UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Previous Year Question Paper 2024 GEOLOGY PAPER-II

UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Main Previous Year Question Paper 2024 GEOLOGY PAPER-II

1. (a) Give a concise account on structural classification of silicates with labelled diagram. For each type, give suitable example. 8

(b) Draw labelled sketches of perthite and myrmekite textures. Comment on their petrogenic significance. 8

(c) Write briefly on the use of projection diagrams to represent crystal symmetry. What are orthoscopic and conoscopic arrangements during microscopic studies of minerals? 8

(d) What are the characteristics of granulite facies metamorphism? Describe briefly any two granulite terrains of India. 8

(e) Give the classifications of limestone proposed by Folk and Dunham, and draw comparisons. 8

UPSC Indian Forest Service (IFoS) MAIN Previous Year Question Paper 2024 – GEOLOGY PAPER-II

2. (a) Describe the crystal structure, types, mineralogy, composition, physical and optical properties of mica group of minerals. 15

(b) Draw a neat labelled sketch of the albite-anorthite phase diagram (1 atm dry). Describe the course of crystallization for an initial liquid (M₁) having composition Ab₃₀An₇₀. For different representative parts of this system, deduce the degrees of freedom (F). Comment on the petrogenic significance of this system. 15

(c) Discuss the concept of sedimentary facies and its application in the reconstruction of paleodepositional environment. 10

3. (a) Write a detailed account on the petrogenesis of basalts. Give a brief note on the Deccan volcanic province. 15

(b) Write short notes on the petrographic characters of the following rocks: Charnockite; Anorthosite; Carbonatite; Peridotite; Dunite. 15

(c) What are primary sedimentary structures? Describe the erosional sedimentary structures preserved on the lower bedding plane. 10

4. (a) Write down the diagnostic physical properties of the following minerals: Calcite; Magnesite; Apatite; Galena; Halite. 15

(b) Describe the effects of regional metamorphism on argillaceous rocks and give the different mineral assemblages formed. 15

(c) Explain tide-dominated shallow-marine environments with suitable sketch. Discuss the diagnostic sedimentary structures from each sub-environment. 10

5. (a) Define banded-iron formation (BIF). Give James classification of BIFs with their mineral compositions. 8

(b) With suitable examples, explain the residual concentration process. 8

(c) During an exploration, ten boreholes have been drilled in a sulfide zone. The sample thickness and assay values are given below in the table. Determine the average sample thickness and weighted average assay values for Cu and Zn:

| Borehole no. | Sample thickness (in metres) | Assay values of Cu (in %) | Assay values of Zn (in %) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5.4 | 2.0 | 3.0 |
| 2 | 7.5 | 1.8 | 2.5 |
| 3 | 4.5 | 2.3 | 2.0 |
| 4 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 3.5 |
| 5 | 6.5 | 3.8 | 3.0 |
| 6 | 7.5 | 3.5 | 4.1 |
| 7 | 8.0 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| 8 | 6.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| 9 | 5.5 | 1.5 | 2.5 |
| 10 | 6.3 | 2.8 | 3.0 |

(d) What are meteorites? What are 'finds' and 'falls'? Give briefly the characteristics of different important types of meteorite. 8

(e) Explain the risks associated with radioactive waste. Add a note on radioactive waste management. 8

6. (a) Give the mineralogy, mode of occurrence and distribution of manganese ore deposits of India. 15

(b) Explain the utility and working principle of the following equipments :

(i) Gyratory crushers
(ii) Ball mills
(iii) Rod mills 15

(c) Discuss the impacts of volcanic hazards. Comment on the measures to be taken to mitigate the volcanic hazards. 10

7. (a) What are polymetallic nodules? Discuss their compositional variations. What are the constraints involved in their exploration and exploitation? Add a note on their distribution in India's maritime zones. 15

(b) Explain chip, muck, car, trench and auger sampling methods. 15

(c) What is a trace element? What are compatible and incompatible trace elements? Briefly describe several types of bonding found in different minerals. 10

8. (a) With neat sketches and examples, explain the following textures in ore minerals and add a brief note on the genesis of each texture:

(i) Cataclastic texture
(ii) Cumulus texture
(iii) Colloform texture

(b) Explain the following methods of mining:

(i) Undercut excavation method
(ii) Glory hole method
(iii) Block caving method

(c) Discuss the various sources of surface water pollution. Comment on the methods employed to reduce surface water pollution. 10

Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2024-GEOLOGY II

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