Geology IFS Paper 2 UPSC 2024 with Solutions
In this article, all questions of Geology Optional Paper 1 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 2024 - Question Paper with Solutions
Click on the links for the solutions
SECTION-A
Geology 1(a) Give a concise account on structural classification of silicates with labelled diagram. For each type, give suitable example. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)
Geology 1(b) Draw labelled sketches of perthite and myrmekite textures. Comment on their petrogenetic significance. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)
Geology 1(c) Write briefly on the use of projection diagrams to represent crystal symmetry. What are orthoscopic and conoscopic arrangements during microscopic studies of minerals? (IFS 2024/8 Marks)
Geology 1(d) What are the characteristics of granulite facies metamorphism? Describe briefly any two granulite terrains of India. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)
Geology 1(e) Give the classifications of limestone proposed by Folk and Dunham, and draw comparisons.
Geology 2(a) Describe the crystal structure, types, mineralogy, composition, physical and optical properties of mica group of minerals. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)
Geology 2(b) Draw a neat labelled sketch of the albite-anorthite phase diagram (1 atm dry). Describe the course of crystallization for an initial liquid (M₁) having composition Ab30 An 70. For different representative parts of this system, deduce the degrees of freedom (F). Comment on the petrogenetic significance of this system. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)
Geology 2(c) Discuss the concept of sedimentary facies and its application in the reconstruction of paleodepositional environment. (IFS 2024/10 Marks)
Geology 3(a) Write a detailed account on the petrogenesis of basalts. Give a brief note on the Deccan volcanic province. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)
Geology 3(b) Write short notes on the petrographic characters of the following rocks: Charnockite; Anorthosite; Carbonatite; Peridotite; Dunite. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)
Geology 3(c) What are primary sedimentary structures? Describe the erosional sedimentary structures preserved on the lower bedding plane. (IFS 2024/10 Marks)
Geology 4(a) Write down the diagnostic physical properties of the following minerals: Calcite; Magnesite; Apatite; Galena; Halite. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)
Geology 4(b) Describe the effects of regional metamorphism on argillaceous rocks and give the different mineral assemblages formed. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)
Geology 4(c) Explain tide-dominated shallow-marine environments with suitable sketch. Discuss the diagnostic sedimentary structures from each sub-environment. (IFS 2024/10 Marks)
SECTION-B
Geology 5(a) Define banded-iron formation (BIF). Give James classification of BIFs with their mineral compositions. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)
Geology 5(b) With suitable examples, explain the residual concentration process. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)
Geology 5(c) During an exploration, ten boreholes have been drilled in a sulfide zone. The sample thickness and assay values are given below in the table. Determine the average sample thickness and weighted average assay values for Cu and Zn: (IFS 2024/8 Marks)
| Borehole No. | Sample Thickness (m) | Assay Values of Cu (%) | Assay Values of Zn (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 5-4 | 2-0 |
| 2 | 3-0 | 7-5 | 1-8 |
| 3 | 2-5 | 4-5 | 2-3 |
| 4 | 2-0 | 4-0 | 4-1 |
| 5 | 3-5 | 6-5 | 3-8 |
| 6 | 3-0 | 7-5 | 3-5 |
| 7 | 2-8 | 4-1 | 8-0 |
| 8 | 3-3 | 6-0 | 5-5 |
| 9 | 1-0 | 1.0 | 1-5 |
| 10 | 2-5 | 6-3 | 2-8 |
Geology 5(d) What are meteorites? What are 'finds' and 'falls'? Give briefly the characteristics of different important types of meteorite. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)
Geology 5(e) Explain the risks associated with radioactive waste. Add a note on radioactive waste management. (IFS 2024/8 Marks)
Geology 6(a) Give the mineralogy, mode of occurrence and distribution of manganese ore deposits of India. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)
Geology 6(b) Explain the utility and working principle of the following equipments:
Geology 6 b (i) Gyratory crushers (IFS 2024/5 Marks)
Geology 6 b (ii) Ball mills (IFS 2024/5 Marks)
Geology 6 b (iii) Rod mills (IFS 2024/5 Marks)
Geology 6 (c) Discuss the impacts of volcanic hazards. Comment on the measures to be taken to mitigate the volcanic hazards. (IFS 2024/10 Marks)
Geology 7(a) What are polymetallic nodules? Discuss their compositional variations. What are the constraints involved in their exploration and exploitation? Add a note on their distribution in India's maritime zones. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)
Geology 7(b) Explain chip, muck, car, trench and auger sampling methods. (IFS 2024/15 Marks)
Geology 7(c) What is a trace element? What are compatible and incompatible trace elements? Briefly describe several types of bonding found in different minerals. (IFS 2024/10 Marks)
Geology 8 (a) With neat sketches and examples, explain the following textures in ore minerals and add a brief note on the genesis of each texture:
Geology 8 a (i) Cataclastic texture (IFS 2024/5 Marks)
Geology 8 a (ii) Cumulus texture (IFS 2024/5 Marks)
Geology 8 a (ii) Colloform texture (IFS 2024/5 Marks)
Geology 8 (b) Explain the following methods of mining:
Geology 8 b (i) Undercut excavation method (IFS 2024/5 Marks)
Geology 8 b (ii) Glory hole method (IFS 2024/5 Marks)
Geology 8 b (iii) Block caving method (IFS 2024/5 Marks)
Geology 8 (c) Discuss the various sources of surface water pollution. Comment on the methods employed to reduce surface water pollution. (IFS 2024/10 Marks)