UNIT I: GEOGRAPHY AS A DISCIPLINE
1.
Geography as a Discipline : The chapter discusses the branches of
geography and importance of physical geography.
UNIT II: THE EARTH
2.
The Origin and Evolution of the Earth : The chapter deals with the Origin and
evolution of the earth with respect to the early and modern theories.
UPSC 2012: Which of the
following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/ evidences for the
continued expansion of universe?
1. Detection
of microwaves in space
2. Observation of redshift
phenomenon in space
3. Movement of asteroids in
space
4. Occurrence of
supernova explosions in space
Select the
correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) None of the above can be
cited as evidence
Ans: A
3.
Interior of the Earth : The chapter deals with the Interior of
the earth; earthquakes and volcanoes.
4.
Distribution of Oceans and Continents : The chapter deals with the formation of
ocean and currents through the Wegener’s continental drift theory, convectional
current theory and plate tectonics.
UNIT III: LANDFORMS
5.
Minerals and Rocks : The chapter deals with the Rocks and
minerals — major types of rocks and their characteristics.
6.
Geomorphic Processes : The chapter discusses about the exogenic
and endogenic forces and how these forces lead to formation of earth’s surface
7.
Landforms and their Evolution : This chapter deal with the formation of
landforms through the running water, glaciers, winds, etc.
UNIT IV: CLIMATE
8.
Composition and Structure of Atmosphere : The
chapter deals with the Atmosphere — compositions and structure; elements of
weather and climate.
9.
Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and
Temperature : The chapter deals
with Insolation — angle of incidence and distribution; heat budget of the earth
— heating and cooling of atmosphere; temperature — factors controlling
temperature; distribution of temperature — horizontal and vertical; inversion
of temperature.
10. Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems : The chapter describes Pressure —
pressure belts; winds-planetary seasonal and local, air masses and fronts;
tropical and extra tropical cyclones.
UPSC 2015: Consider the following statements
1. The winds
which blow between 30°N and 60°S latitudes throughout the year are known as
westerlies.
2. The moist
air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are part of
westerlies.
Which of the
statements given above is/ are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B
11. Water in the Atmosphere : The chapter deals with the Precipitation
— evaporation; condensation — dew, frost, fog, mist and cloud; rainfall — types
and world distributon.
12. World Climate and Climate Change : The
chapter describes World climates — classification (Koeppen), greenhouse effect,
global warming and climatic changes.
UNIT V: WATER (OCEANS)
13. Water (Oceans) : Discusses the movement of water in form of waves, tides and ocean currents.
UPSC 2015: What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current
(a) The Earth's rotation
on its axis
(b) Convergence of the two
equatorial currents
(c) Difference in salinity,
of water
(d) Occurrence of the' belt
of calm near the equator
Ans D
14. Movements of Ocean Water : Discusses the Oceans submarine relief;
distribution of temperature and salinity, etc.
UNIT VI: LIFE ON THE EARTH
15. Life on the Earth : Discusses about Biosphere — importance
of plants and other organisms; ecosystems, bio-geo chemical cycle and
ecological balance; biodiversity and conservation
UPSC
2013: Which of the following is/arc unique
characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?
1. Presence of
tall, closely sat trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy
2. Co-existence of a large
number of species
3. Presence of numerous
varieties of epiphytes
Select the
correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: D
16.
Biodiversity and Conservation : Discusses the concept of biodiversity and steps for their conservation.