UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
1. The diametric opposite of Lyell's principle of uniformitarianism is
(a) Cycle of erosion
(b) Gradualism
(c) Catastrophism
(d) Steady-statism
2. Which one of the following statements related to Earth is NOT correct ?
(a) The core occupies about 16% of total Earth's volume
(b) The mantle occupies about 83% of total Earth's volume
(c) Average density of continental crust is 3-0 g/cm³
(d) The mantle is largely composed of peridotite
3. The sinking flow of the top limb of the Hadley cells promotes
(a) Drying and warming of the air
(b) Evaporation of the oceanic water
(c) Katabatic winds
(d) Condensation of the moisture
4. The basis of calculation of Richter magnitude in earthquake is
(a) Distance from the focus
(b) Amplitude of the largest seismic wave
(c) Amount of ground shaking
(d) Severity of destruction
5. Consider there is no erosion, how much percentage of crust would be used to lower the Moho boundary because of isostasy, if the crust thickness is doubled ?
(a) 100%
(b) 80%
(c) 60%
(d) 50%
6. Which one of the following is NOT related to Andean-type mountain building ?
(a) Emplacement of Batholiths
(b) Development of Accretionary Wedge
(c) Gravitational collapse
(d) Building of Volcanic Arcs
7. Consider the following statements regarding glaciers :
Statement- I : To the first order, at higher altitudes the mass balance always has a positive gradient with elevation
Statement- II : Where the mass balance is positive, it has snowed more than it melts in a year and vice versa
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
(a) Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
(b) Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
8. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I List II (Dune type) (Form and position)
A. Lee dune
B. Fore dune
C. Lunette
D. Climbing dune
1. Irregular accumulation rising up windward side of large topographic obstruction
2. Crescent-shaped opening upwind
3. Elongated downwind from topographic obstruction
4. Roughly arcuate with arms extending downwind either side of obstruction
Code :
<table>ABCD(a)142(b)124(c)324(d)342</table>
9. Which one of the following landforms is commonly found at the base of waterfalls ?
(a) Potholes
(b) Plunge pools
(c) Rapids
(d) Arroyos
UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
10. Consider the following statements regarding fluvio-glacial deposition :
1. Meltwater can deposit sediment on, in, under and along the margins of glaciers
2. Eskers are sinuous, sometimes discontinuous, ridges formed of sand, gravel or boulders and range up to 200 m in height, 3 km in width and 100 km or more in length
3. Kame terraces are formed by the lateral or frontal accumulation of fluvio-glacial deposits along the ice margin
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
11. Which one of the following clay minerals has maximum expansion ?
(a) Kaolinite
(b) Illite
(c) Chlorite
(d) Montmorillonite
12. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I (Product) (Occurrence)
A. Ferricrete
B. Silcrete
C. Gyprete
D. Calcrete
1. Humid to subhumid tropical environments
2. Very arid regions
3. Semi-arid environment
4. Humid and arid tropical environments
Code :
A B C D
(a) 1 4 2 3
(b) 1 2 4 3
(c) 3 2 4 1
(d) 3 4 2 1
13. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I List II (Type of strength (Characteristic) in rock)
A. Yield Strength
B. Ultimate Strength
C. Fundamental Strength
D. Failure Strength
Code:
14. Consider the following statements regarding viscous materials :
1. Relative viscosity is related to competency which is resistance of layers or objects to flow
2. Viscous deformation implies dependence of stress on strain rate
3. Perfectly viscous materials are also known as Newtonian fluid
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
15. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I List II (Type of (Characteristic) linear fabric)
A. Surface 1. Linear structures lineation on Earth's surface seen from satellite B. Mineral images lineation 2. Numerous parallel hinges of milli- meter dimension folds C. Rodding 3. Elongated mineral D. Crenulation aggregates easily lineation distinguishable from rest of the E. Lineament rock 4. Penetrative paral- lel arrangement of elongate minerals in a rock 5. Slickenlines
Code:
<table>ABCDE(a)15234(b)23415(c)52431(d)54321</table>
UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
16. Consider the following statements regarding bouindage structure :
1. Boudinage structure always indicate layer parallel shortening
2. Boudins are more or less regularly shaped and spaced fragments of competent layers or foliation
3. Shape of the boudins reflects the viscosity contrast at the time of deformation
4. Rectangular boudins imply higher competence contrast and more brittle deformation than barrel-shaped ones
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a) 1,2 and 3
(b) 2,3 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1 and 4
17. Consider the following statements regarding order of folds :
Statement- I : Parasitic folds are high- order folds
Statement- II : First- order folds are generally regional scale features
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
(a) Both statement I and statement II are true and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I
(b) Both statement I and statement II are true and statement II is not the correct explanation of statement I
(c) Statement I is true but statement II is false
(d) Statement I is false but statement II is true
18. Consider the following statements regarding fault ramps :
Statement- I : An individual fault surface generally is not a flat surface but may have ramps connecting different segments of the fault
Statement- II : If a fault is segmented but segments are not connected by a distinct ramp fracture, the structure is a step over
Which one of the following is correct in respect of above statements ?
