Join Telegram for More Update : - https://t.

me/upsc_pdf

IAS 2019
GEOGRAPHY
TEST SERIES
By: ROHIT LODHA

TEST: 1

www.iasscore.in
Download from:- https://upscpdf.com
 Join Telegram for More Update : - https://t.me/upsc_pdf

Test - 01

Geography Test Series 2019

Geography
Time Allowed: 1 hrs.

1. The theory of continental drift is more philosophical in nature compared to the Sea floor
spreading theory. Discuss. (15)
2. Give a comparative analysis of the theory of isostasy discussed by Airy and Pratt. (15)

E
3. Discuss the role of the geomorphology in the hazard management and the urbanization.
(20)
4. OR
India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links and
enjoy close, cordial and multi-dimensional relations. Discuss. (15)
5. Discuss the views of various geographers regarding the formation of Northern Plains. Also
discuss its geomorphic features. (20)
SC
GS

Geography
Download from:- https://upscpdf.com [1]
 Join Telegram for More Update : - https://t.me/upsc_pdf

Geography Test Series 2019

www.iasscore.in

Geography
Answer Hints: T
Answ est No
Test .1
No.1
SECTION - A
1. The theory of continental drift is more philosophical in nature compared to the Sea floor
spreading theory. Discuss.
The theory of the continental drift propounded by Alfred Wegener was more philosophical because
it was more based on descriptive and observational study rather than concrete facts. While on the
other hand the theory of sea floor spreading was based on the concrete fact of magmatic eruption

E
on the mid oceanic region.
Some of the observations which proves the philosophical tilt of the Wegener are as follows:

'nife'. OR
Following Edward Suess, Wegener believed in three layer system of the earth i.e. 'sial', 'sima', and

According to him all the continents formed a single continent mass aka Pangea, in carboniferous
period & mega-ocean surrounded by it aka Panthalassa, representing primeval Pacific ocean. Now
neither did he see the existence of Pangea nor could he explain reason for its formation but still his
SC
entire theory is based on this assumption.
At the same time in order to prove his various observations Wegener has given vague explanations
which were indeed more philosophical than actual facts. For E.g. according to him the reason for
the magmatic eruption is magmatic tank which is there within SIMA.
On the other hand, the Sea floor spreading theory has actually explained the spread of the oceanic
floor with the help of more scientific evidences such as paleomagnetism, erosional nature of sea,
hypsometric analysis etc.
GS

Thus it can be said that the theory of Wegener's theory was more philosophical than the Hess.
2. Give a comparative analysis of the theory of isostasy discussed by Airy and Pratt.
A equilibrium is said to exist between the lithospheric constructs of earth crust, this balance is called
as Isostacy. Sir Airy and Pratt put forward their different approaches towards explaining this
balance.
Airy put forward the "root formation theory", where columns of land of uniform density differ in
their depth.Thus mountains with higher peak would have deeper roots than ocean basin.
Pratt however differed in his approach of level of compensation, he put forward that height of
column is inversely proportional to its density.And there exists level of compensation where mass
difference of various columns is compensated.
Though we find both concepts deal with root formation and floatation law( flotation of lighter
(Sial) construct on heavier magma.) directly or indirectly.
They differ in their approach where Pratt put forward sinking of construct rather than floating.Also
the level of compensation in Pratts model come out to be a staright line/plane while Airy gave a zig
zag line.Pratt didnt approve of root formation theory.
Thus though both these views appear same preliminary they differ when we give a detail look.

Hints: Geography [1]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - https://t.me/upsc_pdf

3. Discuss the role of the geomorphology in the hazard management and the urbanization.
Geomorphology and Hazard Management
A geomorphic hazard can be defined as any change, natural or man-induced, that may affect the
geomorphic stability of a landform to the adversity of living things. Geomorphic hazard ranges
from very long term hazard such as crustal instability leading to formation of mountains, faults,
folds, warps, subsidence etc over the earth surface to short term hazards such as volcanic eruption,
earthquake, landslides, avalanches etc.
Geomorphic knowledge helps in the identification, prediction, and assessment of probable effects
and management of natural geomorphic hazards. A few characteristic features of volcanoes and
their eruptions based on close observations of past volcanic eruption are used as a warning signs of
impending eruptions. Regular measurement of seismic events and earth tremors by seismic methods,
regular measurement of ground surface tilt measurement by tilt meters, constant measurement of
temperature of crate lakes, hot springs, geysers, fumaroles etc. The path of lava flow known as
lahar can be better predicted on the basis of detailed analysis of topography and identification of
possible eruption points.

