Geology IFS Paper 1 UPSC 2018 with Solutions

Geology Optional Paper 1 UPSC 2018 - Question Paper with Solutions 

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SECTION-A

1. Answer the following within 150 words each:

Geology 1a What is a meteorite? Describe different types of meteorites. (IFS 2018/8 Marks)

Geology 1b Discuss the spectral and spatial resolution of a satellite image. (IFS 2018/8 Marks)

Geology 1c What is a moraine? Discuss different types of moraines. (IFS 2018/8 Marks)

Geology 1d Discuss five criteria to recognise the top of a bed by primary features. (IFS 2018/8 Marks)

Geology 1e Describe strike, dip direction and dip amount of a bed. Can the strike and dip be measured in all types of orientation of beds? How are strike, dip direction and dip amount of horizontal, tilted and vertical strata represented on a map? (IFS 2018/8 Marks)

Geology 2a What is a volcano? What are the different types of volcano based on the types of eruption and places where the eruption occurred? (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

Geology 2b Explain in detail about panchromatic, multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing images with example. (IFS 2018/10 Marks)

Geology 2c What is a fold? Draw neat sketches and discuss Ramsay's classification of fold based on dip isogon. (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

Geology 3a What are the differences between weathering and erosion? Discuss four different types of mechanical weathering. (IFS 2018/10 Marks)

Geology 3b What is a fault? Draw a neat diagram and discuss different terminologies associated with a fault plane. Discuss four criteria for recognising fault in a field. (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

Geology 3c What is an earthquake? Discuss the causes and effects of an earthquake. List the major geographic distribution of earthquakes worldwide. (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

Geology 4a What is isostasy? Discuss three different theories of isostasy. What are the merits and limitations of these theories? (IFS 2018/10 Marks)

Geology 4b Discuss four erosional and four depositional landforms associated with a river. (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

Geology 4c Discuss about stereographic projections for structural analysis with neat diagrams. (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

SECTION-B

Geology 5a What is orthogenesis? Comment on the progressive trend of evolution from Hyracotherium to Equus. (IFS 2018/8 Marks)

Geology 5b How are abiotic conditions reflected in the test ornamentation of microfossils? Enumerate with example. (IFS 2018/8 Marks)

Geology 5c What is palaeogeography? How does the present petrographic domain reconstruct the past events? (IFS 2018/8 Marks)

Geology 5d With the help of a neat sketch, draw a labelled diagram of hydrological cycle. (IFS 2018/8 Marks)

Geology 5e What are creep, solifluction and landslide? Enumerate their significance that leads to mass scale devastation. (IFS 2018/8 Marks)

Geology 6a Discuss about the two-fold classification of Gondwana group of rocks, mentioning the stages and their ages. Comment on the important floras of Lower Gondwana and Upper Gondwana basins. (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

Geology 6b What do you mean by stratigraphic boundary problems? How do you substantiate the observation on Pakhal Controversy? (IFS 2018/10 Marks)

Geology 6c Define the terms Rock Quality Designation and Rock Mass Rating (RQD & RMR). How are these parameters useful in the analysis of the design of roof support system in tunnel excavations? (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

Geology 7a What is 'dimorphism' in foraminiferal reproduction? How is dimorphism established through the features in foraminiferal tests? Discuss the evolutionary changes of foraminifers through geological ages. (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

Geology 7b In Indian stratigraphy, Cuddapah system plays a dominant role. Attempt the stratigraphic classification of the Cuddapah group of sediments. Add a note on the age of these rocks with special reference to the economic potential associated. (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

Geology 7c What do you understand by the terms Hydraulic Conductivity and Storage Coefficient? (IFS 2018/10 Marks)

Geology 8a Which palaeogeographic condition is generally indicated by the presence of brachiopods? How is 'habitat shifting' represented by brachiopods in rocks throughout time? Discuss about major features of brachiopod shells. (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

Geology 8b What is Himalayan Orogeny? Briefly describe the structure and tectonic history of Himalayas. (IFS 2018/15 Marks)

Geology 8c What is rainwater harvesting? Enumerate the different types of structures constructed for rainwater harvesting. (IFS 2018/10 Marks)