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UPSC CSE Prelims 2018 — Geography Questions with Answers

All 6 Geography previous-year questions from UPSC CSE Prelims 2018, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Earth Science

   Consider the following statements: 1. The Earth's magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years. 2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide. 3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth.

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 and 3 only
   • c)1 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3

   Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the early Earth's atmosphere was rich in carbon dioxide and had almost no free oxygen, not 54% oxygen.

2. Q2.Agriculture

   Consider the following crops: 1. Cotton 2. Groundnut 3. Rice 4. Wheat. Which of these are Kharif crops?

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 only
   • c)Both 1 and 2
   • d)Neither 1 nor 2

   Explanation: Cotton, groundnut and rice are Kharif (monsoon-sown) crops, while wheat is a Rabi (winter) crop. Hence 1, 2 and 3 are Kharif.

3. Q3.Geomorphology & Atmosphere

   Consider the following statements: 1. The Earth's magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years. 2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide. 3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 and 3 only
   • c)1 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3
4. Q4.Lakes of India

   Which one of the following is an artificial lake?

   • a)Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)
   • b)Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)
   • c)Nainital (Uttarakhand)
   • d)Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)
5. Q5.Soils

   With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements: 1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity. 2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle. 3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • a)1 and 2 only
   • b)3 only
   • c)1 and 3 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3
6. Q6.Volcanism

   Consider the following statements: 1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory. 2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar. 3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 and 3
   • c)3 only
   • d)1 and 3