Q60. The continuous transformation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks is called what?
[SSC MTS (8 October 2024, Shift 3)]
- (A) Lithification
- (B) Metamorphism
- (C) Rock cycle
- (D) Weathering and erosion
Answer: (C) Rock cycle
Explanation: The rock cycle links formation, weathering, deposition, burial, metamorphism and melting. The process continually converts rocks between different types. Indian landforms display evidence of these processes, from Precambrian crystalline rocks to Gondwana sediments and Deccan basalts.
Q59. In which rock type are layers of varying thickness commonly found?
[SSC MTS (22 October 2024, Shift 3)]
- (A) Igneous rock
- (B) Sedimentary rock
- (C) Metamorphic rock
- (D) Volcanic rock
Answer: (B) Sedimentary rock
Explanation: Sedimentary rocks commonly occur in beds or strata formed by successive episodes of sediment deposition. Sandstone, shale and limestone are familiar examples. Such layering characterises many Indian sedimentary successions, including Gondwana, Vindhyan and Cuddapah formations.
Q58. The Peninsular Plateau of India was formerly connected with which continent?
[SSC CHSL Tier-I (1 July 2024, Shift 1)]
- (A) South America
- (B) North America
- (C) Europe
- (D) Africa
Answer: (D) Africa
Explanation: Ancient India and Africa belonged to the southern supercontinent Gondwana before rifting and continental drift separated them. The plateau consequently preserves geological affinities with old southern continental shields rather than having originated from recent Himalayan sedimentation.
Q57. Consider: 1. Alkaline soils contain much sodium and calcium and have pH above seven. 2. Black cotton soil developed on Deccan basaltic lava. 3. Laterites result from leaching of silica. Which are correct?
[UPSC NDA General Ability Test (21 April 2024)]
- (A) 1 only
- (B) 1 and 2 only
- (C) 2 and 3 only
- (D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (C) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Black soils are widespread over weathered Deccan basalt, while strong leaching under humid conditions produces iron-rich lateritic profiles. The first statement does not correctly express the diagnostic properties of alkaline soil as framed, making statements two and three the accepted combination.
Q56. Which is India’s oldest landmass?
[RPF SI CBT-I (13 December 2024, Shift 3)]
- (A) Indian islands
- (B) Peninsular Plateau
- (C) Indus–Ganga plains
- (D) Indian desert
Answer: (B) Peninsular Plateau
Explanation: The Peninsular Plateau rests largely on ancient Precambrian igneous and metamorphic basement rocks. In contrast, the northern alluvial plain was built much later from river sediments, and the Himalayan system arose during Cenozoic continental collision.
Q55. Which is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range?
[Kolkata Police Sub-Inspector Prelims (28 January 2024)]
- (A) Doddabetta
- (B) Gorgaburu
- (C) Guru Shikhar
- (D) Pachmarhi
Answer: (C) Guru Shikhar
Explanation: Guru Shikhar rises near Mount Abu in Rajasthan and is the highest point of the Aravalli mountain belt. Doddabetta belongs to the Nilgiris, while Gorgaburu is associated with West Bengal’s Ajodhya Hills, making them geographically distinct.
Q54. Arrange these ranges from north to south: 1. Vindhya; 2. Aravalli; 3. Ajanta; 4. Satpura.
[RRB JE CBT-I (16 December 2024, Shift 3)]
- (A) 2, 1, 3, 4
- (B) 1, 2, 4, 3
- (C) 2, 1, 4, 3
- (D) 1, 2, 3, 4
Answer: (C) 2, 1, 4, 3
Explanation: The approximate north–south ordering begins with the Aravalli system, followed by Vindhyan uplands, Satpura ranges and the Ajanta hills. The sequence highlights the arrangement of key structural and topographic belts across western and central India.
Q53. Which statement about the Deccan Plateau is FALSE?
[RPF SI CBT-I (9 December 2024, Shift 2)]
- (A) Eastern Ghats extend from Mahanadi valley towards Nilgiris
- (B) Mahendragiri is the highest Western Ghats peak
- (C) Western Ghats generally increase in height southwards
- (D) Western Ghats are generally higher than Eastern Ghats
Answer: (B) Mahendragiri is the highest Western Ghats peak
Explanation: Mahendragiri lies in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, not the Western Ghats. The highest Western Ghats peak is Anamudi in Kerala. Correctly distinguishing these uplands helps explain the contrasting physiography of India’s peninsular margins.
Q52. Which is considered Earth’s earliest hypothesised supercontinent?
[UP Police Constable Re-examination (24 August 2024, Shift 1)]
- (A) Columbia
- (B) Vaalbara
- (C) Gondwana
- (D) Pangaea
Answer: (B) Vaalbara
Explanation: Vaalbara is a proposed very ancient assembly of continental crustal blocks, predating Columbia, Gondwana and Pangaea. Its existence is debated, so the description is best treated as a hypothesis rather than a settled reconstruction of Earth’s early geology.
Q51. Tertiary-period coal deposits occur in which pair of regions?
[WBPSC WBCS Mains, Paper III (18 August 2024; 2023 cycle)]
- (A) Maharashtra and Odisha
- (B) Jharkhand and Bihar
- (C) Assam and Rajasthan
- (D) Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (C) Assam and Rajasthan
Explanation: India’s younger Tertiary coal and lignite formations are important in northeastern basins and parts of Rajasthan. The Damodar, Son and Mahanadi valley coalfields are chiefly associated with older Gondwana formations of the peninsular geological framework.
