(Download) UPSC MAIN EXAM:2018 - GEOLOGY (Paper-2)

Exam Name: CS (MAIN) EXAM:2018 GEOLOGY (Paper II)
Marks: 250
Time Allowed : Three Hours

SECTION-A

1. (a) Five-fold rotational symmetry is not possible in minerals' - justify the statement. 10 marks
1. (b) Explain the symmetry elements in a stereogram of general form {hkil) in the hexagonal-scalenohedral class. 10 marks
1. (c) Explain the role of decompression in magma generation. 10 marks
1.(d) Illustrate with neat sketches the formation of porphyritic and ophitic textures in gabbroic rocks using suitable binary phase diagram of pyroxene and plagioclase feldspar. 10 marks
1.(e) What are sparry allochemical carbonate rocks ? Comment on their depositional environment. 10 marks

2. (a) llustrate with neat sketches internal structure of pyroxene group of minerals, Give a generalized classification of pyroxene group based on composition. 20 marks
2. (b) Illustrate with neat sketches internal structure of calcite. How would you explain the differences in the internal structure of calcite and its polymorph aragonite ? 20 marks
2.(c) Explain with the help of indicatrix diagram how the birefringence of a uniaxial mineral depends on crystallographic orientation of the mineral thin-section when studied under petrological microscope. 10 marks

3.(a) What are continental flood basalts ? Illustrate with example from India. Discuss the petrogenesis and tectonic significance of such basalts. 20 marks
3.(b) Illustrate with appropriate mineral reactions prograde metamorphism of argillaceous sedimentary rocks. 20 marks
3.(c) What are migmatites ? Comment on their origin. 10 marks

4.(a) Illustrate with neat sketches primary sedimentary structures in sands from bed load transport. How such structures can be used for interpretation of depositional environments ? 20 marks
4.(b) Give a generalized classification of sandstone. State genetic significance of such classification. 20 marks
4.(c) Why are 'fining upward' facies sequences considered as one of the most important criteria for recognizing deposits of meandering fluvial depositional system? 10 marks

section-B

5.(a) Calculate the wt. % of iron in the following minerals, and arrange these minerals in order of increasing iron content. (Atomic weight of Fe=56, Cr=52, Ti = 48 and O=16) Tlmenite, magnetite, chromite, hematite. 10 marks
5.(b) Describe the geology of Neyveli lignite deposit and the unique problem in mining of this deposit. 10 marks
5.(c) What are the types of samples collected and analysed in geochemical exploration programmes? Which one of these samples is generally preferred and why is it preferred ? 10 marks
5.(d) What are the surface manifestations of mineral deposits useful in mineral prospecting ? 10 marks
5.(e) Explain the mineralogical phase changes in the mantle of Earth with depth. 10 marks

6.(a) Explain the hydrothermal process of ore formation. Draw neat sketches illustrating important types of hydrothermal deposits formed in sea floor. 20 marks
6.(b) Describe the geological characteristics of well-known copper deposits from different cratons of the Indian shield. 20 marks
6.(c) Some ore deposit types have formed during specific geological periods. Explain with suitable examples the causes for time-bound nature of these deposits. 10 marks

7.(a) What is path-finder element in geochemical exploration ? Explain the selection of path-finder elements and their application with suitable examples. 20 marks
7.(b) Explain the process of mineral beneficiation by froth flotation and its application for sulphide ores. 20 marks
7.(c)Five trenches are made at 20 m interval perpendicular to the strike direction of an 80 m long NE-SW trending molybdenite mineralised vein. The width of vein (in m) and assay value of Mo (in wt. %) in each trench (from NE to SW) are listed below: 10 marks

8.(a) Give the classification of meteorites. How does the study of meteorites help in understanding the internal composition of the Earth? 20 marks
8.(b) llustrate different type of mass wasting processes with suitable examples. Enumerate preventive measures for the mitigation of hazards from mass wasting. 20 marks
8.(c) What are the sources of groundwater pollution ? Suggest preventive measures to control groundwater contamination. 10 marks

DOWNLOAD 10 YEARS UPSC MAINS GEOLOGY PAPERS PDF

DOWNLOAD UPSC MAINS G.S. (1-4) SOLVED PAPERS PDF

DOWNLOAD UPSC MAINS G.S. 10 Year PAPERS PDF

DOWNLOAD UPSC IAS EXAMS E-BOOKS PDF

UPSC Mains General Studies Study Kit