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Physical Geography

General Ability & Intelligence

Useful for: UPSC Civil Services, UPSC NDA/NA, UPSC CDS, UPSC CAPF (AC)

Overview

Landforms are shaped by internal (endogenic) forces and external (exogenic) agents such as rivers, glaciers, wind, groundwater and waves.

Key points

  • Rivers: V-shaped valleys, waterfalls and gorges (erosion); meanders, ox-bow lakes, floodplains and deltas (deposition).
  • Glaciers: U-shaped valleys, cirques, hanging valleys (erosion); moraines and drumlins (deposition).
  • Wind: mushroom rocks and yardangs (erosion); barchans and other dunes (deposition).
  • Groundwater (karst): sinkholes and caves; stalactites hang from the roof, stalagmites rise from the floor.
  • Waves: cliffs, sea arches and stacks (erosion); spits, bars and beaches (deposition).
  • Weathering is mechanical, chemical or biological.

Practice MCQs

  1. From the perspective of definition and scope, which one of the following statements about Physical Geography is correct?

    1. Physical Geography is unrelated to institutions, processes or real-world applications.
    2. Physical Geography has no exceptions or limitations in exam analysis.
    3. Plate tectonics explains major global patterns of earthquakes and volcanism.
    4. Coriolis force is maximum at the Equator.

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    Show answer

    Answer: (c) Plate tectonics explains major global patterns of earthquakes and volcanism.. Plate tectonics explains major global patterns of earthquakes and volcanism.

  2. Consider the following statements on Physical Geography, focusing on definition and scope: 1. Plate tectonics explains major global patterns of earthquakes and volcanism. 2. Coriolis force is maximum at the Equator. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

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    Show answer

    Answer: (a) 1 only. Statement 1 is correct; Statement 2 is a common misconception.

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