UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 12 September 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 12 September 2025 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more.We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Match List I (Geographical Feature) with List II (Primary Associated Process/Characteristic): List I (Geographical Feature) List II (Primary Associated Process/Characteristic) A. Moraine 1. Aeolian deposition B. Delta 2. Fluvial deposition C. Dune 3. Glacial deposition D. Stalactite 4. Cave deposition (precipitation of minerals) Select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: (a) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4 (b) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1 (c) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 (d) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3 Correct Solution: A Moraine (3. Glacial deposition): Moraines are accumulations of unsorted rock and sediment (till) deposited by a glacier, either along its sides (lateral moraines), at its terminus (terminal moraine), or beneath it (ground moraine). Delta (2. Fluvial deposition): Deltas are landforms created by the deposition of sediment carried by a river as the flow enters slower-moving or standing water (e.g., an ocean, sea, lake, or reservoir). Dune (1. Aeolian deposition): Dunes are mounds or ridges of sand or other loose sediment formed by the wind (aeolian processes), typically in deserts or coastal areas. D. Stalactite (4. Cave deposition (precipitation of minerals)): Stalactites are icicle-shaped formations that hang from the ceilings of caves. They are formed by the precipitation of minerals (commonly calcium carbonate) from water dripping through the cave roof. Incorrect Solution: A Moraine (3. Glacial deposition): Moraines are accumulations of unsorted rock and sediment (till) deposited by a glacier, either along its sides (lateral moraines), at its terminus (terminal moraine), or beneath it (ground moraine). Delta (2. Fluvial deposition): Deltas are landforms created by the deposition of sediment carried by a river as the flow enters slower-moving or standing water (e.g., an ocean, sea, lake, or reservoir). Dune (1. Aeolian deposition): Dunes are mounds or ridges of sand or other loose sediment formed by the wind (aeolian processes), typically in deserts or coastal areas. D. Stalactite (4. Cave deposition (precipitation of minerals)): Stalactites are icicle-shaped formations that hang from the ceilings of caves. They are formed by the precipitation of minerals (commonly calcium carbonate) from water dripping through the cave roof.

#### 1. Question

Match List I (Geographical Feature) with List II (Primary Associated Process/Characteristic):

List I (Geographical Feature) | List II (Primary Associated Process/Characteristic)

A. Moraine | 1. Aeolian deposition

B. Delta | 2. Fluvial deposition

C. Dune | 3. Glacial deposition

D. Stalactite | 4. Cave deposition (precipitation of minerals)

Select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:

• (a) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4

• (b) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

• (c) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4

• (d) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

Solution: A

• Moraine (3. Glacial deposition): Moraines are accumulations of unsorted rock and sediment (till) deposited by a glacier, either along its sides (lateral moraines), at its terminus (terminal moraine), or beneath it (ground moraine).

• Delta (2. Fluvial deposition): Deltas are landforms created by the deposition of sediment carried by a river as the flow enters slower-moving or standing water (e.g., an ocean, sea, lake, or reservoir).

• Dune (1. Aeolian deposition): Dunes are mounds or ridges of sand or other loose sediment formed by the wind (aeolian processes), typically in deserts or coastal areas.

D. Stalactite (4. Cave deposition (precipitation of minerals)): Stalactites are icicle-shaped formations that hang from the ceilings of caves. They are formed by the precipitation of minerals (commonly calcium carbonate) from water dripping through the cave roof.

