BPSC Prelims 2023 Geography Questions with Solutions

Explanation

Mauna Loa, located in Hawaii, USA, is the world's largest active volcano. In November 2022, it erupted for the first time in 38 years, attracting significant global attention. Its last eruption occurred in 1984. This major event was closely monitored by scientists due to the volcano's immense size and potential impact.

Explanation

According to the 2011 Census, the urbanization level in Bihar was 11.3 percent, indicating a predominantly rural state at that time. Recent economic surveys, such as the Bihar Economic Survey, have reported that the urbanization level in Bihar has now increased to 15.3 percent. This shows a significant rise in the proportion of the population living in urban areas over the last decade.

Explanation

The Kabul River originates in Afghanistan and flows eastward, eventually merging with the Indus River at Attock in Pakistan. This confluence is a significant geographical point where the Indus receives a substantial tributary from the west. The river passes through important cities like Kabul and Jalalabad before entering Pakistan.

Explanation

Project Tiger is a landmark wildlife conservation program launched in India in 1973. Its primary objective was to protect the Bengal tiger and ensure its viable population in its natural habitats. It has been one of the most successful and well-publicized conservation initiatives globally, establishing several tiger reserves across the country.

Explanation

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface upwards. Its average height is approximately 13 km, though it varies from about 8 km at the poles to 18 km at the equator. This layer is where most weather phenomena occur and temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude.

Explanation

Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras. It began to break apart approximately 175 million years ago. This breakup resulted in two major landmasses: Laurasia to the north, which eventually formed North America, Europe, and Asia, and Gondwanaland (or Gondwana) to the south, which included present-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation

The Arctic region is the northernmost region of the Earth, surrounding the North Pole and encompassing parts of Eurasia and North America, as well as the Arctic Ocean. The continent of Antarctica is located at the southernmost part of the Earth, surrounding the South Pole. Therefore, both the Arctic region and Antarctica are fundamentally defined by their proximity to the Earth's geographical poles.

Explanation

India shares a land border with Myanmar in its northeastern region. The Indian states that have a common border with Myanmar are Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. These four states form a continuous stretch along India's eastern frontier with Myanmar, reflecting a shared geographical and cultural landscape in parts.

Explanation

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve is a protected area located on the southeastern coast of India. It is renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity and is characterized by a unique ecosystem that includes 21 small islands, extensive coral reefs, seagrass beds, estuaries, beaches, and mangrove forests. This rich variety of habitats supports a vast array of marine life, making it one of the world's most biodiverse marine regions.

Explanation

As per Köppen's climatic classification scheme, much of the northern plains of India, including the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, fall under the Cwg type. This climate designation represents a humid subtropical climate with dry winters. The 'C' indicates a temperate climate with mild winters, 'w' signifies dry winters, and 'g' denotes a Ganga-type temperature regime with a hot summer preceding the monsoon season.

Explanation

The Damodar, Son, and Mahanadi river valleys are all significant coal-producing regions in India, known for their extensive Gondwana coal reserves. The Damodar Valley, encompassing major fields like Jharia and Raniganj in Jharkhand and West Bengal, is often referred to as the "storehouse of Indian coal". The Mahanadi Valley, particularly in Odisha (e.g., Talcher coalfield), and the Son Valley, spanning Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh (e.g., Singrauli coalfield), also hold substantial coal deposits. Since multiple options (A, B, and C) describe areas rich in coal, 'More than one of the above' is the most accurate answer.

Explanation

The pre-monsoon showers that occur towards the end of summer in Kerala and the coastal areas of Karnataka are locally known as Mango showers. These showers are crucial as they help in the early ripening of mangoes and are also beneficial for coffee plantations, aiding in the blossoming of coffee flowers. While 'blossom showers' specifically refers to their benefit for coffee, 'Mango showers' is a more general and widely recognized local term for these beneficial pre-monsoon rains in the region.