(a) Both statement I and statement II are true and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I
(b) Both statement I and statement II are true and statement II is not the correct explanation of statement I
(c) Statement I is true but statement II is false
(d) Statement I is false but statement II is true
19. Diameter of Mohr circle for stress equals (a) The maximum principal stress (σ₁) (b) The intermediate principal stress (σ₂) (c) The minimum principal stress (σ₃) (d) The difference of maximum and minimum principal stresses (σ₁ - σ₃)
20. Consider the following statements regarding shear bands in S-C mylonite :
Statement- I : A set of shear bands commonly form parallel to the wall of main shear zone are the C- surfaces
Statement- II : C- surfaces are small scale shear zones that affect the foliation within the main shear zone
Which one of the following is correct in respect of above statements ?
(a) Both statement I and statement II are true and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I
(b) Both statement I and statement II are true and statement II is not the correct explanation of statement I
(c) Statement I is true but statement II is false
(d) Statement I is false but statement II is true
21. Consider the following statements regarding mica fish structure :
Statement- I : Mica fish can be regarded as a type of S- C structure
Statement- II : Mica fish are commonly seen to be confined by shear bands
Which one of the following is correct in respect of above statements ?
(a) Both statement I and statement II are true and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I
(b) Both statement I and statement II are true and statement II is not the correct explanation of statement I
(c) Statement I is true but statement II is false
(d) Statement I is false but statement II is true
22. Consider the following statements regarding V-rules of geological maps :
1. A plunging anticline whose axis plunges in the direction opposite to the slope of the valley floor will form a V upstream
2. If the axis of the anticline plunges in the same direction as the valley floor, the V points downstream, if the fold plunge is more than the valley slope
3. An asymmetric fold defines an asymmetric V in a valley
4. A unit defining a fold whose axis lies across the axis of a valley appears as two outcrop belts
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
23. On a geological map closed outcrop patterns are bounded from all sides by thrusts. Which of the following interpretations of the outcrop patterns are correct?
1. It may represent a nappe
2. It may represent a klippe
3. It may represent a tectonic window
4. It may represent a diapiric fold/ salt dome
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 3 and 4
24. Which one of the following statements is NOT true for stereographic projection of the structural data?
(a) The structural data are plotted on stereonet overlay as the lower half of projection sphere
(b) A plane is plotted as a line, and a line as a point on the stereonet
(c) A horizontal bed will be plotted as the large primitive circle and a dipping bed along the small circle girdle
(d) Anticlinc and syncline cannot be differentiated by plotting the dips of the fold limbs on the stereonet
25. The point group symmetry 6/m 2/m 2/m has symmetry content
(a) i,1A6,6A2,7m
(b) 1A6,3A2,3m
(c) 1,1A6,1m
(d) 6A2,6m,3m
26. The intercepts of a crystal face from the vortex in a hexagonal crystal is 1a1, ∞a₂, (-)1a₃, ∞c. The Miller-Bravais indices of the said face will be
(a) (10T0)
(b) (10T1)
(c) (00T1)
(d) (1100)
27. Screw axes result from the simultaneous application of which one of the following symmetry operations?
(a) Inversion and rotation
(b) Rotation and translation
(c) Translation and reflection
(d) Rotation and inversion
28. Monticellite belongs to which group of silicates?
(a) Single chain silicate
(b) Nesosilicate
(c) Double chain silicate
(d) Tectosilicate
29. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I List II (Common (Example structure type) of mineral)
A.NaCl structure 1.Fluorite B. TiO₂ structure 2. Chromite C. AB₂O₄ structure 3. Sylvite D. AX₂ structure 4. Pyrolusite
Code :
<table>ABCD(a)1423(b)1243(c)3241(d)3421</table>
UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
30. Consider the following statements regarding polymorphic reactions :
Statement- I : Some chemical compounds can exist in more than one structural or atomic arrangements with no change in their chemical composition
Statement- II : The reason why a constant chemical composition may have different structural arrangements is the tendency of a crystal structure to minimize its internal energy
Which one of the following is correct in respect of above statements ?
(a) Both statement I and statement II are true and statement II is the correct explanation of statement I
(b) Both statement I and statement II are true and statement II is not the correct explanation of statement I
(c) Statement I is true but statement II is false
(d) Statement I is false but statement II is true
31. Consider the following statements regarding the miscibility gaps found within the plagioclase feldspar series :
1. The three regions have been named in increasing anorthite content (An), as the peristerite gap, the Bøggild intergrowth region, and the Huttenlocher intergrowth region
2. These regions represent, exsolution phenomena on an extremely fine scale
3. Exsolution lamellae are responsible for the iridescence of plagioclase as a result of the presence of closely spaced lamellae of composition An₀ and An₂₅ in the peristerite gap
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2 and 3 only
32. Which one among the following is NOT a 2: 1 layer silicates ?
(a) Talc
(b) Kaolinite
(c) Phlogopite
(d) Vermiculite
33. A garnet has composition Fe²⁺₅ Mg₀.₉Mn₀.₄₅Ca₀.₁₅Al₂Si₃O₁₂. The mole percentages of grossular, almandine, spessartine and pyrope components in this garnet are
(a) 15, 10, 20 and 55% respectively
(b) 5, 50, 15 and 30% respectively
(c) 5, 15, 25 and 55% respectively
(d) 10, 20, 30 and 40% respectively
34. Consider the following "formalisms" in connection with color of minerals :
1. Crystal field theory
2. Molecular orbital theory
3. Band theory
Which of the formalism(s) given above account for color in minerals ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
35. Consider the following statements regarding alteration of olivine :
1. Serpentinization is the most widespread form of olivine alteration
2. The main alteration products of Mg-rich olivine are the three serpentine polymorphs : lizardite, chrysotile and antigorite together with brucite, talc and carbonates
3. Serpentinization may be expressed by the reaction
3Mg₂SiO₄ + 4H₂O + SiO₂ = 2Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
36. Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched ?
(a) Uniaxial positive : Quartz
(b) Biaxial positive : Hornblende
(c) Isotropic : Pyrope
(d) Biaxial negative : Biotite
UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
37. The formation of a dome-like structure (involving felsic magmas) related to density inversion is called
(a) Stock
(b) Diapirs
(c) Batholith
(d) Tongues
38. The evolution of a magma undergoing fractional crystallization depends upon which of the following factor(s)?
1. Initial magma composition
2. Type of minerals crystallizing from the magma
3. Order of crystallization of minerals
4. Proportion of crystallizing minerals
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a) 4 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
39. As per IUGS classification, which one of the following statements is correct ?
(a) Olivine-gabbro and troctolite contain equal amount of modal olivine
(b) Troctolite contains lesser amount of modal pyroxene than olivine- gabbro
(c) Troctolite contains much less modal olivine than olivine-gabbro
(d) Troctolite contains more than 95% of olivine
40. Development of traps is a common feature of flood basalt provinces. However, in rhyolite rocks, traps are not commonly developed. The most likely explanation for this is
(a) Rhyolite lavas are less polymerized
(b) Rhyolite lavas have silica percentage less than 45 wt.%
(c) Rhyolite lavas are extremely viscous
(d) Rhyolite lavas form in subduction zone
41. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched ?
(a) Graphic texture Basalt
(b) Spinifex texture Komatiite
(c) Perthitic texture Gabbro
(d) Amygdaloidal Syenite structure
42. Which one of the following can be used to understand the stratigraphic top and bottom ?
(a) Dyke
(b) Sill
(c) Pillow lava
(d) Batholith
43. Which one of the following phase diagrams has peritectic relation ?
(a) Diopside-albite (b) Diopside-anorthite (c) Albite-anorthite (d) Forsterite-silica
44. The presence of sillimanite in a gabbro can be explained by the assimilation of
(a) Limestone
(b) Shale
(c) Quartzite
(d) Granite
45. With respect to the formation of a Layered Igneous Complex (LIC), which one of the following conditions is NOT suitable ?
(a) Maintenance of convection-current cells in the magma chamber (b) Fast nucleation rate of crystals (c) Broadly atectonic situation (d) Oscillatory crystallization
46. The camptonite is a common alkaline lamprophyre and with decreasing silica activity it grades into
(a) Sannaites (b) Monchiquite (c) Fourchite (d) Monzonite
47. What is the likely reason why most magnesium komatities are generally restricted to the early Pre-cambrian ?
(a) Thermal regime necessary for high degree of melting may no longer exist
(b) No mantle plume formed after Pre-cambrian
(c) Subduction process did not operate before Pre-cambrian
(d) The density of komatiitic liquids increased after Pre-cambrian
48. Which one of the following statements regarding carbonatites is NOT correct ?
(a) They represent magmatically formed carbonate rocks
(b) They may host economic deposit of rare earth elements
(c) They are commonly found at Mid Oceanic Ridges
(d) They are associated with fenites
UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
49. Consider the following statements regarding metamorphic reactions:
1. Continuous metamorphic reactions take place over a range of temperatures as the compositions of the participating minerals change
2. Discontinuous metamorphic reactions occur when the compositions of the minerals are fixed by the appearance of another mineral
3. Tie-line flip reactions are a type of continuous metamorphic reaction
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
50. Consider the following statements regarding typical effects of rock metamorphism:
1. Minerals and mineral assemblages originally not present in a rock may form, the new mineral assemblages grow at the expense of old ones
2. The relative abundance of minerals in a rock may systematically change and the new rock may have a different modal composition
3. Metamorphic minerals will not undergo any systematic change in their composition
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 1 and 3
51. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:
List I List II (Type of (Typical metamorphism) metamorphic rock)
A. Contact metamorphism
B. Orogenic (subduction type)
C. Ocean-floor
D. Orogenic (collision type)
1. Blueschist, eclogite, serpentinite
2. Metabasalt, greenstone, metagabbro and serpentinite
3. Slate, phyllite, schist, gneiss, migmatite, greenschist, amphibolite, granulite
4. Hornfels, skarn
Code:
<table>ABCD(a)412(b)421(c)312(d)321</table>
52. Which one of the following statements regarding gneissosity is NOT correct?
(a) Gneissosity is a poorly developed planar fabric (b) Gneissosity is defined by compositional layering (c) Gneissosity is commonly formed by metamorphic segregation/process (d) Gneissosity involves very fine grained minerals not visible to naked eye
53. Randomly oriented crystals that cut across an earlier foliation is a typical texture of
(a) Pre-kinematic crystals (b) Post-kinematic crystals (c) Syn-kinematic crystals (d) Inter-kinematic crystals
54. Consider the following statements regarding development of 'pressure shadow' in a metamorphic rock :
1. Pressure shadows are areas of coarsely-recrystallized matrix material next to a porphyroblast
2. Pressure shadows develop in the region that was shielded from the maximum compressive stress during deformation by its proximity to the rigid porphyroblast
3. Material probably migrates here by pressure solution
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
55. An angular discordance between internal schistosity (Sᵢ) and external schistosity (Sₑ) is best indication of
(a) Syn-tectonic porphyroblast growth
(b) Pre-tectonic porphyroblast growth
(c) Post-tectonic porphyroblast growth
(d) Porphyroblast growth unrelated to deformation
56. The complete set of Pressure-Temperature conditions that a rock now at the surface may have experienced during a metamorphic cycle from burial to metamorphism (orogeny) through uplift and erosion is called
(a) Pressure-Temperature path
(b) Pressure-Temperature-Time path
(c) Pressure-Time path
(d) Temperature-Time path
UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
57. Consider the following statements regarding cation-exchange metamorphic reactions:
1. This reaction type involves only a change in phase composition with no growth or dissolution of the phases themselves
2. It takes place in rocks with at least two minerals which are capable of cation-exchange with each other
3. Example of cation-exchange reaction is cordierite + garnet → sillimanite + orthopyroxene
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3
58. In a three-component triangular ACF diagram proposed by Eskola (1915), the F pseudo-component calculated on a molecular basis is equal to
(a) FeO + MgO + MnO
(b) FeO
(c) MgO
(d) FeO + Fe₂O₃
59. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:
List I (Regional metamorphic facies) List II (Characteristic mineral for mafic protolith)
A. Blueschist
1. Hornblende
B. Eclogite
2. Omphacite
C. Granulite
3. Glaucophene
D. Amphibolite
4. Orthopyroxene
Code:
