UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 25 April 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 25 April 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 the local names of Nor’westers with their regional locations: Local Name Region A. Kalbaishaki 1. Karnataka B. Bardoli Chheerha 2. Kerala C. Mango Showers 3. West Bengal D. Blossom Showers 4. Assam Select the correct answer code: a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 b) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4 c) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3 d) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2 Correct Solution: d) Kalbaishaki refers to violent thunderstorms common in West Bengal and parts of eastern India during the pre-monsoon months, especially April and May. Bardoli Chheerha is the term used in Assam for similar convective storms accompanied by rain and strong winds. Mango Showers occur in Karnataka and surrounding regions; these light rains are crucial for the ripening of mangoes, hence the name. Blossom Showers are received in Kerala and play a vital role in triggering the flowering of coffee plants. Incorrect Solution: d) Kalbaishaki refers to violent thunderstorms common in West Bengal and parts of eastern India during the pre-monsoon months, especially April and May. Bardoli Chheerha is the term used in Assam for similar convective storms accompanied by rain and strong winds. Mango Showers occur in Karnataka and surrounding regions; these light rains are crucial for the ripening of mangoes, hence the name. Blossom Showers are received in Kerala and play a vital role in triggering the flowering of coffee plants.
#### 1. Question
Match the local names of Nor’westers with their regional locations:
Local Name | Region
A. Kalbaishaki | 1. Karnataka
B. Bardoli Chheerha | 2. Kerala
C. Mango Showers | 3. West Bengal
D. Blossom Showers | 4. Assam
Select the correct answer code:
• a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
• b) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
• c) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
• d) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Solution: d)
• Kalbaishaki refers to violent thunderstorms common in West Bengal and parts of eastern India during the pre-monsoon months, especially April and May.
• Bardoli Chheerha is the term used in Assam for similar convective storms accompanied by rain and strong winds.
• Mango Showers occur in Karnataka and surrounding regions; these light rains are crucial for the ripening of mangoes, hence the name.
• Blossom Showers are received in Kerala and play a vital role in triggering the flowering of coffee plants.
Solution: d)
• Kalbaishaki refers to violent thunderstorms common in West Bengal and parts of eastern India during the pre-monsoon months, especially April and May.
• Bardoli Chheerha is the term used in Assam for similar convective storms accompanied by rain and strong winds.
• Mango Showers occur in Karnataka and surrounding regions; these light rains are crucial for the ripening of mangoes, hence the name.
• Blossom Showers are received in Kerala and play a vital role in triggering the flowering of coffee plants.
• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Mid-Oceanic Ridges. A mid-oceanic ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonic processes. The mid-ocean ridges across the world are interconnected and constitute a single, continuous global ridge system present in all major oceans. These ridges feature a central rift valley at the crest, which is an active volcanic zone. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution: d) A mid-ocean ridge or mid-oceanic ridge is an underwater mountain range, formed by plate tectonics. This uplifting of the ocean floor occurs when convection currents rise in the mantle beneath the oceanic crust and create magma where two tectonic plates meet at a divergent boundary. The mid-ocean ridges of the world are connected and form a single global mid-oceanic ridge system that is part of every ocean, making the mid-oceanic ridge system the longest mountain range in the world, with a total length of about 60,000 km. It is characterised by a central rift system at the crest, a fractionated plateau and flank zone all along its length. The rift system at the crest is the zone of intense volcanic activity. Incorrect Solution: d) A mid-ocean ridge or mid-oceanic ridge is an underwater mountain range, formed by plate tectonics. This uplifting of the ocean floor occurs when convection currents rise in the mantle beneath the oceanic crust and create magma where two tectonic plates meet at a divergent boundary. The mid-ocean ridges of the world are connected and form a single global mid-oceanic ridge system that is part of every ocean, making the mid-oceanic ridge system the longest mountain range in the world, with a total length of about 60,000 km. It is characterised by a central rift system at the crest, a fractionated plateau and flank zone all along its length. The rift system at the crest is the zone of intense volcanic activity.