Solution: A

• Dune (1. Aeolian deposition): Dunes are mounds or ridges of sand or other loose sediment formed by the wind (aeolian processes), typically in deserts or coastal areas.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements. Assertion (A): The western coasts of continents in the subtropical latitudes (around 20∘−30∘ N and S) are generally characterized by arid or semi-arid desert conditions. Reason (R): The regions mentioned above are typically under the influence of cold ocean currents and subsiding air from subtropical high-pressure cells, both of which inhibit precipitation. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A. (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A. (c) A is true but R is false. (d) A is false but R is true. Correct Solution: A Assertion (A) is true: Many of the world’s major hot deserts are located on the western sides of continents in subtropical latitudes. Examples include the Atacama Desert (South America), Namib Desert (Africa), Sonoran Desert (North America), and parts of the Australian desert. Reason (R) is true: Several factors contribute to this aridity: Cold ocean currents: Cold currents flowing equatorward along these western coasts (e.g., Peru Current, Benguela Current, California Current, Canary Current) cool the air above them, increasing atmospheric stability and reducing the air’s moisture-holding capacity, thus inhibiting rainfall. Subtropical High-Pressure Cells: These regions are dominated by large, stable subtropical high-pressure systems (e.g., Azores High, Pacific High). In these systems, air subsides (sinks) from higher altitudes. Sinking air compresses and warms adiabatically, increasing its moisture-holding capacity and moving it further from saturation, leading to dry, clear conditions. Prevailing offshore trade winds in some of these areas also carry moisture away from the land. R is the correct explanation of A: The combined effect of cold ocean currents stabilizing the air and the subsiding air from subtropical highs creating dry conditions are the primary meteorological reasons for the prevalence of deserts in these specific geographical locations. Incorrect Solution: A Assertion (A) is true: Many of the world’s major hot deserts are located on the western sides of continents in subtropical latitudes. Examples include the Atacama Desert (South America), Namib Desert (Africa), Sonoran Desert (North America), and parts of the Australian desert. Reason (R) is true: Several factors contribute to this aridity: Cold ocean currents: Cold currents flowing equatorward along these western coasts (e.g., Peru Current, Benguela Current, California Current, Canary Current) cool the air above them, increasing atmospheric stability and reducing the air’s moisture-holding capacity, thus inhibiting rainfall. Subtropical High-Pressure Cells: These regions are dominated by large, stable subtropical high-pressure systems (e.g., Azores High, Pacific High). In these systems, air subsides (sinks) from higher altitudes. Sinking air compresses and warms adiabatically, increasing its moisture-holding capacity and moving it further from saturation, leading to dry, clear conditions. Prevailing offshore trade winds in some of these areas also carry moisture away from the land. R is the correct explanation of A: The combined effect of cold ocean currents stabilizing the air and the subsiding air from subtropical highs creating dry conditions are the primary meteorological reasons for the prevalence of deserts in these specific geographical locations.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements.

Assertion (A): The western coasts of continents in the subtropical latitudes (around 20∘−30∘ N and S) are generally characterized by arid or semi-arid desert conditions.

Reason (R): The regions mentioned above are typically under the influence of cold ocean currents and subsiding air from subtropical high-pressure cells, both of which inhibit precipitation.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A.

• (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

• (c) A is true but R is false.

• (d) A is false but R is true.

Solution: A

• Assertion (A) is true: Many of the world’s major hot deserts are located on the western sides of continents in subtropical latitudes. Examples include the Atacama Desert (South America), Namib Desert (Africa), Sonoran Desert (North America), and parts of the Australian desert.

• Reason (R) is true: Several factors contribute to this aridity: Cold ocean currents: Cold currents flowing equatorward along these western coasts (e.g., Peru Current, Benguela Current, California Current, Canary Current) cool the air above them, increasing atmospheric stability and reducing the air’s moisture-holding capacity, thus inhibiting rainfall. Subtropical High-Pressure Cells: These regions are dominated by large, stable subtropical high-pressure systems (e.g., Azores High, Pacific High). In these systems, air subsides (sinks) from higher altitudes. Sinking air compresses and warms adiabatically, increasing its moisture-holding capacity and moving it further from saturation, leading to dry, clear conditions. Prevailing offshore trade winds in some of these areas also carry moisture away from the land.

• Cold ocean currents: Cold currents flowing equatorward along these western coasts (e.g., Peru Current, Benguela Current, California Current, Canary Current) cool the air above them, increasing atmospheric stability and reducing the air’s moisture-holding capacity, thus inhibiting rainfall.

