
UPSC Mains Geography Previous Year Question Paper (1980)
PAPER- I
Time Allowed: Three Hours
Maximum Marks: 300
Candidates should attempt Questions 1 and any four of the remaining
questions, selecting two from Section A and any two from Section B. All
questions carry equal marks.
Q.1. On the outline map of India supplied, mark and name the following:
(a) The regions with the highest variability of rainfall (more than 15%) from
year to year;
(b) The regions of rubber and tea cultivation;
(c) Jog (Gersoppa), Ellora, Digboi, Neyveli, Kudremukh, Singareni;
(d) Mahabaleshwar, Pachmarhi, Darjeeling, Kodai-kanal, Nainital, Simla;
(e) Thalghat, Khandwa gap, Palghat, Banihal Pass, Aksai Chin and Bhorghat.
OR
On the outline map of the World provided, mark and name the following:
(a) The zero degree Celsius (Centigrade) (32ºF) surface isotherm for the month
of January.
(b) The mean annual thermal equator,
(c) The New England States,
(d) Zimbabwe
(e) Kuro Siwo
(f) St. Gotthard Pass,
(g) The Soo Canal,
(h) Bosporus,
(i) The Trans-Siberian rail-route, with three important stations, on route.
(j) The Wuhan conurbation,
(k) Murray-Darling Basin and
(l) Bogota.
SECTION A
Q.2. State, in detail, and appraise fully the arguments in favour of and
against the theory of Continental Drift.
Q.3. Discuss the complete mechanism by means of which the atmosphere is able
to maintain its heat-balance. Is the atmosphere getting progressively hotter,
and if so, why?