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(Download) UPSC IAS Mains 2015: Geology (Paper -1 & 2) Optional Question Paper

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(Download) UPSC IAS Mains 2015: Geology (Paper -1 & Paper-2) Optional Question Paper

Subject: Geology (Paper -1 & 2) Optional

Exam Date: 23rd December 2015

Geology (Paper -1)

SECTION-A

1. Answer the following in about 150 words each : 10x5=50 marks

(a) Discuss the characteristics and properties of the lithosphere and the asthenosphere. 10 marks
(b) Differentiate between panchromatic, multispectral and hyperspectral images. 10 marks
(c) Using neat diagrams, classify and describe drainage patterns. 10 marks
(d) Using neat sketches, describe the types of faults in relation to the orientation of the stress axes. 10 marks
(e) Discuss the geometric relationship between cleavage and folding. 10 marks

2.(a) Describe the types of plate boundaries and comment on the nature of seismicity and volcanism associated with them. 20 marks
(b) Describe the landforms produced by wave erosion and from the sediments deposited by longshore currents. 15 marks
(c) What are tectonites ?. Describe their types and their significance using neat sketches. 15 marks

3.(a) Using appropriate diagrams, describe Ramsay’s classification of folds in detail. 20 marks
(b) Differentiate between the terrestrial and the Jovian planets. 15 marks
(c) Describe various fluvial landforms formed in response to rejuvenation. 15 marks

4.(a) Compare the geomorphic features along the Eastern and Western coasts of India. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the evolution of the foreland basins along the orogenic belts. 15 marks
(c) What is Mohr’s stress diagram? Describe its significance. 15 marks

SECTION-B

5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10 x 5=50 marks

(a) Differentiate between a cast and a real shell. 10 marks
(b) Generation of ‘Megalospheric* and ‘Microspheric’ tests in foraminifera. 10 marks
(c) How Great Boundary Fault’. 10 marks
(d) Buttress dams. 10 marks
(e) Alkali-aggregate reaction. 10 marks

6.(a) What are the essential characters of rocks to be considered as a construction material ? Add a note on aggregates. 20 marks
(b) Give an account of the evolutionary trends in Equidaer 15 marks
(c) Discuss the Maleri Beds, their faunal content and age. 15 marks

7.(a) Define biostratigraphy. How does it differ from lithostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy? Discuss various types of ‘Biozones’. 20 marks
(b) Explain the principle of electrical resistivity method in the exploration of groundwater. Add a note on vertical electrical sounding. ' 15 marks
(c) What is petrifaction ? How does it differ from permineralization ? ' 15 marks

8.(a) What are conodonts and their major types ? Briefly discuss their geological history. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the depositional and climatic conditions during the Siwalik times. 15 marks
(c) Give an account of various types of rainwater harvesting methods. 15 marks

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Geology (Paper -2)

SECTION—A

1.(a) Discuss the structures of inosilicates with neat sketches and mineralogical examples. 10x5=50 marks
(b) Explain the phenomenon of twinning and discuss the twinning in feldspars with neat sketches. 10 marks
(c) What is a peritectic ? Discuss an appropriate reaction that represents a peritectic. 10 marks
(d) Explain how granulite facies rocks can be texturally and mineralogically differentiated from amphibolite facies rocks. 10 marks
(e) Ripple marks are common in sandstones and siltstones. Why are they rare in conglomerates and shales ? 10 marks

2.(a) With neat sketches describe the symmetry elements and forms of the normal class of the isometric system. Name three minerals belonging to this class. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the classification and chemistry of clay minerals. 20 marks
(c) While quartz is completely absent in the mantle, why is it the most common mineral on the continents ? 10 marks

3.(a) What are the different discontinuities within the earth picked up by seismic waves ? What are the petrological explanations for each of these discontinuities ? 20 marks

(b) What do the following two series signify and what is the difference between the two ?

(i) Chlorite -> Biotite -> Garnet -> Staurolite -> Kyanite -> Sillimanite
(ii) Shale Slate -> Phyllite -> Schist -> Gneiss. 10 marks

(c) What is a Komatiite ? What is the reason for the spinifex texture shown by Komatiites ? From your answer discuss the possible reason why Komatiites are found mostly in the Archean. 20 marks

4.(a) Explain the process of lithification and diagenesis with special reference to limestones. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the evolution and characteristic features of the major sedimentary basins of India. 20 marks
(c) Considering the Bowen’s reaction series, discuss how an igneous rock will be affected during retrogressive transformation. 10 marks

SECTION-B

5.(a) Explain the difference between syngenetic and epigenetic deposits with neat sketches and suitable examples. 10 marks
(b) What are the placer minerals produced from beach sands in India ? Describe the properties and uses of any two of these minerals. 10 marks
(c) Briefly describe the principles and applications of self-potential and induced polarization 10 marks
(d) What are the chemical parameters which determine the coordination number of a cation in crystal structure ? Illustrate with examples of cations in 3-fold and 4-fold coordination in rock forming minerals. 10 marks
(e) What are the sources of marine pollution and their effect on marine ecosystem ? 10

6.(a) Which one of the two minerals, magnetite and hematite, contains more iron ? Illustrate by calculating iron concentration (in wt. %) of magnetite and hematite. Atomic weight of Fe=56, O = 16 10 marks
(b) Explain the process of formation of magmatic sulphide deposit. What is the characteristic mineral assemblage of magmatic sulphide deposit ? 15 marks
(c) Write a note on airborne magnetic survey and its advantage over ground based magnetic survey. 10 marks
(d) What are the methods of underground mining of mineral deposits ? Add a note on impact of underground mining on ground surface and environment. 15 marks

7.(a) Give a list of the major petroliferous basins of India. Describe the geology and hydrocarbon occurrence of Bombay High oilfield. 15 marks
(b) Describe different categories of ore reserves and their application in the Indian context. 10 marks
(c) Describe the methods of geochemical prospecting and the geological conditions in which these methods are adopted. 15 marks
(d) Explain how substitution of one element by another takes place in minerals. Write a note on solid solution with example from silicate minerals. 10 marks

8.(a) Describe the iron ore basins in Singhbhum craton and the characteristics of associated iron ore deposits. 15 marks
(b) What are the gravity separation methods of ore beneficiation ? Describe the process of heavy media separation of coal. 15 marks
(c) What is polymorphism in minerals ? Explain with suitable examples from rock forming minerals and ore minerals. 10 marks
(d) Describe different types of radioactive wastes. Write a note on the methods of disposal of radioactive wastes. 10 marks