UPSC IAS Prelims 2023: Detailed Analysis of Paper I: Geography

UPSC CSE IAS: Check the detailed analysis of questions based on the Environment and Geography Section asked in the UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam 2023. The answers have been explained for a better understanding of aspirants. UPSC IAS Prelims 2023: Detailed Analysis of Paper I: Geography.

Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. Geographers explore both the physical properties of Earth’s surface and the human societies spread across it. They also examine how human culture interacts with the natural environment and the way those locations and places can have an impact on people. Geography seeks to understand where things are found, why they are there and how they develop and change over the time.

The natural resources of a country are of primary importance for the economic development. As a matter of fact, natural resources determine the economic life of a nation.

Man may grow rich in knowledge and intelligence, however much he may have overcome nature but ultimately he will have to depend on the materials supplied by Mother Nature for the development of his economic life.

The physical factors like topography, soils, geologic formation, climate and the available flora and fauna are the basic influences which lead to differences in land-use, cropping pattern, settlement and density of population and occurrence of minerals, water and power resources in different parts of the country.

---

UPSC IAS Prelims 2023: Detailed Analysis of Paper I: Geography

---

Ques: With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct? 

1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January – March
2. OMT collected during January – March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (d)

Explanation: 26-degree isotherm is witnessed at a depth between 50 and 100 meters. 

Statement 1 is incorrect.

“Using OMT data collected during January-March 2018, we were able to predict with 80% probability that this year’s monsoon will be below average during June–September.” – senior scientist at IITM. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Ques:  Siachen Glacier is situated to the

(a) East of Aksai Chin

(b) East of Leh

(c) North of Gilgit

(d) North of Nubra Valley

Answer: d

Explanation:

Ques: Consider the following statements :

1. Jetstreams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: c

Explanation: Jet streams occur in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The actual appearance of jet streams result from the complex interaction between many variables – such as the location of high and low pressure systems, warm and cold air, and seasonal changes. Statement 1 is incorrect.

The warmest part of Erin’s eye was almost 21 degrees (Fahrenheit) warmer than the surrounding air, a dramatic difference from the air around it. Above 7.5 miles high, the eye’s temperature dropped quickly to the same temperature as the air outside the eye. Statement 3 is incorrect.

Ques: Consider the following pairs : 

River –          Flows into 

1. Mekong- Andaman Sea 
2. Thames – Irish Sea 
3. Volga – Caspian Sea 
4. Zambezi – Indian Ocean 

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 3 only

(c) 3 and 4 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Answer: c

Explanation: Mekong empties into the South China Sea at the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Statement 1 is incorrect.

Thames rives lows into the North Sea via the Thames Estuary. Statement 2 is incorrect.

---

---