#### 2. Question
Consider the following statements regarding Mid-Oceanic Ridges.
• A mid-oceanic ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonic processes.
• The mid-ocean ridges across the world are interconnected and constitute a single, continuous global ridge system present in all major oceans.
• These ridges feature a central rift valley at the crest, which is an active volcanic zone.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
• (a) 1 only
• (b) 1 and 3 only
• (c) 2 and 3 only
• (d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: d)
• A mid-ocean ridge or mid-oceanic ridge is an underwater mountain range, formed by plate tectonics.
• This uplifting of the ocean floor occurs when convection currents rise in the mantle beneath the oceanic crust and create magma where two tectonic plates meet at a divergent boundary.
• The mid-ocean ridges of the world are connected and form a single global mid-oceanic ridge system that is part of every ocean, making the mid-oceanic ridge system the longest mountain range in the world, with a total length of about 60,000 km.
• It is characterised by a central rift system at the crest, a fractionated plateau and flank zone all along its length.
• The rift system at the crest is the zone of intense volcanic activity.
Solution: d)
• A mid-ocean ridge or mid-oceanic ridge is an underwater mountain range, formed by plate tectonics.
• This uplifting of the ocean floor occurs when convection currents rise in the mantle beneath the oceanic crust and create magma where two tectonic plates meet at a divergent boundary.
• The mid-ocean ridges of the world are connected and form a single global mid-oceanic ridge system that is part of every ocean, making the mid-oceanic ridge system the longest mountain range in the world, with a total length of about 60,000 km.
• It is characterised by a central rift system at the crest, a fractionated plateau and flank zone all along its length.
• The rift system at the crest is the zone of intense volcanic activity.
• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding Shyok River Statement-I: The Shyok River’s course exemplifies the geomorphological phenomenon of river capture. Statement-II: The river initially flows away from the Indus and later takes a U-turn due to tectonic uplift and valley evolution. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: a) The Shyok River demonstrates classic signs of river capture or river piracy, where the upper course of a river is diverted due to tectonic activity. Initially, the river flows southeast, contrary to its natural destination, but due to tectonic uplift near the Pangong range, the gradient changes and it makes a U-turn, flowing northwest toward the Indus. This is a classic case of drainage reversal and captures a part of a previous drainage system. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I. About Shyok River: It is a tributary of the Indus River and flows through northern Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, India, and into Gilgit-Baltistan. Originating from the Rimo Glacier, it flows southeast before turning northwest at the Pangong range and joining the Indus at Skardu. The river, fed by glacial meltwater, traverses high-altitude deserts and mountain ranges, spanning approximately 550 km. Its main tributary is the Nubra River. Incorrect Solution: a) The Shyok River demonstrates classic signs of river capture or river piracy, where the upper course of a river is diverted due to tectonic activity. Initially, the river flows southeast, contrary to its natural destination, but due to tectonic uplift near the Pangong range, the gradient changes and it makes a U-turn, flowing northwest toward the Indus. This is a classic case of drainage reversal and captures a part of a previous drainage system. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I. About Shyok River: It is a tributary of the Indus River and flows through northern Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, India, and into Gilgit-Baltistan. Originating from the Rimo Glacier, it flows southeast before turning northwest at the Pangong range and joining the Indus at Skardu. The river, fed by glacial meltwater, traverses high-altitude deserts and mountain ranges, spanning approximately 550 km. Its main tributary is the Nubra River.
#### 3. Question
Consider the following statements regarding Shyok River
Statement-I: The Shyok River’s course exemplifies the geomorphological phenomenon of river capture. Statement-II: The river initially flows away from the Indus and later takes a U-turn due to tectonic uplift and valley evolution.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Solution: a)
The Shyok River demonstrates classic signs of river capture or river piracy, where the upper course of a river is diverted due to tectonic activity. Initially, the river flows southeast, contrary to its natural destination, but due to tectonic uplift near the Pangong range, the gradient changes and it makes a U-turn, flowing northwest toward the Indus. This is a classic case of drainage reversal and captures a part of a previous drainage system. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I.
