Theme T26 · Physical Geography & Hazards

Earth's interior, plate tectonics, mountains, islands & landforms

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What UPSC asks

UPSC asks the mechanism behind landforms: continental drift, plate tectonics, mantle plumes, why fold mountains lie on continental margins, island arcs (Indonesia, Philippines), fjords, rocks, why India is a subcontinent, and how mountains affect weather.

Prepare these

• Earth's interior and evidence (seismic waves, Juno-type missions)
• Continental drift → sea-floor spreading → plate tectonics; mantle plume and hotspots
• Fold mountains, island arcs, fjords, deltas
• Rock types and primary rocks
• India as a subcontinent: physiography, Himalayan barrier
• Mountain alignment and local weather (rain shadow, barrier effect)

Answer writing

• Draw a quick diagram (plate boundary, plume) — it saves words
• Give world and Indian examples for each landform

Directive words in these PYQs: Why (3), Explain (3), Discuss (2), Elaborate (2), Describe (1), Mention (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

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Later themes that take this one further.

On the map

Syllabus lines covered

• GS1-L10 — Salient features of world's physical geography.

All 10 PYQs, newest first

1. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-GEO-01-M2025-Q16

   Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses.

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2. GS1202310 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-01-M2023-Q06

   How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?

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3. GS1202210 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-01-M2022-Q04

   Describe the characteristics and type of primary rocks.

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4. GS12021GS1-GEO-01-M2021-S02

   Why is India considered as a subcontinent? Elaborate your answer.

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5. GS12021GS1-GEO-01-M2021-S03

   Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples.

   Also needs: T29 Atmosphere, air masses, winds, inversion, deserts & aurorasCopyReport a typo
6. GS12018GS1-GEO-01-M2018-S01

   Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.

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7. GS12017GS1-GEO-01-M2017-S01

   How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth?

   Also needs: T146 Space & geospatial technology: Chandrayaan, JWST, NavIC, asteroids, GISCopyReport a typo
8. GS12014GS1-GEO-01-M2014-S01

   Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes.

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9. GS12014GS1-GEO-01-M2014-S02

   Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.

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10. GS12013GS1-GEO-01-M2013-S01

    (a) What do you understand by the theory of ‘continental drift’? Discuss t he prominent evidences in its support. (b) The recent cyclone on east coast of India was called ‘Phailin’. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate.

    Also needs: T31 Tropical cyclones, twisters & cyclone warningsCopyReport a typo