Q1) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the

world. (2013)

Answer:

Introduction : Definition based. (Define Heat Island)

The heat island effect, also known as the urban heat island effect, refers to the phenomenon
where urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures compared to the surrounding
rural areas. This effect is primarily caused by the modification of the natural land surfaces due to
human activities and the increased concentration of buildings, roads, pavements, and other
infrastructure.

Body : Lifecycle Approach. (Life Cycle of development of cities gradually leading to heat island
effect.)
Conclusion: Futuristic (Way Forward).
The lifecycle of the heat island effect demonstrates the complex interplay of various factors,
including urbanisation, energy consumption, surface characteristics, vegetation, and air
circulation. By understanding this lifecycle, mitigation measures may include the integration of
green spaces, urban forestry, cool roofs, reflective surfaces, and sustainable urban design
principles.
Q2) Why is India taking keen interest in the resources of the Arctic Region? (2018)

Answer:

Introduction: Current Affairs based.

Recently, the Ministry of Earth Science has unveiled India's Arctic Policy, titled 'India and the
Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development'. This comes at a time when
international interest has been increasing in the polar region.

Body: GS Paper based Approach.

Conclusion: Futuristic and Contrasting argument.
It is believed that the Arctic could become ice-free by the year 2050. In this respect The
Gandhinagar Declaration during COP 13 in 2020, is a significant contribution of India to a more
ethical approach in handling arctic melting, cutting beyond just interests in resource exploitation.

Q3) Assess the impact of global warming on coralife systems with examples. (2019)

Answer:

Introduction: Definition based. (Define Corals)

Corals are marine invertebrate animals that form the foundation of coral reefs. They are
composed of thousands of interconnected individual polyps, each with a soft body surrounded
by tentacles. Corals have a symbiotic relationship with algae called zooxanthellae, which
provide them with energy through photosynthesis. Corals are found in tropical and subtropical
waters, where they create diverse and vibrant ecosystems. However, they are highly sensitive to
environmental changes and can suffer from coral bleaching, leading to their decline and the loss
of reef habitats. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect corals and their important role in
marine ecosystems.

Body: Component based. (Components of Climate change affecting coral populations)

Conclusion: SDG based

We need to take steps to decrease the effect of climate change on coral reefs at regional,
national and global levels. It is important for achieving SDG goals 2 and 15, of zero hunger and
limiting biodiversity loss.

Q4) India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in
its development. Elaborate. (2020)

Similar Question:
● Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their
limited spatial spread. (2022)

Answer:

Introduction: Current Affairs based.

The Government of India has set the target to expand India’s renewable energy installed
capacity to 500 GW by 2030, and 60% of this target is supposed to be harvested from Solar
energy.

Body:
● Potential for Solar Energy : Level Analysis.
● Regional variations in development of solar energy development: Level
Analysis
● Reasons for this regional variation : Life Cycle based. (Process of establishing a
Solar Farm)
Conclusion: Futuristic and linked to SDGs.
Given India’s lowest per MW installation cost of solar panels in the world, India was the second
largest market in Asia for new solar PV capacity and third globally (13 GW of additions in 2021).
It ranked fourth for total installations (60.4 GW), overtaking Germany (59.2 GW) for the first
time. It is important to work further on this lead in order to achieve SDG 7 (Ensure access to
affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all).

Q5) Reasons for a cyclone in the Arabian Sea? Why less frequency in the Arabian Sea?

Answer:

Introduction: Data based.

Cyclones have been occurring more frequently in the Arabian Sea recently than in
the Bay of Bengal, which has been linked to climate change.According to
researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER),
the proportion of Arabian Sea cyclones was initially 1:4 compared to the Bay of
Bengal, but from 2001 to 2020, it increased to 2:4.

Body: Component based approach.

Conclusion : Summary based

While the Arabian Sea experiences fewer cyclones compared to other regions, it is important to
note that cyclonic events can still occur and have the potential for significant impacts. It is
crucial to monitor and understand the complex interplay of these components to accurately
assess and prepare for cyclones in the Arabian Sea.
Example-Cyclone Biparjoy, Cyclone Tauktae, And Cyclone Mekunu etc.
Q6) Discuss the multidimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil
in the world.

Answer:

Introduction: Data based.

The world's supply of petroleum is not evenly divided. The Middle East, which includes Iran but
excludes North Africa, is where slightly less than half of the world's proven reserves are found.
The region consisting of Russia, Kazakhstan, and other former Soviet Union member states
follows the Middle East, followed by Canada and the United States, Latin America, Africa, and
the Middle East.

