Daily Static Quiz (Geography) December 26, 2025

Daily Static Quiz (Geography) December 26, 2025

Q.1 Consider the following statements about ocean current systems:

1. The Humboldt Current, despite flowing through equatorial regions, maintains relatively low temperatures due to upwelling of deep water.
2. Warm currents always flow from equatorial regions toward polar regions.
3. The convergence of warm and cold currents creates areas of high biological productivity and fishing zones.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 1 and 3 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2, and 3

Q.2 The Southwest Monsoon in India exhibits significant regional variation in intensity and onset timing. Which of the following factors is PRIMARILY responsible for the delayed monsoon onset in certain interior plateaus compared to coastal regions?

(A) Lower angle of incidence of solar radiation
(B) Differential heating of landmasses causing pressure variations and orographic barriers
(C) Higher altitude reducing atmospheric water vapor capacity
(D) Strengthened trade wind systems in interior regions

Q.3 A river valley in the Himalayan region shows evidence of U-shaped cross-section with truncated spurs and hanging valleys. These landforms indicate:

(A) Current glacial erosion activity in the valley
(B) Past glaciation followed by river rejuvenation
(C) Fluvial erosion by high-velocity mountain streams
(D) Mass wasting and debris avalanches

Q.4 Laterite soil formation in tropical regions is primarily accelerated by:

1. High temperature and high rainfall facilitating rapid chemical weathering
2. Intensive leaching of silica and accumulation of iron and aluminum compounds
3. Presence of thick vegetation cover protecting the soil surface

Select the correct answer using the codes:

(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2, and 3

Q.5 The Chipko Movement of the 1970s in the Uttarakhand region was primarily linked to:

(A) Preventing deforestation and conserving watershed integrity
(B) Demanding higher timber prices for local communities
(C) Establishing protected areas for wildlife conservation
(D) Promoting agricultural productivity in hilly regions

Q.6 Consider the characteristics of seismic zones:

1. Areas with high seismic activity correspond closely with plate boundaries.
2. The Circum-Pacific Belt exhibits more frequent and severe earthquakes than other zones.
3. Intraplate earthquakes never occur in stable continental interiors.

Which of the above statements are INCORRECT?

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 3 only
(D) 1, 2, and 3

Q.7 In the context of natural vegetation distribution, the equatorial rainforests differ from tropical deciduous forests primarily because equatorial rainforests:

(A) Receive more than 2000 mm annual rainfall with minimal seasonal variation
(B) Experience distinct wet and dry seasons affecting leaf-shedding patterns
(C) Are located at higher altitudes with cooler temperatures
(D) Have lower biodiversity due to uniform climate conditions

Q.8 Coastal erosion in certain Indian coastal regions has intensified due to:

1. Construction of dams upstream reducing sediment supply
2. Extraction of sand from beaches for construction
3. Rising sea levels and increased storm intensity
4. Protection measures like seawalls causing erosion in adjacent areas

Which of the statements are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 1, 2, and 3 only
(C) 2, 3, and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Q.9 The Westerlies wind system influences weather patterns across mid-latitudes. Their behavior is BEST explained by:

(A) The Coriolis Effect deflecting wind patterns and the poleward movement of warm air
(B) The direct influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone
(C) The temperature gradient between poles and equator alone
(D) The absence of pressure systems in these regions

Q.10 Urban Heat Island Effect is most pronounced in metropolitan areas because:

1. Dense concrete and asphalt surfaces absorb and retain solar radiation
2. Reduced vegetation cover decreases evaporative cooling
3. Waste heat from vehicles, air conditioning, and industries adds thermal energy
4. Increased cloud cover traps outgoing radiation

Which of the statements are correct?

(A) 1, 2, and 3 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 2, 3, and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS

Q.1 Answer: (B) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:
Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Humboldt Current (Peru Current) flows along the western coast of South America in the equatorial Pacific. Despite its location in warm latitudes, it transports cold water from the Antarctic region toward the equator through upwelling of nutrient-rich deep water. This creates one of the world’s most productive fishing regions.

Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Warm currents do not always flow toward poles. The East Australian Current, for instance, flows southward (toward cooler latitudes), while some cold currents flow northward. Warm and cold currents’ directions are determined by pressure gradients, continental configurations, and Coriolis effect, not latitude gradients alone.

