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