Daily Static Quiz (Geography) January 8, 2026

Daily Static Quiz (Geography) January 8, 2026

Question 1

Consider the following statements regarding the distribution of major hot deserts in the Northern Hemisphere:

Statement I: Major hot deserts such as the Sahara, Kalahari, and Arabian Desert are located predominantly between 20°-35° north latitude.

Statement II: The presence of subtropical high-pressure belts at these latitudes combined with cold ocean currents on western continental margins results in persistent atmospheric stability and arid conditions.

Statement III: The rain shadow effect created by the presence of the Atlas Mountains and other mountain ranges plays the primary role in desert formation at these latitudes.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) All of the above

Question 2

Consider the following pairs of major ocean currents and their characteristics:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) All four
(d) None

Question 3

The Deccan Plateau receives higher precipitation on its western ghats compared to its eastern plateaus. Consider the following explanations:

Statement I: The southwestern monsoons are deflected by the Coriolis force, causing them to preferentially deliver moisture to the western side of the peninsula.

Statement II: The Western Ghats act as a physical barrier to moisture-laden southwestern monsoon winds, causing orographic precipitation on their windward side while creating rain shadow conditions on the leeward (eastern) side.

Statement III: The Bay of Bengal monsoons are weaker than the Arabian Sea monsoons due to lower evaporation rates over bay waters.

Which of the statements provide a correct explanation for the observed precipitation pattern?

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II
(b) Only Statement II
(c) Statement II and Statement III
(d) All three statements

Question 4

Consider the following statements regarding periglacial landforms:

Statement I: Pingos are cone-shaped ice-cored hills found in continuous permafrost regions and form due to the segregation of ground ice under pressure.

Statement II: Solifluction refers to the slow movement of water-saturated soil over permafrost layers, occurring during summer thaw when the active layer becomes unstable.

Statement III: Thermokarst topography develops when ice-rich permafrost degrades and leaves behind uneven, pitted surfaces with thermokarst lakes.

Which of the statements are correct?

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) All of the above

Question 5

With reference to the formation of major fold mountain ranges, consider the following:

Statement I: The Andes Mountains along the western coast of South America represent an example of oceanic-continental plate collision resulting in fold mountain formation.

Statement II: The Mid-Ocean Ridge system represents divergent plate boundaries where new oceanic crust is formed, unlike convergent boundaries where fold mountains are created.

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between these statements?

(a) Both statements are correct and Statement II explains why Statement I occurs at convergent boundaries
(b) Both statements are correct but Statement II does not explain the mechanism of Statement I
(c) Only Statement I is correct
(d) Only Statement II is correct

Question 6

The Nile River basin covers approximately 3.3 million square kilometers and flows through multiple climate zones. Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The seasonal variation in water flow of the Nile River is primarily controlled by the monsoon systems of tropical Africa, with peak flow occurring during the Northern Hemisphere summer when the monsoon trough shifts northward.

Statement II: The presence of the Great Rift Valley along the Blue Nile’s course has resulted in multiple waterfalls and rapids, limiting navigation but providing hydroelectric potential at Aswan.

Statement III: The Aswan High Dam was constructed to regulate seasonal flooding caused by monsoonal precipitation in the Ethiopian highlands and to facilitate irrigation in the Egyptian plains.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Question 7

Consider the following statements regarding tropical cyclone formation:

Statement I: Tropical cyclones form exclusively over oceans between 5°-30° latitude where sea surface temperatures exceed 26.5°C, vertical wind shear is low, and sufficient Coriolis force exists to initiate rotation.

Statement II: The Bay of Bengal experiences a higher frequency of cyclones during the post-monsoon season (October-November) compared to the pre-monsoon season (April-May), despite higher temperatures in the pre-monsoon period.

Which of the following is correct in respect to these statements?

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains the phenomenon described in Statement I
(b) Both statements are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
(c) Only Statement I is correct
(d) Only Statement II is correct

Question 8

Consider the following soil-forming processes and their primary agents:

How many of the above rows contain correctly matched information?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Question 9

The Mediterranean climate zone exhibits a distinctive seasonal precipitation pattern. Consider the following statements:

Statement I: Mediterranean climates receive winter precipitation from westerly winds and air masses originating from the Atlantic Ocean, while summers remain dry due to the seasonal shift of subtropical high-pressure belts toward equatorial regions.

Statement II: The monsoon wind systems in Mediterranean regions are responsible for both the winter precipitation and the formation of seasonal lakes that characterize these landscapes.

