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(Exam Paper) UPSC IAS Mains 2010: Geography

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(Exam Paper) UPSC IAS Mains 2010: Geography

Paper- I

Section A

1. Write short notes on the following in about. 60
(a) Essential conditions for the development of Karst topography
(b) Ocean deposits
(c) Inversion of temperature
(d) Floristic Kingdoms, based on their global distribution

2. (a) Bring out the relevance of seismic study in determining the structure of the interior of the earth. 30
(b) “Weathering is a complex phenomenon involving a number of processes and is influenced by various factors,” Elaborate. 30

3 (a) What is ‘polar front’? How does cyclone develop along this front? Describe the weather conditions associated with it. 30
(b) Examine the various kinds of atmospheric humidity and their associated forms. 30

4. (a) Explain the scientifically sound methods of bathymetry and give an account of the bottom topography of the Atlantic Ocean. 30
(b) Give an account of the structure of ecosystem and describe its functional aspects. 30

Section B

5. Write short explanatory notes on the following. 60
(a) Neo-determinism
(b) Occidental cultural real
(c) Optimum population
(d) Growth poles
(e) Von Thunen’s concept of economic rent

6. (a) Critically examine the method of deriving Human Development Index. 30
(b) “Famine, to considerable extent, is a man-made hazard.” Elaborate. 30

7. (a) Critically examine the changing perspectives on the concept of a real differentiation. 30
(b) Bring out the sequential improvements in models of city structure by E. W. Burgess, Homer Hoyt, and Harris and Ullman. 30

8. (a) Discuss the role of World Trade Organisation in determining the pattern of world trade. 30
(b) “Huge populations of developing countries are not a curse. These may be and also are an asset, it situations are properly managed.” Elaborate on this assertion. 30

Paper- II

Section A

1. On the outline map of India provided to you, mark the location of ALL of the following for which 1 (one) mark is given to each correct entry.
Write in your answer script the significant geographical relevance of strategic importance of these locations, whether physical/commercial/ecological/environmental/cultural in not more than 30 words for each entry. 3 (three) marks are allowed for each write-up. 60
(a) Narcondam
(b) Kavvayi
(c) Krishnapatnam
(d) Shadnagar
(e) Gahirmatha
(f) Point Calimere
(g) Jaitapur
(h) Parichha
(i) Saltoro Kangri
(j) Shencottah Gap
(k) Banas River
(l) Sirpur
(m) Sanand
(n) Drass

2. Explain Himalayan Orogeny and illustrate how the process has affected the geomorphic characteristics of Macro divisions of Himalayas. 60

3. (a) Discuss the spatial distribution of Natural Vegetation in India with the help of a sketched map. 30
(b) Examine the problems and prospects of agro-based industries in Bihar. 30

4. (a) Discuss the emerging pattern of surface water utilization in India. 30
(b) Assess as to how surface water utilization affects food production and food security in the country. 30

Section B

5. Write about the following in about 250 words each. 60
(a) Role of physiography in cross border terrorism
(b) Offshore oilfields and coastal ecology
(c) Spatial pattern of soil erosion in India
(d) Ethnic diversity of North-eastern States

6. (a) Define an ‘Epidemic’ and discuss the occurrence of Chikungunya in India. 30
(b) Identify the regions affected by Chikungunya with the help of a sketched map and bring out the regional of the disease. 30

7. (a) Outline the role Class II and Class III towns in the urban process of India and indicate their contribution towards balanced urban development. 30
(b) How does the formation of a National Park help ecological restoration and conservation? Explain with suitable example. 30

8. (a) Explain how Demographic Transition created Demographic Divide in Contemporary India. 30
(b) What is Regionalism? Discuss how regionalism affects the developmental process with suitable examples. 30