UPSC Geography Optional Question Papers

Geography Optional Question Papers: 

The Geography (Optional) questions are asked in UPSC (UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION) Previous years exams  from 2000 to 2022 based on Geomorphology (Part of Physical Geography Paper I).

Syllabus of Geography Paper I

Geomorphology Syllabus- (Part of Physical Geography):

Origin and evolution of the earth s crust; Physical conditions of the earth s interior; Continental drift; Plate tectonics and endogenetic and exogenetic forces. Recent views on mountain building; Channel morphology; Fundamentals of geomagnetism; Factors controlling landform development; Earthquakes and Tsunamis; Slope development; Concepts of geomorphic cycles and Landscape development; Isostasy; Erosion surfaces; Geosynclines Denudation chronology; Vulcanicity and Applied Geomorphology: Geohydrology, economic geology and environment.

UPSC Geography Optional Previous Question Papers (2000-2022): 

1. UPSC Geography Optional Question Paper on Geomorphology (From 2000 to 2022):
2. With reference to the theory of Plate tectonics, explain the origin and growth of the Young Fold Mountain systems of the World. (UPCS 2000)
3. Present a critical analysis of the theory of Isostacy. (UPCS 2001)
4. Provide a critique of the “geographical cycle” model, propounded by Davis. (UPCS 2002)
5. Write short note: Geosyncline. (UPCS 2002)
6. Explain the sequential development of landforms associated with the coastal areas. (UPCS 2003)
7. Describe the landforms which are products of endogenetic forces. (UPCS 2004)
8. Write short note: Peneplain (UPCS 2004)
9. “Structure is dominant control factor in the evolution of landforms.” Discuss with suitable examples. (UPCS 2005)
10. Write short note: Role of seismic waves in the study of earth’s interior. (UPCS 2005)
11. Critically evaluate the continental drift hypothesis of A. Wegener. (UPCS 2006)
12. Define the concept of isostasy and discuss the postulations of Airy and Pratt. (UPCS 2007)
13. Critically examine the concept of geomorphic cycle and discuss the views of W.M. Davis and W. Penck. (UPCS 2008)
14. Write short note on Seafloor spreading theory. (UPCS 2008)
15. Highlight the geomorphic features essentially found in topographies under the Second Cycle of erosion. (UPCS 2009)
16. Give a brief account of the principal land biomes and their latitudinal distribution. (UPCS 2009)
17. Discuss views on slope development provided by L.C. King. (UPCS 2009)
18. Write short note on Essential conditions for the development of Karst topography. (UPCS 2010)
19. Bring out the relevance of seismic study in determining the structure of the interior of the earth. (UPCS 2010)
20. “Weathering is a complex phenomenon involving a number of processes and is influenced by various factors.” Elaborate. (UPCS 2010)
21. Write short note on Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism. (UPCS 2011)
22. Name the climatically controlled agents of erosion. Explain how they differ in terms of properties of matter. Compare the landforms produced by each one of them. (UPCS 2011)
23. Explain the concept of isostasy as postulated by Airy and Pratt. (UPCS 2011)
24. Write short notes on Palaeozoic glacial evidence of Continental Drift. (UPCS 2012)
25. Write short notes on: Systems approach to landform analysis. (UPCS 2012)
26. Write short note on Major components of IGPB. (UPCS 2012)
27. Explain how Bosche and Haldenhang lead to the Theory of Slope Replacement. (UPCS 2012)
28. Answer the following: Characteristics of the standard epigene cycle of erosion. (UPCS 2012)
29. Write short note: Differences between Normal cycle and Arid cycle of Davis. (UPCS 2013)
30. Write short note: Impact of Pleistocene Ice age on the crust of the Earth. (UPCS 2013)
31. Define the term ‘meander’ and describe the basic characteristics of entrenched meander and ingrown meander. (UPCS 2014)
32. State the concept of plate tectonics. How does it help in explaining the formation of the Himalayas and Appalachian Mountains? (UPCS 2014)
33. State the concept of erosion surfaces and highlight the factors responsible for their development. (UPCS 2014)
34. Attempt a classification of geomorphic process from the zonal point of view. (UPCS 2015)
35. Discuss the contribution of the American school of subaerial Denudation in geomorphology. (UPCS 2015)
36. Explain with examples as to how channel dynamics has been responsible for the development of alluvial fans and cones. (UPCS 2015)
37. “Present-day landforms bear more complexity than simplicity”. Elucidate. (UPCS 2015)
38. Describe the “Basket of Eggs topography”. (UPCS 2016)
39. “In explaining the concept of Prediplanation’, King combined the ideas of Davis, Penck and Wood with his own.” Elaborate. (UPCS 2016)
40. “Geological structure has a dominant control on landforms and is reflected on them.” Discuss. (UPCS 2016)
41. Write a note on pseudovolcanic features. (UPCS 2017)
42. “The knowledge of slope analysis has limited field application in the slope management.” Explain. (UPCS 2017)
43. Discuss the concept of Periglacial cycle as propounded by Peltier. (UPCS 2017)
44. “Climate, slope gradient and rock structure influence the avulsion of channels.” Explain. (UPCS 2017)
45. “Landscape is a function of structure, process and stage.” Critique the statement. (UPCS 2018)
46. Evaluate how far Kober’s geosyncline theory explains the mountain building process. (UPCS 2018)
47. “Geomorphological changes are largely responsible for environmental hazards in the Himalayan region.” Comment with relevant examples. (UPCS 2018)
48. Describe phreatic eruptions and their consequences. (UPCS 2019)
49. How are sand spits and tombolos formed? (UPCS 2019)
50. Compare and contrast different types of plate boundaries. (UPCS 2019)
51. Discuss the methods of measuring the intensity and magnitude of earthquakes. How are seismic zones demarcated? (UPCS 2019)
52. Why is mapping important for analyzing geo-hydrological investigations? Explain with relevant examples. (UPCS 2020)
53. Write an essay on the evolution of continents and oceans using various theories and models. (UPCS 2020)
54. Discuss the problems of erosional surfaces and explain the different methods to identify them with suitable diagrams. (UPCS 2020)
55. Describe the concept of Altiplanation. (UPCS 2021)
56. The concept of Plate Techtonics has been derived from the Isostasy and Continental Drift Theory. Elaborate citing suitable examples. (UPCS 2021)
57. Stream basins and drainage divides are important components to delineate a watershed area. Explain. (UPCS 2021)
58. With the help of suitable sketches describe the mountain genesis and mountain types. Give suitable examples from various mountain systems of the world. (UPSC 2022)
59. Define ‘speleothem’. Discuss the various forms and features of speleothems. (UPSC 2022)
60. Discuss the role of Slope, Altitude and Relief (SAR) in the landscape development. (UPSC 2022)

Also Read: Syllabus of Geography (Optional)