Statement III: Natural vegetation in Mediterranean regions such as evergreen sclerophyll forests and shrublands have adapted to summer drought through deep root systems, waxy leaves, and the ability to store water.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) I and III only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and II only
(d) All of the above

Question 10

Consider the following information about major river systems and their geomorphological characteristics:

How many of the above pairs are correctly described?

(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) All four
(d) Only one

ANSWER KEY AND DETAILED EXPLANATIONS

Question 1 – Correct Answer: (a) I and II only

Explanation:

Statement I – CORRECT: Major hot deserts in the Northern Hemisphere (Sahara, Arabian, Kalahari) are indeed located between 20°-35° latitude. This is a well-established geographical fact confirmed by climatic data and satellite observations.

Statement II – CORRECT: This statement correctly identifies the scientific mechanism behind desert formation at these latitudes. The Hadley Cell circulation creates subtropical high-pressure systems at 20°-35° latitude, resulting in descending dry air. Additionally, cold ocean currents (Canary Current off West Africa, California Current) on western continental margins reduce evaporation and further suppress precipitation. This combination creates persistent arid conditions.

Statement III – INCORRECT: While the Atlas Mountains do contribute to some localized rain shadow effects, they are NOT the primary role in desert formation. The primary mechanism is the subtropical high-pressure system created by atmospheric circulation patterns. The Kalahari Desert, for example, is not significantly affected by mountain ranges yet remains arid due to subtropical pressure systems. Mountains play a secondary role compared to the global circulation system.

Key Concept: The distribution of hot deserts is primarily controlled by global atmospheric circulation (Hadley cells) rather than local topographic features, though mountains can amplify the effect.

Question 2 – Correct Answer: (b) Only three

Explanation:

Pair 1 – INCORRECT: The East Australian Current is a WARM current moving southward along eastern Australia. This is correctly described. However, let me verify the other currents.

Pair 2 – CORRECT: The Humboldt Current (Peru Current) is indeed a cold-water current that moves northward along the western coast of South America. It brings cold water from Antarctic regions northward, causing the arid Atacama Desert.

Pair 3 – INCORRECT: The Benguela Current is a COLD current moving southward along the southwestern coast of Africa. The statement incorrectly identifies it as warm water. This cold current creates the Namib Desert.

Pair 4 – CORRECT: The Canary Current correctly moves cold water southward along the western coast of North Africa, contributing to aridity in that region.

Wait, let me reconsider Pair 1: East Australian Current is indeed warm and moves southward – this is CORRECT.

Corrected Count:

• Pair 1: CORRECT

• Pair 2: CORRECT

• Pair 3: INCORRECT

• Pair 4: CORRECT

Answer: (b) Only three are correctly matched.

Question 3 – Correct Answer: (b) Only Statement II

Explanation:

Statement I – INCORRECT: The Coriolis force affects the directional flow of winds but does not preferentially deflect monsoons to the western side of the Deccan. Monsoons approach from specific directions (SW and NE) based on pressure systems and land-sea temperature contrasts, not primarily due to Coriolis deflection.

Statement II – CORRECT: This is the primary explanation. The Western Ghats (also called Western Mountains) form a barrier perpendicular to the path of the moisture-laden southwestern monsoon winds. As these winds are forced to rise over the Western Ghats (orographic lift), they cool adiabatically, causing condensation and heavy precipitation on the windward (western) side. After crossing the Western Ghats, the air descends, compresses adiabatically, and becomes warmer and drier, creating rain shadow conditions on the leeward (eastern) side. This is a classic example of orographic precipitation.

Statement III – INCORRECT: While Bay of Bengal monsoons do show some variation, they are not weaker than Arabian Sea monsoons. The Bay of Bengal monsoons are actually quite vigorous and produce significant precipitation in eastern India. The comparison between the two is complex and depends on seasonal variation, not just evaporation rates.

Geographic Note: The Western Ghats receive 200-400 cm of rainfall annually, while the Deccan Plateau to the east receives only 50-100 cm, clearly demonstrating the rain shadow effect.

Question 4 – Correct Answer: (d) All of the above

Explanation:

Statement I – CORRECT: Pingos are indeed cone-shaped hills (up to 50 meters high) with ice cores found in continuous permafrost regions, particularly in Arctic regions like northern Canada, Siberia, and Alaska. They form through ice segregation under pressure when water freezes beneath the soil surface, forcing the overlying material upward. As the ice expands (ice has lower density than water), it creates the characteristic conical hill.

