat sketch the concept of 'net slip' in faults. Illustrate with diagrams the orientation of 'net slip' with the strike and dip of fault planes in different types of faults. Explain with suitable diagrams the relation between 'slip' and 'separation' on a fault plane. (IFS 2024/10 Marks) 

Geology 3(c) Write a brief note on different types of sand dunes and the conditions under which they form and grow with the help of neat sketches. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)

Geology 4(a) Illustrate with neat sketches, the classification of folds based on (i) interlimb angle, (ii) orientation of axial plane, and (iii) curvature of axial surface. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)

Geology 4(b) Discuss any four theories that explain the origin of orogenic movements. What are their merits and limitations? (IFS 2024/10 Marks)

Geology 4(c) Describe the different types of erosional and depositional landforms associated with fluvial processes using neat diagrams. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)

SECTION-B

Answer the following within 150 words each:

Geology 5(a) Explain the four stages of fossilisation process. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)

Geology 5(b) Define biostratigraphy and illustrate the biostratigraphic units with neat sketches. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)

Geology 5(c) Describe the stratigraphy of Cretaceous successions in the Cauvery basin. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)

Geology 5(d) Describe causes and effects of 'saltwater intrusion' in the groundwater table. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)

Geology 5(e) Classify irrigation water on the basis of sodium concentration. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)

Geology 6(a) Describe the stratigraphy and depositional setting of the Siwalik group of rocks and comment on the palaeoclimatic conditions during their deposition. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)

Geology 6(b) What is the zone of aeration? Describe its different horizons with the help of a diagram. (IFS 2024/1 Marks)

Geology 6(c) Describe the morphology of Anthozoa and illustrate the structures of Rugose coral exoskeleton. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)

Geology 7(a) Discuss the role of microfossils in understanding palaeoclimates and palaeo-oceanography. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)

Geology 7(b) Briefly describe the stratigraphy of the Bababudan Group. (IFS 2024/10 Marks)

Geology 7(c) What is sub-surface water? How does it move? Describe different types of movement of sub-surface water. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)

Geology 8(a) List out the desirable properties of rock aggregates in relation to their various uses. Describe the methods to determine the attrition and abrasion resistance of rocks. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)

Geology 8(b) Illustrate the morphology of Graptoloidea and add a note on its habitat and geological history. (IFS 2024/10 Marks)

Geology 8(c) Briefly discuss the stratigraphic evolution of the Vindhyan Supergroup. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)