Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Geography (29 November 2023)

Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Subject : Geography (29 November 2023)

1. Consider the following statements:

1. The North Sea, in spite of its location in higher latitudes, records higher salinity due to more saline water brought by the North Atlantic Drift.
2. Baltic Sea, records low salinity due to influx of River waters in large quantity.
3. The Mediterranean Sea, records higher salinity due to high evaporation.
4. In Bay of Bengal, the low salinity trend is observed due to influx of River water by the River Ganga.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The salinity for normal Open Ocean ranges between 33 o/oo and 37 o/oo. In the Land locked Red Sea, it is as high as 41 o/oo, while in the estuaries and the Arctic, the salinity fluctuates from 0 – 35 o/oo, seasonally. In hot and dry regions, where evaporation is high, the salinity sometimes reaches to 70 o/oo.
The North Sea – in spite of its location in higher latitudes, records higher salinity due to more saline water brought by the North Atlantic Drift.
Baltic Sea – records low salinity due to influx of River waters in large quantity.
The Mediterranean Sea - records higher salinity due to high evaporation.
Black Sea – Salinity is very low in Black Sea due to enormous fresh water influx by Rivers.
Indian Ocean – The average salinity of the Indian Ocean is 35 o/oo.
Bay of Bengal – The low salinity trend is observed in the Bay of Bengal due to influx of River water by the River Ganga.
Arabian Sea – On the contrary, the Arabian Sea shows higher salinity due to high evaporation and low influx of fresh water.
Hence all the statements are correct.


2. Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas are best suitable for tea plantations due to:

1. Moderate slope
2. Thick soil cover with high organic content
3. Well distributed rainfall throughout the year
4. Harsh winters

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas physical conditions such as moderate slope, thick soil cover with high organic content, well distributed rainfall throughout the year and mild winters makes it very much suitable for tea plantations.


3. Which of the following soils found in India are poor in nitrogen, phosphorous and humus?

1. Red and Yellow Soil
2. Black Soil
3. Laterite Soil
4. Peaty Soil

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) All the above

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The fine-grained red and yellow soils are normally fertile, whereas coarse-grained soils found in dry upland areas are poor in fertility. They are generally poor in nitrogen, phosphorous and humus.
Chemically, the black soils are rich in lime, iron, magnesia and alumina. They also contain potash. But they lack in phosphorous, nitrogen and organic matter. The color of the soil ranges from deep black to grey.
Humus content of the laterite soil is removed fast by bacteria that thrives well in high temperature. These soils are poor in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphate and calcium, while iron oxide and potash are in excess.
Peaty soils are found in the areas of heavy rainfall and high humidity, where there is a good growth of vegetation. Thus, large quantity of dead organic matter accumulates in these areas, and this gives a rich humus and organic content to the soil.


4. What is/are the reason for the tendency for the Sugar mills to shift and concentrate in the Southern and western states in India, especially in Maharashtra, in recent years?

1. Peninsular India has tropical climate which suits Sugarcane crop, hence there is higher yield in South.
2. Sucrose Content is also high in Southern sugarcane.
3. Crushing Season is also much longer i.e. 7 or 8 months as compared to 3 or 4 months in North.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Peninsular India has tropical climate which suits Sugarcane crop, hence there is higher yield in South. Sucrose Content is also high in Southern sugarcane. Crushing Season is also much longer – 7/8 months as compared to 3/4 months in North. Cooperatives are also better managed in South than North. Most of the mills in South are new so they have modern machinery. Hence, all statements are correct.


5. The Tamil Nadu coast remains dry during the South-west Monsoon season. The reason:

1. The Tamil Nadu coast is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of Southwest monsoon.
2. It doesn’t lie in the rain shadow region of the Arabian Sea branch of the South-west monsoon.
3. Monsoon winds strike the coast and reroute due to the very high summits of the Eastern Ghats.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Tamil Nadu coast is situated parallel to the Bay of Bengal branch of Southwest monsoon. Because of this the monsoon winds do not strike it and instead pass over. Tamil Nadu coast lies in the rain shadow region of the Arabian Sea branch of the south-west monsoon. But the given statement says it doesn’t lie in the rain shadow region of Arabian Sea branch. Since it is bereft of the moisture from both the branches it remains dry. It instead receives rainfall from the north-eastern monsoon that comes with a retreat. The Eastern Ghats have less elevation compared to the Western Ghats and they do not have very high summits. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.