Explanation

The Earth's atmosphere is primarily heated by long-wave terrestrial radiation. Solar radiation, which is short-wave, largely passes through the atmosphere and heats the Earth's surface. The heated surface then re-radiates this energy back into the atmosphere as long-wave infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor efficiently absorb this long-wave radiation, trapping the heat and warming the atmosphere, a process critical for maintaining the Earth's temperature.

Explanation

Uttar Pradesh borders 8 districts of Bihar (West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas). Jharkhand also borders 8 districts of Bihar (Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Banka, Bhagalpur, Katihar). West Bengal borders 3 districts of Bihar (Katihar, Purnia, Kishanganj). Since both Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand border the maximum number of districts (8), the correct option is "More than one of the above".

Explanation

The train route from Bhagalpur towards Mirza Cheuki (Mirza Chowki) involves several stations. Bhagalpur is in Bihar, while Mirza Cheuki is in Jharkhand. Following the railway line, stations like Kahalgaon and Pirpainti are encountered after Bhagalpur. Pirpainti Railway Station is the last significant station located within the state of Bihar before the train crosses into Jharkhand, with Mirza Cheuki being the first station in Jharkhand on this particular route.

Explanation

The Phalgu River, a sacred river in Bihar, especially known for its significance in Gaya, is formed by the confluence of two distinct rivers. These two headstreams are the Lilajan (also known as Niranjana) river and the Mohana river. They merge near Bodh Gaya to give rise to the Phalgu river, which then flows northwards past Gaya.

Explanation

Tea cultivation in Bihar is predominantly concentrated in the northeastern part of the state, particularly in Kishanganj district. Among the places in Kishanganj, Thakurganj block is historically recognized as one of the pioneering regions where tea gardens were first established in Bihar, marking the beginning of commercial tea production in the state.

Explanation

The decadal population growth rates for the districts of Bihar from 2001 to 2011 are as follows: Siwan had a growth rate of 22.7%, Kishanganj had 30.4%, and Madhepura had 31.1%. Arranging these in ascending order gives Siwan (22.7%) < Kishanganj (30.4%) < Madhepura (31.1%). This order corresponds directly to option A.

Explanation

Global warming is primarily caused by the greenhouse effect, which is intensified by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. All the gases listed in options A, B, and C—nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon dioxide—are significant greenhouse gases. They absorb and emit radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, contributing to the warming of Earth's surface and atmosphere. Therefore, more than one of the given options contribute to global warming.

Explanation

Seafloor spreading is the geological process responsible for the continuous addition of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges. Molten material (magma) from the Earth's mantle rises to the surface, erupts, and solidifies, forming new crust that then moves away from the ridge. Subduction, conversely, is where crust is recycled back into the mantle. Earthquakes are phenomena resulting from crustal movement, and convection describes the driving forces within the mantle, not the crust-adding process itself.

Explanation

The theory of plate tectonics describes the large-scale motion of the Earth's lithosphere. It posits that the Earth's outer rigid layer (the lithosphere), which includes the crust and uppermost mantle, is broken into several large plates that are in constant, slow motion relative to one another. This movement is driven by convection currents within the Earth's mantle. The theory of continental drift was an earlier, less comprehensive hypothesis that focused only on the movement of continents.

Explanation

Sunchi Reef, Amee Shoals, and Grande Island are all prominent locations known for their shipwrecks and are popular sites for shipwreck tourism and marine archaeological exploration in India. These specific sites are situated off the coast of Goa. Grande Island, in particular, is a well-known diving destination near Goa, famous for its underwater shipwrecks that attract numerous tourists and divers.

Explanation

In a significant conservation effort in 2023, ten captive-bred Asian Giant Tortoises (Manouria emys) were released into the wild at Ntangki National Park in Nagaland. This release was part of a broader program aimed at restoring the population of this critically endangered species, which is the largest tortoise species native to mainland Asia, into suitable habitats within India.

Explanation

The 'Lisbon Declaration' is a political declaration adopted at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference, which took place in Lisbon, Portugal. The declaration commits participating nations to urgently accelerate science-based innovative actions to conserve the ocean and its marine resources for sustainable development. It focuses on protecting marine ecosystems, addressing marine pollution, and promoting sustainable ocean-based economies.

