Mains Answer Writing Day – 8 : Geomorphology & Tectonic Phenomena

Strengthen your UPSC Geography Optional and GS Paper 1 preparation with Day 8 of the Mains Answer Writing Series. This practice set focuses on geomorphology, plate tectonics, seismic activity, glacial processes, river geomorphology, climate-tectonic interactions, and contemporary geographical issues with current affairs relevance.

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Q1. How do seismic waves provide indirect evidence of the Earth’s interior structure? Explain the concept of shadow zones.

Marks: 10 Marks
Word Limit: ~150 Words

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Q2. What are intrusive volcanic landforms? Briefly describe their major types with examples.

Marks: 10 Marks
Word Limit: ~150 Words

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Q3. Explain the concept of Seafloor Spreading. How does it resolve the limitations of the Continental Drift Theory?

Marks: 10 Marks
Word Limit: ~150 Words

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Q4. Explain the geomorphological mechanism of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Why have they become a frequent threat in the Himalayas? Discuss with recent examples.

Marks: 15 Marks
Word Limit: ~250 Words

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Q5. How is the recent snowfall deficit in the Western Himalayas accelerating geomorphological changes and glacial retreat? Discuss its impact on the Indus river system.

Marks: 15 Marks
Word Limit: ~250 Words

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Q6. Differentiate between the causes of landslides in the Himalayas and the Western Ghats. How is climate change worsening this hazard?

Marks: 10 Marks
Word Limit: ~150 Words

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Q7. How do upstream mega-dams alter downstream riverine geomorphology? Discuss its ecological and topographical implications with special reference to the Brahmaputra basin.

Marks: 15 Marks
Word Limit: ~250 Words

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Q8. What are antecedent drainage systems? How does their geomorphological evolution differ from that of Peninsular rivers?

Marks: 10 Marks
Word Limit: ~150 Words

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Q9. Can long-term hydrological changes trigger tectonic activity? Explain the “climate-tectonic link” with reference to the fault movements in the East African Rift Valley.

Marks: 10 Marks
Word Limit: ~150 Words

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Q10. Explain the tectonic formation of the Great Rift Valley. How do tectonic lakes differ geomorphologically from glacial lakes?

Marks: 10 Marks
Word Limit: ~150 Words

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Instructions for Aspirants

• Write answers within the prescribed word limit.
• Use labelled diagrams wherever possible, especially for tectonics and geomorphological processes.
• Incorporate recent examples such as Himalayan GLOFs, glacier retreat, and mega-dam projects.
• Support answers with maps, flowcharts, and relevant geographical theories.
• Focus on analytical understanding of processes rather than descriptive explanations.
• Link static concepts with contemporary environmental and climate-related developments.

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Topics Covered

• Earth’s Interior and Seismic Waves
• Volcanic Landforms
• Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading
• Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
• Himalayan Geomorphology and Glacier Retreat
• Landslides and Climate Change
• River Geomorphology and Mega Dams
• Antecedent Drainage Systems
• Climate–Tectonic Interactions
• Great Rift Valley and Tectonic Lakes

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Series: UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice
Subject: Geography – Geomorphology & Tectonic Phenomena
Level: UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Mains / Geography Optional