E
The geomorphic knowledge of behaviour of river system and its morphological characteristics viz.
channel geometry, channel morphology and channel pattern, bank morphology etc. may help in
OR
controlling river floods through several flood control measures. Without the knowledge of nature of
erosion in upper catchment area and sediment load characteristics of the river the construction of
levees to confine the flood water within the valley may prove disaster as if the rate of erosion is very
high in the upper catchment area, resulting in high sediment load then there would be more
sedimentation in the valley causing gradual rise in the river bed. This may lead to sudden flash
flood whenever the levee is breached.
SC

Earthquakes are both natural as well as man induced geomorphic hazards. The geomorphic
knowledge of the stability of the terrain and the probable impacts of man-made structures on crustal
stability such as construction of dams and reservoir is of paramount significance in identifying
weaker zones which are likely to be affected by seismic events. Similarly, the geomorphic study of
the nature of the nature of the hillslopes and their associated lithologies enable us to know the
stability or instability of the hillslope and possible slope failure through the landslides. This knowledge
would help in identifying and mapping of unstable hillslopes which may be avoided for human
GS

settlements and road construction.

Geomorphology and Urbanization
Geomorphic knowledge is of great significance in deciding the extent of the urban growth in
geomorphologically fragile zones such as unstable hillslopes with weak lithology and frequent slope
failure, alluvial riverine zones affected by frequent floods, areas of probable subsidence, coastal
zones marked by active cliff recession, tectonically and seismically sensitive areas etc. The application
of geomorphic knowledge in urban development comes under the domain of urban geomorphology.
The urban geomorphology has to play a twofold roles viz. the study prior to urban development
through field survey, terrain classification, identification and selection of alternative suitable locations
for urban settlements etc. and during and after urban development (the study of effects of natural
events on urban community and the impact of urban development on natural environment and
their remedial measures).
Various geomorphological problems hitherto not understood by the planners and engineers lead to
destruction and damage to urban settlements in varying environmental relams viz. damage of
highways, damage to buildings through inundation during floods in subtropical humid regions etc.
Very little attention is paid towards understanding the geomorphological conditions before the
development of the existing urban centres mainly in the developing countries. With the result the
[ 2 ] Hints: Geography
 Join Telegram for More Update : - https://t.me/upsc_pdf

uncontrolled growth gives rise to squatter settlements or shanty towns as in many poor third world
countries and it commonly creates serious social and environmental problems.
Many of the alluvial cities locates at the banks of the Ganga (Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna etc) and
its tributaries are facing geoenvironmental problems because the city growth has taken place in
otherwise unsuitable areas viz. lowlying floodplains (aka kachar). Allahabad city, located at the
confluence of Ganaga and Yamuna has witnessed fast physical growth since last 30 years in the
outskirts except in the west in the geomorphologically unsuitable lowland terrain which is prone to
recurrent floods, water logging, weak foundations, house collapse etc. The persistent problem of
floods are tackled by raising artificial embankments but in long range it also helps in siltation and
rise in river bed.
4. India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links and
enjoy close, cordial and multi-dimensional relations. Discuss.
India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in
antiquity and enjoy close, cordial and multi-dimensional relations. India was among the first to
recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the

E
country.
Economic relations -

OR
India and Maldives signed a trade agreement in 1981, which provides for export of essential
commodities. Growing from modest beginnings, India-Maldives bilateral trade now stands at Rs.700
crores. Indian imports from the Maldives primarily comprise scrap metals while Indian exports to
the Maldives include agriculture and poultry produce, sugar, fruits, vegetables, spices, rice, atta,
textiles, drugs and medicines, a variety of engineering and industrial products, sand and aggregate,
cement for building etc.
SC

Financial Assistance -
After the tsunami that struck Maldives on the morning of 26 December 2004, India was the first
country to rush relief aid to Maldives. India provided a budget support aid of Rs.10 crores in view
of the serious financial difficulties being faced by Maldives on account of the tsunami and related
factors.
GS

Cultural Relations -
Both the countries share long cultural links and continuous efforts are underway to further strengthen
these linkages. Three historical mosques were successfully restored by Indian experts from NRLCCP,
Lucknow. Exchange of cultural troupes takes place regularly between the countries.
The India Cultural Center (ICC) in Male was inaugurated in July 2011, which conducts courses in
yoga, classical music and dance.
Recent development - India and Maldives signed three MOU's namely - (i) MoU on cooperation in
the field of health, (ii) Memorandum of Understanding on Manpower requirements of the Indira
Gandhi Memorial Hospital, and (iii) Memorandum of Agreement for allotment of plot to the High
Commission of Maldives.
India has earlier extended financial assistance for development projects in Maldives -
(a) Renovation of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male
(b) Construction of training centre for Maldives Defense forces.
(c) Assistance in setting up of Maldives Police Academy
Other than that India also agreed to allow visa-free entry to citizens of Maldives for medical purposes.

Hints: Geography [3]

 Join Telegram for More Update : - https://t.me/upsc_pdf

5. Discuss the views of various geographers regarding the formation of Northern Plains. Also
discuss its geomorphic features.
The great plains of India are one of the most fertile regions of the world. It is an aggradational plain
formed by the depositional work of three major rivers system viz. the Indus, the Ganges & the
Brahmaputra. It is the largest alluvial tract of the world. Formation of the northern plains can be
explained in the following diagram.
It is almost accepted fact that Northern plains has been formed as a result of a deep depression
lying between the peninsular & the Himalayan region by the depositional work of the rivers coming
from these two landmasses. However divergent views have been expressed regarding the origin &
the process of filling of this great depression.
According to Edward Suess, the foredeep was formed in front of high crustal waves of the Himalayas
as they were checked in their southward advance by inflexible solid landmass of the peninsula.
Here the alluvial brought down by Himalayan rivers filled the synclinal foredeep to form Northern
Plains.

E
Sir Sydney Burrard, on the other hand thinks the Indo Gangetic Alluvium conceals a great deep rift
or fracture in the earth's subcrust which was eventually filled up by detritus. He said that the
emergence and folding of Himalayas is the reason behind this rift.
OR
However there is no trace of a rift valley at the northern edge of the Peninsula & that such a vast rift
valley is not possible.
According to Blachard, the plains are remnants of Tethys geosyncline. This view was severly criticized
as if this is correct then the beds of the plain should be basaltic instead of gneiss and granite.
SC
GS

Geomorphological features:
The Bhabhar: It is present at Himalayan foothills & is coalescence of alluvial fans. It has remarkable
continuity along the entire stretch of Shiwalik. Large boulders, rounded rocks, pebbles, high porosity
& unsuitable for agriculture are the main features.
The Tarai: It has bad drainage so the streams lost in Bhabhar belt reappears here & forms marshy
swamps. Due to high rain it is better developed on eastern part. Tarai in Bengal is known as duars.
Traditionally it has a rich deciduous sal forests which have been deforested today. The region is

[ 4 ] Hints: Geography
 Join Telegram for More Update : - https://t.me/upsc_pdf

suffering with salinity problem due to excess water intensive crops. The Tarai is more marked in the
eastern part than in the west because the eastern parts receive comparatively higher amount of
rainfall.
The Bhangar: It is composed of old alluvium of the middle Pleistocene age & forms the alluvial
terrace above the level of flood plains. This region have fine texture soil & rich in lime concretion
called as Kankar. It is known to have fossils of Pleistocene life forms.
The Khadar: They are young & active flood plains and low in lime content. The region is renewed
every year thus are very fertile & consist of finest texture. It can have fossils of contemporary life
forms.

E
OR
SC

™™™™™
GS

Hints: Geography [5]