Geology IAS Paper 1 UPSC 2020 with Solutions

Geology Optional Paper 1 UPSC 2020 - Question Paper with Solutions 

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SECTION-B

1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

Geology 1a Discuss the different types of meteorites. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

Geology 1b Discuss various fields in which IRS data can be used for the development work and management of resources. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

Geology 1c Briefly describe two diagnostic landforms each of hot-arid and cold-arid climate. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

Geology 1d How do we determine the top of beds from primary features? UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

Geology 1e Briefly describe the classification of fold on the basis of fold attitude (dip and plunge). UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

Geology 2a Explain the internal structure of the earth. Add a note on discontinuities with neat sketches. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

Geology 2b Discuss the difference in geomorphology of the Eastern Coast and Western Coast of India. What is the main reason of the difference? UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

Geology 2c What is an unconformity and what are its structural and stratigraphic importances? Discuss four different types of unconformities with neat sketches. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

Geology 3a Discuss the salient features of Indian satellites Cartosat-3 and RISAT-2B. How are these superior to their predecessors? UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

Geology 3b Explain the magnitude and intensity as an expression of the size of an earthquake. Add a note on the damage caused by an earthquake. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

Geology 3c What is a shear zone and what are the conditions of its formation? Discuss its general characteristics and types based on deformation type. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

Geology 4a Discuss Mohr's stress diagram and its significance. What is its relevance in interpreting different stress conditions in rocks? UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

Geology 4b Discuss the mechanism of seafloor spreading and give four evidences indicating the expansion in oceanic crust. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

Geology 4c Describe three main controlling factors of soil formation. How does the modern soil differ from the palaeosoil? UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

SECTION-B

5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

Geology 5a Describe three processes by which plant remains and invertebrate shells can be preserved as fossils. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

Geology 5b Give an account of the mineral wealth associated with the Cuddapah Supergroup of rocks. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

Geology 5c Briefly describe the economic mineral deposits associated with the Tertiary rocks of India. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

Geology 5d Explain the factors influencing the groundwater movement and storage. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

Geology 5e Discuss five engineering properties of rocks. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

Geology 6a Discuss the morphological trends in the evolution of Homo sapiens from Proto-hominins. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

Geology 6b Draw the tectonic sub-division map of India and discuss the salient features of each sub-division. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

Geology 6c Explain the process of saltwater intrusion with neat sketches. Give examples from India. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

Geology 7a Describe the standard stratigraphic time scale of the earth, beginning from the oldest to youngest. Discuss the principal events that took place during the time units. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

Geology 7b Give an account of the Lower Gondwana flora from peninsular and extra-peninsular India. What environmental conditions do they indicate? UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

Geology 7c What is a landslide? Explain the different types and their causes. Give two examples from India. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

Geology 8a Explain the natural and artificial recharge processes to enhance the ground- water potential in hard and soft rock terrains. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

Geology 8b Name two microfossils and discuss how these are used in reconstructing the palaeoclimatic conditions. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

Geology 8c Discuss about the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary (K-T boundary) with examples from India. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks