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18 previous year questions for Geology from 3 years. Practice with year-wise breakdown.
18
Questions
3
Years
2
Papers
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Discuss the position of Astroid belt within the solar system and comment on the composition of meteorites. [10M]
(b) What are sheath folds? Discuss the deformational conditions of their formation. [10M]
(c) What is Global Positioning System (GPS)? Explain its geological applications. [10M]
(d) Discuss the statement giving suitable examples. “Physical weathering adds to the effectiveness of Chemical weathering”. [10M]
(e) Discuss the types of Penetrative and Non-penetrative lineations with the help of suitable diagrams and throw light on their genesis. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :
(a) Describe the symmetry elements shown by the normal class of the orthorhombic system. What are the different forms for this class? Draw the sketch stereogram of the form {h k l}. Give examples of two minerals that crystallize in this system. [10M]
(b) Discuss in brief the characteristic optical properties of hornblende and augite under petrological microscope. [10M]
(c) Draw a neat labelled diagram for perthite texture. Explain the formation of perthite with the help of a suitable phase diagram. [10M]
(d) With the help of diagrams, describe the various diagenetic textures of carbonate rocks. [10M]
(e) Describe ultrahigh-pressure and ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism. [10M]
(a) Give a detailed account related to the classification of crystals into different crystallographic systems based on symmetry elements. (b) Describe the structure of the pyroxene group of minerals with suitable diagrams. Discuss the chemical compositions and optical properties of orthopyroxene. (c) Describe the structural classification of silicates with neat sketches. Give one example for each type.
(a) Give a detailed account related to the classification of crystals into different crystallographic systems based on symmetry elements. [15M]
(b) Describe the structure of the pyroxene group of minerals with suitable diagrams. Discuss the chemical compositions and optical properties of orthopyroxene. [15M]
(c) Describe the structural classification of silicates with neat sketches. Give one example for each type. [20M]
(a) What are migmatites? Describe the important types of migmatites and the processes of their formation. (b) Draw a neat labelled sketch for the albite-anorthite phase diagram (1 atm, dry). Trace the course of crystallization of an initial melt Ab20-An80 within this system. How can you interpret zoning in plagioclase with this system?
(a) What are migmatites? Describe the important types of migmatites and the processes of their formation. [15M]
(b) Draw a neat labelled sketch for the albite-anorthite phase diagram (1 atm, dry). Trace the course of crystallization of an initial melt Ab20-An80 within this system. How can you interpret zoning in plagioclase with this system? [15M]
(a) Discuss the genesis of any four sedimentary structures which are helpful in palaeocurrent analysis. How are the palaeocurrent patterns helpful in establishing the depositional environment? (b) Discuss the concept of facies model and give a brief account of deltaic facies model. (c) What are conglomerates? Describe their fabrics, classification and geological significance.
(a) Discuss the genesis of any four sedimentary structures which are helpful in palaeocurrent analysis. How are the palaeocurrent patterns helpful in establishing the depositional environment? [20M]
(b) Discuss the concept of facies model and give a brief account of deltaic facies model. [15M]
(c) What are conglomerates? Describe their fabrics, classification and geological significance. [15M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Discuss favourable conditions for fossilization. [10M]
(b) Discuss different concepts of biozonation with neat diagrams. [10M]
(c) Describe the lithology, type locality, age and depositional environment of Blaini Boulder Bed. [10M]
(d) What engineering properties make Marble, Sandstone and Granite useful as building stone? [10M]
(e) Explain different generic type of water and their significance in water supply. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :
(a) What do you understand by metallogenic epochs and provinces? Discuss any two major metallogenies in India. [10M]
(b) Discuss the mode of occurrence, origin and distribution of gold deposits in India. [10M]
(c) What do you understand by 'pathfinder' elements? What are the elements/ions used in the prospecting of sulphides of epigenetic origin, porphyry copper deposit and sulphide deposits in general? [10M]
(d) Define gravitation. What are the corrections necessary to obtain the absolute value of gravity (g) while using gravity method in mineral exploration? [10M]
(e) What are the major components of chondrites? Discuss the mineralogical and textural features, and significance of chondrites. [10M]
(a) Give an account of geology, mode of occurrence, genesis and distribution of Pb-Zn deposits of Aravalli region. (b) Give the distribution of petroliferous basins of India. Discuss the geology of Cambay Basin. (c) Give a brief account on the volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit. Cite suitable Indian examples.
(a) Give an account of geology, mode of occurrence, genesis and distribution of Pb-Zn deposits of Aravalli region. [15M]
(b) Give the distribution of petroliferous basins of India. Discuss the geology of Cambay Basin. [15M]
(c) Give a brief account on the volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit. Cite suitable Indian examples. [20M]
(a) Discuss the direct and indirect geochemical methods used for prospecting of hydrocarbon deposits. (b) What are the physiological and morphological changes of the plants helpful in geobotanical prospecting of copper, manganese and uranium deposits? Add a note on commonly found plant indicators for zinc. (c) What do you understand by 'tonnage factor'? Discuss the geometric and graphic methods used in reserve calculation.
(a) Discuss the direct and indirect geochemical methods used for prospecting of hydrocarbon deposits. [20M]
(b) What are the physiological and morphological changes of the plants helpful in geobotanical prospecting of copper, manganese and uranium deposits? Add a note on commonly found plant indicators for zinc. [15M]
(c) What do you understand by 'tonnage factor'? Discuss the geometric and graphic methods used in reserve calculation. [15M]
(a) What do you understand by isomorphism and polymorphism? Discuss monotropy by citing example of diamond and graphite. (b) What are the most important conditions necessary for safe disposal of radioactive waste in geological repositories? Add a note on the concept of multiple barriers to protect biosphere and hydrosphere. (Give suitable diagrams wherever necessary.) (c) What are the major environmental considerations while treating with the disseminated precious metal mine waste?
(a) What do you understand by isomorphism and polymorphism? Discuss monotropy by citing example of diamond and graphite. [20M]
(b) What are the most important conditions necessary for safe disposal of radioactive waste in geological repositories? Add a note on the concept of multiple barriers to protect biosphere and hydrosphere. [15M]
(c) What are the major environmental considerations while treating with the disseminated precious metal mine waste? [15M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Discuss two widely accepted theories of origin of the earth. Elucidate the position of all planets within the solar system and write the important facts of the earth. [10M]
(b) What are the planar and linear structures of a rock? Discuss the genesis of boudins. [10M]
(c) Discuss the applications of remote sensing in Geology. [10M]
(d) Discuss the process of soil formation. [10M]
(e) Define dip of a rock bed. What is true dip and apparent dip? Find the strike direction of a bed which dips 30° towards North 30° East. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each.
(a) What are the different types of rotational axes of symmetry present in a crystal? What are the different types of twinning observed in quartz? [10M]
(b) How does one define "Double refraction" and "Birefringence" of an anisotropic mineral? Write with the help of suitable sketches. [10M]
(c) Show diagrammatically the characteristics of binary eutectic system under 1 atmosphere (1 atm pressure). How does one explain the formation of porphyritic basic rock with phenocryst of plagioclase in a groundmass with plagioclase and clinopyroxene with the help of a suitable binary eutectic system? [10M]
(d) Explain the processes involved in magmatic differentiation. [10M]
(e) With the help of suitable diagrams, describe Folk's graphic classification of carbonate rocks. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Define species and explain how paleontological species are different from biological species. [10M]
(b) Discuss the geological parameters used to subdivide the Dharwar Craton into two subcratons. [10M]
(c) Describe the Cretaceous volcanic province in India. [10M]
(d) Describe how Darcy's law and Reynolds’ number are related to the types of fluid flow in aquifers. [10M]
(e) Describe the rehabilitation measures required in landslide-affected area to restore the community and the ecology of the area affected. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each.
(a) Give an account of the geology and the process of formation of aluminium mineral deposits of India. [10M]
(b) What are the Iron–Titanium oxides associated with igneous rocks? Add an account of their mineral associations and textures. [10M]
(c) What is the difference between prospecting and exploration? Explain the various techniques of sampling. [10M]
(d) Discuss briefly about the abundance of elements in the Universe. State Oddo–Harkins rule with examples. [10M]
(e) Describe the natural hazards due to earthquakes. Discuss the mitigation aspects of earthquake hazards. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Describe the tectonic features and evolution of the ‘continental crust’. [10M]
(b) Describe the physical and chemical weathering processes. [10M]
(c) Describe the Spatial and Spectral resolution of a remote sensor with examples. [10M]
(d) Briefly describe the Cataclasite and Pseudotachylyte rocks. [10M]
(e) Discuss the differences between Symmetrical and Asymmetrical folds with the help of neat diagrams. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :
(a) How are the symmetry elements in a crystal of class 6/m 2/m 2/m oriented with respect to its crystallographic axes? [10M]
(b) Why do some minerals show pleochroism? Explain. [10M]
(c) Describe the compositional changes in the magnesium-rich magma due to progressive removal of olivine. [10M]
(d) Given a mafic protolith, what would be the characteristic mineral assemblages in (i) greenschist facies, (ii) amphibolite facies and (iii) granulite facies metamorphism? [10M]
(e) Explain the diagenetic changes in carbonate rocks. [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) Enumerate the different types of siwalik fauna and discuss their palaeoecology. [10M]
(b) Define fossil and give examples of two index fossils each from Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic Era and indicate the age of those index fossils. [10M]
(c) Describe the lithology, palaeoenvironment and age of Krol Formation. [10M]
(d) Briefly discuss the water-bearing properties of rocks. [10M]
(e) What are the engineering properties of rocks that make them suitable for use as building materials? [10M]
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each :
(a) Explain the process of manganese nodules formation and give their major occurrences in the world. [10M]
(b) Describe the formation of replacement textures in ore minerals and give the criterion of their recognition. [10M]
(c) Explain the Kriging method for estimating ore reserve. [10M]
(d) Discuss environmental impacts of urbanization and their mitigations with special reference to land and water. [10M]
(e) How does coordination number depend on the ratio of ionic radii in a crystal? [10M]
We have 18 UPSC Mains Geology optional subject questions spanning 3 years (2023–2025).
Geology has 2 papers in UPSC Mains: Geology-I, Geology-II. Each paper carries 250 marks.