Statement 3 is CORRECT: Convergence zones where warm and cold currents meet create sharp temperature gradients that enhance nutrient mixing and upwelling. Examples include the Grand Banks off Newfoundland (meeting of warm Gulf Stream and cold Labrador Current) and the region off Peru (Humboldt upwelling system)—historically productive fishing areas.

Q.2 Answer: (B) Differential heating of landmasses causing pressure variations and orographic barriers

Explanation:
The Southwest Monsoon reaches coastal regions (e.g., Kerala coast) around late May due to the development of a low-pressure system over heated landmasses. However, interior plateaus like the Deccan experience delayed onset (sometimes June-July) because:

• Orographic barriers (Western Ghats) cause precipitation loss as monsoon winds travel inland, reducing moisture availability
• Differential heating creates localized pressure variations that modify the main pressure gradient driving the monsoon
• The wind system weakens and becomes moisture-depleted as it travels inland

Option (A) is incorrect: Higher altitudes actually receive more rainfall due to orography, not delayed onset. Option (C) misattributes causation; altitude affects moisture capacity secondarily. Option (D) is incorrect; trade winds weaken during monsoon season.

Q.3 Answer: (B) Past glaciation followed by river rejuvenation

Explanation:
The described features—U-shaped valley, truncated spurs, and hanging valleys—are classic indicators of glacial erosion. These formations result from:

• U-shaped cross-section: Glaciers are more efficient at widening valleys than rivers (which create V-shaped profiles)
• Truncated spurs: Pre-existing ridges that were sharpened by river erosion are blunted/cut by glacial erosion at the valley margins
• Hanging valleys: Tributary valleys left suspended above the main glacier-carved valley after the glacier recedes

The mention of “followed by river rejuvenation” indicates that post-glacial rivers are now actively eroding these valleys, but the valley morphology is primarily glacial in origin. Option (A) is too present-tense; these are relict features. Option (C) would produce V-shaped valleys. Option (D) describes mass movement, not valley formation.

Q.4 Answer: (B) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:
Laterite formation depends on specific weathering conditions:

Statement 1 is CORRECT: High temperature and rainfall accelerate chemical weathering (hydrolysis, oxidation) essential for laterite development. These conditions occur in tropical monsoon climates.

Statement 2 is CORRECT: Leaching—the downward percolation of water carrying dissolved materials—removes silica while iron (Fe₂O₃) and aluminum (Al₂O₃) compounds remain, forming the characteristic red/brown laterite layer.

Statement 3 is INCORRECT: While vegetation affects soil biology, it is NOT a primary factor in laterite formation. Laterite can form even with sparse vegetation if temperature and rainfall conditions are met. The weathering process is primarily geochemical rather than biological.

Laterite formation requires the specific hydrochemical regime of tropical regions where leaching is intense.

Q.5 Answer: (A) Preventing deforestation and conserving watershed integrity

Explanation:
The Chipko Movement (1970s, primarily led by women in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh) was fundamentally about preventing commercial logging and forest destruction. The movement’s core objectives were:

• Protecting local forests and the watershed system from clear-cutting by contractors
• Ensuring local communities retained forest resources for fuel, fodder, and subsistence
• Preventing soil erosion and landslides through forest conservation
• Establishing community-based resource management

The famous act of “hugging” (Chipko means “to stick”) trees to physically prevent their felling highlighted watershed conservation ethics. Option (B) is reductive (timber prices were secondary). Option (C) is incorrect; the focus was not on wildlife but forest conservation for livelihoods. Option (D) is not a primary driver.

Q.6 Answer: (C) 3 only

Explanation:
Statement 1 is CORRECT: High seismic activity concentrates at tectonic plate boundaries where plates collide, slide, or separate (convergent, transform, and divergent boundaries respectively). Examples: Pacific Ring of Fire at subduction zones; Mid-Ocean Ridge earthquakes at divergent boundaries.

Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Circum-Pacific Belt (also called Ring of Fire) accounts for ~75% of the world’s earthquakes and ~90% of total seismic energy release due to extensive subduction zones (Pacific Plate colliding with others) and volcanic activity.

Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Intraplate earthquakes DO occur in stable continental interiors. Examples include:

• The 2011 Christchurch earthquake in stable New Zealand interior
• The 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes in the central United States
• The Bhuj earthquake (2001) in the Indian shield

These result from ancient weak zones, isostatic adjustments, or lithospheric stresses not directly at current plate boundaries.

Q.7 Answer: (A) Receive more than 2000 mm annual rainfall with minimal seasonal variation

Explanation:
Equatorial rainforests and tropical deciduous forests differ fundamentally in climate patterns:

Equatorial Rainforests:

• Located between 10°N and 10°S (near the equator)
• Receive 2000-10,000 mm rainfall year-round with minimal seasonal variation
• ITCZ brings rainfall throughout the year
• High humidity and uniform warm temperatures
• Results in evergreen dense vegetation (no leaf-shedding pattern)

Tropical Deciduous Forests:

• Located between 10-25° latitude
• Receive 700-2000 mm rainfall with distinct wet and dry seasons (caused by shifting ITCZ)
• Experience significant seasonal drought
• Leaves are shed during dry season (deciduous adaptation)

Option (B) is INCORRECT because it describes tropical deciduous forests, not equatorial rainforests. Options (C) and (D) are factually wrong; equatorial rainforests are at lower altitudes with highest biodiversity.

Q.8 Answer: (D) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Explanation:
Coastal erosion in India has multifactorial causes:

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Dams trap sediment upstream. Rivers like the Godavari and Krishna transport reduced sediment loads to coasts, reducing natural beach nourishment. The deltaic regions face accelerated erosion (e.g., Sundarbans subsidence).

Statement 2 is CORRECT: Unregulated sand mining from beaches removes natural buffers against wave action. This has severely impacted coasts in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Goa, exacerbating erosion during monsoons.

Statement 3 is CORRECT: Sea-level rise due to global warming and increased storminess (linked to climate change) intensify wave action and storm surge impacts. Combined with subsidence in deltaic regions, this accelerates coastal retreat.

Statement 4 is CORRECT: Hard coastal protection structures (seawalls, groins) often trigger “downdrift erosion”—erosion is transferred to adjacent unprotected areas as sediment transport patterns are disrupted. Examples: erosion accelerates south of breakwaters in many Indian harbors.

Q.9 Answer: (A) The Coriolis Effect deflecting wind patterns and the poleward movement of warm air

Explanation:
Westerlies wind systems in mid-latitudes (30-60°) result from:

• Hadley Cell dynamics: Warm air rises at the equator, moves poleward at upper levels, and cools
• Coriolis Effect: As this poleward-moving air approaches mid-latitudes, Earth’s rotation deflects it rightward (Northern Hemisphere) and leftward (Southern Hemisphere), creating westerly (west-to-east) winds
• Pressure gradients: Temperature differences between equator and poles maintain pressure systems (subtropical highs and subpolar lows) that drive westerlies

Option (B) is incorrect; ITCZ is an equatorial feature (0-10° latitude). Option (C) is incomplete; temperature gradient alone doesn’t explain wind direction without rotation effects. Option (D) is factually wrong; pressure systems are very active in mid-latitudes (jet streams, storm systems).

The Westerlies transport weather systems (cyclones, anticyclones) across temperate regions, influencing precipitation patterns in places like the UK, US, and southern Chile.

Q.10 Answer: (A) 1, 2, and 3 only

Explanation:
Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect occurs due to:

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Concrete, asphalt, and brick have low albedo (high absorptivity) and thermal mass. They absorb solar radiation during the day and slowly release it at night, increasing nighttime temperatures in cities by 5-7°C compared to rural areas.

Statement 2 is CORRECT: Vegetation in rural areas provides evaporative cooling (transpiration) that moderates temperatures. Urban areas with reduced green cover (parks, trees) lose this cooling mechanism, exacerbating UHI.

Statement 3 is CORRECT: Vehicles, air conditioning units, factories, and heating systems release “anthropogenic heat” into the urban atmosphere. In dense cities, this sensible heat addition is significant and measurable.

Statement 4 is INCORRECT: Urban areas typically have REDUCED cloud cover compared to surrounding regions (paradoxically, UHI can reduce cloud cover). Additionally, increased cloud cover would trap outgoing longwave radiation, but this is not a primary UHI mechanism. UHI’s direct cause is surface heat absorption and release, not cloud radiative forcing.

Daily Static Quiz