<table>ABCD(a)142(b)124(c)324(d)342</table>
60. Which one among the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?
(a) Franciscan : High pressure, facies series low temperature
(b) Buchan or : Medium pressure Abukuma regional facies series
(c) Contact : Very low pressure facies series
(d) Sanbagawa : High pressure, facies series moderate temperature
61. In a scanning electron microscope photograph, the grain surfacial markings observed in beach sediments are
(a) U shaped pits
(b) Criss-cross pits
(c) V-shaped pits
(d) Squares and circles
62. In the given textural maturity diagram of sandstone, the curves 1, 2 and 3 represent trends of different textural parameters. Which one of the following represent the correct match of the parameters?
[Figure: Textural maturity diagram]
(a) 1 = sorting of framework grains, 2 = rounding of framework grains, 3 = removal of clay
(b) 1 = rounding of framework grains, 2 = sorting of framework grains, 3 = removal of clay
(c) 1 = removal of clay, 2 = sorting of framework grains, 3 = rounding of framework grains
(d) 1 = removal of clay, 2 = rounding of framework grains, 3 = sorting of framework grains
63. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I List II (Mass flow type) (Type of fluid)
A. Liquefied flow
1. Non-Newtonian fluid
B. Debris flow
2. Turbulent fluid
C. Grain Flow
3. Bingham plastic
D. Turbidity
4. Newtonian current fluid
Code :
<table>ABCD(a)431(b)413(c)231(d)213</table>
64. Consider the following statements regarding Chevron Marks :
1. They are made up of continuous open V marks arranged to form a straight ridge
2. The V forms open in the down current direction
3. Consistency of mud plays an important role in the genesis of Chevron Marks
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3
UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
65. Which of the following statements regarding uses of trace fossils are correct?
1. They serve as an indicator of relative sedimentation rate
2. They can indicate absolute age of sedimentary rocks
3. They can be used to mark any break in sedimentation
4. They can provide information about paleocurrent direction
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4
66. Consider the following statements regarding Hummocky cross-stratification:
1. It is characterized by undulating sets of cross-laminae
2. The sets are both concave-up and convex-up
3. The cross-bed sets cut gently into each other with curved erosional surfaces
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
67. Which one of the following statements regarding 'Thrombolites' in carbonate rocks is NOT correct?
(a) These are non-layered clotted fabrics formed by coccoid cyanobacteria
(b) These are often constituted of patches of micrite separated by spar-filled spaces
(c) These grade through undifferentiated boundstone to form stromatolites
(d) These were primarily abundant during the Permian time
68. Which one of the following is the least possible mechanism to account for high abundance of matrix in quartz wacke?
(a) Quartz sand blown into a quiet water environment
(b) Wash over deposit during a storm
(c) Vadose infiltration of clays into sands
(d) Diagenetic alteration of detrital feldspar and rock fragments
69. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I (Geomorphic feature) (Sedimentary environment)
A. Chenier plain
1. Glacier
B. Sabkha
2. Eolian
C. Ergs
3. Coastal mudflat with sand ridges
D. Kames
4. Supratidal
Code :
A B C D
(a) 3 2 4 1
(b) 1 4 2 3
(c) 3 4 2 1
(d) 1 2 4 3
70. Remnant ocean basins are shrinking ocean basins caught between colliding continental margins and/or arc-trench systems. Modern day example of it is
(a) Persian Gulf
(b) Red Sea
(c) Santa Barbara basin
(d) Bay of Bengal basin
71. Which one of the following represents the correct order of the geomorphic subdivisions in an oceanic realm from shoreline to deep sea ?
