Geography — UPSC Prelims practice questions

Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes the 'rain shadow' effect in Peninsular India? (A) The eastern slopes of the Eastern Ghats receive less rainfall than the western slopes (B) The eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and the Deccan Plateau receive less rainfall than the windward western slopes (C) Northern India receives less rainfall than southern India due to the Vindhya barrier (D) The Thar Desert receives less rainfall due to the shadow of the Aravalli Range blocking monsoon winds

Accepted Answer

(B) The eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and the Deccan Plateau receive less rainfall than the windward western slopes — Correct. The Western Ghats intercept the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds on their windward (western) side, causing heavy rainfall on the Konkan coast and Malabar coast. The leeward (eastern) side and the Deccan Plateau receive significantly less rainfall, creating a rain shadow.

Question 2

Turkey is located between: (A) Black Sea and Caspian Sea (B) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea (C) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea (D) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea

Accepted Answer

(B) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea — Correct. Turkey is bounded by the Black Sea to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, with the Aegean Sea to the west.

Question 3

The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where: (A) Warm and cold atmospheric currents meet (B) Rivers drain out large amounts of freshwater into the sea (C) Warm and cold oceanic currents meet (D) Continental shelf is undulating

Accepted Answer

(C) Warm and cold oceanic currents meet — Correct. Where warm and cold ocean currents converge, nutrient-rich cold water mixes with warm water, creating ideal conditions for plankton growth and supporting large fish populations. Examples include the Grand Banks and the seas near Japan.

Question 4

Consider the following statements:
1. Abyssal plains are the most extensive flat areas on Earth's surface.
2. They are formed by the deposition of fine sediments on the deep ocean floor.
3. They are found at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 metres.
Which of the statements given above are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 2 and 3 only (C) 1 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

(D) 1, 2 and 3 — Correct. Abyssal plains are the most extensive flat surfaces on Earth, formed by sediment accumulation at depths of 3,000-6,000 metres.

Question 5

Consider the following pairs:
Country - Capital
1. South Sudan - Juba
2. Eritrea - Asmara
3. Djibouti - Mogadishu
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (A) 1 only (B) 1 and 2 only (C) 2 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

(B) 1 and 2 only — Correct. Juba is the capital of South Sudan and Asmara is the capital of Eritrea. Mogadishu is the capital of Somalia, not Djibouti. Djibouti's capital is Djibouti City.

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