Geology IAS Paper 2 UPSC 2014 with Solutions

Geology Optional Paper 2 UPSC 2014 - Question Paper with Solutions 

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SECTION-A

1. Attempt the following with suitable diagrams:

Geology 1a Explain why all quartz grains in a rock section do not show first order yellow interference colour when viewed under crossed polars. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

Geology 1b What is pleochroism? Explain why a section of biotite cut parallel to cleavage does not show any pleochroism but when it is cut oblique to cleavage shows pleochroism. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

Geology 1c How are the clastic rocks classified on the basis of their grain-size? UPSC 2014, 10 Marks 

Geology 1d Distinguish between 'concordant' and 'discordant' bodies of igneous rocks. Illustrate the following with block diagrams (i) laccolith and (ii) lopolith. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

Geology 1e Distinguish between conglomerate and breccia. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

Geology 2a Write the classification of silicate structure with neat sketches. UPSC 2014, 20 Marks

Geology 2b Discuss briefly on the construction of Nicol prism. Why it is necessary to cut and recement the calcite crystal in the classification of Nicol prism? UPSC 2014, 15 Marks

Geology 2c A mineral section remains dark in all positions under crossed polars explain how it is possible and how will you proceed to determine the optic sign of the mineral, if applicable. UPSC 2014, 15 Marks

Geology 3a i Explain the petrogenetic significance of the Diopside-Anorthite system (at 1 atm. dry). Draw labelled sketches. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

Geology 3a ii How will you explain zoning in plagioclase by taking help of albite-anorthite system. UPSC 2014, 5 Marks

Geology 3b Elucidate petrogenetic significance of following: UPSC 2014, 15 Marks

Geology 3b i porphyritic texture 

Geology 3b ii perthitic texture and

Geology 3b iii corona structure.

Geology 3c "Deccan volcanism marks an important event in Indian Geology" - Explain this statement with logic. UPSC 2014, 6 Marks

Geology 3d Citing an example of Al2SiOs polymorphs, draw T-P phase diagram. Discuss its significance in metamorphism. UPSC 2014, 6 Marks

Geology 3e Discuss briefly on 'Paired Metamorphic Belt' UPSC 2014, 8 Marks

Geology 4a Sketch and explain different types of sedimentary facies. UPSC 2014, 15 Marks

Geology 4b Give an account of the cementing materials in sedimentary rocks. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

Geology 4c What is shale? Describe texttire, composition and environments of deposition of shales. UPSC 2014, 15 Marks

Geology 4d How would you distinguish arkose and greywackes? Comment upon their environment of deposition. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

SECTION-B

Geology 5a What are the differences between Banded Iron Formation and Ironstone? Discuss about detrital component of Banded Iron Formation. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

Geology 5b Describe the geochemical and geobotanical methods of prospecting and their applications. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

Geology 5c Describe various estimation methods of ore reserves. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

Geology 5d Explain marine erosion as a coastal hazard and list its mitigation-measures. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

Geology 5e Briefly give your concepts on Metallogenic provinces and Metallogenic epochs. Give suitable examples. UPSC 2014, 10 Marks

Geology 6a "Gossans are the signboard of sulphide mineralization." Justify the statement citing an example of Rajpur-Dariba areas of Rajasthan. UPSC 2014, 15 Marks

Geology 6b Discuss role of Singhbhum Shear Zone as a guide to mineralization with special reference to ore-forming processes. UPSC 2014, 15 Marks

Geology 6c Give an outline of the National Mineral Policy. Comment on conservation and utilization of mineral resources in India. UPSC 2014, 20 Marks

Geology 7a What are the common methods of resistivity survey? Discuss working principle and field procedures involved in resistivity survey. Comment briefly on advantages and disadvantages of various configurations. UPSC 2014, 15 Marks

Geology 7b What are the non-metallic minerals used in two different industries namely, Cement and Fertilizer? Comment upon mode of occurrence and their reserves in India. UPSC 2014, 20 Marks

Geology 7c What do you understand by mineral beneficiation? How beneficiation of beach placer is useful for radioactive minerals? UPSC 2014, 15 Marks

Geology 8a Describe internal structure and composition of the earth. Discuss various rules governing distribution of trace elements in the earth's crust. UPSC 2014, 20 Marks

Geology 8b What do you understand by Landslides? Discuss briefly various types of landslides. Comment upon causes and remedial measures of landslides. UPSC 2014, 15 Marks

Geology 8c Describe Reservoir Induced Seismicity (RIS) with a particular reference to Koyna earthquake. UPSC 2014, 15 Marks