• Subtropical High-Pressure Cells: These regions are dominated by large, stable subtropical high-pressure systems (e.g., Azores High, Pacific High). In these systems, air subsides (sinks) from higher altitudes. Sinking air compresses and warms adiabatically, increasing its moisture-holding capacity and moving it further from saturation, leading to dry, clear conditions.

• Prevailing offshore trade winds in some of these areas also carry moisture away from the land.

R is the correct explanation of A: The combined effect of cold ocean currents stabilizing the air and the subsiding air from subtropical highs creating dry conditions are the primary meteorological reasons for the prevalence of deserts in these specific geographical locations.

Solution: A

• Prevailing offshore trade winds in some of these areas also carry moisture away from the land.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding Mid-ocean ridges. Assertion (A): Mid-ocean ridges are sites of intense volcanic activity and the formation of new oceanic crust. Reason (R): Mid-ocean ridges are convergent plate boundaries where oceanic plates collide and one subducts beneath the other, leading to magma generation. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A. (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A. (c) A is true but R is false. (d) A is false but R is true. Correct Solution: C Assertion (A) is true: Mid-ocean ridges (e.g., the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, East Pacific Rise) are indeed characterized by intense volcanic activity (mostly effusive basaltic eruptions) and are the primary sites where new oceanic crust is created through the process of seafloor spreading. Reason (R) is false: Mid-ocean ridges are divergent plate boundaries, not convergent plate boundaries. At these locations, tectonic plates are moving apart from each other. As the plates separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, cools, and solidifies to form new oceanic lithosphere. Convergent plate boundaries are where plates collide, and subduction (one plate sinking beneath another) occurs, also leading to volcanism, but through a different mechanism (flux melting in the mantle wedge above the subducting slab). Therefore, A is true, but R provides an incorrect explanation of the tectonic setting of mid-ocean ridges. Incorrect Solution: C Assertion (A) is true: Mid-ocean ridges (e.g., the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, East Pacific Rise) are indeed characterized by intense volcanic activity (mostly effusive basaltic eruptions) and are the primary sites where new oceanic crust is created through the process of seafloor spreading. Reason (R) is false: Mid-ocean ridges are divergent plate boundaries, not convergent plate boundaries. At these locations, tectonic plates are moving apart from each other. As the plates separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, cools, and solidifies to form new oceanic lithosphere. Convergent plate boundaries are where plates collide, and subduction (one plate sinking beneath another) occurs, also leading to volcanism, but through a different mechanism (flux melting in the mantle wedge above the subducting slab). Therefore, A is true, but R provides an incorrect explanation of the tectonic setting of mid-ocean ridges.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Mid-ocean ridges.

Assertion (A): Mid-ocean ridges are sites of intense volcanic activity and the formation of new oceanic crust.

Reason (R): Mid-ocean ridges are convergent plate boundaries where oceanic plates collide and one subducts beneath the other, leading to magma generation.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A.

• (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

• (c) A is true but R is false.

• (d) A is false but R is true.

Solution: C

• Assertion (A) is true: Mid-ocean ridges (e.g., the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, East Pacific Rise) are indeed characterized by intense volcanic activity (mostly effusive basaltic eruptions) and are the primary sites where new oceanic crust is created through the process of seafloor spreading.

• Reason (R) is false: Mid-ocean ridges are divergent plate boundaries, not convergent plate boundaries. At these locations, tectonic plates are moving apart from each other. As the plates separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, cools, and solidifies to form new oceanic lithosphere. Convergent plate boundaries are where plates collide, and subduction (one plate sinking beneath another) occurs, also leading to volcanism, but through a different mechanism (flux melting in the mantle wedge above the subducting slab).

• Therefore, A is true, but R provides an incorrect explanation of the tectonic setting of mid-ocean ridges.

