Geology IFS Paper 1 UPSC 2021 with Solutions

Geology Optional Paper 1 UPSC 2021 - Question Paper with Solutions 

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SECTION-A

1. Answer the following within 150 words each:

Geology 1a What are the evidences in favour of the theory of plate tectonics? (IFS 2021/8 Marks)

Geology 1b Which factors control floods in rivers? (IFS 2021/8 Marks)

Geology 1c How would you distinguish between an unconformity and a fault? (IFS 2021/8 Marks)

Geology 1d What are the principles of recognizing lithology from aerial photographs? (IFS 2021/8 Marks)

Geology 1e How do we come to know that the core of the Earth is chiefly made up of iron? How do we estimate the age of core formation? (IFS 2021/8 Marks)

Geology 2a How would you distinguish between different types of meteorites based on composition, mineralogy and texture? How do meteorite studies improve our understanding of the evolution of the Earth? (IFS 2021/15 Marks)

Geology 2b Illustrate the genetic classification of joints with suitable sketches. (IFS 2021/10 Marks)

Geology 2c How do earthquakes cause damage? How do we reduce the risk of damage by earthquakes? (IFS 2021/15 Marks)

Geology 3a What do you understand by Mass Wasting? Describe different processes of mass wasting. What are the preventive measures to mitigate the risk of hazards due to mass wasting? (IFS 2021/15 Marks)

Geology 3b Elucidate with example the principle of determination of absolute age of rocks. (IFS 2021/10 Marks)

Geology 3c Distinguish between Strike-slip fault and Dip-slip fault. Illustrate with diagram the effect of erosion on rock blocks having apparent movement. (IFS 2021/15 Marks)

Geology 4a Describe different types of planar structures in folded strata. How do you use cleavage to determine structures in three dimensions? (IFS 2021/15 Marks)

Geology 4b What is Weathering? Describe different processes of weathering with suitable examples. (IFS 2021/10 Marks)

Geology 4c What is a nappe? Describe the structure of window and klippe. How do they differ from outlier and inlier structures? Explain with suitable diagrams. (IFS 2021/15 Marks)

SECTION-B

5. Answer the following within 150 words each:

Geology 5a Briefly describe the species concept and problems of adopting biological species concept in Palaeontology. (IFS 2021/8 Marks)

Geology 5b With the help of neat diagram describe evolutionary trends in Equidae. (IFS 2021/8 Marks)

Geology 5c Describe in brief Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary problem with reference to India. (IFS 2021/8 Marks)

Geology 5d What is the hardness of a groundwater which contains 20 mg/L of calcium and 5 mg/L of magnesium? (IFS 2021/8 Marks)

Geology 5e Describe the different terminologies of a dam and explain various types of dams. Which geologic investigations need to be carried out for construction of a successful dam? (IFS 2021/8 Marks)

Geology 6a Discuss with the help of neat diagram morphology of Brachiopod. Add a note on their development of deltidium. (IFS 2021/15 Marks)

Geology 6b What is Darcy's Law? What are its limitations? (IFS 2021/10 Marks)

Geology 6c Describe the stratigraphy of Mesozoic of Kuchh mentioning characteristic fossils from each unit. (IFS 2021/15 Marks)

Geology 7a Discuss in detail the Precambrian stratigraphy of the Singhbhum craton. (IFS 2021/15 Marks)

Geology 7b Discuss the palaeoecological significance of Foraminifera and add a note on their uses in oil exploration. (IFS 2021/10 Marks)

Geology 7c What is the Ghyben-Herzberg relationship between fresh and saline waters? (IFS 2021/15 Marks)

Geology 8a Explain in detail morphology of Graptolites. What are the characteristic features that make them index fossils for the Lower Palaeozoic? (IFS 2021/15 Marks)

Geology 8b What are chronostratigraphic units? Illustrate the methods of chronostratigraphic correlation. (IFS 2021/10 Marks)

Geology 8c Which geologic factors need to be considered for tunnelling in consolidated rocks? (IFS 2021/15 Marks)