Geology IFS Paper 2 UPSC 2022 with Solutions
In this article, all questions of Geology Optional Paper 2 are answered. Click on the question links to view the answers.
This article is part of Synopsis IAS Geology Optional Course for UPSC IFS.
Geology Optional Paper 2 UPSC 2022 - Question Paper with Solutions
Click on the links for the solutions
SECTION-A
Geology 1a Compare and contrast the structure of SiO2 and feldspar group. (IFS 2022/8 Marks)
Geology 1b Give the diagnostic properties of the following minerals as observed under petrological microscope: (IFS 2022/8 Marks)
Geology 1b i Quartz
Geology 1b ii Albite
Geology 1b iii Augite
Geology 1b iv Olivine
Geology 1c Describe carbonatites and their common rock associations. What are the non-carbonate minerals generally present in carbonatites? (IFS 2022/8 Marks)
Geology 1d What are the different types of regional metamorphism? Describe the characteristic differences in the metamorphic rocks which result from these. (IFS 2022/8 Marks)
Geology 1e Discuss the morphological parameters used to characterize clastic grains in the sedimentary rocks. (IFS 2022/8 Marks)
Geology 2a Explain the characteristics of crystallographic axes and holding position of crystals belonging to various systems. (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
Geology 2b Describe the changes in mineral assemblages in transformation of basic rocks from greenschist facies to amphibolite facies. What are the typical assemblages of these two facies for the intermediate P-T series? Display these in typical chemographic sketch diagrams. (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
Geology 2c Give the criteria adopted for classification of sand ripples. Discuss the variety of ripples and their significance. (IFS 2022/10 Marks)
Geology 3a Explain diffraction of X-rays in minerals and derive Bragg's law. (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
Geology 3b Diopside-Anorthite binary phase diagram represents a simple binary system with no solid solution. Describe the crystallization behaviour of two melts with compositions equivalent to Di 90 An 10 and Di 25 An 75, focussing on the textural differences of the crystallized rocks. (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
Geology 3c Justify the titles of 'pseudocomponent', 'chemographic', 'phase' and 'compatibility' diagrams for AKF diagrams. Show the fields of the following assemblages in AKF diagrams: (IFS 2022/10 Marks)
Geology 3c i Muscovite biotite cordierite quartz
Geology 3c ii Muscovite andalusite cordierite quartz Are these compatible assemblages?
Geology 4a Draw and label an ideal beach and shoreface cross-section. Discuss the sediment characteristics for each zone. (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
Geology 4b What are the fundamental differences between textures of plutonic igneous rocks and volcanic rocks? Illustrate your answer with sketches. (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
Geology 4c Explain the trioctahedral and dioctahedral groups of phyllosilicate citing suitable examples. (IFS 2022/10 Marks)
SECTION-B
Geology 5a Draw a schematic diagram of a sulfide-bearing vein showing supergene enrichment. Explain the processes of formation of such deposits. (IFS 2022/8 Marks)
Geology 5b Describe the major types and different facies of Banded Iron Formation (BIF). (IFS 2022/8 Marks)
Geology 5c A wolframite deposit contains 78500 tons of ore having an average grade of 0-21 wt% WO3. If the ore recovery is 70%, how many tons of wolframite concentrate containing 65 wt% WO3 can be produced from this deposit? (IFS 2022/8 Marks)
Geology 5d Describe the phenomena of solid solution and exsolution in minerals with suitable examples. (IFS 2022/8 Marks)
Geology 5e Describe the environmental impact associated with fly ash. (IFS 2022/8 Marks)
Geology 6a Give a detailed account of mineralogy, geological setting and distribution of aluminium deposits in India. (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
Geology 6b Describe the field evidence of ore mineralization useful in mineral prospecting. (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
Geology 6c Explain the causes of coastal erosion and discuss the remedial measures. (IFS 2022/10 Marks)
Geology 7a Why is magnesite considered as an industrial mineral? Discuss the types, lithological association and origin of magnesite deposits. (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
Geology 7b What are the types of geochemical anomalies observed in bedrocks? How are geochemical anomalies recognized in bedrock geochemical survey? (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
Geology 7c Describe the nature, composition and occurrence of polymetallic nodules on seafloor. (IFS 2022/10 Marks)
Geology 8a In a bauxite prospect, nine vertical boreholes were drilled in square grid pattern at 100 m interval along latitude and longitude. The thickness (in m) of bauxite and assay value (wt% Al2O3) measured in these boreholes are given below. The specific gravity of ore is 2.60: (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
| Borehole | Thickness (m) | Assay (wt% Al2O3) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11.3 | 38.6 |
| 2 | 14.8 | 42.3 |
| 3 | 9.3 | 40.5 |
| 4 | 6.8 | 43.6 |
| 5 | 17.4 | 41.2 |
| 6 | 16.6 | 42.8 |
| 7 | 8.4 | 36.2 |
| 8 | 10.6 | 39.5 |
| 9 | 13.2 | 42.1 |
Calculate the tonnage and grade of the ore body by extended area method.
Geology 8b Describe the classification of meteorites. How are meteorites useful in understanding the interior of the earth? (IFS 2022/15 Marks)
Geology 8c Describe the factors that determine the coordination number of a cation in a crystal structure. Illustrate with examples from rock-forming minerals. (IFS 2022/10 Marks)