Explanation

Lake Victoria is indeed recognized as one of the Great Lakes of Africa, making statement 2 correct. Furthermore, the only river that flows out of Lake Victoria is the Nile River, specifically the Victoria Nile, which begins its journey near Jinja, Uganda, confirming statement 4. Statement 1 is incorrect as Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake by surface area, not the third. Statement 3 is incorrect because it is bordered by three countries (Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya), not four.

Explanation

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) criteria, a heat wave is declared in plains when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 °C or more, not 30 °C, making statement 1 incorrect. For hilly regions, a heat wave is considered if the maximum temperature reaches at least 30 °C or more, not 40 °C, making statement 2 incorrect. Therefore, neither of the given statements accurately describes the conditions for a heat wave.

Explanation

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates. These constituent emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al-Khaimah. Option A correctly lists all these seven emirates that form the UAE. Other options include cities or countries that are not part of the UAE.

Explanation

The Subarnarekha River is a significant east-flowing interstate river in eastern India. It originates near Nagri village in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand, at an elevation of approximately 600 meters. The river then flows through parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Explanation

Valmiki National Park is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, along the India-Nepal border. Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Munger district of Bihar, known for its hot springs. Dudhwa National Park is located in Uttar Pradesh, and Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary is found in Rajasthan. Therefore, only Valmiki National Park and Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary are in Bihar.

Explanation

The Gangetic River Dolphin is classified as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and pollution. These dolphins are functionally blind because they lack a crystalline eye lens, relying instead on echolocation for navigation and hunting in the murky river waters. India officially recognized the Gangetic Dolphin as its National Aquatic Animal in 2009 to promote its conservation.

Explanation

The Gandak river, a major left-bank tributary of the Ganga in India, is famously known by the name Narayani in Nepal. It originates in the Himalayas and flows through Nepal before entering India. The Narayani is one of the four largest rivers of Nepal, making its other name significant.

Explanation

Jamui district in Bihar has been identified as having significant gold reserves. Geological surveys and exploration efforts, particularly in the Sono block of Jamui, have confirmed the presence of large quantities of gold ore. This makes Jamui the primary district in Bihar associated with gold deposits.

Explanation

The Triveni Canal is an important irrigation project that has been constructed on the Gandak River. This canal takes off from the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar, near the Nepal border, and primarily serves for irrigation in the West Champaran district of Bihar. It plays a crucial role in the agricultural development of the region.

Explanation

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The presence of similar rich gold deposits (placer deposits in Ghana and gold-bearing veins in Brazil) across the Atlantic Ocean is a classic geological evidence supporting the theory of continental drift. These continents were once conjoined as part of the supercontinent Gondwana, and their shared geological history resulted in similar mineral distributions before they drifted apart.

Explanation

The correct matching is: Dharwar rock system (a) is part of the oldest Archaean rock system (3); Vindhyan rock system (b) consists mainly of sandstone, limestone, dolomite, quartzite, and shale (4); Quaternary rock system (c) is created by the rapid deposition of alluvium by Himalayan and Peninsular rivers (1); and Tertiary rock system (d) can be found in the West Champaran district (2). This alignment accurately describes the geological structure of Bihar.

Explanation

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, located on the southeast coast of India, is renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity. It encompasses 21 small islands, a variety of coastal habitats including estuaries, beaches, nearshore forests, extensive seagrass beds, vibrant coral reefs, salt marshes, and mangrove forests. This unique combination of ecosystems supports a vast array of marine life, making it one of the most biodiverse marine regions globally. Its rich environmental features directly align with all the descriptors in the question.