(a) Inner shelf - Abyssal Plain - Continental rise - Continental slope
(b) Inner shelf - Shelf break - Continental slope - Continental rise
(c) Inner shelf - Shelf break - Continental rise - Continental slope
(d) Shelf break - Inner shelf - Continental slope - Abyssal plain
72. The neomorphic spar is characterized by :
1. Irregular or curved intercrystalline boundaries, commonly with embayments
2. Very regular crystal-size distribution and patchy development of coarse mosaic
3. Sharp, distinct boundaries to areas of neomorphic spar
4. Presence of skeletal grains floating in coarse spar
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 and 4
UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
73. The process of fossilization in which original pore spaces in the shell are impregnated with extra minerals is known as
(a) Replacement
(b) Permineralization
(c) Carbonization
(d) External mould
74. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I List II
A. The homologous genes that may not necessarily be identical are known as
B. A gene that
suddenly and spontaneously changes to a new allele is known as
C. Species separated by geographical barrier are referred as
D. Species having same or overlapping geographical area are referred as
Code:
(a) 4 3 1 2
(b) 4 1 3 2
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 2 1 3 4
75. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I (Brachiopoda genus)
A. Conchidium
1. Dorsiconvex
B. Atrypa
2. Biconvex
C. Hesperorthis
3. Convexoconcave
D. Dictyoclostus
4. Plano- convex
E. Herbertella
5. Concavo- convex
Code:
A B C D E (a) 2 1 4 5 3 (b) 2 4 1 5 3 (c) 3 5 4 1 2 (d) 3 1 5 4 2
76. Which one among the following gastropods shell is characterized by the planispiral coiling ?
(a) Natica
(b) Turritella
(c) Euomphalus
(d) Pleurotomaria
77. The most primitive type of dentition in bivalves is
(a) Dysodont
(b) Isodont
(c) Taxodont
(d) Pachydont
78. Consider the following statements regarding the suture morphology of ammonoids :
1. Inflection on the suture line pointing upward (towards aperture direction) are the saddles, whereas the backward pointing inflection (opposite to aperture) are the lobes
2. In ceratitic sutures, the saddles are crenulated though the lobes are entire
3. In ammonitic sutures, both saddles and lobes are crenulated
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
79. The extreme of all heteromorphs in ammonites showing very long tubular shell coiled in a series of U-bends into an unlikely tangle is known as
(a) Choristoceras
(b) Lyotroiceras
(c) Nipponites
(d) Bochianites
80. Which one among the following pairs is NOT correctly matched ?
(a) Eohippus : Dawn horse
(b) Orohippus : Mountain horse
(c) Equus : Modern horse
(d) Mesohippus : Miocene
81. Which one among the following pairs is NOT correctly matched ?
(a) Homo : Late neanderthalensis Pleistocene
(b) Gigantopithecus : Late Miocene
(c) Sivapithecus : Middle Miocene
(d) Kenyapithecus : Pliocene
82. The larger benthic foraminifera are major contributors to modern carbonate sedimentation, in modern tropical oligotrophic setting they can produce
(a) 400 g CaCO₃/m² every year
(b) 2000 g CaCO₃/m² every year
(c) 2800 g CaCO₃/m² every year
(d) 3200 g CaCO₃/m² every year
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83. Consider the following statements :
Statement- I : Larger benthic foraminifera are typically larger than 2 mm in diameter and 3 mm³ in volume and have complex internal structures which are useful for biostratigraphy of Tethyan sediment
Statement- II : As the developmental stages of foraminiferid life history are preserved in the test, they are well suited to evolutionary studies
Which one of the following is correct in respect of above statements ?
(a) Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
(b) Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
84. Which one of the following is NOT a Lower Gondwana plant fossil ?
(a) Schizoneura
(b) Gangamopteris
(c) Brachyphyllum
(d) Phyllotheca
85. Biozone, the basic unit of biostratigraphic classification is characterized by
(a) Characteristic fossil or assemblage of fossils
(b) Characteristic lithology
(c) Specific interval of time
(d) Specific depositional environment
86. A location where the lithological characteristics of the formation are clear and, if possible, where the lower and upper boundaries of formation can be seen is called
(a) Auxiliary section
(b) Type section
(c) Lithodeme
(d) Suite
87. Match the commonly used elements in geochronology (List-I) with rock types wherein these elements are preferably used (List-II) and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I (Element) (Rock type)
A. ²³⁸U 1. Rocks younger than 50,000 years
B. ¹⁴C 2. Rocks with alkali feldspar and mica
C. ⁸⁷Rb 3. Zircon bearing rocks
D. ¹⁴⁷Sm 4. Basic rocks
Code :
<table>ABCD(a)321(b)312(c)421(d)412</table>
88. The Peninsular Gneiss is typically made up of which one of the following?
(a) Quartzites and conglomerates
(b) Migmatitic gneisses alternating with bands of amphibolite and tonalites
(c) Metamorphosed ultra-basic rocks interlayered with carbonates and argillaceous sediments
(d) Charnockites and Khondalites
89. Which one of the following is the northernmost craton of the Indian Shield concealed under the Indo- Gangetic Alluvium extending in the north up to the Himalaya and bounded by Son-Narmada fault against the Satpura Mobile Belt in the south and by the Great Boundary fault against the Aravalli Craton in the west ?