Solution: C

• Therefore, A is true, but R provides an incorrect explanation of the tectonic setting of mid-ocean ridges.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question With reference to the deep ocean floor, consider the following statements: Abyssal hills are more numerous than any other feature on the ocean floor and are predominantly of volcanic origin. The sediments found on the abyssal plains are exclusively pelagic oozes derived from the remains of marine organisms. Guyots are found in clusters and are generally older than the pointed-top seamounts found in the same volcanic province. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Abyssal hills are small, rolling hills that rise from the floor of an abyssal plain. They are the most abundant topographic feature on the planet, covering more than 30% of the ocean floor. They are typically volcanic in origin, formed by extensional faulting and magmatism at or near the mid-oceanic ridges, and are subsequently buried to varying degrees by pelagic sediment as the crust moves away from the ridge. Statement 2 is incorrect. The sediments on abyssal plains are not exclusively pelagic oozes. While pelagic oozes (calcareous and siliceous remains of microorganisms) are a major component, especially in areas of high biological productivity and away from continents, the sediments also include significant amounts of terrigenous sediments (land-derived clays and silts transported by winds and ocean currents) and abyssal clays (red clay), which dominate in the deepest parts of the ocean below the carbonate compensation depth (CCD). Volcanic ash and cosmic dust also contribute to the sediment mix. Statement 3 is correct. Guyots, or flat-topped seamounts, are formed when a volcanic island is eroded by wave action at the sea surface and then subsides. This process takes a considerable amount of geological time. Pointed-top seamounts in the same region are often younger volcanoes that have not yet reached the surface or have not been above sea level long enough to be significantly eroded. Therefore, within a given volcanic chain or province (like the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain), the presence of a flat top on a guyot is an indicator of greater age and a more complex geological history compared to its non-eroded, pointed-top counterparts. Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct. Abyssal hills are small, rolling hills that rise from the floor of an abyssal plain. They are the most abundant topographic feature on the planet, covering more than 30% of the ocean floor. They are typically volcanic in origin, formed by extensional faulting and magmatism at or near the mid-oceanic ridges, and are subsequently buried to varying degrees by pelagic sediment as the crust moves away from the ridge. Statement 2 is incorrect. The sediments on abyssal plains are not exclusively pelagic oozes. While pelagic oozes (calcareous and siliceous remains of microorganisms) are a major component, especially in areas of high biological productivity and away from continents, the sediments also include significant amounts of terrigenous sediments (land-derived clays and silts transported by winds and ocean currents) and abyssal clays (red clay), which dominate in the deepest parts of the ocean below the carbonate compensation depth (CCD). Volcanic ash and cosmic dust also contribute to the sediment mix. Statement 3 is correct. Guyots, or flat-topped seamounts, are formed when a volcanic island is eroded by wave action at the sea surface and then subsides. This process takes a considerable amount of geological time. Pointed-top seamounts in the same region are often younger volcanoes that have not yet reached the surface or have not been above sea level long enough to be significantly eroded. Therefore, within a given volcanic chain or province (like the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain), the presence of a flat top on a guyot is an indicator of greater age and a more complex geological history compared to its non-eroded, pointed-top counterparts. Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

#### 4. Question

With reference to the deep ocean floor, consider the following statements:

• Abyssal hills are more numerous than any other feature on the ocean floor and are predominantly of volcanic origin.

• The sediments found on the abyssal plains are exclusively pelagic oozes derived from the remains of marine organisms.

• Guyots are found in clusters and are generally older than the pointed-top seamounts found in the same volcanic province.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct. Abyssal hills are small, rolling hills that rise from the floor of an abyssal plain. They are the most abundant topographic feature on the planet, covering more than 30% of the ocean floor. They are typically volcanic in origin, formed by extensional faulting and magmatism at or near the mid-oceanic ridges, and are subsequently buried to varying degrees by pelagic sediment as the crust moves away from the ridge.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The sediments on abyssal plains are not exclusively pelagic oozes. While pelagic oozes (calcareous and siliceous remains of microorganisms) are a major component, especially in areas of high biological productivity and away from continents, the sediments also include significant amounts of terrigenous sediments (land-derived clays and silts transported by winds and ocean currents) and abyssal clays (red clay), which dominate in the deepest parts of the ocean below the carbonate compensation depth (CCD). Volcanic ash and cosmic dust also contribute to the sediment mix.

