IAS Mains Previous Year Paper Geography (2009)

Paper I

SECTION – A

1. Answer the following in about 200 words each :
a) Highlights the geomorphic features essentially found in topographies under the second cycle of Erosion. 20
b) Give a brief account of principal land biomes and their latitudinal distribution.20
c) Discuss views on slope development provided by L.C. King. 20

2. a). Identify each features that is indicated by the numerals (i) to (x) on the world Map provided. Identification of the feature carries 2 marks each.2×10=20
b). Mention the location of each feature in respect of + (-) GMT. This carries 1 mark each. 1×10=10
c). provide a write up on the significance of the identified feature in approximately 40 words, this carries 3 marks each. 3×10=30

3. a). Explain factors contributing to the global climate change 20
b). Discuss the consequences of Climate Change on agriculture and food security , and on the Coastal Zones of the world. 20
c). How does Climate change affect urban areas? 20

4. a). Examine economic significance of the resources of the Continental Shelf of the Indian Ocean. 30
b). Comment on marine heat budget and the oceanic Circulation system. 30 Section B (Human Geography)

5. Write short notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each:20×3=60
a). Weight Triangle
b). ‘Limit to Growth’ Model
c). Tropical atmospheric instability
d). Zonal and Azonal soils

6. a). Provide a geographical account of global production and distribution of food.30
b). ‘Quantitative Revolution and model building provided an empirical basis for geographical research’ – Elaborate. 30

7. Elaborate the concept of Megalopolis and discuss the characteristics and problems related to two such regions selecting one each from North America and Europe. 60

8. a). Provide a broad classification of world cultural regions. 30
b). Highlights the significance of environmental issues in Regional Planning. 30

Paper II

Section A

1. On the outline map of India provided to you , mark the location of any fifteen of the following for which 1 ( one) mark is given to each correct entry. Write in your answer script the significance geographical relevance or strategic importance of these locations, whether physical / commercial / economic / ecological / environmental / cultural in not more than 30 words for each entry. 3 (three) marks are allotted for each write up. 15×4=60
a) Akarimota
b) Kolleru Lake
c) Van Tivu
d) Silent Valley
e) Amaravati River
f) Pirotan Island
g) Mangla
h) Meghnagar
i) Shipki La
j) Bhachau
k) The Home of Sundari tree
l) Place of orgin of River Narmada
m) Gokak
n) Ken River
o) Bailadila
p) Bhavani Sagar Dam
q) Kutralam Falls
r) Dalma Hills
s) Rangit River
t) Dhanjori Hills .

2. a). Discuss the formation and their distribution of the major soil types of India. 30
b). Give reasons as to why rainfall variability is a characteristic features of India’s monsoons. 30 .

3. Distinguish between the West and East coasts of India in terms of their evolution, present topography and drainage attern.60

4. Examine the role of raw materials in the location of the Iron nd Steel Industry in India. Illustrate your answer with uitable examples. 60

SECTION B

5. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each: 20×3=60
a). What is the role of the Triple Transport System in the regional development of India ?
b). Explain the factors responsible for the distribution of Sugar Industry in India.
c). State the geographical factors which influence rural house types in India.
d). Giving reasons , identify the chronic drought prone areas of India.

6. What are the cause and consequences of environmental degradation in India’s industrial areas? Give specific examples. 60

7. There is no sharp divide where an urban settlement stops and rural areas begins.‛ Analyze the statement with reference to the sprawl of Indian cities. 60

8. a). How do the ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors operate for the emergence of slums in the metropolises of India?30
b). Discuss the impact of globlisation of India’s industry and agriculture sectors. 30