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General Studies 2026 GS Paper I 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Discuss

GS Paper I — Q6

Discuss the role of aeolian processes in desertification and land degradation. (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

मरुस्थलीकरण और भूमि अवनयन में वायुजनित प्रक्रियाओं की भूमिका की विवेचना कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

Q6 of the 2026 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper I, as printed
The question as printed in the 2026 General Studies paper
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Model answer

Written by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 150-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key.

Aeolian processes, namely wind erosion through deflation and abrasion, and deposition as dune formation, are central to desertification in arid and semi-arid regions, where loose, dry soil and sparse cover make land vulnerable. Deflation lifts fine topsoil, leaving desert pavement or lag deposits and lowering fertility. Abrasion by wind-borne sand sculpts yardangs and produces wind-faceted ventifacts, while also stripping vegetation cover. In Rajasthan's Thar margins, migrating barchan dunes, and some seif dunes, encroach on agricultural land, further burying fields and reducing cultivable area. Dust storms carry degraded soil far away, reducing regional soil productivity and air quality. Human activity amplifies this: overgrazing and deforestation remove anchoring vegetation, exposing dry soils to wind erosion, a pattern reflected in India's Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas findings. Thus, wind action converts fragile drylands into degraded land, but restoring vegetation, stabilising dunes and regulating grazing can slow the process in dryland India over time.

What "Discuss" is asking you to do

Lay the issue out from more than one side — how it arose, what is claimed for it, what is held against it, and where it now stands. UPSC attaches discuss to broad topics with several live dimensions, so coverage of the dimensions earns more than the strength of your opinion.

Structure that answers it

Set the issue up → the case as it is made → the case against → the dimension both sides leave out → where the balance now lies

Where marks are lost

Listing facts with no thread between them, or arguing one side throughout and calling it a discussion.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: Geography: explain the mechanism, then location follows; Link physical geography to human outcome. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Mechanism (deflation/abrasion) clearly linked to soil loss and landform creation.

Key points expected

  • Define aeolian processes (wind erosion/transport/deposition)
  • Explain deflation and abrasion mechanisms
  • Link wind erosion to loss of topsoil/fertility
  • Mention landforms like dunes or badlands

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. The answer Explain the mechanism of wind erosion and its specific contribution to land degradation and desertification. 10 marks · 150 words

    discuss— intro → 3-4 dimensions → example → balanced close

    Must cover

    • Define aeolian processes (wind erosion/transport/deposition)
    • Explain deflation and abrasion mechanisms
    • Link wind erosion to loss of topsoil/fertility
    • Mention landforms like dunes or badlands

    Loses marks

    • Confusing aeolian with fluvial (water) processes
    • Narrating history of deserts without mechanism
    • Ignoring the 'land degradation' aspect (focusing only on dunes)

    Earns more

    • Mention specific regions (e.g., Thar, Sahara)
    • Reference 'desert ripples' or 'ventifacts'
    • Link to vegetation loss (positive feedback loop)
    • Mention 'saltation' or 'suspension' as transport modes

    Extra mark

    • 30-second sketch of dune formation
    • Specific statistic on wind speed or soil loss

Practice this exact question

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