(a) Mewar Craton
(b) Dharwar Craton
(c) Singhbhum Craton
(d) Bundelkhand Craton
90. The Dharwar Craton is a classic greenstone-granite terrain. It is divided into Western and Eastern Dharwar Cratons. These two divisions are separated from each other by which one of the following ?
(a) Closepet Granite close to Chitradurga Shear Zone
(b) Peninsular Gneiss
(c) Palghat-Cauvery Shear Zone
(d) Karur-Kambam Shear Zone
91. Which one of the following is the oldest volcanic formation in India ?
(a) Deccan Traps
(b) Panjal Traps
(c) Rajmahal Traps
(d) Dhanjori Volcanics
92. Which one of the following litho-unit of the Cuddapah Supergroup has diamond bearing horizon ?
(a) Narji Limestone
(b) Banganapalle Formation
(c) Tadpatri Formation
(d) Vempalle Formation
93. The only carbonate litho-unit present within upper Vindhyan is
(a) Kajrahat Limestone
(b) Rohtas Limestone
(c) Bhander Limestone
(d) Koilkuntla Limestone
94. The geological record of Late Cretaceous transgression in the Narmada valley is present in
(a) Trichinopoly Group
(b) Kallamedu Formation
(c) Bagh Group
(d) Chikkim Formation
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95. Marine intercalations in the basal part of Gondwana succession belongs to
(a) Late Jurassic age (b) Late Triassic age (c) Early Permian age (d) Early Cretaceous age
96. Which one of the following lithostrati- graphic unit represents deposition by glaciers ?
(a) Barakar Formation (b) Talchir Formation (c) Karharbari Formation (d) Kulti Formation
97. Chromite deposits of Bushveld Complex, South Africa and Great dyke of Zimbabwe are the examples of
(a) Stratiform deposits (b) Podiform deposits (c) SEDEX deposits (d) VMS deposits
98. The process by which a new phase unmixes from a solid solution when it is cooled to a temperature below its solvus is known as
(a) Annealing (b) Exsolution (c) Replacement (d) Deformation
99. Porphyry Cu-Mo deposits are associated with calc-alkaline or I-type magmas generated adjacent to
(a) Mid-oceanic ridges (b) Subduction zones (c) Continental rifts (d) Oceanic islands
100. The Olympic Dam deposit of South Australia is an example of
(a) VMS deposit (b) Unconformity-type deposit (c) IOCG deposit (d) SEDEX deposit
101. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I List II (Zone) (Mineral)
A. Primary ore
1. Azurite
B. Oxidized ore
2. Covellite
C. Secondary sulfide
3. Chalcopyrite enrichment
4. Limonite
D. Gossan capping
Code :
A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3
(b) 4 2 1 3
(c) 3 1 2 4
(d) 3 2 1 4
102. Consider the following statements regarding Banded Iron-Formation (BIF):
Statement- 1: Algoma type BIFs are associated with volcanic rocks and are typically found in Archaean greenstone belts
Statement- 2: Superior type BIFs were deposited on continental platforms mainly during Palaeoproterozoic
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
103. Consider the following statements regarding ore deposits formed in sedimentary environments:
1. Ironstones are the iron rich sedimentary rocks with more than 15 wt % FeO
2. Manganese deposits are manganese oxide or carbonate-rich sedimentary rocks and are the world's major source of Mn
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
104. In a supergene ore, presence of malachite, azurite and chrysocolla indicates
(a) Zone of oxidation
(b) Zone of Secondary enrichment
(c) Primary ore zone
(d) Leached capping zone
105. Consider the following statements regarding types of coal seams:
1. Concordant seams occur over large areas intercalated with strata of host sediments of the same age
2. Discordant seams typically occur above a stratigraphical unconformity and constitute the base of transgressive sediments
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
106. Coal that breaks with a splintery or conchoidal fracture, is lusterless, contains wind-blown spores and pollens and burns with a long flame is