Statement II – CORRECT: Solifluction is the correct term for slow, turf-covered soil creep occurring when the active layer above permafrost becomes saturated during summer thaw. The water-saturated soil cannot drain through the permafrost below, making it unstable. Water reduces friction between soil particles, causing the entire mass to move slowly downslope at rates of 1-2 cm per year. This creates characteristic features like stone garlands and lobes on hillsides.

Statement III – CORRECT: Thermokarst topography develops when ice-rich permafrost thaws, leaving behind depressions and irregular pitted surfaces. When massive ground ice lenses melt, the soil settles unevenly. Where large ice bodies existed, thermokarst lakes form – these are shallow lakes characteristic of Arctic regions. This process is being accelerated by climate change in polar regions.

Periglacial Significance: These landforms are important indicators of past climate conditions and are prominent in polar and high-altitude regions adjacent to glaciers.

Question 5 – Correct Answer: (b) Both statements are correct but Statement II does not explain the mechanism of Statement I

Explanation:

Statement I – CORRECT: The Andes Mountains are indeed formed at an oceanic-continental plate collision boundary where the Nazca Plate (oceanic) subducts beneath the South American Plate (continental). This convergent boundary results in intensive compression and folding, creating the fold mountain structure. The Andes are one of the longest mountain ranges on Earth.

Statement II – CORRECT: The Mid-Ocean Ridge system (such as the East Pacific Rise, Mid-Atlantic Ridge) represents divergent plate boundaries where two oceanic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and form new oceanic crust. This is the opposite process from convergent boundaries.

Relationship Analysis: While both statements are factually correct, Statement II does NOT explain WHY fold mountains form at convergent boundaries. Statement II merely describes a different plate boundary type. To properly explain Statement I, one would need to discuss compression, crustal thickening, and folding at convergent boundaries – not the characteristics of divergent boundaries.

This is why the answer is (b) – both are correct, but II does not explain I.

Question 6 – Correct Answer: (b) Only two

Explanation:

Statement I – CORRECT: The Nile’s flow is indeed primarily controlled by monsoonal precipitation in the Ethiopian highlands (source of the Blue Nile), which contributes about 80% of the Nile’s water. Peak flow occurs during the Northern Hemisphere summer (July-September) when the monsoon trough shifts northward, bringing tropical rains to the Ethiopian plateau.

Statement II – PARTIALLY INCORRECT: While the Great Rift Valley does influence the Blue Nile’s course and creates some rapids, the Aswan cataract (not rift valley features) is the primary cause of Aswan’s location. The Blue Nile does have waterfalls, but Aswan’s significance relates more to the cataract system than rift valley features. This statement is misleadingly framed.

Statement III – CORRECT: The Aswan High Dam (completed 1970) was indeed constructed to:

• Regulate seasonal flooding from monsoonal rains in Ethiopian highlands

• Create Lake Nasser for water storage

• Facilitate irrigation in the Egyptian plains

• Generate hydroelectric power

This statement accurately captures the dam’s multiple purposes.

Answer: (b) Only two – Statements I and III are clearly correct, while Statement II is imprecise or misleading regarding the causes of rapids at Aswan.

Question 7 – Correct Answer: (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains the phenomenon described in Statement I

Explanation:

Statement I – CORRECT: Tropical cyclones require very specific conditions:

• Sea surface temperature > 26.5°C (provides latent heat energy)

• Located 5°-30° latitude (sufficient Coriolis force; does not occur within 5° of equator where Coriolis force is near zero)

• Low vertical wind shear (allows tower-like structure to develop)

• High atmospheric moisture (for cloud formation)

• Sufficient distance from equator for Coriolis effect

Statement II – CORRECT: This is factually accurate. The Bay of Bengal sees more cyclones during October-November (post-monsoon) than April-May (pre-monsoon), even though temperatures might be higher in pre-monsoon months.

Why Statement II Explains Statement I: The post-monsoon period provides optimal conditions for cyclone formation:

• Sea surface temperatures are still high (from summer heating)

• Vertical wind shear is lower than in pre-monsoon

• Atmospheric moisture is abundant (monsoon has just ended)

• Wind patterns are more favorable for cyclone development

In contrast, pre-monsoon months, despite higher temperatures, have strong vertical wind shear from the jet stream, which prevents cyclone formation.

This is a cause-and-effect relationship: The specific meteorological conditions of post-monsoon (explaining Statement II) create the scenario described in Statement I.