Explanation

The Earth rotates 15 degrees of longitude in one hour, meaning 1 degree corresponds to 4 minutes of time difference. Thimphu is located at 90° East longitude, while Greenwich is at 0° longitude. The longitudinal difference is 90 degrees. To calculate the time difference, multiply the longitude difference by 4 minutes per degree: 90 degrees multiplied by 4 minutes/degree equals 360 minutes. Converting minutes to hours, 360 minutes divided by 60 minutes/hour equals 6 hours. Since Thimphu is to the East of Greenwich, its time will be ahead. Therefore, if it is 12:00 noon at Greenwich, the local time in Thimphu will be 12:00 noon plus 6 hours, which is 6:00 p.m.

Explanation

Kodarma, a district in Jharkhand, India, is widely recognized for its significant deposits of mica. It has historically been a major hub for mica mining and processing, earning it the moniker "Mica Capital of India." The region is particularly rich in ruby mica, a high-quality variety. In contrast, Dharwar rock formations are primarily known for metallic minerals, the Cuddapah series for other sedimentary rocks like limestone and quartzites (though some diamond occurrences are known in associated geological structures, it is not its primary fame), and petroleum reserves are typically found in sedimentary basins, not the ancient Aravalli hills.

Explanation

Latitudes are imaginary lines or parallels that circle the Earth horizontally, measuring distance north or south of the Equator. The Equator is 0° latitude. There are 90 degrees of latitude in the Northern Hemisphere and 90 degrees in the Southern Hemisphere. If drawn at 1-degree intervals, this includes the Equator at 0°, 89 lines in the Northern Hemisphere (from 1°N to 89°N), and 89 lines in the Southern Hemisphere (from 1°S to 89°S). The poles (90°N and 90°S) are points, not lines or circles of latitude. Therefore, the total number of distinct latitude lines drawn at 1-degree intervals is 1 (Equator) + 89 (North) + 89 (South) = 179.

Explanation

The Kosi plain is an extensive low-lying alluvial plain in the northern part of Bihar, India, and adjacent areas of Nepal, forming part of the vast Indo-Gangetic Plain. It is characterized by very gentle slopes and low elevations above mean sea level. The average height of the Kosi plain from mean sea level is about 30 metres, which makes option C the correct choice (this matches the official BPSC 2023 answer key).

Explanation

The Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N latitude) and the Indian Standard Time (IST) line (82.5° E longitude) intersect in India. This intersection point lies in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh. Geographically, this region is part of the Baghelkhand Plateau, which spans parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

Explanation

Uttarakhand shares its northern boundary with Tibet (China). The districts of Uttarakhand that share a border with Tibet are Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh. Almora district, on the other hand, is an internal district within Uttarakhand and does not share a direct international boundary with Tibet.

Explanation

El Niño is a significant climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon is a major component of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which greatly influences global weather patterns.

Explanation

The correct answer is approximately 598,000. As per the 2011 Census, the population of Gaya district was about 43 lakh (4,391,418). However, according to the latest UN World Urbanization Prospects estimates, the population of the Gaya urban agglomeration in 2023 is estimated at around 598,345, which is the figure the question treats as the current population. Hence the closest option is 598000.

Explanation

Let's set up a coordinate system with O at the origin (0,0). N is in the Southeast of O by 1 km. Southeast implies an angle of -45° (or 315°) from the positive x-axis. Coordinates of N = (1 cos(-45°), 1 sin(-45°)) = (1/√2, -1/√2). M is in the North of N at a distance of 4 km. Coordinates of M = (1/√2, -1/√2 + 4). P is in the South of O at a distance of 2 km. Coordinates of P = (0, -2).

Now, we calculate the distance between M and P using the distance formula: d = sqrt((x2-x1)² + (y2-y1)²). d(M,P) = sqrt((1/√2 - 0)² + ((4 - 1/√2) - (-2))²) d(M,P) = sqrt((1/√2)² + (6 - 1/√2)²) d(M,P) = sqrt(1/2 + (36 - 12/√2 + 1/2)) d(M,P) = sqrt(1 + 36 - 6√2) = sqrt(37 - 6√2) Using √2 approx 1.414: d(M,P) = sqrt(37 - 6 * 1.414) = sqrt(37 - 8.484) = sqrt(28.516) sqrt(28.516) approx 5.3399. This rounds to 5.34 km.