(a) Boghead coal
(b) Cannel coal
(c) Anthracite
(d) Lignite
UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
107. Which one of the following coal/lignite fields does NOT belong to Gondwana period ?
(a) Damodar valley
(b) Mahanadi valley
(c) Neyveli
(d) Wardha valley
108. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists :
List I List II (Locality) (Deposit)
A. Singrauli
1. Lead-zinc
B. Ingaldhal
2. Iron
C. Dalli-Rajhara
3. Copper
D. Sargipalli
4. Coal
Code :
A B C D
(a) 4 2 3 1
(b) 1 3 2 4
(c) 4 3 2 1
(d) 1 2 3 4
109. Consider the following statements regarding subsurface water :
1. The thickness of the capillary zone vary inversely with the pore size of soil or rock
2. Expected capillary rise of water in silt is less than that of sand; with assumption that both formation have same porosity
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct ?
(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
110. In an area of 300 hectares (ha), the water table dropped by 5 m. If the porosity is 40% and the specific retention is 20%, what is the change in groundwater storage volume ?
(a) 1500 ha.m
(b) 900 ha.m
(c) 600 ha.m
(d) 300 ha.m
111. A confined aquifer has hydraulic conductivity value of 30 m/day. What is its transmissivity if the saturated thickness of the aquifer is 6 m ?
(a) 5 m²/day (b) 5400 m³/day (c) 180 m²/day (d) 1080 m³/day
112. How much water can be produced by lowering the water table of an unconfined aquifer by 4 meters over an area of one square kilometre ? (aquifer porosity = 0.4 and specific retention = 0.15)
(a) 10⁴ m³ (b) 10⁵ m³ (c) 10⁶ m³ (d) 10⁷ m³
113. What will be the porosity of the rock, if it has void ratio of 0-25 ?
(a) 75%
(b) 50%
(c) 25%
(d) 20%
114. Which one of the following statements regarding porosity of sedimentary deposits is NOT correct ?
(a) Porosity depends on the shape and arrangement of individual particles/grains
(b) Porosity depends on the degree of cementation and compaction
(c) Porosity increases with depth of burial in sedimentary rocks subject to compaction
(d) Well sorted sedimentary deposits have higher porosity than poorly sorted sedimentary deposits
115. An aquifer has effective porosity (α) of 25%. Which one of the following is the correct relationship between average interstitial/linear velocity (Vₐ) and Darcy velocity (ν) ?
(a) Vₐ = 0.25ν
(b) Vₐ = 4ν
(c) Vₐ = 2.5ν
(d) Vₐ = ν
116. Which one of the following statements regarding Darcy's law is NOT correct ?
(a) Specific discharge is equal to product of hydraulic conductivity and hydraulic gradient
(b) Specific discharge is equal to the rate of flow of water through unit cross-sectional area of the medium, perpendicular to direction of groundwater flow
(c) Specific discharge is equal to average interstitial/linear velocity
(d) Specific discharge is proportional to the hydraulic gradient
117. Which of the following statements regarding Reynolds number are correct ?
1. Reynolds number depends on fluid density
2. Reynolds number is independent of velocity of the fluid
3. Reynolds number depends on diameter of pipe or conduit
4. Reynolds number is independent of the dynamic viscosity of the fluid
Select the answer using the code given below :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 4
UPSC Previous year question paper Geo scientist exam
118. Which one of the following isotopes is used to estimate the age of groundwater?
(a) Tritium (³H) (b) Deuterium (²H) (c) ¹⁶O (d) ¹⁸O
119. Consider the following statements regarding Ditch and Furrow method for artificial recharge of groundwater:
1. In the Ditch and Furrow method, water is distributed to a series of ditches or furrows
2. The ditches and furrows are shallow, flat bottomed and closely spaced
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Both 1 and 2
120. The lithologic succession of an area as obtained from a borehole is given in the accompanying figure. A pit is required to be excavated for artificial recharge of groundwater. What should be the minimum depth of recharge pit?
[Figure: Borehole lithology]
(a) 12 m
(b) 40 m
(c) 52 m
(d) 100 m
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