About Shyok River:
• It is a tributary of the Indus River and flows through northern Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, India, and into Gilgit-Baltistan. Originating from the Rimo Glacier, it flows southeast before turning northwest at the Pangong range and joining the Indus at Skardu.
• The river, fed by glacial meltwater, traverses high-altitude deserts and mountain ranges, spanning approximately 550 km. Its main tributary is the Nubra River.
Solution: a)
The Shyok River demonstrates classic signs of river capture or river piracy, where the upper course of a river is diverted due to tectonic activity. Initially, the river flows southeast, contrary to its natural destination, but due to tectonic uplift near the Pangong range, the gradient changes and it makes a U-turn, flowing northwest toward the Indus. This is a classic case of drainage reversal and captures a part of a previous drainage system. Hence, both statements are correct, and Statement II explains Statement I.
About Shyok River:
• It is a tributary of the Indus River and flows through northern Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir, India, and into Gilgit-Baltistan. Originating from the Rimo Glacier, it flows southeast before turning northwest at the Pangong range and joining the Indus at Skardu.
• The river, fed by glacial meltwater, traverses high-altitude deserts and mountain ranges, spanning approximately 550 km. Its main tributary is the Nubra River.
• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements. The thermal equator lies exactly along the geographic Equator. The Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive significantly different amounts and intensity of solar insolation. Regions dominated by land tend to exhibit greater temperature variation under similar conditions compared to water-dominated regions. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect. The thermal equator, or the heat equator, does not lie exactly along the geographic equator. It is the zone receiving the highest mean annual temperatures and tends to shift northward due to the larger landmass in the Northern Hemisphere, which heats up more quickly than ocean-dominated southern regions. Statement 2 is also incorrect. Over the course of a year, the total solar insolation received by both hemispheres is nearly equal. Although seasonal variations exist due to axial tilt, the annual average insolation remains largely balanced. Statement 3 is correct. Land has a lower specific heat capacity than water, causing it to heat and cool more rapidly, leading to greater temperature variations in land-dominated regions as compared to oceanic areas, which moderate temperature through slow heating and high moisture content. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect. The thermal equator, or the heat equator, does not lie exactly along the geographic equator. It is the zone receiving the highest mean annual temperatures and tends to shift northward due to the larger landmass in the Northern Hemisphere, which heats up more quickly than ocean-dominated southern regions. Statement 2 is also incorrect. Over the course of a year, the total solar insolation received by both hemispheres is nearly equal. Although seasonal variations exist due to axial tilt, the annual average insolation remains largely balanced. Statement 3 is correct. Land has a lower specific heat capacity than water, causing it to heat and cool more rapidly, leading to greater temperature variations in land-dominated regions as compared to oceanic areas, which moderate temperature through slow heating and high moisture content.
#### 4. Question
Consider the following statements.
• The thermal equator lies exactly along the geographic Equator.
• The Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive significantly different amounts and intensity of solar insolation.
• Regions dominated by land tend to exhibit greater temperature variation under similar conditions compared to water-dominated regions.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• (c) All three
Solution: a)
• Statement 1 is incorrect. The thermal equator, or the heat equator, does not lie exactly along the geographic equator. It is the zone receiving the highest mean annual temperatures and tends to shift northward due to the larger landmass in the Northern Hemisphere, which heats up more quickly than ocean-dominated southern regions.
• Statement 2 is also incorrect. Over the course of a year, the total solar insolation received by both hemispheres is nearly equal. Although seasonal variations exist due to axial tilt, the annual average insolation remains largely balanced.
