Geology IAS Paper 2 UPSC 2020 with Solutions
In this article, all questions of Geology Optional Paper 2 are answered. Click on the question links to view the answers.
This article is part of Synopsis IAS Geology Optional Course for UPSC IAS.
Geology Optional Paper 2 UPSC 2020 - Question Paper with Solutions
Click on the links for the solutions
SECTION-A
Geology 1a How do you measure refractive index of minerals and distinguish high and low relief minerals under microscope? UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 1b Write about the symmetry elements of a crystal. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 1c Explain the salient features exhibited by rocks due to thermal metamorphism. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 1d Explain with suitable examples the implications of albite-anorthite solid solutions in the understanding of crystallisation of magma. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 1e How are sedimentary rocks classified in general based on their process of formation? UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 2a Write about the crystal structure of monoclinic amphiboles and cite mineral examples along with their formula. Add a note on their paragenesis. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
Geology 2b Briefly write about the crystal forms of hexagonal system using projection diagrams. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
Geology 2c Define pleochroism of minerals and write about the utility of pleochroism to distinguish minerals and provide examples. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 3a What do you understand by the term texture of a rock? How do you relate the textures of igneous rocks with the process of magmatic crystallisation? UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
Geology 3b Critically discuss the petrogenesis of anorthosites. Comment on the tectonic significance on the distribution of anorthosites. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
Geology 3c Explain the effects of prograde metamorphism on impure carbonate rocks. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 4a Illustrate with neat sketches the sedimentary facies and facies associations that are likely to develop in a progradational deltaic environment. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
Geology 4b 'Classification of carbonate rocks based on textural components may be useful for interpretation of depositional environment'. Justify the statement with reasons. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
Geology 4c How would you distinguish burial diagenetic cements in carbonate rocks from petrographic studies? Draw neat sketches in support of your answer. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
SECTION 'B'
Geology 5a Explain the processes of formation of syngenetic and epigenetic ore deposits with suitable examples. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 5b Describe the geology of the East Coast Bauxite deposits of India. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 5c Discuss various methods of conservation of mineral resources for achieving sustainable mineral development. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 5d Illustrate with examples the role of chemical bonding in minerals in determining certain properties. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 5e Write about the causes of Sea level changes. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 6a Discuss the salient features of various types of lead-zinc ore deposits. Illustrate your answer with schematic diagrams to explain the process of ore formation. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
Geology 6b Describe the geological characteristics of important chromite deposits from different parts of the Indian shield. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
Geology 6c What is coal bed methane? How is it exploited? UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 7a What are the factors which influence the mobility of elements in near-surface environment? How does understanding the mobility of elements help in choosing indicator elements for a geochemical exploration programme? UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
Geology 7b A vein-type copper ore body trending E-W with 90° dip and having strike length of 150 m is exposed on the surface. Four trenches are made across the ore body at constant interval, including one trench each at E and W end of the ore body. Thickness of the ore body and assay value measured from the trenches are given in the table. Assuming that the ore body extends up to a depth of 50 m, and the specific gravity of the ore is 2-8, calculate the tonnage, grade and total copper content of the ore body. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
| Trench Number (E to W) | Thickness of Ore Body (m) | Assay (wt.% Cu) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5 | 1-2 |
| 2 | 2-1 | 1-6 |
| 3 | 1.6 | 2.0 |
| 4 | 1-8 | 1-5 |
Geology 7c Explain the seismic methods of mineral prospecting. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks
Geology 8a What do you mean by 'primitive mantle'? Illustrate the cosmochemical and observational constraints on mantle composition. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
Geology 8b Explain about the impact of volcanic eruptions on the environment. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks
Geology 8c Briefly mention measures to mitigate landslides. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks