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UPSC MAINS - Possible Bouncer - Briefly describe cataclasite and pseudotachylite rocks.

NB - This is a question from core GEOLOGY - often repeated for mains in Geology optional. But such questions can come in Geography paper in UPSC as a BOUNCER QUESTION. This makes the paper tough and make people worthless, having to face such questions in the examination hall.  STRATEGY - Be calm, keep cool, just realise that the question tough/ bouncer for you will be a bouncer for every one. From the words- figure out some area of syllabus - Structure answer with key words like - formation-- compositions-- features importance etc.. add key words like - faultlines, matamorphic rocks, pulvarise and fractures of existing rocks, textural characteristics, etc  This strategy will help you to manage this kind of questions.   Cataclasite rocks are a fascinating result of Earth's powerful forces. Here's a breakdown: Formation: Imagine the immense pressure and grinding that occurs during earthquakes or along fault lines in the Earth's crust. This intense crushing and shearing...

Groundwater Provinces by RL Singh

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  GROUND WATER PROVINCES : R L SINGH  The natural ground water provinces are based on the following parameters : 1. Precipitation : Higher the precipitation, higher the ground water availability. 2. Structure of Rocks : Includes rock structural properties like porosity, permeability etc 3. Slope or Topography : Gentle slopes facilitate higher infiltration.  4. Vegetation : Greater infiltration due to prevention of runoff of waters.   On the basis of natural factors of ground water availability, India is divided into 8 provinces by RL Singh. ZONE 1 : Pre-Cambrian Crystalline Province: Regions : Darwar, Aravalli, Rajasthan, Bundelkhand.  Consolidated shield rocks preventing water percolation, hence less availability of ground water ZONE 2 : Pre-Cambrian Sedimentary Province: Regions : Mainly constitute the Vindhya and Cuddapah formations Consolidated sedimentary rocks preventing water percolation, hence less availability of ground water ZONE 3 : Gondwana Sedi...

KAS Interview Transcript : SURJITH P (Date : 29/09/2021 ; Afternoon 1.00pm)

PSC Chairman : Reading out the DAF What were you doing since passing out. How do you interpret a law? Golden rule of interpretation of laws.  If you are posted as an officer,  what will you do in the given situation by interpreting the rules. Member 1 How was your experience at CCEK? How has it helped you in your preparation? You were part of the Nature club. How we can protect the environment. Development will always have adverse environmental effects. how can we balance between the two? All things you told was there ten years back. Tell me something new.  You have learned Kalaripayattu. What did you learn by doing Kalari? How it has helped you in Life. Member 2 You told about Japan. Can you name the author of the book :Paradise in the sea of sorrow What is String of Pearls? What is China's Intentions in Hambantota port? What is AUKUS? How is this going to effect the global equation?  How this has irked the other nations.   What is India's position? Member...

Factors affecting Oceanic currents : Oceanography

  Factors affecting Oceanic Currents Factors related to Earth’s rotation and Insolation Equatorial and Counter currents : As the earth rotates from west to east, there is net movement of water from east to west. This water creates a gradient which further initiates counter currents in equatorial regions. Heating by solar energy causes the water to expand. That is why, near the equator the ocean water is about 8 cm higher in level than in the middle latitudes. Coriolis effect : As every freely moving body on earth surface is influenced by Coriolis effect, the moving waters are deflected by Coriolis force, which is by product of earth's rotation. Factors related to winds and atmospheric circulation. Drift currents : Wind blowing on the surface of the ocean pushes the water to move. Friction between the wind and the water surface affects the movement of the water body in its course. Eg : North Atlantic Drift Current is Gulf stream waters moving under the influence of Westerly winds....

Distinguish between the characteristics of Chernozem and Sierozem soils - 2017 UPSC Civil Services Exam Geography Optional Mains Questions

  The following table can be elaborated for the above question :  Chernozem Sierozem Location Temperate Grasslands Mid latitudinal deserts Climate  Sub humid climate Arid climate Fertility Highly fertile Less fertile Organic content Medium to High Low Minerals Calcium rich soils on surface Lime and Gypsum close to surface Vegetation Steppe grasses Thorny, Xerophytic vegetation Regions Prairies, Steppe, Pampa, Entre Rios, Downs, Veld Mongolia, Colorado, Sinkiang, Turkmenistan Join the Geography telegram channel for latest updates and current events in the field of Geography using the link https://t.me/geolite Visit  www.enliteias.com  for details regarding Geography Optional.

Forest fires : Disaster Management : Environment Geography

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  FOREST FIRES:   Vulnerability: 54.40% of forests in India are exposed to occasional fires North-Eastern India and Central India along with some patches in Western ghats, Uttarakhand etc. Causes: Natural :  Lightening  Volcanic eruptions Dry leaves litters Swaying of Bamboos Rolling stones Heat waves and high temperatures. Anthropogenic causes:  Shifting cultivation  Invasive species brought into forest as plantations, increasing vulnerability.        Eg Chir pine in Uttarakhand.  Deliberate fires  Camp fires and irresponsible tourism in forest Burning farm residues Forest Fire Management: Preventing Moisture retention measures – landscape management, artificial water sources inside forest.  Forest fire prone zone identification and mapping. Effective forest floor biomass management – controlled burning Firelines Weed management. Preparedness Vulnerability assessment Early Fire detection and response. Digitisation of fore...

Landslide prone areas of India and Mitigation strategy : Environment Geography

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  LANDSLIDE Process involving the downward movement of a part of the slope forming material due to the action of gravity. 15% of land area prone to landslides and avalanches Prone areas – Himalayas, Northeastern India and Meghalaya Plateau, Western Ghats and Nilgiris CAUSES: Tectonic- Triggered by earthquakes. Slope failure Soil piping Soil erosion Avalanches and GLOF events cause landslide High intensity Rains- Cloudburst, Vagaries of Monsoon. Anthropogenic factors Mining and tunneling in hilly areas. Deforestation and land use change patterns Mismanagement of river embankments Illegal construction on slopes Improper management of slope                                                           ...