• Statement 3 is correct. Land has a lower specific heat capacity than water, causing it to heat and cool more rapidly, leading to greater temperature variations in land-dominated regions as compared to oceanic areas, which moderate temperature through slow heating and high moisture content.
Solution: a)
• Statement 1 is incorrect. The thermal equator, or the heat equator, does not lie exactly along the geographic equator. It is the zone receiving the highest mean annual temperatures and tends to shift northward due to the larger landmass in the Northern Hemisphere, which heats up more quickly than ocean-dominated southern regions.
• Statement 2 is also incorrect. Over the course of a year, the total solar insolation received by both hemispheres is nearly equal. Although seasonal variations exist due to axial tilt, the annual average insolation remains largely balanced.
• Statement 3 is correct. Land has a lower specific heat capacity than water, causing it to heat and cool more rapidly, leading to greater temperature variations in land-dominated regions as compared to oceanic areas, which moderate temperature through slow heating and high moisture content.
• Question 5 of 5 5. Question The weather pattern known as DANA, or “gota fría” (cold drop), recently triggered devastating flash floods across southern and eastern Spain, causing widespread damage and fatalities. Consider the following statements regarding the DANA phenomenon: It primarily occurs when warm air descends over cold waters of the Mediterranean Sea. DANA events are becoming more intense due to increasing sea surface temperatures. The polar jet stream plays a role in forming the atmospheric conditions leading to DANA. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? (a) Only one (b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect. The opposite is true: cold air descends over warm Mediterranean waters, not warm air over cold. Statement 2 is correct. Warming seas result in more moisture retention in the atmosphere, leading to more extreme precipitation during DANA events. Statement 3 is also correct. A detachment from the polar jet stream allows a cold-air pocket to drift southward and descend over the Mediterranean, initiating the DANA pattern. The weather pattern known as DANA, or “gota fría” (cold drop), recently triggered devastating flash floods across southern and eastern Spain, causing widespread damage and fatalities. This atmospheric phenomenon, which has become increasingly intense and widespread, is linked to climate changes affecting rainfall patterns in the Mediterranean region. About DANA (Cold Drop): Definition: DANA stands for “depresión aislada en niveles altos” (isolated depression at high altitudes) and is also called “gota fría” or cold drop in Spain. Formation: Occurs when a pocket of cold air descends over the warm Mediterranean Sea, causing rapid atmospheric instability. Mechanism: The cold air mixes with warm, moist air, causing the latter to rise quickly and form cumulonimbus clouds that lead to intense rainfall. Polar jet stream influence: Involves the polar jet stream, which separates polar and tropical air; sometimes, a cold air pocket detaches and moves over the Mediterranean, sparking DANA. Seasonal occurrence: Commonly occurs in autumn and spring in the western Mediterranean. Intensity: Increasingly severe and geographically spread due to rising sea temperatures, with warmer air retaining more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall. Incorrect Solution: a) Statement 1 is incorrect. The opposite is true: cold air descends over warm Mediterranean waters, not warm air over cold. Statement 2 is correct. Warming seas result in more moisture retention in the atmosphere, leading to more extreme precipitation during DANA events. Statement 3 is also correct. A detachment from the polar jet stream allows a cold-air pocket to drift southward and descend over the Mediterranean, initiating the DANA pattern. The weather pattern known as DANA, or “gota fría” (cold drop), recently triggered devastating flash floods across southern and eastern Spain, causing widespread damage and fatalities. This atmospheric phenomenon, which has become increasingly intense and widespread, is linked to climate changes affecting rainfall patterns in the Mediterranean region. About DANA (Cold Drop): Definition: DANA stands for “depresión aislada en niveles altos” (isolated depression at high altitudes) and is also called “gota fría” or cold drop in Spain. Formation: Occurs when a pocket of cold air descends over the warm Mediterranean Sea, causing rapid atmospheric instability. Mechanism: The cold air mixes with warm, moist air, causing the latter to rise quickly and form cumulonimbus clouds that lead to intense rainfall. Polar jet stream influence: Involves the polar jet stream, which separates polar and tropical air; sometimes, a cold air pocket detaches and moves over the Mediterranean, sparking DANA. Seasonal occurrence: Commonly occurs in autumn and spring in the western Mediterranean. Intensity: Increasingly severe and geographically spread due to rising sea temperatures, with warmer air retaining more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall.
#### 5. Question
The weather pattern known as DANA, or “gota fría” (cold drop), recently triggered devastating flash floods across southern and eastern Spain, causing widespread damage and fatalities. Consider the following statements regarding the DANA phenomenon:
• It primarily occurs when warm air descends over cold waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
• DANA events are becoming more intense due to increasing sea surface temperatures.
• The polar jet stream plays a role in forming the atmospheric conditions leading to DANA.
How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?
• (a) Only one
• (b) Only two
• c) All three
Solution: a)
• Statement 1 is incorrect. The opposite is true: cold air descends over warm Mediterranean waters, not warm air over cold.
• Statement 2 is correct. Warming seas result in more moisture retention in the atmosphere, leading to more extreme precipitation during DANA events.
• Statement 3 is also correct. A detachment from the polar jet stream allows a cold-air pocket to drift southward and descend over the Mediterranean, initiating the DANA pattern.
The weather pattern known as DANA, or “gota fría” (cold drop), recently triggered devastating flash floods across southern and eastern Spain, causing widespread damage and fatalities.
• This atmospheric phenomenon, which has become increasingly intense and widespread, is linked to climate changes affecting rainfall patterns in the Mediterranean region.
About DANA (Cold Drop):
• Definition: DANA stands for “depresión aislada en niveles altos” (isolated depression at high altitudes) and is also called “gota fría” or cold drop in Spain.
• Formation: Occurs when a pocket of cold air descends over the warm Mediterranean Sea, causing rapid atmospheric instability.
• Mechanism: The cold air mixes with warm, moist air, causing the latter to rise quickly and form cumulonimbus clouds that lead to intense rainfall.
• Polar jet stream influence: Involves the polar jet stream, which separates polar and tropical air; sometimes, a cold air pocket detaches and moves over the Mediterranean, sparking DANA.
• Seasonal occurrence: Commonly occurs in autumn and spring in the western Mediterranean.
• Intensity: Increasingly severe and geographically spread due to rising sea temperatures, with warmer air retaining more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall.
Solution: a)
• Statement 1 is incorrect. The opposite is true: cold air descends over warm Mediterranean waters, not warm air over cold.
• Statement 2 is correct. Warming seas result in more moisture retention in the atmosphere, leading to more extreme precipitation during DANA events.
• Statement 3 is also correct. A detachment from the polar jet stream allows a cold-air pocket to drift southward and descend over the Mediterranean, initiating the DANA pattern.
The weather pattern known as DANA, or “gota fría” (cold drop), recently triggered devastating flash floods across southern and eastern Spain, causing widespread damage and fatalities.
• This atmospheric phenomenon, which has become increasingly intense and widespread, is linked to climate changes affecting rainfall patterns in the Mediterranean region.
About DANA (Cold Drop):
• Definition: DANA stands for “depresión aislada en niveles altos” (isolated depression at high altitudes) and is also called “gota fría” or cold drop in Spain.
• Formation: Occurs when a pocket of cold air descends over the warm Mediterranean Sea, causing rapid atmospheric instability.
• Mechanism: The cold air mixes with warm, moist air, causing the latter to rise quickly and form cumulonimbus clouds that lead to intense rainfall.
• Polar jet stream influence: Involves the polar jet stream, which separates polar and tropical air; sometimes, a cold air pocket detaches and moves over the Mediterranean, sparking DANA.
• Seasonal occurrence: Commonly occurs in autumn and spring in the western Mediterranean.
• Intensity: Increasingly severe and geographically spread due to rising sea temperatures, with warmer air retaining more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall.
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