Geography 2024 Paper I 50 marks 150 words Compulsory Elucidate

Q1

Answer the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 (a) What are 'truncated spurs' ? Where and how are they formed ? 10 (b) Formation of temperate cyclone depends on the condition of axis of dilation. Elucidate. 10 (c) With suitable examples explain the factors causing sea level changes. 10 (d) Examine the impacts of social forestry in socio-economic transformation of rural areas. 10 (e) Mountain regions are more fragile to ecological changes. Elucidate. 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए : (a) 'छिन्नित पर्वत-स्कन्ध' क्या होते हैं ? ये कहाँ और कैसे बनते हैं ? 10 (b) शीतोष्ण चक्रवात का निर्माण फैलाव अक्ष की स्थिति पर निर्भर करता है । स्पष्ट कीजिए । 10 (c) उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित समुद्र-स्तर में परिवर्तन लाने वाले कारकों की व्याख्या कीजिए । 10 (d) ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों के सामाजिक-आर्थिक परिवर्तन में सामाजिक वानिकी के प्रभावों का परीक्षण कीजिए । 10 (e) पर्वतीय क्षेत्र पारिस्थितिकी परिवर्तनों के प्रति अधिक भंगुर हैं । स्पष्ट कीजिए । 10

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Directive word: Elucidate

This question asks you to elucidate. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'elucidate' demands clear, illuminating explanations with logical exposition. Allocate approximately 30 words (20%) each to parts (a), (b), and (c) which require physical-geography conceptual depth; 25 words (17%) to (d) on social forestry; and 35 words (23%) to (e) on mountain ecology given its integrative scope. Structure each sub-part as: definition → process/formation → example → brief significance.

Key points expected

(a) Truncated spurs: Define as steep-ended ridge projections; explain glacial erosion via abrasion and plucking in U-shaped valleys; cite Himalayan or Alpine examples
(b) Temperate cyclone: Explain axis of dilation (tilted/vertical) and its role in frontogenesis; link to polar front theory and wave cyclone development
(c) Sea level changes: Distinguish eustatic (climate-driven, e.g., post-glacial rise) vs isostatic (tectonic, e.g., Scandinavian rebound); mention current IPCC projections
(d) Social forestry: Link to Joint Forest Management, fuelwood-fodder security, women's empowerment via SHGs; cite Gujarat or West Bengal success stories
(e) Mountain fragility: Explain vertical zonation, slope instability, accelerated erosion; connect to Himalayan ecosystem vulnerability and climate change amplification

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Concept correctness	25%	12.5	Precise definitions across all parts: truncated spurs as interlocking spurs sheared by valley glaciers; correct interpretation of axis of dilation as thermal gradient alignment; accurate distinction between eustatic and isostatic mechanisms; proper linkage of social forestry to agroforestry systems; scientifically sound explanation of mountain sensitivity through geomorphic thresholds	Generally correct definitions with minor errors—confusing truncated spurs with hanging valleys, vague mention of 'tilt' without explaining dilation axis, mixing eustatic/isostatic causes, generic description of forestry benefits without specific mechanisms, superficial mention of 'fragile' without geomorphic explanation	Fundamental conceptual errors—describing truncated spurs as river features, completely misinterpreting axis of dilation, conflating all sea level changes as 'global warming', treating social forestry as mere plantation without community dimension, equating mountain fragility only to landslides without systemic analysis
Map / diagram	15%	7.5	Sketches for (a) showing U-valley cross-section with truncated spurs; for (b) depicting warm/cold front geometry with dilation axis; for (c) illustrating isostatic rebound mechanism; clear mental maps implied through spatial descriptors even without drawn figures	Mentions diagrams without actually describing their content; vague references to 'see figure' without explanatory labels; correct spatial orientation but missing key annotations like direction of ice movement or pressure gradient	No diagrammatic reference where essential (especially for spurs and cyclone structure); incorrect orientation of features; confusing cross-sectional with plan views; diagrams that contradict textual explanation
Indian regional examples	20%	10	Specific Indian exemplars: Gangotri valley for truncated spurs; northwest India winter cyclogenesis for temperate cyclones; Sundarbans sea level rise for (c); Gujarat/JFM or Farm Forestry in Haryana for (d); Uttarakhand/Chipko or Himalayan climate vulnerability for (e)	Generic references to 'Himalayas' or 'Western Ghats' without specific locations; mentions social forestry in India without naming states or programs; broad statements about 'Indian coasts' for sea level without distinguishing east/west characteristics	No Indian examples where clearly expected; inappropriate foreign examples dominating (Swiss Alps for spurs, European cyclones); factually wrong attributions—citing Kerala for social forestry origins or Tamil Nadu for temperate cyclones
Spatial analysis	20%	10	Demonstrates spatial reasoning: latitudinal control on glacier types affecting spur truncation; longitudinal thermal gradient explaining dilation axis orientation; differential coastal configuration affecting sea level vulnerability; agro-ecological zone matching in social forestry; altitudinal zonation explaining mountain ecosystem fragility	Some spatial awareness but not systematically developed—mentions 'higher latitudes' without specifying; notes 'coastal areas' without distinguishing emerged/submerged coasts; recognizes altitude but not aspect effects in mountains	Aspatial treatment—processes described as universal without geographic variation; no recognition of why truncated spurs characterize mid-latitude glaciation; treats temperate cyclones as identical across all locations; ignores spatial specificity of social forestry success
Application / policy	20%	10	Explicit policy connections: NAPCC and Himalayan mission for mountain fragility; National Agroforestry Policy 2014 for social forestry; coastal regulation zone amendments for sea level adaptation; disaster management frameworks for glacial terrain; integrated watershed management linking parts (d) and (e)	Generic mention of 'government schemes' without specificity; references to 'sustainable development' as platitude; some awareness of climate adaptation but not linked to specific programs or geographic contexts	No policy or applied dimension where clearly relevant—especially for social forestry and mountain ecology; purely academic treatment ignoring contemporary relevance; outdated or repealed policy references (e.g., pre-1988 forest policies)

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