Statement 3 is correct. Guyots, or flat-topped seamounts, are formed when a volcanic island is eroded by wave action at the sea surface and then subsides. This process takes a considerable amount of geological time. Pointed-top seamounts in the same region are often younger volcanoes that have not yet reached the surface or have not been above sea level long enough to be significantly eroded. Therefore, within a given volcanic chain or province (like the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain), the presence of a flat top on a guyot is an indicator of greater age and a more complex geological history compared to its non-eroded, pointed-top counterparts. Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Solution: B

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to Plate Tectonic Theory, consider the following statements: Convergent boundaries are exclusively characterized by the subduction of an oceanic plate beneath a continental plate, leading to the formation of volcanic mountains. Divergent boundaries on the ocean floor are marked by deep-sea trenches and the destruction of crustal material. Transform boundaries are zones of intense volcanic activity where new crust is created as plates slide past each other. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. Convergent boundaries are not exclusive to ocean-continent collisions. They can also occur between two oceanic plates (forming island arcs like Japan) or two continental plates (forming massive fold mountains like the Himalayas, with little to no volcanism). Therefore, the characterization is incomplete and inaccurate. Statement 2 is incorrect. Divergent boundaries on the ocean floor, known as mid-oceanic ridges, are where new crustal material is created through seafloor spreading, not destroyed. They are characterized by ridges and rift valleys, not deep-sea trenches. Deep-sea trenches are features of convergent (subduction) boundaries. Statement 3 is incorrect. Transform boundaries are where tectonic plates slide horizontally past one another. This movement causes significant seismic activity (earthquakes), like along the San Andreas Fault. However, there is neither creation nor destruction of crust, and they are generally characterized by a lack of volcanic activity. Incorrect Solution: D Statement 1 is incorrect. Convergent boundaries are not exclusive to ocean-continent collisions. They can also occur between two oceanic plates (forming island arcs like Japan) or two continental plates (forming massive fold mountains like the Himalayas, with little to no volcanism). Therefore, the characterization is incomplete and inaccurate. Statement 2 is incorrect. Divergent boundaries on the ocean floor, known as mid-oceanic ridges, are where new crustal material is created through seafloor spreading, not destroyed. They are characterized by ridges and rift valleys, not deep-sea trenches. Deep-sea trenches are features of convergent (subduction) boundaries. Statement 3 is incorrect. Transform boundaries are where tectonic plates slide horizontally past one another. This movement causes significant seismic activity (earthquakes), like along the San Andreas Fault. However, there is neither creation nor destruction of crust, and they are generally characterized by a lack of volcanic activity.

#### 5. Question

With reference to Plate Tectonic Theory, consider the following statements:

• Convergent boundaries are exclusively characterized by the subduction of an oceanic plate beneath a continental plate, leading to the formation of volcanic mountains.

• Divergent boundaries on the ocean floor are marked by deep-sea trenches and the destruction of crustal material.

• Transform boundaries are zones of intense volcanic activity where new crust is created as plates slide past each other.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: D

• Statement 1 is incorrect. Convergent boundaries are not exclusive to ocean-continent collisions. They can also occur between two oceanic plates (forming island arcs like Japan) or two continental plates (forming massive fold mountains like the Himalayas, with little to no volcanism). Therefore, the characterization is incomplete and inaccurate.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. Divergent boundaries on the ocean floor, known as mid-oceanic ridges, are where new crustal material is created through seafloor spreading, not destroyed. They are characterized by ridges and rift valleys, not deep-sea trenches. Deep-sea trenches are features of convergent (subduction) boundaries.

• Statement 3 is incorrect. Transform boundaries are where tectonic plates slide horizontally past one another. This movement causes significant seismic activity (earthquakes), like along the San Andreas Fault. However, there is neither creation nor destruction of crust, and they are generally characterized by a lack of volcanic activity.

Solution: D

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