Body: STAPLE approach

Conclusion: Balanced Futuristic Approach.

India's efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependency and embrace renewable energy and hydrogen
energy are driving sustainable progress, mitigating climate change, improving air quality,
creating jobs, and positioning the nation as a global leader in clean energy technologies.
In order to improve energy security, the National hydrogen mission has been launched to
achieve 5mmt annual production till 2030. Such strategic efforts not only provide a sustainable
environment but also help India achieve Net zero emission by 2070.

Q7) How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing
due to humanizing landscapes? Discuss.

Answer: Means write both in favor and against.

Introduction: Definition based.

Changing the natural landscape architecture to meet human needs, such as urbanisation or
industrialization, is referred to as "humanising" the landscape. All of these generate disruptions
in the hydrological cycle of the atmosphere by either reducing or increasing the rate of
evaporation, which ultimately leads to changes in the Indian Monsoon's pattern.

Body : Component based approach.

Conclusion: Summarise.

Overall, the behaviour of the Indian monsoon is a result of the interaction between natural
climate variability and human-induced changes. Quantifying the exact contributions of human
activities to monsoon changes is challenging due to the complexity of the system and the
presence of multiple influencing factors. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the
monsoon's behavior requires considering both natural and human-induced factors.

Q8) How does the cryosphere affect the global climate? (2017)

Answer:

Introduction: Definition based.

The frozen portions of the Earth's surface, such as snow cover, sea ice, glaciers, ice
caps, and permafrost, are referred to as the cryosphere. These frozen elements have
a major influence on weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems. which play a
crucial role in controlling the global climate.

Body: Component Based Approach.

Figure- Impact of cryosphere on global climate

Conclusion: Summarise.

The warming of the planet due to greenhouse gas emissions from human activities
is a primary driver of cryosphere changes. However, as the cryosphere responds to
warming, it also contributes to further climate change through its various feedback
mechanisms, creating a complex and interconnected system.
Q9) Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in
maintaining coastal ecology. (10m,150 words) 2019

Answer:

Introduction: (Explanation of Mangrove and their habitat)

● Mangroves are a group of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in intertidal zones,
where land and sea meet. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the
world, typically in sheltered coastal areas such as bays, estuaries, and lagoons.

Body: Component Based

Two Parts:
● Causes of Depletion of Mangroves: Component based
● Importance in maintaining coastal ecology: Stakeholder based
Conclusion: Summarize

While mangroves contribute to multiple SDGs, It contributes to SDG 14: Life Below Water -
Mangroves play a crucial role in supporting marine and coastal ecosystems and SDG 13:
Climate Action.
Q10) Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major
environmental issues faced by them. (Answer in 250 words) 2022

Answer:

Introduction: Definition based/ Fact based

Rubber production is primarily concentrated in several countries across the world. The major
rubber-producing countries include Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, China, and
Cambodia, among others. These countries account for a significant portion of the global rubber
supply and play a crucial role in meeting the demand for natural rubber.

Body:
● Distribution of rubber producing countries: Component based (Factors on which any
industry depend)
● Major environmental issues: Life cycle based (Life cycle of rubber production

Distribution of rubber producing countries

Conclusion: Way forward based

Efforts are being made to address these environmental challenges associated with rubber
production. Sustainable rubber initiatives, such as certification programs and agroforestry
practices, aim to promote more environmentally and socially responsible rubber cultivation.
These initiatives focus on reducing deforestation, improving land management practices,
minimizing chemical use, and enhancing the overall sustainability of rubber production.

Q11) Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects.
(2017)

Answer:

Introduction: Definition based

Ocean salinity refers to the concentration of dissolved salts in seawater. It is a measure of the
total amount of dissolved inorganic solids, predominantly sodium chloride (common salt), along
with other salts such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Salinity is typically expressed in
parts per thousand (ppt) or practical salinity units (psu), which are nearly equivalent.

Body: Two Parts

● Variations in oceanic salinity: Component based (Processes taking place in
oceans)
● Multi-dimensional effects of ocean salinity: Stakeholder based
Conclusion: Futuristic

Understanding the interplay between climate change and variations in ocean salinity is crucial
for predicting future climate scenarios, managing water resources, and assessing the impacts
on marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Ongoing research and monitoring efforts,
including climate modeling and observational studies, help scientists and policymakers better
understand the complex interactions between climate change and ocean salinity variations.