Answer: (a) – Both correct AND Statement II explains Statement I through the mechanistic requirements listed in Statement I.

Question 8 – Correct Answer: (b) Only two

Explanation:

Pair 1 – CORRECT: Laterization occurs in tropical wet climates with alternating wet and dry seasons (tropical monsoon regions like India, West Africa). The intense leaching removes silica, leaving behind iron and aluminum oxides, creating laterite soils. The alternating wet-dry pattern is crucial for this process.

Pair 2 – INCORRECT: This is reversed. Podzolization involves the removal of sesquioxides (iron and aluminum) through leaching, leaving behind silica in sandy B horizons. The accumulation of sesquioxides is characteristic of laterization, NOT podzolization. Podzolization occurs in cool, wet, acidic forest environments.

Pair 3 – CORRECT: Calcification occurs in arid and semi-arid regions where precipitation is low. Water moves upward through capillary action during dry periods, bringing dissolved calcium carbonate toward the surface, where it accumulates as caliche layers in the B horizon. This process is common in desert and steppe regions.

Pair 4 – CORRECT: Gleization (or gleying) occurs in waterlogged conditions where anaerobic bacteria reduce iron compounds, causing the characteristic gray or bluish coloration. Common in poorly drained areas, swamps, and paddy fields.

Count: Pair 1 (correct), Pair 2 (incorrect), Pair 3 (correct), Pair 4 (correct)

Answer: (b) Only two – Actually, reviewing the count: THREE are correct (1, 3, 4) and ONE is incorrect (2).

Correction: The answer should reflect that THREE pairs are correctly matched (1, 3, 4), making the correct answer (c) Only three.

Question 9 – Correct Answer: (a) I and III only

Explanation:

Statement I – CORRECT: Mediterranean climate receives winter precipitation from westerly winds (mid-latitude westerlies) bringing Atlantic air masses and cyclonic systems. Summers are dry because subtropical high-pressure belts (Azores, Saharan, etc.) shift poleward (toward the poles) during Northern Hemisphere summer, blocking moisture-bearing systems and creating clear, dry conditions. This seasonal shifting of pressure systems is the fundamental mechanism.

Statement II – INCORRECT: Monsoon winds do NOT play a significant role in Mediterranean climate precipitation. Mediterranean regions are dominated by westerly winds and mid-latitude cyclonic systems, not monsoons. Monsoons are trade-wind reversals in tropical regions (India, Southeast Asia), not characteristic of Mediterranean climate zones.

Statement III – CORRECT: Mediterranean vegetation (xerophytic) has indeed adapted to summer drought through:

• Deep root systems to tap groundwater

• Waxy or hairy leaves (sclerophyll) to reduce transpiration

• Hardened leaves to withstand moisture stress

• Ability to shed leaves during drought

• Storage of water in stems (succulent plants)
  Examples include evergreen oak, cork oak, olive trees, and maquis shrubland.

Key Distinction: Mediterranean climates depend on westerly circulation patterns, not monsoons. This is a crucial concept for differentiating climate systems.

Question 10 – Correct Answer: (b) Only three

Explanation:

Pair 1 – CORRECT: The Amazon River has a massive delta with multiple distributaries and tidal influence extends inland approximately 160 km. The mouth shows classic estuarine features with salt water mixing with fresh water. The sediment load is enormous, with discharge reaching 209,000 cubic meters per second.

Pair 2 – CORRECT: The Ganges River in its lower course (especially in Bangladesh) displays a braided channel pattern with multiple interconnected channels separated by islands. This occurs due to:

• Very high sediment load from Himalayan erosion

• Gentle gradient in the alluvial plain

• Seasonal flooding creating and destroying bars

• Frequent channel shifting

Pair 3 – CORRECT: The Congo River displays a steep, canyon-like course where it cuts through resistant Precambrian basement rocks, particularly the Congo Canyon. This creates rapids and cataracts. Below Stanley Pool, the river carves a dramatic gorge through ancient rock formations.

Pair 4 – INCORRECT: While the Iguazu Falls (on the Iguazu River, tributary of Paraná) occur where basaltic plateau edges create the falls, the statement specifically attributes this to the Parana River’s formation of these falls. The Iguazu Falls are on the Iguazu River, not directly on the main Parana channel. This is a geographical error.

Count: 1 (correct), 2 (correct), 3 (correct), 4 (incorrect)

Answer: (b) Only three – Pairs 1, 2, and 3 are correctly described.

Daily Static Quiz