Geology IAS Paper 2 UPSC 2015 with Solutions

Geology Optional Paper 2 UPSC 2015 - Question Paper with Solutions 

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SECTION-A

Geology 1a Discuss the structures of inosilicates with neat sketches and mineralogical examples. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 1b Explain the phenomenon of twinning and discuss the twinning in feldspars with neat sketches. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 1c What is a peritectic? Discuss an appropriate reaction that represents a peritectic. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 1d Explain how granulite facies rocks can be texturally and mineralogically differentiated from amphibolite facies rocks. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 1e Ripple marks are common in sandstones and siltstones. Why are they rare in conglomerates and shales ? UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 2a With neat sketches describe the symmetry elements and forms of the normal class of the isometric system. Name three minerals belonging to this class. UPSC 2015, 20 Marks 

Geology 2b Discuss the classification and chemistry of clay minerals. UPSC 2015, 20 Marks

Geology 2c While quartz is completely absent in the mantle, why is it the most common mineral on the continents? UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 3a What are the different discontinuities within the earth picked up by seismic waves? What are the petrological explanations for each of these discontinuities? UPSC 2015, 20 Marks

Geology 3b What do the following two series signify and what is the difference between the two? UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 3b i Chlorite → Biotite → Garnet → Staurolite → Kyanite → Sillimanite

Geology 3b ii Shale → Slate → Phyllite → Schist → Gneiss.

Geology 3c What is a Komatiite? What is the reason for the spinifex texture shown by Komatiites? From your answer discuss the possible reason why Komatiites are found mostly in the Archean. UPSC 2015, 20 Marks

Geology 4a Explain the process of lithification and diagenesis with special reference to limestones. UPSC 2015, 20 Marks

Geology 4b Discuss the evolution and characteristic features of the major sedimentary basins of India. UPSC 2015, 20 Marks

Geology 4c Considering the Bowen's reaction series, discuss how an igneous rock will be affected during retrogressive transformation. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

SECTION-B

Geology 5a Explain the difference between syngenetic and epigenetic deposits with neat sketches and suitable examples. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 5b What are the placer minerals produced from beach sands in India? Describe the properties and uses of any two of these minerals. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 5c Briefly describe the principles and applications of self-potential and induced polarization methods of electrical prospecting. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 5d What are the chemical parameters which determine the coordination number of a cation in crystal structure? Illustrate with examples of cations in 3-fold and 4-fold coordination in rock forming minerals. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks 

Geology 5e What are the sources of marine pollution and their effect on marine eco-system? UPSC 2015, 10 Marks 

Geology 6a Which one of the two minerals, magnetite and hematite, contains more iron? Illustrate by calculating iron concentration (in wt.%) of magnetite and hematite. Atomic weight of Fe=56, O=16. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 6b Explain the process of formation of magmatic sulphide deposit. What is the characteristic mineral assemblage of magmatic sulphide deposit? UPSC 2015, 15 Marks

Geology 6c Write a note on air-borne magnetic survey and its advantage over ground based magnetic survey. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 6d What are the methods of underground mining of mineral deposits ? Add a note on impact of underground mining on ground surface and environment. UPSC 2015, 15 Marks

Geology 7a Give a list of the major petroliferous basins of India. Describe the geology and hydrocarbon occurrence of Bombay High oilfield. UPSC 2015, 15 Marks

Geology 7b Describe different categories of ore reserves and their application in the Indian context. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 7c Describe the methods of geochemical prospecting and the geological conditions in which these methods are adopted. UPSC 2015, 15 Marks

Geology 7d Explain how substitution of one element by another takes place in minerals. Write a note on solid solution with example from silicate minerals. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 8a Describe the iron ore basins in Singhbhum craton and the characteristics of associated iron ore deposits. UPSC 2015, 15 Marks

Geology 8b What are the gravity separation methods of ore beneficiation? Describe the process of heavy media separation of coal. UPSC 2015, 15 Marks

Geology 8c What is polymorphism in minerals? Explain with suitable examples from rock forming minerals and ore minerals. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks

Geology 8d Describe different types of radioactive wastes. Write a note on the methods of disposal of radioactive wastes. UPSC 2015, 10 Marks